Partner Like No Other

Two heads are better than one as the saying goes. Sometimes I agree it’s true but I also see that sometimes it’s better to be alone. Since we were kids, partnership is embedded in teaching and training on how we socialize with others. And even it is not being taught, it is the innate of people that magnets partnership. That’s why there are terms “bestfriend”, “boyfriend/girlfriend”, “spouse”, “partner”, and the like. The Lord knows the dynamic of partnership that’s why when Jesus sent the seventy two, He sent them by pairs… And when He called me to mission, He has given me a partner to serve in Grenada. A lot of thoughts came to me when I learn that I’ll be working with someone who is somehow the end pole of me. Since it’s her 25th birthday today, let me share her story and our story together. A tribute to a partner like no other.  

American. Yeah, she is white American. Tall. Blonde hair. Western. In culture, race, color and height, we are different. But what can I do? I was destined to work with this person for 17 months! We have no choice. We can’t send each other back home or somewhere else but accept that we will be “partners in mission” or maybe “partners in crime”.

Naughty or Nice? “She seems nice” I said to myself when I was observing her during our training. She is quiet though. Maybe she rarely spoke her mind as others are overcrowding the discussion, but I saw her confidence even while listening. And I know she made an effort to be nicer to me knowing we’ll be together.

Not-so-ordinary days were the next we had after we landed on the West Indies.  On weekdays at 9:00am or so I was calling her name, sat with her at the bus to the office, work with her for the whole day, and even extend some hours at night to debrief some things or just hang out with one another, with some kids or friends. The more that I get to know her, the more I admire the masterpiece in our reach.

She is a work of Art.  She is a collision of right and left hemispheres of the brain. A very intellectual woman, graduated with honors in college, a champion of minute math (and math as a whole), gifted in grammar and words as she is very competitive with banana grams (wink), eloquent in speech and a writer. She is also an enthusiast of art. She’s very creative. Our classes, both in after-school-class and Sunday school with kids, were dynamic because of the crafts and activities we did when she prepared or innovated.

But one thing I admire the most, she is a Jesus-lover. She took a brave step to leave her comfort zone and serve the Lord somewhere she didn’t know. We have moments that we just sit down and talk about our faith. Growing up was not easy for her and her family but she chose to love the Lord than ignore Him. And that love she has is radiating and inspiring others even the non-believers.

My partner is Outstanding. She strives to excel in all things. She makes sure that all things are in place which is very helpful in the ministry. She is amazing in handling boys and girls and more boys when they crowd her place at night. A great source of encouragement and affirmation. She is an awesome cook and baker. Very good in connecting with people near and far. A woman of nature, a hiker, an explorer, an admirer of critters, and a lover of mother earth. And one thing I can’t forget that she is excellent at: keeping the food waste in the fridge to keep the flies until the collection of the garbage is happening. She taught me well. J

One day on our Sunday school, we talked about names and their meanings. I asked her, “what does Anna means?” and she replied “Grace”. Big word, ain’t? I believe that you are your name. I would affirm that she is a manifestation of God’s grace. A woman who believes, cares and loves especially those who were rejected by the society. Somebody who would open doors even to a branded-theft who needs shelter. A woman who forgives and gives second, third or more chances.

Indeed, my friend is an Inspiration. Her life is a testimony that God is good. Her love for the Lord, for her family, friends, co-leagues, her children, the people around her and people not in her circle (may it be in Columbia or Kenya or South Africa) is contagious.

Isn’t she Lovely? It’s not about the whiteness that shines like a diamond what attracts men who want to marry her. It’s not only about being different in the crowd. But she is beautiful inside out. And I believe, the Lord will greatly bless her with a man after God’s own heart as she is a woman the Lord delights. And on her 25th year of existence, I declare blessing, love, joy, peace, grace, perseverance, fruits, and wholeness on this day and the days, months and years to come.

Introvert and Extrovert. A Storyteller and a Craftmaker. American and Filipino. Quiet and Loud. We had our moments of conflicts and disagreements but our joyful moments were more. We may be different in so many ways but the Lord has put us together to fill the gaps that we can fulfill the mission He has for us. I could not ask for another partner to be with in Grenada than her. I have learned so much about life and partnership. My world is a better place because she’s in it. She is a partner like no other. I am Christian Love Daroy, grateful to experience the Love of Christ through Anna Jo Gill. My partner, you are dearly loved from east to west.   

Happy Birthday Anna! J I’m missing you big time! I love you.