Bon Voyage

To be printed in the Roseburg News Review on 14 January 2014:

Since it is time for me to go on to my next adventure, I have been waxing nostalgic for several columns now. Writing this column came about when my pal Richard Packham was doing local theatre reviews and asked me if I would sub for him.  I laughed at the idea, saying something like “Richard, I write like I talk, way too many words.”  But his request got my wheels turning. Then my friend Bill Duncan invited me to write a travel column.  I accepted and it has been a great ride.  Bill has been gone two years now to the big editorial room in the sky. But Bill, you need to know that Tricia Jones has taken good care of me; she has been a lot more patient with me than you ever were and much more complimentary, but you taught me many things and I will forever be grateful to you.  I miss you buddy. 

To those who have traveled with me:  we have had some grand times together.  Lots of surprises, most of which were wonderful.  Thank you for your spirit of adventure but mostly thank you for your friendship.  I hold you deeply in my heart.

To my readers, especially those who took a moment to give me some feedback, thank you.  I will never forget Adele’s note saying that she was terminally ill but had found comfort and enjoyment in reading of my adventures.  She allowed me to come to her home to visit her just a few days prior to her departure from this world.  What a privilege.

To my daughters and bonus sons (some of you call them sons-in-law), we have great memories of our travels together but you have given me the greatest trip of all--the invitation to be by your sides at the births of your children.  No words can express my joy and appreciation.

To my husband Ro, again, no words.  Nearly 43 years, hundreds of thousands of miles traveled, four children, ups and downs, joys and sorrows.  But he is willing to take another journey with me as we go now to serve the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for 18 months as humanitarian missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon).

I have been asked why we would do such a thing.  The answer is simple--we want to serve others as the Lord has reminded us in my favorite Bible verse, Matthew 25:40: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

We have the privilege of helping the people of the DRC, whether members of our church or not, obtain clean water, be vaccinated against diseases, receive neonatal resuscitation techniques, wheelchairs and vision care, learn new food production and storage ideas, and do whatever else we can for them. 

I am also asked if I am afraid to go to the Congo, and I am not.  I have travelled to eight other countries on the African continent on nine separate occasions.  I have found pure joy in the very small humanitarian projects I have participated in. I love the people, I love their culture, and more than any other of the 72 countries to which I have traveled, when my feet touch the ground in Africa, I feel as if I am home.   Now it is time to tackle something big, as I want to do all I can to help these people for the next 18 months.

What can you do for me?  Two things.  First, when you hear of people in desperate circumstances, whether in this country or other parts of the world, don’t just shake your head and say “that is so sad.”  Instead, find a reputable organization and make a donation--even $5 can go a long ways.  Next, whenever you see those young Mormon missionaries around town, give them a smile and a wave.  Stop to chat with them and tell them that you have a friend who is also serving a mission for their church in the DR Congo. 

Meanwhile, keep your eyes on this space in the newspaper. Tricia Jones says that if I send a column from the Congo once in a while she will print it. 

My email address remains the same as at the bottom of this column.  One of our daughters is going to maintain a blog for us, and if you would like to know where to find it, just drop me an email.  We would be honored if you were to keep up with our projects and adventures.  au revoir mes chers amis.

 

Gloria Johnson is a world traveler and humanitarian missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She can be contacted at gloriousideas@hotmail.com.