Family Reflections

Mark fishing off the Oregon Coast.

My brother Mark Bernard Gallinger was the oldest of ten children.  He was 11 years older than me (Bridget) and I always admired him.  One Christmas I was sick in bed and Mark dressed up like Santa and delivered presents to me.  His jolly laugh filled my room and I can still imagine him laughing.  Mark was never much of a talker, but he was a fisherman, a builder, a mentor, a doer.  He was a man of integrity.  He died of lung cancer on September 26, surrounded by his wife and three children.  He left a lasting legacy and I hope I can do the same.

Lance and Bridget at Tumalo Falls

Knowing that Mark was very ill, I flew to Oregon for a couple of weeks in September and October.  I spent some time with him and, at one time or another, saw all of my siblings and my three children.  What an unexpected blessing from the Lord! 

Joni, my sister-in-law, invited me to stay with her for a while after Mark passed away.  We had family and friends over for dinner every day of the week.  Spending an extended time with Joni, her children, sons-in-law and grandchildren was such a pleasure. 

Kelly and Paul last summer.

Our son Lance lives in the same town as Joni and he took me hiking.  We had lots of time to talk.  I even had an opportunity to meet his roommates and to visit his church and home group.  It was a relaxing time together. 

Joy and Bridget in Dallas, Oregon.

I was able to visit both of my daughters for a day.  Kelly and I spent a day shopping, going to lunch and altering a dress. It sounds like a normal mother and daughter time, but it was precious to me.  Joy and I ate lunch with our friend Kay, ran errands, hung out at her apartment, worked on a craft and made a crab quiche.  When her husband, Patrick, arrived home from work we had dinner together. It was a long and satisfying day.

Paul cares for this ministry center in Paso Marcos.

When I returned to Costa Rica, Paul and I went to EmanuelCommunity Development Center in Paso Marcos. Over the past two years we have enjoyed our visits to the ministry center and helped with different projects. The directors of our mission recently asked Paul to be responsible for the grounds and facilities at the center.   He has started working on some of the maintenance. Pray for him as he transitions into a new ministry role in Costa Rica.

Serving Him, Paul & Bridget