Hayden Family – Sweetwater River Bridge

The Hayden Family is so special to so many of us! They are a pillar in our church community and beloved by so many. Zack and I have known them since 2007 when they moved to San Diego because Lovi was stationed here after accepting her commission as an LDO Mustang. What that means for those of us not in the military is that she was a commissioned office who began her career as an elisted service member and then received a promotion as a Commissioned Officer. Powerful woman! As you can assume, they were an amazing addition to our Bible Talk and continue to be invaluable friends to this day.

Lovi, the matriarch of this clan is a force to be reckoned with. She is a whirlwind of wisdom, organization, attention to detail, and lots of love. We just celebrated her 50th birthday and at her party her friends and family shared the most amazing stories about her and praised her character. She is a truly remarkable woman and has loved and served her family, her country, her church family, and her community. Generous, kind, and full of energy to love everyone around her.

Of course, Lovi couldn’t be the woman she is without the support of her phenomenal husband, Mike. He is the calming force to Lovi’s incessant volunteerism. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t an amazing servant himself. Together they support so many programs, events, and individuals. Somehow in the midst of their crazy lives and raising four children, they make their relationship a priority. Lovi has noted that after being married for over 23 years they continue to fall in love with one another daily. They always talk about how they are each other’s missing link. Mike is so grateful that even though he never felt like he had one special person to be with in his life, he has found his soulmate in Lovi. Whatever challenges or obstacles they’ve encountered, he knows that everything will be fine because he has God and Lovi in his life.

As I mentioned earlier, they have FOUR kids! Their eldest, Rainer isn’t in these images but he’s all grown up now and living on his own. Mikhaela is their only girl and she’s so beautiful! However, don’t let her beauty fool you. She fights for what she wants, is very driven, and won’t take no for an answer. Although she might come off a little rough on the exterior, with a normal teenager outlook on life, she has an amazing heart. This is very obvious in how she loves her brothers. She tries to act like she’s uninterested in them, but it is very obvious that she loves them deeply, especailly her fur-baby brother Prince who is her constant companion.

Ryan and Cai were both born after we met Lovi and Mike years ago. They have been growing up into outstanding young men. Cai has an incredibly positive mindset and he’s devoted to those around him, spiritually focused, and thrives on challenges. He also shares a love of basketball with his younger brother Ryan. Ryan has a huge heart and his mother says he’s the most considerate person you will ever meet. Both boys are extremely respectful and hard working, an amazing testimony to their parents.

This amazing family has definitely had it’s challenges over the years, just like all of us. However, what I love and respect about them is that they get through it together, leaning on each other and on their community for support. They love to laugh together and they are learning to celebrate everyday moments. We all have so much to learn from them.