International Friends

My good friends Nate and Carey were home for a visit and we were able to grab lunch at Biaggi's. What a blast and blessing to boot. They live over seas and spend most of their time in research. It was interesting to learn what they have been working on the past 4 yrs. What a joy to spend a few hours with them.

Friends Forever

Neighbor Phil was one of my first friends when I moved into my little pink house on Lindberg Terr. She walked over to introduce herself and told me to stop over anytime for a visit. Knowing I was not native to the area, she could see that I wanted terribly to visit with someone, however, didn't want to intrude. Not long after our "formal" introduction I found myself drinking iced tea on the back patio of a my new friend home.

Our iced tea visits grew into dinner visits, card games and occasional trips to the park just to take a drive. Many evenings as I would return from a stressed filled day I found Neighbor Phil sitting on her back patio calling my name insisting I stop for a visit. Our visits typically consisted of me telling her about my day, how I was working too much and needed more balance in my life. She was wonderful at redirecting the conversation to more important things in life like family, flowers and how blessed the day was because of the sunshine. One evening I came home to find a pineapple upside down cake on my kitchen counter. It was her way of expressing her love and appreciation. Little did she know, that wonderful cake made many in my office very happy. She had no idea that I was allergic to pineapple and was never able to enjoy her gifts. Over the years, my staff ate more pineapple upside down cake than any other "treat" I brought to the office.

Her generous heart wasn't only noted in her baking but it was also evident in her smile. She had a smile that could melt your heart. It said, "You are always welcome here and you are special to me". I was never an interruption in Neighbor Phil's life only a blessing as she described. It was an honor to spend time with her and laugh together as she attempted to teach me Uker or Euker or whatever the card game is called.

It wasn't until May of 2002 that I realized how much Neighbor Phil had taken over my heart. I made a move to Denver and it was time to tell her "see ya later". I dreaded it so much I thought if I don't think about it might it just go away? Delaying my good by to her seemed to make things more emotional. I remember sitting on the little bar stools, which tucked so nicely under the breakfast bar and thinking, whom will I sit with and tell about my day? Neighbor Phil was such a part of my daily life and I just couldn't imagine coming home and not seeing her.

Frequent phone calls from Denver helped some of the pain, however, never really soothed it completely. We chatted about the neighborhood and how her 3 boys were doing. We also talked about all of her beautiful grandchildren and who was where and such. She always ended the call with, "how soon will you come home for a visit?" Each visit back to Iowa wasn't complete without a visit to see Neighbor Phil.

A few years later I made a move back to the area to be closer to family. It was a wonderful decision and I know Neighbor Phil couldn't have been more excited. She just beamed when I told her I would be closer and able to visit more often. Soon after my move back to Iowa, she and her family made a decision for her to move into Assisted Living. She was getting a little forgetful, however, still very much wanted her independence. She had a wonderful little apartment and it was fun to visit in her new home.

As time moved on, she worked a little harder to remember things and people. I could tell with each visit she needed just a little help remembering how we knew each other. My work allowed much flexibility so I was able to visit often especially over the lunch hour. It was always fun for us to share her pumpkin pie together as I sipped on a warm cup of coffee. "No coffee for me, she would say. I can only have tea." We would comment on how wonderful the food was and how lovely everyone was to her. After lunch we would walk to the lower level so I could play the piano for her to enjoy. She would have sat for hours just listening as I played the same 4 songs over and over. In her mind I think she just thought they were the most beautiful songs ever written. It was a hoot just watching her look at me and smile like nothing else was going on in the world. In Neighbor Phil's world, that was all that mattered right then.

Her ability to get around fluidly became more difficult so we would find a wheelchair and just "walk" the halls stopping to greet fellow neighbors. I remember one of our last visits well. I was a little pressed for time and thought I would pick up lunch and take it with me and just eat as we visited. During the drive I really felt the Holy Spirit telling me to eat now and not wait because this visit would not be like the others. I finished my lunch and made a beeline up to her room. After exchanging pleasantries with Glenda, the Administrator, I stepped into her room only to find her resting in bed. This was pretty unusual, as Neighbor Phil liked to be up in her chair or in the dinning area people watching. I arrived with a big smile on my face and didn't make her guess who I was. "Hey Phil, it's neighbor Danette from the pink house." I had just seen her 2 wks ago and today she had a different look in her eyes. I grabbed another blanket and tucked it tightly around her as I sat down next to the bed. She looked a little flat to me and I had this huge lump in my throat as I asked why she was in bed. "I just feel yuck", she said. Not being a complainer, it surprised me that she was so quick to tell me she didn't feel so well. I remember thinking, is it getting close to the end and is she trying to tell me she is tired and ready to leave. My heart was sinking and I was trying to maintain absolute emotional composure. We chatted for a short time and with tears in her eyes she asked when I would be back to see her. I responded, “Will you wait for me?” With a have raised eyebrow and smile she said "yes". My heart knew it would be soon that she would make that long awaited journey with the angels to meet her Savior.

Before I left I asked her something I had never asked before. "May I pray with you?" I could barely get the words out of my mouth to express how blessed and thankful I was to have her in my life. I knew God was good, but in that moment I was living God's goodness. I had an amazing 88 yr old woman staring me in the eyes as I thanked the Lord for His goodness to both of us. With tears running down both of our cheeks, I heard her whisper "I love you honey, you are my good girl". That was the last visit I would make where she was able to speak words to me.

I received a call from her son just 2 wks after that visit. "Mom's not doing so well and we wanted you to know." This would be my last visit with Neighbor Phil and I knew that it my heart. An ice storm had just begun around 4 that morning and the roads were unpredictable. As I felt my SUV wiggle back and forth over the ice coated highway I cried out to God in desperation fearful that I wouldn't get one last visit with her. The only way I was going to make it to see her was by divine intervention from Jesus. As I passed the many cars, trucks and SUV's in the ditch I selfishly prayed that God would allow my tires to stick to the pavement as if it were a dry morning in July. I knew my wanting to see Neighbor Phil was completely self-serving and I told God that. Begging Him to melt the ice was my only option. As I tried to dry the tears from my eyes it occurred to me that I had my sunglasses on. During my desperate cries I failed to notice that the sun was brighter than ever. We hadn’t seen the sun so bright in over two weeks.

Divine intervention is God's specialty and I know He enjoys blowing us away with His ability to command the sun to melt the ice. That is exactly what He did that morning, melted the ice. He knew what it was like to loose a good friend. He knew how much it hurt and how badly you want to see someone one last time. He delivered my request and allowed me the blessing of spending time with a most humble and gracious friend.

My heart was light as I spent our last minutes together. A previously schedule trip would take me away for a few days and I knew this would be our "see ya later" visit. I think we knew in our hearts that this was our last visit. We didn't need to say it out loud but we both knew. We sat and just enjoyed being. No visits about work, busy lives, how much my house needs to be cleaned or what tomorrow had planned. Just little words like, "I love you, you are very special to me, you are such a blessing, thank you". Time was standing still for both of us. It was God's gift to our friendship. Nothing in life mattered right then except for the pleasure of us being together.

Just five days later as I was landing in Atlanta my message light lit up on my cell phone. Dave's voice broken but audible stated that Neighbor Phil had passed away. Her 3 son’s sat with her as the angels began their preparation of escorting her into the Holy of Holy's. So many loved one who had passed before her would soon greet her. Would she see her parents first or husband Eddie? I wondered what she was seeing and how beautiful she was feeling now that she could remember everything. She wouldn't need anyone to help "jog" her memory because she was now perfect and about to meet her Heavenly Father. I’m sure she made a stop at the Heavenly beauty shop to get her hair done and insisted on wearing her Sunday best. She was one of the classiest ladies I’ve ever known.

It hurts my heart that I have lost the physical friend I spent so much time with. However, I still have every memory of Neighbor Phil. It warms my heart each time I think of how much God loved us as He so perfectly introduced us to each other. He knew we would be great friends and great friends we were. See ya soon Neighbor Phil.

Happy Christmas Season 2007

Our holidays always begin with making cut out cookies. This year it seemed somewhat hurried as I had just returned from Africa and Christmas was just around the corner. After loading the 5 batches of sugar cookies into the fridge I left for Concert Choral dress rehearsal. Our cookie weekend and Holiday Pops Concert happen to fall together this year.

After topping off my Starbuck's mug with Caramel Delight I was off to my sister's house to make cut outs. Yeah. I was warmly greeted by my niece Lauren. She had a bright smile on her face and said she was ready to "rock and roll". What a pleasant blessing to be greeted with early Saturday morning.

We spent about 4 hours cutting, baking, rolling and decorating. I'm sure we had several cups of coffee between baking episodes also.

This year our cookie baking staff consisted of Lauren, Delene, myself and Ellie (my golden, the taste tester). We had a delightful time and lots of giggles. Most of our cookies graced the desks of clients this year, however, several were left for family gatherings we had through the remainder of the year.

What a blessing to have a tradition to pass down to children in our family. I trust their children will have as much fun with cookie cut outs as we do.

Africian Blessings

Being blessed in the US is something I know I take for granted too often. The blessing of modern conveniences like technology, indoor plumbing, electricity and gas-operated appliances are simply a luxury in many parts of rural Africa. Even though I found myself missing many of these conveniences, which make my life much easier, they didn’t seem to matter much in the scope of what we were there to do. Building relationships aren’t contingent on electricity, indoor plumbing etc.; they are built by spending time together and sharing life.

Returning to Kipkaren and Ilula villages reminded me of the blessing of building relationships. Over the many days, I was consistently reminded of the luxury of simplicity. Much of our time was spent on building established relationships and developing new ones. It didn’t seem to make a difference if we had electricity, indoor plumbing or a TV to entertain us. We could sit by candlelight on Thanksgiving night telling of the many blessings God had so richly bestowed upon each of us over the past year. What did make a difference was the humble disposition I found my heart resting in.

Living a thankful life was a daily event I saw so many of my Kenyan friends executing. Maybe it was a quiet conversation with one of the children's home parents or a lively conversation with the Rono young adults. Blessings were difficult to miss and almost never ignored. Great is God’s faithfulness to all of His children.

Stranded in Vermillion, South Dakota

Due to my travel schedule for work I am often faced with the challenge of making tough decisions based on what the weather masters are presenting. Do I reschedule all of my customers in hopes that their schedules work with my next visit or do I roll the dice and take the risk of being stranded “again” because of inclimate weather? That continues to be one of the toughest questions I’m faced with on a consistent basis during the winter season here in the Midwest.

This trip I made the wrong choice, or so it seems. Flying out Wednesday morning with lunch, afternoon and dinner appts set, I truly believed I could get in and out of South Dakota before the HUGE storm hit. However, this trip was not the one I could beat. After learning my Thursday morning flight was cancelled I quickly ran back to Enterprise and asked for the SUV back and asked if I could drop it off in CR. Not a problem, so I was back on the road heading south on I 29 for Omaha then East to CR. Just about 20 miles north of Sioux City the conditions became utterly unbelievable. We were in complete white out conditions and I literally had to stop dead in the road because I could not see a thing in front, back or on the sides of the SUV. Suddenly the wind calmed and I spotted the Vermillion exit. After a quick call to our travel dept to make hotel arrangements I headed to the local grocery store with the Holiday Inn Express just around the corner. I arrived safely at the Vermillion Holiday Inn Express.

So far I have been able to accomplish several items for work, make future appts and eaten just about every Ho Ho from the vending machine in the hotel lobby. The weather has still caused the interstates to be closed and snow continues to fall. Last word was that I 29 and I 80 might open by Saturday afternoon. Storm Lake and Spencer Iowa received over 13 inches of snow. They haven’t closed I 29 for over 30 yrs and many are saying this is one of the worst blizzards in the past 50 years.

I have guests arriving at my home on Sunday to rehearse for an upcoming concert with the Cedar Rapids Symphony, however, I’m wondering if I will even be home by then. Safety first, that is something which is not negotiable.

To be continued….

Blessed by a friend from a land far away

My very special friend Adele has recently landed on American soil after flying from her home continent of Africa. She serves as one of our NCBC missionaries with Empowering Lives International in Eldoret, Kenya. She will be spending a few weeks in the states visiting supporters and speaking on behalf of ELI across the Midwest.

Our first introduction to each other began just about three years ago when she was visiting after completing her Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. I was attending our membership weekend at church and she was also attending with a mutual friend of ours. Some first impressions of Adele were: highly intelligent, well read, solid command of the English language, good head on her shoulders, solid and faith based believer, smart, kind, eloquent, did I say smart? Anyway, I was blessed to have been introduced to her and have continued to receive blessing because of her.

This past weekend I was privileged to fly to LA to support her in a message she delivered to over 5500 students at APU. The students had been flooded with information over the past week about missions and were now at the critical junction of deciding weather or not they would “respond” to the calling of Jesus Christ and say “Yes God”. During Adele’s time of speaking one phrase continued to play over and over in my head, “will you say yes to God right where you are?”

I wonder if sometimes we think we need to travel across the waters to use the phrase Yes God. Many times I believe He is asking us that question everyday when we are getting ready to head to the office, factory, and hospital or where ever our work place might be. I know sometime I think saying Yes to God only counts when He is asking missionaries to give up their life of comfort and travel half way across the world to spend the rest of their life in a grass hut with no running water. Last time I checked He hadn’t asked me to do that, however, last time I checked He did say, “As you are going, teach all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo I am with you until the end of the world”. Matt 28:19-20 The Great Commission.

God didn’t say only teach and make disciples if I send you to Uganda Africa. He said, as you are going. I have the opportunity on a daily basis to teach people about Jesus. Today I was again blessed to share with someone that coincidence doesn’t exist and that Jesus makes all things happen. Now, she is not a believer today, however, she is getting a taste of what it means to be taught via the Word of God.

As for my friend Adele, she is an absolute joy to listen to, pray with and watch God use her to influence the lives of many people. It is a true blessing to have her in my world.

Travel time with my Sister

What a blessing to have been grafted into a family with so many girls. I am the youngest of six and truly came along much later in my parents lives than I believe they had anticipated. My oldest sister Debbie has 17 years on me. Denice has 16, Dawn 13, Dana 9 and Delene is 8 years older. I’m truly the baby of the family; however, tend to show characteristics of being the oldest child at times.

Due to my travel schedule for work it often affords me the pleasantries of visiting different land marks around the country. This particular trip was to Spear Fish, South Dakota. After attending a wound conference, my sister Denice and I decided to take a stroll to Wyoming. What an amazing adventure.

During our afternoon tour we stopped to see Devil’s Tower, the local Trader Joe, pick up Mike & Ike’s at the BP and finally stopped at the café for a cup of Java. As you can see from the photos my sister is one of the most animated women I’ve had the pleasure of living life with. She is constantly smiling, asking how your life is going and of course we wouldn’t want to forget the pack and a half of gum which accompanies her all of the time. I think you can spot a stick or two in her mouth.

One of the characteristics I appreciate most about Denice is her consistent spirit of encouragement. She is specific about her compliments and seems to offer those at the most important times of life. One of her favorite sayings is “you can make it happen”. After a day with her you are pretty much believing you are the only person on earth who even exists. There is something about how she brings you into a world where you are affirmed, complemented and loved with sincerity.

My sister Denice: Loves at all times, forgives quickly, cries easily, smiles brightly, speaks highly of her family, makes crazy faces to see you laugh and gives her time generously. How blessed I am to have her in my life.