On Marriage

Ginny and I have been married 40 years today. It has been quite a journey together so far. When we made our commitment, we were agreed on a life of cross-cultural mission together, but we could no have imagined all that would mean. It certainly was not the easiest path we could have chosen, but we are left with so many great memories. I am grateful for a wife who was willing to leave the comforts of home for a life of pilgrimage, including years spent in one of the remotest corners of the world, in Kalinga. Those years were not easy but we look back on them with a lot of nostalgia. Those years taught us something of what our Lord meant when he talked to his followers about leaving mother and father but receiving much more in return. The Kalinga people adopted us and gave us new family which have added much joy to our journey. Some people questioned our decision to raise our children in such a far off place, but we see that growing up in the Philippines was a wonderful experience for them too - no regrets there.We are blessed in our years together to have been given opportunity to do work that is enjoyable and meaningful. We have added many cherished friendships that have added joy and companionship along the way. We are blessed to have been part of a larger family where marriage is valued and to participate in a faith community that has helped foster the values of faithfulness, hope and love which have provided a sure path for our journey together. When we looked with love and wonder into each others eyes and promised to be faithful to each other, we could not have imagined what even 40 years would bring. They have been good years and reflecting back we are renewed in our resolve to see the journey through for as many more years as God gives us. Thanks for being my faithful and loving companion Ginny. I love you.

The blessing of family

The last two weeks have been filled with memorable activities with family. For 10 days our house was filled with laughter, crying, turmoil and drama as all our children and grandchildren were home with us. For most meals we were at least 15 people, including 5 children 3 and under. For me it was a delight to sit at the head of this full table and savour, not just the food we shared, but also the memories we were making together.  We enjoyed outings to the African Lion Safari and the beach. We also participated in a gathering of the larger Wiens family, with all my siblings and their offspring together for a day in the Park. Even my dad who is mostly confined to his room these days, made it for an hour to eat with us all. But mostly we stayed around home. It was such a joy to see the little ones playing together with great imagination for hours. How blessed I am to be a part of such a large family and to have children and grandchildren who enjoy coming home and spending time together. This Sunday Ginny and I celebrate 40 years of marriage. We have a lot to be thankful for, not least is the children and grandchildren God has blessed us with. 

My first attempt at blogging. Today I am looking forward to going to the airport to pick my son Allan, coming in from Edmonton and my son Jason and his family, coming in from Spokane, WA. They will be with us for 10 days. It will be a bit chaotic, but fun and conducive to building family memories. Saturday we all, including Andrea and her family, go to St. Catharines to join the extended Wiens clan for a mid year family picnic.