Leadership > Melissa Galbreath, Elder

I, aka, Mel, was born in a small town of Minnesota close to the border of South Dakota, named Madison, (not to be confused with the one in Wisconsin). After moving and then growing up in the twin cities, I came to love R & B, mostly Boys II Men whom I still listen to a lot! I have a hard time telling a favorite food as I really like most, but if I had to pick one, I would say that I love curry anything.

At this time in my life, with small children, one verse that comes to mind is "Then Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance" (1 Sam 2:1). I married my husband, Terrence, in 2003 and it was the best decision I ever made. We now have two high energy, strong willed, wonderfully brilliant children (of course, right?). Our daughter, Jaielle, is 3 1/2 and our son, Titus, is 1 1/2. I have a Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin in Elementary Education and French, but am not currently using either one! I love to read, spend time with my family and (in the summer) go bike riding and swimming.

If I could be one of the elements, fire, water, wind or rock, I would choose to be the wind. The wind can move over, under and through things. It has the ability to be still, a soft gentle breeze or a strong highly influential storm. It changes when necessary, but is constantly present. Reconciliation to me takes people that encompass the beauty of the wind. They are willing to engage the hard but necessary conversations, they can stand still when needed, or they can stand up and be the force needed in a situation. Of course, wind can be highly destructive, and as reconcilers we need to be aware of our ability to destroy and to turn from that as much as possible and bring the love of Christ with us in every situation.