Interview with Maki
It is my pleasure to introduce you to a member of our congregation who as far as I'm concerned is a VIP and MVP. Maki Hagan is the administrator of Pacific Life Church, but she is so much more than that. I hope you will take the time to read this interview because you need to know this amazing woman! Ladies and gentlemen, with no further ado, may I present to you, Maki Hagan!
1. Where were you born?
I was born in Tokyo, Japan. I lived in Tokyo until 2003 when I got married to Chris.
2. Tell us about your education in Japan before you came to the US.
After I graduated from high school, I went to English School for a year, then started to work. While I was working I was also taking software courses (word, excel, graphic design and a few others).
3. How old were you when you began to learn English?
I started to learn English when I was 3 years old. My mom loved American culture so much, she wanted me to learn English and meet American people. Her dream was to have grand children that were half American and her dream came true!
4. How did you meet your husband Chris?
We met in Japan while he was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. We got married when he was transferred back to the US.
5. As a military wife you have moved around a bit. What places have you lived?
Our first station after we got married was Virginia. We lived there for 2 years. We then moved to San Diego for another 2 years, Hawaii for 3 years, then to Sasebo, Japan for another 3 years. Our first 10 years we were moving from coast to coast and island to island every couple of years. We moved back to San Diego in 2013 due to Chris' medical issue and have lived here since.
6. How many children do you have, how old are they and what are they currently doing?
We have 3 children. John is now 21 years old, he was a manager at Five Guys until recently, but now he is working for CVS in La Jolla. Michele is 19 years old, a freshman at USD, Ilah is 14 years old, a freshman at High Tech High. Michele and Ilah have been serving in Kid's Ministry at PLC, and they love doing it.
7. How and when did you become a Christian?
I always believed in God and I knew about Jesus Christ since I was a child but not enough, and I didn’t know any Christians around me. When I got married, I had some opportunities to go to Catholic Church services a few times, but every time I went, I felt I was not really welcome there. I got curious because even with the small knowledge I had back then, I knew that was not how Jesus Christ was. First, I studied on my own and met many Christian girls through Bible Journaling online. Then, I met Donnie Staples at a Trunk or Treat event when I was a part of the PTO at CPJMA. He was exactly what I imagined how a Christ follower would be. After that I started to come to this church. Less than a year later, I was baptized by Pastor Steve.
8. Tell us about what you do as the administrator for PLC.
When I was hired, I was doing more work on digital content -- making slides, creating series bumpers and other videos. Then, PLC needed somebody who can keep the books. I did that in Japan so I took over. Now, those are my 2 main jobs at PLC, but I do whatever I can do really. It's not about “my” job or title, it is about what God wants me to do and what God puts in front of me. God knows what my talent is, and God knows the best of how to use me here at this church. I believe that’s how I got here.
9. What are your favorite activities to do?
I love crafts! I love cross stitching, I love journaling, I love making things.
10. What is your favorite kind of food?
Seafood! I love seafood -- Almost any type of seafood. I love sushi of course, love seafood boil, seafood gumbo, seafood paella, seafood anything!
11. Name a couple of your favorite movies.
I like old classic family movies -- Mary Poppins, Wizard of Oz, something like that. I also love Paddington 1 and 2, and Ice Age. Ilah and I just watched The Wild Robot, I really liked that one too. Anything that makes me feel warm inside.
12. Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I don’t think there are any surprises about me, at least not that I can think of. If anything, I am happy at least 360 days a year. Even when I fell hard while ice skating with the youth ministry students, I’d rather everybody laughed at me falling than worrying about me. Later I found that my back bone was broken. But still, I was telling my kids that I was more upset that I didn’t get enough laughs after I suffered with my back broken. That is who I am!