Randi

Kennah’s old fear that she would ultimately have to choose to live without her family or Randi has not been her reality. “While they may not approve of our marriage,” she says, “they love me as they always have, and they love and have welcomed Randi into our family.” Randi shares that the way their families put aside their theological diferences to attend the wedding—and the various ways they continue to support and accept them—has made her feel truly loved.

As complexity and nuance seem to hold their grip on certain relationships in their lives, other spheres of community continue to expand and surprise Randi and Kennah. While not entirely free of complication, the church has become one of the most important avenues of connection for the Brydons. For years, both have been faithful volunteers on the Worship and Tech Team as well as integral members of Te Open Door community. Throughout Evergreen’s inclusion journey, the Brydons have been patient and generous to those who are still in the process of fguring things out–vulnerably sharing about their relationship and acknowledging their own marriage as a marked shift in the church’s stance on queer inclusion. Troughout the past year, their involvement has continued to deepen. Randi notes, “Evergreen has exceeded my expectations mostly by their unwillingness to [become] complacent–—in the topics we tackle, the way we worship, the people we celebrate, our view of God and the Church…it’s rooted in truth but isn’t confned by tradition or expectation.”

Te Kennah and Randi from six and a half years ago would surely be amazed at the transformation that the couple has gone through, together and as individuals. Kennah, once afraid to live truthfully at the risk of inconveniencing those close to her, now considers herself courageous and attributes the shift to “fully knowing that I am loved by God and being unapologetically loved by Randi.” Recently, Kennah has even found herself dreaming about starting a family. (Currently, their family includes two adorable dog children, Archie and Olive.)

Te Brydons have become incredible students of change and are hopefully on their way to becoming masters of release. When asked about how they might encourage their younger selves or those who may be navigating similar life journeys, Randi says to “always be open and honest with your partner and yourself. Be gracious with your expectations of others and their journeys… and invest in a community that seeks to know you and care deeply for you.”

“Evergreen has exceeded my expectations mostly by their unwillingness to [become] complacent–—in the topics we tackle, the way we worship, the people we celebrate, our view of God and the Church…it’s rooted in truth but isn’t confned by tradition or expectation.”