Old friend from Panama

Tonight (technically yesterday by one minute here), we had supper with Dan, who I used to hang out with when I was a young grad student at Wheaton. Among other claims to fame, Dan was a roommate of Todd Beamer during his last year at Wheaton. But even more important than that, he was an usher in our wedding 8 1/2 years ago. Since then, I've gotten to see him a couple of times in Paris since then, including once with his wife.

We've been friends for 20 years now. After working for in finances for a major U.S. airline, he moved with his wife and young family to Panama (where he was raised) to work with a national airline.

It was good to catch up over events of the last few years. We've had some convergence in recent years over things like love for children (he has 5), reading, and the direction of our spiritual pilgrimages. We see God as One who actively speaks into situations today and heals today. As the years go by in our cross-cultural ministry adventure, it's good to have some fellow pilgrims like Dan who are with us over the long haul.