My life as a hairdresser in Lafayette , Louisiana, was nice and comfortable until I faced an unexpected calling—an invitation to join a mission trip to Romania with Another Child Foundation. The prospect of leaving my comfort zone terrified me, and with reluctance shadowed my initial response. However, a persistent inner nudge from God led me to take a leap of faith.

Arriving in Romania, I was greeted by unfamiliar landscapes and a culture that felt worlds apart from my own. The first days were challenging, and I questioned my decision. Yet, as I immersed myself  in the mission work—building a playground at the Point of Hope, providing ministry to the mothers of the children, and sharing hope of the Gospel—I discovered a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.  My fears were completely eased!

Years later, compelled by the impact of that initial journey, I returned to Romania. The transformation was astounding. The once struggling community is now thriving, revealing the tangible outcomes of the years of mission efforts. it is easy to recognized the hand of God in the restored lives and vibrant community that is developing around the Point of Hope in Tarneveni, Romania.

Amidst the changes, life has taken its toll. The loss of my husband, Gordon, to the ravages of Covid was a heartbreaking ordeal that left me paralyzed with grief. However, in an unexpected blessing from God I found solace and companionship in John Frank, a kindred spirit who had also weathered the storm of loss, losing his wife, Nancy,  to cancer.

United by shared sorrows and a renewed sense of purpose, John Frank and I have embarked on the journey of  a missionary life together. Our love has blossomed amidst our current mission endeavors, creating a bond that has surpassed the scars of our pasts. We have found ourselves drawn to new mission fields with ACF extending our efforts to Honduras, Romania, and even to our own home area of South Louisiana.

In Honduras, we have witnessed the impact of Gods work on communities ravaged by poverty and adversity. The resilience of the people mirrors our own journey through loss and redemption. As we have ventured back to Romania, the familiar landscapes revealed a tapestry of progress woven by the hand of God and the efforts of those committed to positive change.

In Acadiana, our home area in South Louisiana, we have been presented new challenges and opportunities. With John Frank standing by my side, our love for each other and our Lord serves as a beacon of hope for those we encounter.  Together, we hope to continue to reach, teach,  and share the transformative power of faith with those in our own community as well as around the world.

In the tapestry of our shared experiences, we have found healing, purpose, and a love that transcends the pain of our individual pasts. Please pray for us as we navigate the world hand in hand, and witness  the ongoing miracles spurred by our mission efforts with ACF. We are forever grateful for the chance to be part of something greater than ourselves.