Sheri Halteman hails from Newville, PA and has been happily married to her husband, Grady, for seven years. Their greatest joy is their sweet son, Fletcher, whom they consider a true blessing. 

“He's our rainbow baby/miracle. The more I learn about infertility the more I'm convinced God wanted us to have him, and we're learning to trust God's timing for growing our family.”

Sheri juggles two cleaning jobs and sewing projects for clients, in addition to handling emails for Mama Java. She thrives on a busy schedule, though she admits that occasionally, she should learn to say no.

In her free time, Sheri enjoys sewing, flower arranging, and whipping up delicious food and coffee drinks. When she can steal a moment to herself, she relishes solo shopping trips, coffee dates with friends, or getting lost in a good book.

When it comes to traveling, Jamaica, where she served at Jamaica Relief Ministries (JRM), remains her favorite international destination. In Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is her top choice, and she dreams of visiting Paris, France someday.

“If I may be so bold, I can't say I feel like I've lost myself since becoming a mom. Sure it's an adjustment and change and it has taken a toll on our marriage but when you want something so badly for so long, your perspective is so different compared to those who got pregnant unexpectedly or before their "preferred timing". The amount of love your heart can hold for a tiny human is astonishing and would have been a fear of mine with having multiple children, but I know now that it won't be a problem. I love watching Fletcher learn new things and words. His hugs and kisses are the best. 

 

Motherhood is hard. "But hard is not the same thing as bad" this is a quote from Abbie Halberstadt, author of M is for Mama. Her new book title is this quote and it's definitely gonna be in my wishlist. This idea has definitely brought a new perspective. I tend to be a "I can do it myself/control freak" I like having things planned & of course my husband just wings everything which has definitely taught me flexibility. This year has been a doozy of one negative event after the other and I know the Lord is showing me I can't do things in my own and that I need to rely on him through the good and bad. My goal is to be able to thrive during the darkest times instead of feeling like I'm drowning. It's a work in progress! I've always been a sucker for a good coffee. My current favorite is an iced brown sugar shaken espresso, but the basic white girl in me is definitely here for the pumpkin spice. Messy Bun from Mama Java has been my favorite so far. But I want to try the cool beans & espresso beans as well.” 

I’m honored to have Sheri for a friend and for all the help she’s been to me! Thanks for sharing, Sheri, and may God’s peace wrap around you as you navigate your infertility journey and the difficulties that you’ve been facing this past year.