God has given me a rich life. Among other things, he let me marry my best friend, live in other countries, learn other languages, serve on cross-cultural ministry teams, bring up my kids in Bolivia, write lots of poems and stories, and now he is letting me tell my stories to my grandchildren.

My husband, Hal, and I are still missionaries under Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends, but currently on loan to an innovative interdenominational program for theological formation in Latin America. Known as PRODOLA (literally “Latin American Doctoral Program”), it offers intensive seminars in different cities in Central and South America, with students doing pre- and post-class work over the Internet. That means we get to travel a lot from our current primary residence in Newberg, Oregon. In addition to administrative tasks, I teach the seminar “Culture, Spirituality, and Mission,” and the exploration and integration of these three themes lies at the heart of much of my writing.

I love being a Quaker, and I also love being in active ministry among the larger body of Christ. I love language, literature, and playing with words (it's among the most serious things I do). I am challenged by discovering the footprints of Jesus in other cultures and times. My greatest desire is to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus (2 Peter 3:18).

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