Marcia and Jan were nurses and women of faith in my community when I was growing up. Both helped support my dream of becoming a nurse and gave me practical advice on my career options. Anne was one of my teachers during nursing school at Seattle Pacific University. Her smile and joyful attitude were such a big encouragement during some of the long days. She was the one who first told me I would be a good teacher because I was naturally doing it already. I laughed at the time! Turns out she was right - I love to teach and combine that with my skills as a nurse and midwife.
When WorldVenture told me I would need to choose a mentor to walk with me through the journey from appointment to departure, I had no idea who to pick. My first thought turned to someone at home in the Hood River area. I was living up in Everett at the time though and really wanted somehow close by who I could meet with regularly. I had done a couple of Women's Bible Studies with my pastor's wife Beth and had really appreciated her wisdom, so I decided to approach her.
That was the beginning of beautiful relationship. One I know will not end with departure! She made the trip out to the WorldVenture Home Office for training with me and for my commissioning service. While I was still living in Everett, at least once a month you could find us at an IHOP or Starbucks talking and praying until one of us realized how late it had gotten. She has been one of those who I have gone to when the emotions and the fears seem overwhelming and it felt like I was never going to be able to depart. She has an in-depth knowledge of the Word and seems to know exactly the verse I needed to hear. Her prayers have been filled with knowledge and wisdom. I am hopeful that she will be able to come out and visit me in Indonesia sometime in the future. This will take a small miracle though as she is afraid of flying :)
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| I wish I had a better picture of her :( In this picture she is teaching during a Be Still Retreat |
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