Julia Samaniego

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
I have just recently become an “empty nester”.  My husband has retired, so now we have time to travel together and spend more time having fun with our kids and grandchildren.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
Yes!  I did not finish college until I was 42 years old, and gave birth to my last child at 44 years old, so it sometimes feels as though I started  “new”  at that point. I adored having a young family in my 20s and 30s, but I have realized the enormous amount of learning that has occurred through experience since turning 40. To the point that I don’t know how I could ever retire at this point!

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
Right now. I can see now how all my parenting decisions and career choices have worked together to bring me to where I am. I am so proud of each of my children and the awesome lives they lead. Steve and I can look back and be amazed; we are very thankful for all that God has blessed us with. That’s what gives me confidence.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
Family. We celebrate together frequently and REALLY enjoy each other’s company. Our family’s highlight every year for the past 36 years is our week-long lake vacation. It’s so nice to unplug from the world and just enjoy our time on the water.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
Encouragement.  I love to brainstorm, bring others into possibilities for positive change, and network through invitation to gather those who need to engage with each other.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Aside from my marriage and family, I look back and I am thankful that my passion for working with the adoption triad (biological family, adoptive family, child) was recognized in 2017. It was at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., when then U.S. Senator Pat Roberts nominated me for recognition as an Angel in Adoption. Shortly after, I received a “mention” on the Kansas State House floor, as well as the Kansas Senate floor, for my work in adoption.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Traveling Internationally. I have enjoyed my family and friends in Medellin, Colombia, the Holy Land with my mom, a European river cruise with my sister Liz, Medical Missions trip to Dominica Republic, cruise ships in the Gulf of America, and exotic locations including Spain with my daughter, and India and Indonesia with my son. We have plans for many more adventures!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
I have a chest that belonged to my grandmother, where all of our family photos and important memorabilia are stored. The story of our family, for as many generations as I can go back to, is not only very important to me, but also important for my kids and grandkids to know about, remember, celebrate, and cherish.  Steve, my husband, especially has a very exciting family history.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Recently, my husband and I traveled in our RV for two weeks sightseeing, hiking, biking, and riding in ATVs through the “Mighty Five”.  These are 5 of the National Parks along the southern half of Utah. We plan to go to all 63 National Parks over the next few years.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
Without getting theological, being able to laugh uncontrollably without a care in the world, and totally enjoying the moment!

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
Flexibility or resilience, with good boundaries.  (spoken by a true therapist 😉)

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
In our early years of marriage, in the 80s, it was a struggle to make ends meet.  We had three of our five children at the time, and our first home loan was at around a 14% interest rate. Inflation, a hard job market, and a very tight budget made it even more challenging.  The struggle was worth it.  We persevered and our family is stronger for it.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Dream BIG and don’t be scared to follow where God leads. I wish I had learned that earlier; however, I wouldn’t change a thing. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Know who you are, and Who’s you are. Know where you came from (family and heritage) and have a plan or direction for where you are going. Understand boundaries and priorities, and never take your eyes off Jesus.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“And who knows but that you have come for such a time as this and for this very occasion?” 
Esther 4:11

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
Deep conversations that depend on a level of trust that only good friends can appreciate. A willingness to go the extra mile in situations, without ever bailing out, and an eye for a good sale!

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
I learned to continually forgive, be patient with others, seek healthy perspectives, and not take loved ones for granted. I strive to live without regrets.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I really struggle sometimes with procrastination. Charles E. Hummel writes in his book Tyranny of the Urgent, “There is an insidious tendency to neglect important tasks that do not have to be done today-or even this week.” 

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
I hope they have access to and can study true history. My hope is that they can appreciate, with discernment, empathy, and understanding, God’s creation and the formation of civilization. My hope is that they know Truth.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
Things I love and am grateful for: long walks and hikes, sunsets and sunrises, times of solitude (mostly in nature), roses (especially their fragrance), the people I’ve met along the way, and the desire to do and be more.