Maraiya Storm

Writing...

I write on a variety of subjects, but I particularly enjoy writing articles about spiritual and psychological growth and I sharing with my readers what I have learned through my own life experiences. I love Hub Pages and reading other writers' hubs.

Work/Career....

I currently work part-time for a social services organization that helps the poor and homeless to get back on their feet and improve their lives. In addition to doing office management, I am also a mentor there and help several clients with career, work and financial issues, in addition to any other life challenges they may be having. The mentoring program is a holistic approach, examining all aspects of a person's life.

College Classes...

I am currently taking classes at a community college and am majoring in Social and Human Services, which combines psychology and social work emphasis. 

Ministry...

I am a nondenominational Christian and am currently taking a training to become a Stephen Minister. A Stephen Minister is unique and does not fall into any usual particular category, like counselor, therapist, pastoral counselor, minister, mentor or the like. A Stephen minister might be most closely identified with the term "supportive friend," but is more than just a friend, having gone through 50 hours of extensive training in things like listening techniques, feelings and emotions, grief, assertiveness, loss, boundaries, spirituality, body language, spiritual principles, prayer techniques, and what to say and do and what not to say and do with clients. We do not try to be a therapist, or try to teach religion or gain converts. We do not try to fix the person, or solve any of their problems. We are very careful about giving advice, as we feel that the person can solve their own problems over time, with the help of prayer and supportive friends. We listen, support, love, empathize, validate their feelings, reflect back to them their feelings and what they said, and just be there for them from an empathetic, understanding, nonjudgmental space. Stephen Ministries is a Christian ministry, but includes any type of Christian denomination and is being done through many types of Christian churches throughout the U.S. and even internationally. It was started back in 1975 and keeps growing.

Past Careers...

I started out as a secretary, then gravitated into magazine journalism as a copy editor, then went into graphic design as a proofreader and did that for about 10 years before having to change careers because my field of work no longer existed due to the computer revolution. Then I went into hotel management for 5 years, then was an elder caregiver for 5 years, before going into my current field of social work at 60 years of age.

Locales...

I was born in the center of Los Angeles, California, and lived in various parts of L.A. and Orange County over the years. I lived in Long Beach, California, for about 10 years before moving to northern Arizona in 1999. I lived in Sedona, AZ, for about 6 years, then in Cottonwood for 5 years, and then moved to where I am now in Prescott, AZ, where I have lived for 2 years. Prescott is a semi small town up in the mountains of northern Arizona and is full of beautiful trees and mountains and some quaint historical downtown areas.This town has a lot of poverty, and also a lot of wealth, with middle class too. I am trying to do my part in helping to alleviate the poverty that seems to keep expanding in this area. The downturned U.S. economy is really hitting the small towns like this one.

Other Interests, Activities...

I'm an artist and have lots of fun doing irridescent gel pen drawings/paintings which are fantasy/mystical oriented. I like taking any kind of art classes or crafts classes, and enjoy watching old movies, travel, nature, easy hiking trails, beaches, interior design, art fairs, fashion, creating recipes, vegetarianism, nutrition, TBN, HGTV, perusing antique shops, eating out, going to family-rated movies, and listening to music (particularly 60s/50s oldies).