MEALS WITH PASTOR

Did the pastor or a visiting missionary ever eat dinner at your house? Did they have an impact on your life?

You probably can guess the correct answer to this question: obviously YES! Since my parents were missionaries, we frequently had pastors and/or missionaries in our home for meals and overnight. These visits were especially important to me when we live out in Tupã. We were the only Americans in a 200+ mile radius but on the main road and train route from the big coastal cities to the vast interior of Brazil. Many Missionaries came by our house either just for short visits or to spend the night. Those were very special times for me. I did not even mind that I had to give up my room on some of those occasions. It was just so good to see my missionary and MK friends. Otherwise, I might not see them but once a year during Mission Meeting. I am not sure how the modern MKs and staying close to other MKs now that they are no longer having MM. I am just glad I lived in a day when we did get together for one week a year.

The Sutton family visiting us in Tupã. JES was my best friend from Rio days.

FIVE MOST IMPORTANT LIFE LESSONS

Recall for me five of the most important lessons you have learned in life.

I am still learning. Or that is what I like to tell myself. However, what I have actually done is give up on trying to understand life. I know what others give as answers to these questions but honestly, for better of worse, those answers make no difference in my life. For example: Family is the most important thing in life. Nevertheless, I live as if it was not; I don't call or write them. I only visit on special occasions. 

I have learned one thing: Every action has a reaction. That is, actions have consequences. For better or worse, everything I have done has its results. I have 3 absolutely beautiful kids and up to now 6 adorable grandkids. I would not change that for the world. Nevertheless, my marriages were mistakes. Sorry guys. I can only imagine how confusing this must be do you. 

CHILDHOOD FEARS

Can you remember being afraid as a boy? What was your greatest fear? How did you deal with it?

Yes, I can. I am intensely afraid of bees, wasps, hornets, dirt dobbers, and other such flying bugs. I come close to jumping out of a moving car to getting away from a bee. I have been this way since I was about 6 years old. I was paying with some cousins of mine at grandfather Hawkins' home. I tried to hide in an abandoned chicken coop. Unfortunately, it had a wasps nest in it. I was stung multiple times. How do I deal with them? Avoid if possible; kill when feasible.