The Older, Wiser Ones

When we saw our Uncle Rick last month he informed us that he is having trouble picturing us in our new surroundings. He had come to identify us as a part of the ministry we served at for the first two and a half years of our time here. He was struggling to think of us as "World Wide Village" OR "Heartline Ministries".

I want to introduce Rick, and all of you, to the MN faces of "World Wide Village". Pat and Randy Mortensen, are our ministry partners. Pat and Randy handle all of the stateside responsibilities and lead teams to Haiti.

They have been so fun for us to work with and are like a bonus set of parents in some ways. We always have fun when we're with them. Their leadership style gives us freedom and boundaries all at once. If you choose to join our personal-support team, Pat handles our family support money. Randy networks like a whirling-dervish and leaves us with sore heads with all the people he knows.


Beth and John McHoul are our Haiti parents. Beth is my best friend here and John rallies like no one you have ever seen if you are struggling or need help. He also teases to the point of "this is not so funny anymore". But, that is okay ... we can take it and dish it back.

These two understand Haiti and the challenges for an expat living and working here. They are patient, kind, gracious, and generous people. We will likely never be able to pull off their level of goodness.

We are watching them and learning from them and enjoying working under their leadership as we work with Heartline Ministries and their various programs.

Beth and John would probably not like to be called "our bosses" - but like Randy and Pat, they kind of are.

There are lots of great things about all four of them. We have especially appreciated being accepted for who we are. We can share what we think and feel without worrying about their reactions. The funny thing is, we don't think they are all that similar in personality, backgrounds, or talents -- but they are all right where they should be, doing things that God has gifted them to do.

We're blessed to be a part of it all. We hope this helps you "place" us with both ministries.

And also here they are -- our real PARENTS; also older and wiser ... The ones who dealt with all our crap and lived to tell about it. They cover us with prayer and love us even though we up and left them with the majority of their grandkids in tow. We love and appreciate you so much Mom and Dad & Mom and Dad!
Randy & Carolyn Porter -Bob & Karen Livesay