Interview with Sara LaWall, Director of Religious Education

Hi Sara! I am so happy to talk to you today. This is my first interview. I hope it goes well. I have so many questions for you! I will start with this one:

How long have you been a Unitarian Universalist?
I have been a UU for 3 years, though in my heart and my mind I think I have been a UU all my life. I was a member at the church in Studio City, CA before I came to Neighborhood.

Why do you like Neighborhood Church?
I like Neighborhood because I get to know so many different people--grownups, children and youth. It really feels like a family here, there is so much love. I also like that I get to work in a place where I am doing something good--making a small difference in people's lives. I like that there is not one right way to think here- that we are encouraged to ask questions and explore the meaning of life and come up with our own, personal answers. Being at Neighborhood makes me feel more connected to the Spirit of Life and to something divine in all of us.

Tell me about your family.
I have been married to my husband Michael for 10 years and we have a 2 year old son named William. William is VERY scared of Dogs which makes me sad because I love them so much. Michael and I have known each other since we were in high school. My parents were divorced when I was very young so I am my mother's only child and my father's eldest daughter. I have 2 half-sisters, Anne & Gina, whom I love very much--we call each other sisters because we don't feel like we're just "half" related. My sister Anne has a one year old daughter so I am a new Auntie and I love it. But I miss them because they live far away in Wisconsin. Most of my family & my husband's family live in Tucson, Arizona where we were born.

Do you have any pets? Or stuffed animals?
I do not have any pets because we live in an apartment and our landlord won't allow them. I wish we could have a dog because I grew up with dogs my whole life. My favorite dog was our Dalmatian named Tigger--she liked to jump on people. I used to have a lot of stuffed animals, but not so many anymore. My son William has a few--I think his favorite is the Jaguar he calls "Kitty".

Can you give me a hint about some of the other Principles I am going to learn about?
Well, we are going to learn about the important of having a vote, something that is easy for us to take for granted here in the United States. We are also going to learn about learning. Learning together is very important to UU's. It may sound silly, but there are places in the world where the government or religious leaders tell you and your parents what you have to learn. You are not free to choose to learn about things that interest you, especially if they are subjects not supported by the government.

And now, the most important question; Do you like cookies?
I LOVE cookies, and brownies and ice cream and (well let's just say dessert should be its own meal)!

I want to thank Sara for talking to me today. I always love visiting Neighborhood Church, especially when I can see her!

Peace, Love and Happiness,
Remy