On August 22 & 23, I joined Deborah and Jhett, our social worker, to read case studies of prospective adoptive families at ICAB (Intercountry Adoption Board). This was the first time that I helped with the reading. Before this, Dad would have been reading with them.
Jhett and I got to ICAB early Wednesday afternoon. She set us up at a table and brought over the roster of families. She showed me what we needed to look for, and then we started looking for families that fit our child.
Deborah showed up after a while, and soon each of us were reading a case study. And then came the difficult part; how to choose between good families? Dad would come home from reading case studies and agonize over the choices in front of him. Now I understood. After taking the personality of the child and the various families into account, we were still faced with difficult choices. How do you choose between good families? As I read the case studies I could hear the cry of their heart for a child. If only we could give them all a child! Instead, we have one. Argh! So you go with your gut, and trust that God is guiding your hand to the right family for your child. So we made our choice. And now we wait to see if they choose our child in return.
Sara
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Reflections on Services and Scattering
July 14, 2007
Our final “road trip” with Dennis came to a wonderful conclusion on the prairies of northern Montana where it all began over 30 years ago. It was a full circle that embraced a good share of the globe before it was over. Who would have known, all those years ago, that this farm kid would touch lives and hearts in countries as far away as Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Thailand and ultimately give his final twenty years to the infants of the Philippines?
But, when you come to think of it, kids were always his thing. When he was principal of the Christian school in our home church in Sunburst, MT, who was being a very un-principal-like lion with the younger kids up on the second floor? Noon hours usually ended amid shrieks and squeals as Mr. Gunderson, down on all fours, chased delighted kindergarteners, roaring with a fierce “Ra-a-ar!” as the rest of the staff stood below and just smiled and shook their heads.
In the Philippines, as he walked along village streets and beaches, went into the markets, rode in the jeepneys, enjoyed a burger in McDonalds, wherever he was, if there were kids there, he and they were attracted to each other. And, sure enough, here would come the “gagumba” (spider), or “lamok” (mosquito) that always ended up in a tickle and a yelp from a delighted child and elicit a smile from an amused parent.
As we have listened intently to others speak of his life during the four services for him, the two in Manila, and the two in Montana, there were numerous themes that emerged again and again; his unshakeable commitment to the work that God had called him, his dogged if not always elegant perseverance, his passion for children, his love for the lost, his delight in all sorts of music, his love for and belief in family, and his determination to trust God thoroughly. Once he put his hand to the plow, he never looked back. And, he went to be with his Lord still hitched to the plow.
The services have all been joy-filled, fun, if one dares call a memorial fun; filled with “Dennis” stories, tears, laughter (of course, this is Dennis we’re talking about), and lots and lots and lots of singing. They were what we had hoped for; reunions, and all the joy that goes with such an event. In that, Dennis was honored.
We scattered his ashes in a beautiful patch of green Montana prairie that rests up against our beloved Sweetgrass Hills. The land had been part of the first land purchased for Dennis and his brothers by their dad. It was late in the afternoon by the time we arrived, a dusty caravan of friends and family coursing our way there over miles of graveled farm roads. Shadows were beginning to form in the folds of the Hills, making them feel more breathtaking and present than ever. The heat of the day was waning and a slight breeze came down off the Hills just barely stirring the grass every now and again.
None of us were quite sure how to go about this and for a moment we looked at one another rather awkwardly. Finally, someone led out with a couple of Scripture choruses from the “early” days, “This is the day that the Lord has made” and “Thy Loving Kindness is better than life”. Slowly, we reached into the urn and took small handfuls of ashes, letting them trail into the grass as we walked or casting them into the small breeze. Montana twilights are long and there was no rush….not with this precious time. Some of us returned time and again to fill our hands with ashes and scatter, pray, weep, hug one another, laugh, or just visit together. Our three grandsons, who had also joined in the scattering, soon took to romping in the prairie like lions, often almost disappearing in the tall grass. It seemed that no one really wanted to leave. It was too lovely, too peaceful. However, finally we drew the journey to a close, singing the first verse of “How Great Thou Art”, a reading of Ps 121, and prayer.
I would like to share what some farm neighbors wrote on their condolence card. How suitable their words:
There is no easy way to say this:
The pain, sorrow, the grief is real.
Speaking of real, Dennis was real.
When he talked about those kid and
Started to cry; that was real.
When he talked about the fathers
That weren’t fathers, he was angry;
That was real.
When he worshipped; he really worshipped;
That was real.
We will miss the real father, brother, husband,
Grandfather and friend; he was real.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, whence cometh my help.
My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth
Psalm 121.1-2
Our final “road trip” with Dennis came to a wonderful conclusion on the prairies of northern Montana where it all began over 30 years ago. It was a full circle that embraced a good share of the globe before it was over. Who would have known, all those years ago, that this farm kid would touch lives and hearts in countries as far away as Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Thailand and ultimately give his final twenty years to the infants of the Philippines?
But, when you come to think of it, kids were always his thing. When he was principal of the Christian school in our home church in Sunburst, MT, who was being a very un-principal-like lion with the younger kids up on the second floor? Noon hours usually ended amid shrieks and squeals as Mr. Gunderson, down on all fours, chased delighted kindergarteners, roaring with a fierce “Ra-a-ar!” as the rest of the staff stood below and just smiled and shook their heads.
In the Philippines, as he walked along village streets and beaches, went into the markets, rode in the jeepneys, enjoyed a burger in McDonalds, wherever he was, if there were kids there, he and they were attracted to each other. And, sure enough, here would come the “gagumba” (spider), or “lamok” (mosquito) that always ended up in a tickle and a yelp from a delighted child and elicit a smile from an amused parent.
As we have listened intently to others speak of his life during the four services for him, the two in Manila, and the two in Montana, there were numerous themes that emerged again and again; his unshakeable commitment to the work that God had called him, his dogged if not always elegant perseverance, his passion for children, his love for the lost, his delight in all sorts of music, his love for and belief in family, and his determination to trust God thoroughly. Once he put his hand to the plow, he never looked back. And, he went to be with his Lord still hitched to the plow.
The services have all been joy-filled, fun, if one dares call a memorial fun; filled with “Dennis” stories, tears, laughter (of course, this is Dennis we’re talking about), and lots and lots and lots of singing. They were what we had hoped for; reunions, and all the joy that goes with such an event. In that, Dennis was honored.
We scattered his ashes in a beautiful patch of green Montana prairie that rests up against our beloved Sweetgrass Hills. The land had been part of the first land purchased for Dennis and his brothers by their dad. It was late in the afternoon by the time we arrived, a dusty caravan of friends and family coursing our way there over miles of graveled farm roads. Shadows were beginning to form in the folds of the Hills, making them feel more breathtaking and present than ever. The heat of the day was waning and a slight breeze came down off the Hills just barely stirring the grass every now and again.
None of us were quite sure how to go about this and for a moment we looked at one another rather awkwardly. Finally, someone led out with a couple of Scripture choruses from the “early” days, “This is the day that the Lord has made” and “Thy Loving Kindness is better than life”. Slowly, we reached into the urn and took small handfuls of ashes, letting them trail into the grass as we walked or casting them into the small breeze. Montana twilights are long and there was no rush….not with this precious time. Some of us returned time and again to fill our hands with ashes and scatter, pray, weep, hug one another, laugh, or just visit together. Our three grandsons, who had also joined in the scattering, soon took to romping in the prairie like lions, often almost disappearing in the tall grass. It seemed that no one really wanted to leave. It was too lovely, too peaceful. However, finally we drew the journey to a close, singing the first verse of “How Great Thou Art”, a reading of Ps 121, and prayer.
I would like to share what some farm neighbors wrote on their condolence card. How suitable their words:
There is no easy way to say this:
The pain, sorrow, the grief is real.
Speaking of real, Dennis was real.
When he talked about those kid and
Started to cry; that was real.
When he talked about the fathers
That weren’t fathers, he was angry;
That was real.
When he worshipped; he really worshipped;
That was real.
We will miss the real father, brother, husband,
Grandfather and friend; he was real.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, whence cometh my help.
My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth
Psalm 121.1-2
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Dennis Gunderson
Dennis Jay Gunderson, 62, of Chester, MT, passed away May 16, 2007 in Manila, Philippines. Born January 15, 1945, in Great Falls, MT, he was the son of the late Douglas Gunderson and Josephine Plank Gunderson. He attended elementary school at Bear’s Den, graduated Valedictorian from Joplin High School (1962) and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in History from Montana State University (1967).
Raised on the family farm north of Chester, he was a son of the soil.
Following University he taught history, economics, and typing at Monroe Senior High School, Monroe, WA. He returned to the family farm in 1969. He was called to full time ministry in 1974 which led him throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Thailand and finally to the Philippines in 1987. He founded “the little children’s home” in Manila in 1991 and continued to serve the children until his death. He was a man of humor, love of music and passion for the children. He was a cool man.
He is survived by his wife Jeri Keye Huffman Gunderson, son Daniel Gunderson and wife, Teresa, grandson Gabriel; daughter Sara Gunderson; daughter Deborah Gunderson Gustafson and husband, Darren, grandsons Aubrey and Auden; son Joel Gray Gunderson and wife, Jena, grandchild to be; daughter Mary Gunderson; son Paul Gunderson. Brother Dale Gunderson and wife, Lanea; sister Judy Gunderson; brother Leonard Gunderson and wife, Katheryn; brother-in-law Kevin O’Neil. He is also survived by nieces Vicki Gunderson Weimer, Whitney Gunderson Wright and Stacie Gunderson Mason, nephews Randy Gunderson, Darryn Gunderson, Chad Gunderson, Ryan Gunderson, Scott Gunderson and Joshua O’Neil, uncle and aunt, Fred and Ruth Plank Barrett; aunt Mary Plank Mattson, and cousins Carolyn Barrett Dolderer, Don Gunderson, Gail McClellan Kaiakamanu, Gloria McClellan Thorson, Carl Mattson, Jodi Mattson
He was preceded in death by his sister Robin Gunderson O'Neil, niece Valerie Gunderson, cousin Monte Barrett, aunt and uncle Esther Gunderson McClellan and Ed McClellan, and uncles Eddie Gunderson and George Mattson.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 30th, 2007, at the Church On the Rock in Sunburst, MT and 1:30 p.m., Monday, July 2nd, 2007 at the Assembly of God Church in Chester, MT.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Thursday Memorial Service
It is still hard for me to really realize that Dad is no longer with us on earth. One thing that I do know is that through this time of pain and sorrow we have also felt great joy and love.
During the Thursday night memorial service and cremation we felt God's presence as we laughed, sang, reflected, worshipped, hugged, cried, and lifted our hearts to the Lord. As we said "Goodbye" to Dad here on earth, we felt the Doors of Heaven open up to receive a faithful servant. Dad, we love you and miss you already.
Dad
Transition is never easy, especially when it is thrust upon you unexpectedly. For us, it came upon us this May. On May 16, Dad passed away. His death left us all stunned, but still having to keep going.
While we miss the work he put into this ministry, what is most keenly felt is the absence of his presence. Others will do the work, but no one else can be Dad.
Please keep the family and the ministry in your prayers.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
At Shiphrah Bahay Paanakan (Birthing Home), we see education as a key element of care that we provide for the pregnant women in our community. We offer a seminar from 9 to 10 A.M on each of our prenatal days (Tuesday,Wednesday, and Thursday). Usually between 30-60 women attend each day. To graduate, one has to attend all 9 of the classes. It is a lot of time and money for the ladies to come. Traveling to the birthing home could cost as much as $1 for a round trip and that is a lot for most of the expentant mothers who come to Shiphrah.
We celebrate the women's faithfullness and sacrifices with a party at the end...Graduation Day. Great fun is had by all in playing games, sharing special numbers and testimonies, and of course food. No party, especially a Filipino party, would be complete without food.
Thank you to those who have donated baby clothes and blankets. We give a gift of a baby layette to each graduating mom.
love,
deborah
Check out our blog:http://www.gustafson-family.blogspot.com
We celebrate the women's faithfullness and sacrifices with a party at the end...Graduation Day. Great fun is had by all in playing games, sharing special numbers and testimonies, and of course food. No party, especially a Filipino party, would be complete without food.
Thank you to those who have donated baby clothes and blankets. We give a gift of a baby layette to each graduating mom.
love,
deborah
Check out our blog:http://www.gustafson-family.blogspot.com
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
A Note from Pari
Following is an excerpt from an email I just received from Pari two days ago. The word "Nay" is what she calls me (Jeri). It means Mom.
"Yesterday my pastorand I are open my house room with prayer, and now Ihave one student, she is our relative and she comingfrom Tiau ( which is near India)and some girls fromour place also going to learn.Nay now I have ready for all the women who want tocome and give birth inmy house, my husband want togive a name for Mercy birthing home, but for me eventhere is no name that is ok. Nay it look so nice, onebad, one long bench, small desk and beautifulcurtains. I have enough gloves andmedicine,instruments, now only i need is your prayerwhich is nobody will not dead in my house (room).Maybeone day I will take a picture and I will sent you. Ithink it is better rent a house than doing in myhouse, now I feel very happy.Thanks for all the things.God bless you.Love Pari"
Saturday, March 10, 2007
The Vikings Have Landed
When we received the email that the Wehus family from Norway would be visiting the Philippines with their three children....all from the little children's home, we were more than thrilled. The eldest, Isak, is a teenager....impossible we thought....it couldn't have been that many years ago.... then Elias almost a teen, and the youngest, Hanna Joy. They are an amazing family, venturing with great gusto up north to Baguio and down south to Bohol, wanting the children to see what a beautiful place the land of their birth is. We've so enjoyed their company these past few weeks as they've popped in and out of Manila on their way through to yet another part of the country.
As Gundersons we have a special bonding to Norway, the land of Dennis' grandparent's birth. Turns out that Terjes' and Dennis' families both come from the same remote mountain valley and we are the most distant of cousins, sharing a common ancestor on Dennis' grandfather's side in the 1500s. Doesn't that beat all?
They are truly special people and very dear to us. What a wonderful blessing to see them again.
In the posted picuture is Deborah, Grandson Auden, and the Wehus family, Asa, Hanna, Isak, Elias, and Terje standing in front of the little children's home. Hanna said, on her first or second visit, she would like to come back and work a tlc home. Wouldn't that be something?
For some great reading and pics check out the blog that Darren and Deborah have created:
Friday, March 2, 2007
Amber Update
A quick update on Amber. She is gaining weight steadily. From a sorry 0.97 kg when we first got her almost 6 weeks ago, she now weighs in at 1.89 kg. Leny, tlc home Supervisor says the little mite is going through a whole can of Pre-Nan a week! Yea!
Here she is in a familiar pose with Careworker Bing. Eating, always eating. Well, when you start life behind the 8-Ball......
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