Say Hi to Ireida Camille Grabill
Ireida Camille Grabill is crucial in creating an inviting environment for Spanish-speaking women at the PennDel Women Inspire Conferences. For Illuminate 2022, she has made it her mission to spearhead the translation services so the conference content can be accessible to more women. People are often surprised that English is her second language. However, she has a heart for outreach in the Latina community. She says, "I'd love to help ALL ladies in our district overcome the fear and hesitation of reaching out to those from other cultures; even more specifically, Latina ladies in their own community. Language and cultural differences aren't barriers. They are opportunities!"
Ireida is the PennDel Women Spanish Outreach Coordinator. She attends the Power Place Church and serves as the mission's leader for kids ministry and serves on the prayer team. Her ministry expands into her day job, as she loves people through her position as the Director and Interpreter Trainer for Language Liaisons out of Wilmington, Delaware.
The ministry closest to her heart is her home. She married her wonderful husband, Rob Grabill, 13 years ago. Rob was her dream come true, an answer to a prayer she didn't know to pray for. Yet God knew the kind of leader, friend, and soulmate she needed. Together, they have two beautiful children. Her son, Christian, is ten years old and loves God's word and all His creation. He enjoys history, Legos, and wolves. Ciana is a 6-year-old full of life! She has a contagious joy and loves Jesus just like her momma. She is artsy and giggly. She loves pandas and getting her hands into all things gooey, which makes it extra fun for mom.
Ireida feels deeply convicted to raise her kids to understand why they believe what they believe. She feels a call to the world of homeschooling as she navigates Godly discipline and homeschooling for her children. She is passionate about healthy and thriving marriages and is constantly pursuing how to keep her marriage fresh and fun, especially with a life full of work, ministry, and family.
Rob and Ireida uncovered an incredible passion for the anti-human trafficking world when they became Missionary Associates through the Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM). They spent two years in Rajasthan, India doing human trafficking prevention. Christian began his first year of life here; his first words as a child were in Hindi. To this day, they call India his "crib." She continues volunteering for Restoration Now, an anti-human trafficking program of the Salvation Army.
Her heart is burdened for those who walk through life without knowing Jesus and the image they bear in Him. The world is dark with evil and injustice, especially for those trapped in human trafficking. Ireida is passionate about dispelling young women's lies about themselves and God.
Ireida is a student of the word and seeks knowledge in theological apologetics. She wants to be equipped to answer the hard questions and lead others to Christ. She prays that the church can be a place that answers the hard questions. She loves to share the why behind her faith with gentleness and respect.
God has faithfully walked her through challenging seasons, and she desires to hold hands with other women through similar tough times. "My heart breaks for women battling themselves and their own thought life. I've been there! Perfectionism kills! Motherhood is hard but SO good. Life is difficult, and comparison is from the enemy. God's truth triumphs over every battle!"
Ireida loves women's ministry because it's a place where together, we can tear down strongholds of the enemy. We can "peel off the labels and see that we all struggle, and we all need Jesus!" Ireida always knew God as a child. She went to church in Puerto Rico on and off with her grandparents, neighbors, and parents. But it wasn't until Ireida was 20 years old that she handed her heart, broken in a million pieces, into the hands of the God of the universe.
As a broken yet ambitious junior in college, she walked into a church alone and said the three-letter word that changed everything: YES! When Ireida said yes to Christ, immediately a domino effect began. "I will never fully understand all that happened because of that moment, but all I desire to do is continue to say YES to Him!"
That yes set Ireida on a path of loving God and loving life. She is a woman on fire, radiating with God's truth, love, and joy! She is giddy, welcoming, and contagious. She loves Jesus and truth. She appreciates God's creation, world cultures, and languages. She enjoys reading, dark chocolate, Pilates and the performing arts. She loves celebrating milestones, both big and small. You could see her celebrating at her favorite restaurant Ágape Café in Lancaster, Pa.
As full and joyful as her life is, it is not one without trial and suffering. She wishes she could tell her younger self that "life is a parallel track of joy and hardship, and the Holy Spirit is always on the journey with you! Don't wait for one or the other, embrace both and praise God amidst it all." It's a beautiful mess. But God does his best work with a messy canvas. Ireida says, "Make the best of every opportunity to shine for Him, and lead whoever is in front of you to their Maker!" In this stage of life, Ireida desires more of Him. She is learning to rest in the fact that His grace is enough. She is practicing how to allow rhythms of grace in her life and not let worry and hurry rule the day-to-day.
Ireida loves reading! She is currently reading Mama Bear Apologetics, Stop Calling me Beautiful, Humble Roots, and a constantly growing list of books. She enjoys making memories through experiences and travel. She makes time for hikes with her family and prioritizes long, meaningful conversations with friends and family.
She prioritizes you too! The best way to connect with Ireida is via email at Spanish@penndelwomen.org or find her on Facebook Messenger and follow her on Instagram @ireidasantiago.