I am often asked to share stories from the patchwork of my life experiences. “Tell about…,” my husband of 50 plus years would often say. My two grown children and several friends have encouraged me to write down stories that I’ve shared with them. I began writing as a child “Mischief Annie” stories and plays for my siblings and friends. Most of my writing until now has been journaling and in connection with whatever my job was at the time; writing puppet plays and programs for church, developing curriculum, or writing and editing newsletters and promotional pieces. Recently, I began writing down some stories as they came to my mind.
My passion has always been working with children from teaching a Sunday school class beginning at age 12 to overseeing child sponsorship projects in developing countries around the world. I remember my mother saying that she had “out grown” working with children. When I heard her say that, I prayed that the Lord would help me to always have a passion for reaching and teaching children about him. Little did I dream that one day I would have the privilege of working with children in 17 different countries of the world through a faith based relief and development organization. Now in retirement, I still look for meaningful ways to interact with and invest in the lives of children, especially my grands and great grands.
I often told my children, “Nothing is wasted with God.” As I reflect on the many stories in my life, I can see how one experience built on another to bring me to the point where I am today. Nevertheless, the stories I share are not in a chronological order, but are reflections of the varied experiences life has afforded me.
I am an avid reader and enjoy entertaining family and friends at our little cottage in Northern Michigan. I love music and began playing the piano as a young child. I often play for worship at our church and volunteer in our community.