Hello, I’m Mary Snider and I have lived in Big Lake for 22 years – longer than anywhere else I have lived. My husband, Mark, is a local pastor and I’m very active in our church family. Moving to Minnesota was certainly an adjustment after growing up in North Carolina and living many years in Australia. Mark and I visited Minnesota for the first time in September prior to moving here. The weather was beautiful so that first winter was pretty cold for us! Over the past 22 years, Big Lake has become home and we love our community, church, and the relationships we have built here.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Mark, and I have two children – Teresa and Paul. Mark is the Pastor at Bethany Bible Church here in Big Lake. We absolutely love our church and it truly is like being with family. Our daughter, Teresa is married to her husband Brian and they have 8 children. The oldest 6 attended or attend Hope Academy in Minneapolis where Brian teaches and Teresa homeschools the youngest 2. Their kids range in age from 7 years old to 24 years old. Teresa is also an accomplished pianist. Our son, Paul, and his wife Trish have 2 children, ages 15 and 18, and currently live in Virginia. Their family lived in the Indonesian jungle for many years and have a home they built there. While living there, they worked with and supported the people of the Korowai Tribe. This group of people, also known as Tree House People, have learned about Christianity and gained an understanding of living in peace with one another through the efforts of God’s leading Paul and the team. Paul was able to translate scripture into the Korowai language. Paul and Trish are hoping to go back to Indonesia soon.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I have lived in Big Lake for 22 years – longer than anywhere else. I am originally from North Carolina and spent time living in Australia. South Carolina, California and Missouri as well. While growing up in North Carolina, I lived on a tobacco and dairy farm. I enjoyed riding along on the harvester and growing up there. Mark, my children, and I eventually lived in Australia for 10 years and our children attended school there. We lived there from 1987-1990 and then moved back to North Carolina where Teresa and Paul finished high school. Mark and I moved back to Australia and lived there from 1994 – 1999. Mark’s role as Pastor of Bethany Bible Church eventually brought us to Big Lake where we have been ever since.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I had a math teacher who was a great example of a wonderful teacher. I have been an elementary school teacher and taught all grades. 5th grade was my favorite. I taught for 1 year in South Carolina and 6 years in North Carolina while Mark was a Pastor there. Our kids also went to the school I taught at. While in North Carolina, I taught Kindergarten, 1st and 3rd grade. During our time in Australia, I taught 4th and 5th math and Bible class. When we returned to North Carolina in 1990, I spent 3 years teaching Kindergarten and 5th grade. Today I still homeschool two students.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
My dad gave me the nickname Bootsie when I was young, and my brothers called me Maryfan.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
I enjoy reading Christian Books like the Mitford Series. I also enjoy historical fiction about World War II and Bible Studies. For TV, I like Andy Griffith, Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, and Blue Bloods. Another favorite show is Call the Midwife. I think I enjoy this because I was able to be in the hospital room for 5 births and 3 home births when 8 of my 10 grandchildren were born! As for movies, I always like Hallmark movies.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would have roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, and green peas. I would consider pizza as well – every Friday night is pizza night at our house. My beverage of choice would be Zevia or iced tea.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
I enjoy reading, writing – for our church and a recent article for my son’s website, and being with the ladies at church. And, of course, I love being with family.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
For God to strengthen my walk with Him.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
I don’t gamble, but if I came into a lot of money, I would pay off the house and give to missionaries – like our son. It is incredibly expensive for them to go and live as missionaries.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
Adjusting to living overseas in Australia was a challenge at first. It took about 6 months to become comfortable with our new culture. It was also a challenge to get used to the cold winters of Minnesota. We had only ever lived in warm climates. And finally, living with a chronic illness and not always being able to do everything I would like to do.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would want to be healthier.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
The ladies at our church, John MacArthur – a pastor out of California – who is a speaker and a writer and helps us be brave in a wicked world, and finally my husband Mark.
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I really think I’m an open book so there isn’t anything I can think of that many people don’t know.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
My children and my career as a teacher.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
Coborn’s, Caribou Coffee, Ember Coffee, and Busch’s Auto.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
I like the small community. It’s good to be in Big Lake.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Plug into a biblical church.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Sharon Bazant.
