Hero Interview from His Small-Town Family by Lorraine Beatty with a Giveaway

This week I’m hosting  Lorraine Beatty with His Small-Town Family (giving away a set of the first four books in Home to Dover series), Martha Rogers with Love Never Fails (US and Canada only) and Shanna Hatfield with The Christmas Bargain (contest information below). If you want to enter the drawings for the books, please leave a comment on your post with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (Nov. 16th) evening.

Interview with the hero from His Small-Town Family:

1. Ethan Stone, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I’m a conflict photographer. I’ve spent the last several years embedded with the troops in Afghanistan. I mainly do still photography, but from time to time I do video work too.

2. What do you do for fun?

Nothing really. I’ve always been focused on my work. But since I’ve met Nicki, I’m starting to enjoy her and the baby. That little girl makes me smile. Actually, they both do.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?

Laundry. I’ll wear everything I own, even stuff with holes in it before I go to the laundry. If I ever settle down I’ll invest in a washer and dryer.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

That I’ll never find a new life. I left photography behind after I was injured, but now I have to find a different way to live and a new way to connect with people. I especially want to get to know Nicki better. I just don’t know how to do that.

5. What do you want out of life?

I’ve spend my whole life viewing the world through the lens of my camera. I want to learn to be a participant in life instead of an observer.

6. What is the most important thing to you?

Belonging. I’ve never really belonged anywhere, except for a brief time with my last foster family. My renewed faith has given me a place in the Lord’s family, but I’d like an earthly connection too. I’m drawn to Nicki and her little baby, Sadie, despite the memories seeing them together dredge up.

7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

Normally I read books on photography, but since my injuries in Afghanistan I’ve found reading mysteries helps me escape. I’m also reading a couple of books on faith and the power of prayer.

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’d like to be more emotional, able to connect with people I’d like to learn how to be part of a family. I’d love to be a dad but I have zero experience. I’m afraid I’d make a mess of it. My last foster family turned my life around. They showed me what a family should be, but I was only there for a few years. I found what I wanted, but I have no idea how to achieve that on my own.

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

No. Never had the opportunity. Foster parents aren’t big on pets. I’d like to have a big brown lab. A friend had one and he was a good dog. I might look into a therapy dog if I can’t maintain control of my PTSD.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

The settling of the prairie. I’d like the challenge of carving out new territory, putting down roots and building a new life.