Rivendell

This past week was spent back in the US, listening, learning and re-connecting.  It is difficult to express how blessed I am by the amazing people God has brought into my life – people on every side and from various backgrounds and perspectives who understand my calling and encourage me in such profound and unimaginable ways.  I had not anticipated the generosity and support of so many.

This, of course, begins with my family.  I’ve written previously about my immediate family, and I will again from time to time.  But the kind support of my extended family was really beyond my expectation.  We shared the decision making process with John and Maxine over the holidays, and I was so encouraged by their support.  Likewise, my parents also gave us their blessing and committed to pray. 



Tim and Emily

Last weekend, we were together with the Olsen family at Perrot State Park near Trempeleau, Wisconsin.  For fifteen years, we have gathered at Perrot on Memorial Day weekend – my parents and the families of their three children.  It is an anticipated tradition with so many wonderful memories tied to these gatherings.  The park was beautiful as always.  The lush green of spring, the swelling river, the crisp morning air, a gentle rain during the night.  My oldest niece, Emily, was engaged to be married at Perrot this year, and we celebrated with her and her fiancé, Tim.  We recognized and honored my parents’ upcoming 50^th wedding anniversary.  Deb and Jeff organized another fantastic race with challenges, and clues, and competitive banter.  A sporting football game with Jeff, Hudson, Nathan, Matthias and neighboring kids from another campsite.  A seven mile run at dawn with Ron and Josh.  A family hike to the top of Brady’s Bluff and a slow descent with Josh and Marni as we stopped to listen to wood thrushes and rose-breasted grosbeaks.  Card games with My Linh.  Saturday morning pancake breakfast.  A long walk with Carrie. 

It was sad breaking down tents on Monday, knowing that we will miss Perrot in the coming years… it felt a little like leaving the Shire.

Tuesday and Wednesday I visited Pioneer in Johnston, Iowa.  My graduate school colleague, Tabare Abadie hosted the visit.  I am fortunate to have very supportive contacts in the seed industry.  We are, at CIMMYT, continually trying to improve our breeding programs and I am very grateful to have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of private sector colleagues who have implemented constructive changes.  Tabare at Pioneer and Walter Trevisan at Monsanto embody this type of collegial support for CIMMYT and what we are trying to achieve.  Both of them are very accomplished professionals with extensive experience managing teams of scientists working on maize improvement internationally.  Both are also very helpful, generous, and constructive.

Thursday and Friday I visited the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  I was invited to share some thoughts on technology implementation in maize breeding by Brian Love, a friend and former colleague who is currently a program officer at the Gates Foundation.  The Gates Foundation visit was impressive.  So many talented professionals focused on improving the lives of the impoverished and vulnerable.  It was humbling to meet experienced scientists and economists with a sharp focus on improving the livelihoods of small holder farmers.  I left with a clear understanding of the commitment and support of the people at the Gates Foundation.  They not only invest in what we do, they think critically and strategize about how to help us become more effective.

Friday afternoon, I drove south to Tacoma to visit my college friends Nils and Julie Luckman.  It was so refreshing to see Nils and Julie.  They have such a vibrant relationship and a beautiful family.  There is a wonderful simplicity and practicality about their lives.  They serve and love their family and their community with joy and laughter.  It was an oasis of kindness to visit them again after so many years.  We drove up into the mountains, had dinner together, and walked through the town of Puyallup at dusk.  All of the best qualities of these two dear friends have only intensified with time.

I also stumbled unexpectedly into the hospitality and kindness of Stewart and Marilyn Luckman, Nils’ parents.  Stewart and Marilyn live just around the corner from Nils and Julie, and they opened their home to me and offered me their spare room for the weekend.  I remembered Stewart Luckman from my time at Bethel College as an imposing figure, strong-willed and quite unique, a free-thinking sculptor and art professor, and I had no remembrance of Marilyn.  I had no prior context for the exceedingly warm welcome I received.

As I was describing my vocation and the journey that my family is upon, I met with the most sincere and enthusiastic support from the Luckmans.  The Luckman home sits on a steep hillside, surrounded closely by beautiful spruce trees on three sides.  Stewart and I talked for several hours on the deck outside their kitchen, sunshine filtering through the trees while towhees and kinglets were singing nearby.  Stewart talked about his experiences and perspectives on reconciliation and calling.  Marilyn shared wisdom from her long experience as a school administrator – insights into focusing and motivating teams toward a common goal.  I was so blessed and strengthened by these two saints as I enjoyed the tranquility of their home.  Marilyn gave me a book to help me find points of connection with people of other faiths as I traveled. 

Several years ago, my genetics professor and mentor, Weldon Jones, died unexpectedly at age 51.  I remember reflecting upon Weldon and writing that there is no greater honor or accolade than the affirmation of someone you deeply admire and respect.  Dr. Jones gave me confidence to do things I likely would not have tried.  He inspired me in a simple and profound way.  Meeting the Luckmans this past weekend reminded me again of the power of blessing, how the affirmation of those you admire inspires you to new heights.  It was providential to come into fellowship with Stewart and Marilyn and to reconnect with Nils and Julie at this juncture in life.  The challenges ahead seem less significant than the joy of the path forward.

 “I smiled on them when they had no confidence, and the light of my countenance they did not cast down.”  Job 29:24