Carla Leinbach lives in the New England area with her husband Willy and their three children. They live in an old farm house from 1810, which is a dream come true for Carla.  They are blessed with 12 acres of land that they utilize for gardening and hunting. The dream is to one day add some pasture and raise their own meat. 

Growing up, sunsets were Carla’s favorite part of the evening. After getting married, Willy and Carla lived in multiple houses where she was unable to see the sunsets, and she used to joke to her husband that she wanted to be able to see the sunrises from her bed and the sunsets from her kitchen window. God heard those statements made in jest, and Carla is blown away by His providence. During the right seasons, she can now look out her bedroom window and see the beauty of the sun rise, and also enjoy a sunset from her kitchen window. 

Willy and Carla were married in 2017, and their firstborn boy joined their family the end of 2018.  The change into motherhood was a bit overwhelming, and it was made even more challenging by the severe sleep deprivation Carla experienced after her firstborn’s birth. They also made a significant move from PA, their home state, to the Northeast for a church plant during that time. 

Sooner than Carla had hoped, they learned that a second baby would be joining their family in the spring of 2020.  Amid the craziness of the Covid shutdown, a wee girl made her sweet appearance.  Caring for two young children stretched Carla thin.  She didn’t understand it then, but she was dealing with severe postpartum depression that left her floundering for many months. Severely sleep deprived and struggling to manage the daily affairs of house and children made for some bleak moments in their lives. Carla’s daily prayer was, “Lord, don’t let go of me.”  

Carla still says that between Jesus, her mom, sisters, and the faithful presence of her husband, she made it through those days, one moment at a time. 

The children grew, matured and life evened out as she found help for her postpartum struggles.  Only as she came out of the fog did Carla start to understand all that she had truly missed in those first years of her babies’ lives. 

Willy and Carla knew they wanted another child, and in the spring of 2023 they learned the glad news of another little boy joining their family.  It was during this pregnancy that a tool came into Carla’s hands that helped her manage her tendency toward anxiousness and postpartum depression - a drink she fondly calls happy juice. Carla’s third pregnancy was the best she has ever had. When her son was born in December 2023, she could not believe how well postpartum went.  Indeed, God was faithful to answer her quiet plea for a baby who slept many hours of the day and night, thereby keeping severe sleep deprivation at bay.  

God knew she would need it. The year 2024 proved to be a stressful year from beginning to end.  Health issues for Carla’s Mom led them to begin looking for a new property. Although, Willy and Carla managed to find their dream property (the old farmhouse), they were unable to move in immediately.  After selling their house, they  moved into a local RV campground for the summer/fall months.  Those were good days. Carla had more time for her children. Time to say yes and slow down. The feeling of awe and excitement when they finally moved from the RV into a Real House was unmatched.  

Presently, life continues to be busy and some days overwhelming as she cares for 3 lively children. Daily, Carla asks God for the wisdom to raise them well, and daily she is reminded to slow down and enjoy the present season with her children. One of their favorite activities to do together is to go to the nearby river and rest in the shade and refreshing water it provides.  Nothing is as relaxing as enjoying God’s creation with her family. 

When Carla is not at the river with her family, she can be found tending her flowers, raspberries, or garden - all things that feel like relaxation to her. It also is the means for clearing her head and calming her soul. In rare moments, you may find her sequestered away with her nose in a book, completely oblivious to life around her.

Carla also enjoys the challenge of running a small business with Amare. Happy juice made such a profound difference in her life, and she knows she is not the only lady who has dealt with postpartum depression and anxiousness.  It is a delight and a pleasure to also help others begin to see the world in a new way.  If you have ever struggled, she would love to hear about your journey and support you along the way. Follow her on Instagram (@carlakauffman93) as she shares about her journey. 

As time passes and Carla reflects back, she can see how Jesus carried her in the dark moments and continues to sustain her daily. Between Jesus, happy juice, and a good cup of Mama Java coffee, Carla’s days are filled with thanksgiving. A hot or cold latte, depending on the season, is a perfect way to start the day or treat herself after doing unpleasant tasks. She enjoys both the decaf and caffeinated Espresso Intenso beans. They make the loveliest lattes.