Ivanildo and Monica sent us photos from the first Couples Retreat at the church in Marabá.

This is a big milestone for the church, and the first of many such evenings. Helping people develop strong relationships at home is very important to God. We are very encouraged to see Monica and Ivanildo plan and execute an event like this.

Way to go guys!

We’ve come a long ways in 21 years of friendship and partnership through the many twists and turns of life. And God has blessed us so much more that we could have ever imagined.

Here are three reminders of a gazillion good memories.

Fifteen years ago Clyde and Kelsie came on a short-term outreach to visit us. A friendship started. Seven years later they moved to Brazil. Clyde and Kelsie are especially passionate for the very poor, the forgotten, and the hard-to-reach.

Their four children’s names, from left to right: Maddie, Mackenna, Hanna (front) and Nate.

They are in Oregon on furlough until June. They have made so many Canadian friends during their past eight years in Brazil that they decided to come visit us in our native land. It is so fun meeting people in different contexts.

Here are some photos that include Ross and Karin’s family too.

We arrived back in Abbotsford early this week, travelling through the Roger’s Pass and the town of Golden, where Deanna lived until she was 12.

Deanna’s relatives often gather from miles around to celebrate almost anything. They have an old schoolhouse at the ranch, which was built in the 1800s, fixed up just for these gatherings.  I always wish I had more time to get to know people better, like a year or two would be nice. 

I am very proud of Deanna’s heritage and to be married into this great family.

This particular party was fun because Cecilia, the newest member, just turned one. It was also sad because Bryant, in this first photo, just found out his terminal cancer has returned and is advanced. He appreciates your prayers.

Hank and Lena helped me immensely when I was 17 and 18 and 19, between when I left home and when I left for the Yukon. I remember eating a dozen or more fried eggs for breakfast every morning and then working very hard all day. They always had a huge table of people passing through or staying for awhile. Hank and Lena were the mentors I needed when I really needed some direction. They now live on this ranch, a couple hours North of Calgary. Thank you so much for your help when I needed it, and for all your good council over these past 33 years of friendship.

Four years ago Tyler and Allison travelled around the globe visiting missionaries. While they were in the Xingu we travelled together on a survey trip, and they did some “Ropes” exercises with the missionary youth. They have been living in Calgary for these last few years and are now feeling God has them in a time of transition. They are praying about when are where and how. It was great spending a few hours together. Thanks for the great coffee, breakfast and conversation.

We had lunch with Dick Thiessen in Edmonton. He lives by himself in a small apartment. He just got a cool motorized armchair. At half speed someone can keep up at a brisk walk beside him. He let our girls try it out in the hallway.

We are honored to be your friends Dick.

While we were in Edmonton Bella got a new lamb for her little lamb family. A couple of years ago Bella bought the Mamma Lamb from this same Build-A-Bear store. Can you tell which lambs have lived in Marabá for a couple of years, and which one is the newbie?

This is Chuck and Rachel’s daughter Elli, holding a pysanka. (Rachel is Dan Thiessen’s daughter).

I spent several hours early one morning with Chuck. I arrived as the family was waking up and Rachel was heading off to work as a nurse in Edmonton. Chuck is now teaching at a university in Edmonton and working on his second PhD.

I first became friends with Chuck when my brother Henry converted his huge old cadillac to run on propane. The three of us drove from BC to Texas and back, hunting for places to refill his propane tank all the way. Many Americans had never heard of cars running on propane back in the 80s. It was three weeks of out-of-control laughter and deep bonding.