November Volunteer Spotlight – Misty Lang

Sometimes our volunteers engage remotely in a ministry outreach of Bridge that causes a fruitful and long-term relationship to develop with one of our disabled friends. Such is the case with Misty Lang and Lizzy Costanza. Lizzy loves leading our greeting card ministry and both she and Misty have created cards for major holidays as well as birthdays and we have been honored to send them out! 

We would like for you to know a little more about Misty in her own words:

“Lizzy Costanza first connected me to Bridge as a volunteer several years ago when she approached me about helping her with her card ministry. I very much delight in doing crafts and was honored that Lizzy would ask me. Thus began our journey of card making to encourage others. Sometimes we would be blessed to meet in person to make cards, however, many times we have made cards remotely (thanks to COVID and me moving across the state). We would brainstorm the card ideas together and I would get supplies, make a sample, get her thoughts, and then off we would go! I have enjoyed chatting together with me being the hands to bring her creations to life. In encouraging others, we too have been blessed with this ministry. It has brought me great joy. I look forward to continuing to serve alongside Lizzy in her important outreach even from Eastern WA where I now live.

I was born in Kennewick, WA., but have lived in many places over the years. From Columbia, SC., to Decatur, IL., to Longmont, CO…but always coming back to Washington. In high school I was an athletic trainer for 4 years. I loved helping people when they were injured get back on their feet and back to the game. I was a Running Start student my junior/senior years in high school at Columbia Basin Community College in Pasco. I was honored to graduate from high school and earn my Associates in Arts and Science in Biology the next day. Then off to Washington State University (WSU) – GO COUGS!!! I graduated from WSU with my Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with a Molecular Biology minor. Since I was 11, I wanted to be a microbiologist….and that’s what I did!

I landed a microbiologist job at the Washington State Public Health Labs in Shoreline and moved to the west side. I eventually became a supervisor in the new COVID branch in August 2020. I am proud to say that on Nov. 1st of this year I celebrated 21 years at the WA State Dept of Health. Yahoo!!

I worked in Yellowstone National Park in the Summer of 1999 as an Activities Coordinator between my junior and senior years in college. While there I went on many hikes, one of which was 23 miles in one day. Boy, was I pooped after that one! I’ve been kayaking in the ocean at night up in the San Juan Islands. Bioluminescence is amazing! I love the outdoors – fishing, hiking, hunting. I really enjoy photography which I dabble in from time to time. And- crafts, crafts, and crafts!

I am blessed to be married to my husband, Justin, and we have one son, Gavyn. They bring me great joy, lots of laughs, and I am thankful for their love and support. We also have a beautiful Karelian Bear Dog named Kannora who has been our fur baby for the past 12 and a half years. 

I truly hope that partnering with Lizzy has had a positive and meaningful impact on the friends who have received these wonderful cards we make. I pray it has brought them immense joy and left them feeling loved. Lizzy and I pour our hearts into each card and pray that each recipient is met right where they are. Such a rewarding gift to be able to bless others. It is my honor to spread joy wherever possible.”

There is always a place to engage with Bridge as a volunteer- even an opportunity done remotely. We hope this story of Misty and Lizzy will inspire you to join us in blessing the disability community.

Thank you, Misty, for all you do and for being such a wonderful friend to Lizzy!  

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways and sinners shall be converted to You.  Psalm 51:10-13

Categorised in: Bridge Story