introductary Material

Name: Debbie Christine Braaksma Karambowich

Born: January 21, 1969 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada where the rest of it takes place as well…

Baptised: a few weeks after I was born

Got a sister: November 1970

Got a brother: August 1974 - I might mention them again later….

Profession of Faith: June 1986 and partook in Lord’s Supper for the first time

Graduated HS: June 1986

Diagnosed Legally Blind: late 1991. Result of Iritis, autoimmune disease related to arthritis, which I had as a child. Low grade, long term inflammation deteriorated my retina, macula and damaged my optic nerve. Have gradually lost my vision over the past 20 some odd years. Condition was exacerbated by repeated bouts with glaucoma, a normal result of eye drop use and eye disease. In 20’s could see about the first 3 lines on the eye chart, in early 30’s the first line, “E”, , by late 30’s motion detection and light and dark perception. This is where the vision is now. I use screen readers to use my computer and iPhone. I also use a white cane. Have great family support and awesome friends! God is good to me! Ps you can ask more about my eyes – I really don’t mind 

University: Graduated with BA in Linguistics, minor in Psychology November 1996. Almost completed an after degree in Cultural Anthropology but…

Married: December 27, 1998 to Darin Karambowich(it wasn’t his fault that I didn’t finish that after degree – I just ran out of steam and then…

First child: Cayenne, born September 2000

Second child: Quinn, July 2006

Opened Dayhome/out of school care: September 2002 started out with an agency but parted ways when I had Quinn. Am now self employed and still taking care of kids for a living. It is a great way to make money and still be home with and for my own kids. It is not for everyone – but it has worked for us so far. This year - when Quinn goes to grade 1 will be the first year that I have none of my own kids at home.

Started BSF(Bible Study Fellowship): September 2005 and became a group leader in September 2009. Michelle dragged me there and it has been such a blessing in my life.

Darin baptized and profession of faith: September 2010 Darin didn’t not believe in God when we were married – but now he is seeking a personal relationship and it has made a huge difference in our own relationship and that of our family life. He started going to BSF that same year. cayenne has gone with me since 2006 and now Quinn gets to come in the fall – he is excited to be part of the BSF going group as well. Note: my mom and dad – who live across the alley from us – go to BSF as well. I have been blessed to have been raised in a Christian family full of grace and truth.



My sister, Karin is a civil engineer/land developer, married to a civil engineer come at home Dad. They had their daughter Ady one year to the very date after Quinn and Teo was born a year and a hal ago, he has Down’s Syndrome. I took care of Ady in my dayhome until she was about 3 and Ryan became an at home Dad. She still comes at least once a week to hang out.



My brother is Pastor Rich married to his Jur High School sweetheart. They have Jamie, 13 and Jonah, 11. They have recently relocated back to Calgary from Venice, CA. if you know of anyone who wants to buy a coffee shop ministry there – let me know.



Grace and Peace – debbie

blog the first

My BFF has been telling me I should blog for about 3 years now.

I have had this blog name for about 7 or 8 years now.

My husband asked me when I was going to write my book.

I keep looking for an auspicious day to start.

Like today: 4 8 12 or 8 4 `12

I want to be a blogger.

I have two blogs but I didn’t know which one I should use.

When we were camping at Wasa Lake BC this year we went to the nature show - I love the nature show – and it was about echolocation.

I like/mistrust signs like that.

I am not sure what I will BLOG about.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.

I have some ideas – I do not know if others will be interested in them.

I do not have a Google reader.

I am just trying tosign up for pinterst.

My computer is getting old.

My software needs upgrading.

I am legally blind – well – really – quite mostly blind.

I have been mostly blind for a few years now.

That is why I like the idea of echolocation.