Today, if the Lord tarries, I will attend the “home going” service of an old friend and IMB colleague, Gayle Hill. In the years of my missionary service (and way before that) she was often called Mamma Gayle by Romanians and Americans who worked with her on mission trips to the area around Braila, RO. Gayle often did “mamma” us and care for us when we were so far away from home. I recall how her calm demeanor and smile would bring a sense of comfort and stability to otherwise stressful situations. In truth, she likely experienced a lot of angst herself as she served with the IMB all those years. Most people can’t really empathize with that comment unless they too have served long-term as a missionary. In front of us, Gayle never allowed us to see that part… her concern was for us and those she served. Let me add that her husband, Bob, was also a tremendous calming force and always had a smile for us. They were a perfect match for the work that God placed before them.
That leads me to a specific story that I’d like to share. It took place in Braila, RO in 2009. It was our first Christmas away from home, away from our children and loved ones. Braila had experienced the harshest winter in nearly 40 years… at least that is what I was told. That year, it snowed almost four feet and I remember one week when every morning, the temperature started at -12° (yes, below zero) with constant overcast gray skies and a bit of wind. Imagine how it would be for your first Christmas away from home in those conditions. Add to that a supervisor who was determined to segregate you and allow you to “experience the realities of missionary life” alone and struggling. Yes, we were struggling, completely alone and broken. But the story is not about Dawn and I, it is about the phone call that came next.
If memory serves me, it was Christmas Eve 2009 when Bob and Gayle called and invited us to come to their apartment for Christmas. I am not sure if they saw the loneliness in our eyes a few days earlier or if God just moved in their hearts to make that call, but it impacted us more than they will ever know. Bob and Gayle lived just a few blocks from us, so snow or no snow, we were SO happy to get to be with them for Christmas. Mamma Gayle served us and took care of us and made it special. As I think back to those days, I am sure that they instinctively knew that we needed someone to love and care for us at Christmas because they too had experienced the loneliness of being away from home and family.
So, that is one of many stories I could share about Mamma Gayle. However, to keep this short and readable, I’ll simply finish by saying that Gayle Hill was a friend, a missionary, and a dedicated follower of Jesus. When my time comes to join her in Glory, I pray that my friends will remember me in the same way. Gayle, we will see you again some day… Drum bun.
Photo Gallery
The images below are from many different settings in different countries, cities, and circumstances. Some are from the home of Bob and Gayle in Braila, one is from their current home, some are from a trip to Greece, some are from other communities in Braila County, and a few are even from my hometown in Humboldt. The picture of Dawn and I by the Christmas tree was taken at Bob and Gayle’s Braila apartment that Christmas so long ago.
Bob, we are praying for you brother.
