Do we miss our life there in the heat and humidity of living beneath sea level – surrounded by the ever-presence of 24/7 life of the hundreds of vendors within the Bourda Market? Yes, we do, but our home is Canada – our family is here… yes, also in Texas and Minneapolis — our friends are here – our church is here. Memories…
I celebrated my birthday on May 18th – one week before departing Guyana. What a wonderful day of celebration that was — we spent the afternoon with 36 baby/toddler orphans, treating them to ice-cream cups and cookies with juice. Cuddling and playing with these children brought joy into my day. I will miss this. We will send money on our birthdays to share with these little ones next year. To culminate the day was the party the ELCW ladies had in our living room – food and ginger beer with a special ‘Thanksgiving service of word and much singing. 
Channa in cups - black cake - birthday cake with ginger beer to wash it down
thanks Deborah for presenting me with a lovely plaque - from all the ladies
.JPG)
Val's birthday Thanksgiving with ladies
Tradition is the birthday celebrant gets fed the first bite
We have fond memories of the Youth of Calvary – may they stay focused in their church, may they continue having a voice – may their dreams come true. Memories…
Samesta & Nashelse our dedicated young people
The Youth finish their library room with a Growing in Faith Tree...
Friends
my dear friends Elocia
and her daughter Shirla
and Henry
The last week was one of a flurry of activities…
As a missionary we have always felt that one should be hoping to be replaced by the people of the culture. We pray for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana that this is indeed what is happening.
The most difficult thing for us was preparing ourselves to say goodbye to our dear brother Henry. He became more than a friend. We gave him and his daughter Sandra some of our treasures which we could not take with us — the most meaningful being, ‘our hammock’. Henry was so grateful for this – we were told he spent most of his daytime hours in this blue hammock.
The evening prior to our departure he cried on my shoulder, as I also – ‘you are my family’ he sobbingly uttered. YES, he/we truly were. Our goodbye will forever be steeped in memories. Thank you good and loyal friend.
Our departure on May 25th was met by the screaming of the multi parrots that daily perched high up the coconut palms at 6 a.m. — saying goodbye - did they return at 6 p.m.? Memories…
Farewell beautiful Guyana.
Our thanks to the ELCIC, the Eastern Synod, the many folk that supported us, the cards, letters, e-mails – last but not least, our church in Pinawa for their dedication to us, in looking after our affairs while away. Thank you, thank you – thank you.
We have kept in touch with our friends in Guyana – Skype is great, Facebook, e-mails, letters and even phone calls. As good as this means of communicating is, sad news is also relayed — the sadest being the death of Victor Henry Boyle, one month to the day after our departure.
The following is our eulogy to Henry.
The Frederick's remember their dear friend Henry…
Henry (Victor) Boyle became our acquaintance in January 2009 when we began a six month term as pastor of Calvary and continued another six months in November of 2009. During that time it was our privilege to experience a close friendship with a kind and dedicated person whom we affectionately called ‘Henry’.
Henry and I would often trade stories of our youth and in so doing developed a close relationship. Valerie would often prepare a meal for Henry who would reciprocate the next day by offering us a meal of his culinary creativity. He was a good cook. Val really enjoyed his ‘bakes’ along with his garlic pork at Christmas.
Henry worried about our well-being and would offer a firm scowl when we were going close to sundown. We would have to convince him that we would be home before dark.
Henry was awakened one particular dark hour of morning at about 3am when a thief had entered the yard. Henry went outside and was confronted by a man with a knife. The man departed over the fence while Henry was yelling “Pastor call the police”.
Unfortunately Val and I were sound asleep. Later, it was my turn to scold Henry for leaving the safety of his room. This episode prompted Henry to think about a watch-dog and Valerie was able to find a young puppy “Rex”, and Pr Young contributed a companion dog “Fluffy”.
Henry was dedicated to his friends, family and church. He would undertake tasks that were beyond his physical capabilities and was always present in the preparation for church services. It was not unusual for him to be up and about at 5am on a Sunday morning. It was Henry who intercepted thieves stealing lumber at 4:30am. He called out to us to call the police: this time we were awake.
Henry felt a deep attachment to his family as was apparent when his daughter Sandra and his grand kids would visit. Happy times were interrupted by Henry’s failing heart that in the past months had him hospitalized several times. A recent diagnosis of his health added even greater anxiety. He loved the place where he lived: the intern’s room of the parsonage. The idea that he was not able to perform duties assigned him as a church caretaker had a profound effect upon him.
We found it very difficult leaving Henry on May 25th – the Monday evening eve of our departure had Valerie consoling Henry in tears – holding him in his tears. He uttered, “you are not friends – you and Pastor are family.”
We are thankful of the opportunity of knowing Henry, and thankful that the time of anxiety and worry has passed and he has arrived at a safe secure home where he will find eternal comfort.
One of Valerie's treasured memories of Henry was upon going downstairs in the morning to find this gentle man in dedication to his Saviour — seated outside with his Bible — reading in deep concentration. Even the dogs were at peace during this time.
Our prayers and love are extended to Sandra and the children – we miss you and want to keep in contact with you.
Farewell dear brother – you have earned the Peace that God our Father has given you.
Enjoy that hammock that was awaiting you.
Until we meet again... Your loving Sister and Brother in Christ—Valerie & Pastor Jack
A postscript to our mission in Guyana:
May our church never lose touch with Mission whether world or local – a church that thinks outside their comfort zone is a growing church.
The Frederick's remember their dear friend Henry…
Henry (Victor) Boyle became our acquaintance in January 2009 when we began a six month term as pastor of Calvary and continued another six months in November of 2009. During that time it was our privilege to experience a close friendship with a kind and dedicated person whom we affectionately called ‘Henry’.
Henry and I would often trade stories of our youth and in so doing developed a close relationship. Valerie would often prepare a meal for Henry who would reciprocate the next day by offering us a meal of his culinary creativity. He was a good cook. Val really enjoyed his ‘bakes’ along with his garlic pork at Christmas.
Henry worried about our well-being and would offer a firm scowl when we were going close to sundown. We would have to convince him that we would be home before dark.
Henry was awakened one particular dark hour of morning at about 3am when a thief had entered the yard. Henry went outside and was confronted by a man with a knife. The man departed over the fence while Henry was yelling “Pastor call the police”.
Unfortunately Val and I were sound asleep. Later, it was my turn to scold Henry for leaving the safety of his room. This episode prompted Henry to think about a watch-dog and Valerie was able to find a young puppy “Rex”, and Pr Young contributed a companion dog “Fluffy”.
Henry was dedicated to his friends, family and church. He would undertake tasks that were beyond his physical capabilities and was always present in the preparation for church services. It was not unusual for him to be up and about at 5am on a Sunday morning. It was Henry who intercepted thieves stealing lumber at 4:30am. He called out to us to call the police: this time we were awake.
Henry felt a deep attachment to his family as was apparent when his daughter Sandra and his grand kids would visit. Happy times were interrupted by Henry’s failing heart that in the past months had him hospitalized several times. A recent diagnosis of his health added even greater anxiety. He loved the place where he lived: the intern’s room of the parsonage. The idea that he was not able to perform duties assigned him as a church caretaker had a profound effect upon him.
We found it very difficult leaving Henry on May 25th – the Monday evening eve of our departure had Valerie consoling Henry in tears – holding him in his tears. He uttered, “you are not friends – you and Pastor are family.”
We are thankful of the opportunity of knowing Henry, and thankful that the time of anxiety and worry has passed and he has arrived at a safe secure home where he will find eternal comfort.
One of Valerie's treasured memories of Henry was upon going downstairs in the morning to find this gentle man in dedication to his Saviour — seated outside with his Bible — reading in deep concentration. Even the dogs were at peace during this time.
Farewell dear brother – you have earned the Peace that God our Father has given you.
Enjoy that hammock that was awaiting you.
Until we meet again... Your loving Sister and Brother in Christ—Valerie & Pastor Jack
A postscript to our mission in Guyana:
May our church never lose touch with Mission whether world or local – a church that thinks outside their comfort zone is a growing church.
We work with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in Mission — we merged our work in Guyana with Pr. Richard Young (he is also a medical doctor) of the ELCA for twelve months. We appreciated our visit and sharing with Twila Schock, who is ELCA director for global mission support.
Shalom! ... in Christian Love, Pr Jack & Sis Val
“This is the Way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)
No comments:
Post a Comment