Featured Friend, Part 2 November 20, 2008

 

What we appreciate about William is his gentleness, thoughtfulness and ability to connect with people one-on-one.  I also think he has a great palate (we often like to order the same things to eat!).  Here is a small glimpse of William:

 

Favorite childhood memories:

 

Two come to mind.  One is being on vacation with my parents in Honolulu and going out late (9 pm) for hot fudge sundaes.

The other is a Thanksgiving dinner tradition, passed down from my Dad’s family.  We got to have homemade caramel rolls as part of our meal.  My Dad and I would see who could eat more of them!  (Do you notice a theme here?)

 

Person of impact:

 

Again I need to go with two, a couple.  I met Don and Linda through church during my later college years.  They were about 10 years older and they took on leadership of our Young Adults class.  Over time they became great friends to me.  I was still living at home, but they were gracious in sharing their home with me.  They would have me over for meals, and occasionally I would invite myself for an overnight!  I loved observing how they interacted and how they treated each other.  They were my models of a healthy Christian marriage.

 Since then we’ve both moved away.  In recent years I reconnected with Linda when she started the Life Coach Training program here at Western Seminary.  That’s were I did my training to be a coach.  It’s exciting to see how God brings people back into our lives!

 

What don’t you leave home without?

One thing I don’t leave home without is my underwear.  (I favor goofy boxers.)

 

A perfect day:

 

Worshipping at Pearl Church with Rae and many people I care about.  Brunch afterwards with friends (sometimes Fran & Olive.)  Spending an hour or so with Rae walking through a garden, especially one we haven’t seen before.  Time at home to read the Sunday Oregonian (newspaper) and maybe a nap.  Snack night at home (instead of dinner) where we each eat whatever we choose.  Cuddling in bed with my sweetie!

 

Tea with:

 

My good buddy Dave, who lives in Elizabethtown PA.  I met Dave when we were working as caregivers at a residential center for young adults with cerebral palsy.  When we met we were both so excited to meet a brother, among the mostly very liberal staff.  We both loved working there and still fondly remember several of the special people we cared for.  We have some hilarious memories too.

 

Shortly after we met, Dave’s girlfriend Marj moved to Seattle.  We became quick pals.  I had the privilege of serving as Dave’s best man at their wedding in Rose Valley PA.  I was still living in Seattle when their first two kids were born.

 

One thing that made their friendship especially meaningful was their commitment to stay in touch.  After I moved to Oregon they made several trips down to Eugene and Portland to see me.  I’d say that’s commitment.  Especially after it meant bringing one and then two wee ones with them!

 

Dave & I have one of those rare male friendships where we are committed to maintaining our friendship for a lifetime.  We make an effort to talk on the phone every month or so.  We’re always able to pick up right where we left off.  The only thing that could be better is if Dave and Marj live just down the street!

 

Choosing my most treasured possession is a tough one:

 If I have to choose just one I’d have to say the cross that Rae gave me on our first anniversary.  I love it for many reasons.  Rae chose a very masculine cross, with a rough but beautiful surface.  Receiving the symbol of sacrifice on our first anniversary has become meaningful.  Our first year(s) were fraught with challenge.  I never doubted that our marriage would survive, but those first anniversaries were cause for jubilation!  God is faithful and we celebrated his goodness.

 

Last great book you’ve read:

 

Being Fran’s friend, I feel some pressure to say a Steinbeck.  But truly I usually favor lighter fare.  I was moved by the portrayal of the relationship God desires to have with us in The Shack.  As a friend regularly reminds me, “Papa is especially fond of you!”

 

3 words to describe my Sweetie are:

Smart, remarkable and precious…very precious.

 

Thanks William!

Feature Friend(s) November 19, 2008

We have a double feature this week!  Please meet William and Rae, a wonderful couple who we befriended “cold turkey” at church.  Before we met them, we so admired that they served communion and read scripture together at church.  They seemed like a kind, warm and interesting couple…we were right!  

 

 

When we first moved up here, I was always worried that we had no one to call if we ever needed help in an emergency, needed a ride to the airport or would ever get to have good friends, rather than just acquaintances.  William and Rae have become good friends that we can call on and be totally honest with.  They are wonderful to talk to and hang out with.  We make sure to get together once a month despite busy schedules.  They’ve also gotten to spend time with some of our family – so now we consider them family too!

 

 

I’m doing two posts on them, so let’s do ladies first: Rae does live up to her name.  To us, she is a “ray” of sunlight.  She is always ready with a warm smile and a real hug (not those fake little pats).  She is insightful, thoughtful and a very compassionate person. 

 

What is your favorite memory growing up?  

One of my favorite memories is taking the train from North Dakota (where I grew up) to visit family in Minneapolis.  Usually it was my mom, dad, my brother and me.  We would get the seats that faced each other.  My mom would pack lunch and lots of snacks.   I would always get to buy a new book to read.  It was usually one of the series of either Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon, or Cherrie Ames. 

I felt like I was on such an adventure.

 

Besides family, who has had an impact on your life?

I had several very strong women teachers through out my school years.  The first seven years of school, I attended a “country” school and I had the same teacher (Mrs. Egge) for the 1^st four years.  She was also my Sunday School teacher for many years.  In high school, I had Mrs. Molberg for several of my math classes,  Mrs. Weeks was my English teacher, and Mrs. Nelson was my Latin teacher.  They were all very intelligent women and great teachers.  Looking back, I think it was unusual to have so many women teachers in high school and teaching such strong academic classes. 

 

What don’t you leave home without?

I never leave home without my wedding ring which is also one of my most treasured possessions.  Another treasured possession is my journal.  I am never without at least one.  When I finish one, I start a new one.  It is a combination of prayer journal, processing journal, collection of favorite quotes, notes from books that I am reading, and a place for organizing my life.

 

What is your idea of a perfect day? 

A perfect day for me is being on the water somewhere in a sail boat or a motor boat.  I am sure a yacht would be nice.  The sky is blue, the sun is shining, the  temperature is in the 80s with a lovely breeze.   I have no schedule and some good food and drinks.  Someone else is doing all the navigating.  Of course, it is a big plus if William is along.  If I can’t have a boat, anything that floats will do.

 

Who would you like to sit down to tea with?

I love to have tea with my best friend, Linda, who loves tea. 

Having a long conversation with her is always a blessing.

 

What is the last great book that you’ve read? 

I participate in a theological discussion group which meets once/month at our church.   The books challenge me mentally and spiritually.  I love the discussion time and have learned so much from both the reading and the discussion.  A couple of my favorites have been “The Silence” by Shusako Endo (a fiction book really) and “The Peaceable Kingdom” by Stanley Hauerwas.  This doesn’t leave much time for other reading other things, but I did read “The Shack” which I really enjoyed and William & I are currently reading together “A Grace Disguised” by Jerry Sittser.     

 

Describe William in three words:

I would like to give more than three, but I will start with honest, compassionate, and devoted husband.

 

 

Thanks Rae!!

Featured Friend October 13, 2008

As soon as we met Thomas, we knew we would get along with him.  He is thoughtful, genuine and very talented.  His violin adds a rich layer to the music on Sunday at church.     

 

Thomas has a knack for getting people together – he truly has a shepherd’s heart.  When he’s not busy being a surgeon, he performs with another talented musician, John (who also happens to be the assistant pastor and worship leader at church) at several venues around Portland. 

So we present to you our friend Thomas, who we have only known for a short time, but who we feel like we’ve known for a long time…

 

 

What is one favorite memory growing up?

My favorite memory from childhood is going to a baseball game with my father. It was in Korea, the baseball was terrible (it was the national championship for high school teams–my dad’s high school was in the finals ) but I was really happy to just be there with my dad, who was usually a very serious man, acting happy and excited.

 

Name one person, besides family, that has had an impact in your life.  Why?

Jamie Wilson was the pastor in charge of outreach to the homeless at the church that I went to in San Diego. Not only did his ministry feed hundreds of people every day, but he also ran a residential discipleship program for some of the homeless men that he got to know. This was with his wife and small children. He had such a clear idea about what it meant for him to live in faith. How he lived his life challenged me and gave me hope that following Jesus courageously can be truly beautiful.

 

What is one ritual you must have each day?

I need my morning coffee before I can get out the door.

 

What do you like most about your occupation?  What do you like least?

I love that I get to care for people in my job. I hate that there are well meaning regulations in health care that are now so stupid and attention-dividing that it gets in the way of caring for people.

 

If you could only save only one earthly possession, what would it be?

I would save my violin.

 

What do people say you’re good at?

I am formally trained on the violin and worked on it with sweat and tears. I’m actually sort of a hack on the piano. I have never taken lessons but I was able to transfer what I learned about music and learn to play.

 

Who would play you in a movie?

Clearly, the role of Fezik in Princess Bride.

 

We know you love good books.  Tell us about one that has had an impact on you and that you would want to pass on to others. 

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Not only is the book very effective in eliminating any unwarranted euphoria about one’s spiritual self esteem, but challenged my understanding of what it means to be Christian.

 

Are you looking forward to any big events in the near future?

 
I’m getting married this coming January!  I have known my fiancée Donna for 23 years. Through many turns and twists, God has woven our stories together despite us living in different cities for so long. We’re grateful and excited!

We’re excited for you and Donna too!

Thanks Thomas!

Featured Friend! September 29, 2008

We are very excited to introduce a new feature of our blog.  I’ve been thinking of ways to spice things up here.  I thought of my days in the classroom and how every week I featured one of my students.  And then I thought, why not do the same thing on the blog? 

So…for our very first Featured Friend, we chose Christine, aka ate* Chris!!  We have known her for many years.  I still remember being excited when she and kuya Dave (her husband) would visit church (in SF) when they were living in LA.  As a kid, it was always a treat for me to see them.  And through the years they have been wonderful friends, allies and people Fran and I admire.  We have spent countless evenings in their cozy, artsy home by the beach talking about everything!  We love playing with their three kids and watching them grow.  It’s an honor to be their second-born’s godparents.

Ate Chris is the CEO of their household and is one busy mama!  She is creative, wise, spunky and easy to talk to.  Besides being a great wife and mom, she’s a pretty awesome photographer and graphic artist.  So, we present to you ate Chris!

 

 

Where is your hometown?  City by the Bay.  

 

Do you still live there today?  Yes.  Living elsewhere made me appreciate my hometown so much more, fog and all!

 

What is one favorite memory growing up? 

Even though my parents were overprotective, I had the best time in high school.  I was never allowed to go to any school functions (such as proms, picnics, dances, school shows) and even youth camps, but they allowed me to participate in school clubs, youth group meetings and choir.  It was then when my faith was challenged and my relationship with Christ grew.  It was then when friendships were formed, heartaches were met, cliques were “in” as it is now, talents emerged (I learned how to sew out of necessity).  I thoroughly enjoyed those years in spite of the hurdles and aches that came with it.  After all, life is much sweeter when sprinkled with adversities. 

 

Name one person, besides family, that has had an impact in your life.  Why?

There are so many.  But one that stands out right now is my BSF teaching leader, JoAnn Hedges.  She not only teaches from the podium but from her heart.  She’s encouraged me in person, challenged me to grow, to speak in love and in truth.  All these, she exemplifies.  I’m sure she’s not perfect.  But I haven’t seen that side of her. 

 

What is one ritual you must have each day? 

Reading & cuddle/tickle time with my children.  I can’t tickle my eldest but we have a great time cuddling & talking.

 

 

 

 

If you could save only one possession, what would it be? 

Besides my Bible, laptop, pen & paper, floss, toothbrush & wipes…my camera.  It helps me make time stand still, even for a brief moment.

 

What do people say you are good at?  Getting people together/organizing events.  Now if I can only organize my life =)

 

What inspires you? 

My children.  If I could just have a pint of Tomato’s talent & brain, a quart of Kiwi’s tenacity & strength, and a bottle of Mango’s energy & wit, who knows where I’d be =)

 

Who would play you in a movie?  Elizabeth Swann with William Turner =) but I wouldn’t be cast for it.  I’m not very ladylike.  I’d probably cast better as one of those high-kick flying martial art leading ladies “hi-yahhhh!” like Michelle Yeoh or Zhang Ziyi.  That would get me in good shape…

 

We know you love a good quote.  Give us one or more that describes you. 

 

You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once.  ~Polish Proverb (so true…)

 

 

It’s not only children who grow.  Parents do, too.  As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours.  I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun.  All I can do is reach for it, myself.  ~Joyce Maynard  (yep!)

 

Don’t say you don’t have enough time.  You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.  ~Life’s Little Instruction Book, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. (I shouldn’t complain…just prioritize)

Ate Chris, thanks for giving us a small glimpse into your life/mind/heart!

Family and Friends – watch out, YOU might be next!!

*For the non-Taglaog speaking reader:  “Ate” is a term of Philippine kinship used for an older sister.  Though individuals may not be related the use of this term is widely used.  This is because Filipinos consider others outside of their families as relatives also.