Speaking of Irony....

It may come as no surprise that Lila and I have become sort of the "party people" among the missionary community in Oaxaca. We are forever considering how we can provide fellowship opportunities when no one else steps up to take the lead. When others organize events, we gladly participate, but when nothing is happening, we sometimes dream up ideas for things like non-silent ladies' retreats.

With fifteen children between us (yes, we've been busy since the 1980's in Guatemala), we can't do a whole lot, but God has enabled us to host retreats for the past three years. Ironically our main co-laborer in two of these events was none other than Leah Robertson, who was our roommate and partner in crime at the infamous retreat twenty years ago! She is now a pastor's wife in British Columbia, Canada. What a joy it was to be reunited after so many years.

No longer the new kids on the block, we try to pass along our years of experience as ministry wives and mothers on the mission field. I'm so thankful God has given me Lila to work alongside. Even more special is the fact that her husband, Ellie, is working alongside Jim, and their children are good friends with our kids.

Just as isolation was one of my darkest trials in the early years, friendship has been one of my greatest blessings in the later years.


Ladies Retreat 2007 with Lila, Leah, and many old and new friends


Christmas Tea 2008 (that we attended as guests) You can see that being isolated and lonely is a thing of the past. My collection of friends has grown.