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Have I Been a Good Neighbor?

Posted on March 19, 2023March 20, 2023 by Pam

I don’t know if titles are as interesting when they end in a question mark. I have had the pleasure of visiting Florence, Italy – a dream come true. Originally, it was a plan to visit after my DTS and spend some time with one of my sisters. A back injury changed that course but I am still here wondering if I have been a good neighbor. I just enjoyed a roof-top lunch on a cloudy day. I accidentally ordered sushi again – aarg! It was still spectacular and an unforgettable afternoon. I have learned to carry a book with me for these solitary moments but skipped that today so I could relish the view. I focused on the cross above the gold ball atop the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. It is a medieval cathedral with iconic and elegant giotto tower, colored marble facade and it’s red-tiled dome. We are talking 1200 AD. It has been a landmark for me because I can always find my way home, unless on a narrow street (quite often the case) surrounded by other tall buildings!

This cross overlooks a lost city. Did I bring light and hope? What did I do differently from any other tourist? Being polite does not save people. Tipping does not. Allowing someone to cut the line (I’m not good at that)? Saying “bless you” to the sneezer across the walkway. Being respectful to hotel employees is not enough either. There is a language barrier and I did make the acquaintance (new friends) of some Americans but I mentioned God, the mission trip I have been on, but not much beyond. No deep conversation in ten days. Mostly rest. Now back to the topic of works. I want to share about Jesus because I love to and because there is hope for everyone. Truth should ooze out of my pores but it doesn’t. It is awkward. How to transition from natural exchanges, somewhat casual, to faith in a city that survives on the draw of tourists to the art honoring Jesus. Am I an accidental tourist or an accidental evangelist? The film of that title, “The Accidental Tourist”, is about loss and recovery. I’d rather be an evangelist, directing people to the answer to every question. The fact that I want to do this better is hopeful. In the meanwhile – loving Florence and it’s people. I will miss you…

"Thoughts from a genuinely evaluative mind."

Pam writes so that must make her a writer. Recently retired, she can now fill days with family, friends, missions, writing, creating, and showing up for whomever needs her. Pam loves the Lord and people. The Bible is God’s love letter to us (and who does not need more love) so she studies and writes some more.

Pam lives in the Pacific Northwest but was home-grown in Southern California. She attended San Jose Bible College and finished a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry at UCLA. She became a teacher, then a Research and Development Chemist, then she built two successful real estate businesses in two states. Pam also pursued study at Fuller Theological Seminary and just completed six months serving in missions abroad.

Pam has two amazing children, married to two precious in-laws, and five sweet grandchildren. Pam is a gifted connector and communicator and the Northwest has the perfect climate for staying inside and writing – or baking! She has been writing since a wee one and is currently converting many years of blogging, by topic, into ten books. The first is a collection from 2011 titled, Beautiful Enough. The second is a yearly day-timer titled, Weekly Planner - Lessons in Life, Glory, and Grace. Number three is in progress with the working title, Christmas Today.

Ten facts about Pam in no particular order:

  1. On the team that developed an insulation for the Alaskan oil pipeline.
  2. Loves looking at homes, decorating, and has flipped five homes.
  3. Likes being tall.
  4. Films have helped define her vocabulary.
  5. Comes from Colorado tenement farmers with history traced to Wales.
  6. Was lost but now is found.
  7. Baking makes her happy – as does eating sweets with coffee, of course.
  8. She thinks mission work is the most important work in the world.
  9. The church started in Rome so she is learning Italian.
  10. Pam is a work in progress!

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” Isaiah 46:4

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