User:Amesnfires

             Hello, you have reached the homepage of Sister Paula Ames. I serve as a Wiki Missionary for FamilySearch. Just a little introduction about me...

I have been privileged to live in many different places like beautiful, British Columbia, scenic Utah, wet wooded Pacific Northwest Washington, spirit filled Argentina, and the sunny southwest United States.

I love being married to my techy husband/best friend of 25 years. We have two brainy children, whom take after their dad in tech abilities. They are amused that I have chosen to serve a mission that is using tech, as it's not part of my past areas of study.

My educational pursuits were first in medicine. After my children were born, I had a change of interest, graduating in Elementary Education. This led me to teach Junior High Science. This grew an interest in Geology. Mingle that with my pre-med, and I enjoy volcano spotting, and teaching my family about various land formations during our travels, as well as how to treat any maladies or diseases, much to their vexation.

I feel the saying 'Jack of all trades, master of none', applies to my occupational pursuits, which include: fruit stand attendant; theater concessions; nanny; food prep cook; waitress; restaurant manager; Walt Disney World Cast Member; AAA Dispatcher; secretary; tow truck driver; pharmacy technician; and teacher. I left them all behind to focus on my favorite things, my children. Now they're out making their marks on the world, time to see what else I might experience.

My church callings have been of a similar nature, where I have been from one end of the spectrum to the other: Primary, Sunday School, Scouting, Young Women, Enrichment Leader, Programs/Bulletins, and most recently as Relief Society Service Leader starting at the beginning of the pandemic till now. All which have combined to make me very effective at doing large events for very little expense. The only calling I have wanted, so yet to be called, of course, is Family History Consultant. Thus the interest in serving this mission for FamilySearch.

When I'm not doing family history, I enjoy trying out various cuisines, watching cozy mysteries, and making things with yarn, sometimes all at once. I enjoy reading, and was part of a book club for 20 years, going online during the pandemic. I am always up to escape the southwest summer heat by traveling to cooler locales. My future goals, if I can persuade the spouse, is to caravan around North America visiting our ancestral sites. Until then, I am elevating and icing, as I am a proficient klutz, repeatedly injuring both feet, for the past six years. This led to three surgeries in the past six months. Grateful for an online mission that will allow me to be useful while on the mend.

In the past few years, since catching the Family History spirit, advancements in research are happening so rapidly! It is astounding, exciting, and thrilling to me. With the tech constantly changing, I find myself a perpetual beginner, always starting anew with every update. Thankfully I love learning new things, and love helping others learn them too. Let me know if I can be of help to you.

I can be reached at Paula.Ames@FamilySearch.org