Us

Happymama was asking about us, so I figured I'd properly introduce us. We don't have too many privacy issues, since we are missionaries.
I grew up here in Chile as an MK (missionary kid) The year I was supposed to head off to Bible College, Neil, a young man in our Church, broke up with his girlfriend of three years. Everyone assumed that Neil and Marty were getting married. They were old enough, had parental consent, both were Christians. We were all happy for them. What we didn't know was that, while Marty was glad that Neil was a good Christian, she was not enthused about Neil getting into the ministry. She knew national pastors to be poor, and she did not want to be poor. Neil was also at that time being pressured by his family to quit the Bible school and continue with his professional studies. He was told to quit the Bible Institute, or they would no longer pay for his secular education. So, he quit the secular education.
Things continued poorly with Marty. It soon became evident that they could no longer stay together, much less get married. So they broke up. Even though Neil knew that it was the right thing to do, and his affection for her had cooled considerably, it was nevertheless, a bit traumatic. That's where I come in. I was the "shoulder to cry on", and we became better friends.
After a while my father decided that he needed someone to run errands and do chores for him.
He originally wanted this guy named Oscar, but Oscar did not want the job. So Dad thought of Neil. So he started working at our house Monday-Friday, 10am to 5:30pm. And the rest is history. I never really thought I'd marry a Chilean, but then, I never really thought I'd ever get married. I firgured I'd go to Bible School, and right at the end, hook up with whoever was left over. (my flirting skills are extremely poor)
The Lord miraculously allowed for us to raise support from American Churches. We were sent out of the Lighthouse Baptist Church of LaVerne, CA.
We have a mixed-heritage household, although I would say that my kids are American above all else. Neil speaks very little English, but understands a great deal. So, this is primarily an English-speaking home. We feel extremey blessed.
R