Mennonite
Central
Committee

Twillingate V.S.ers celebrate God's faithfulness

50 years — 1956-2006
Agatha Klassen

When friends and co-workers who have been separated for some time meet, they often hug. There were lots of hugs, even tears of joy, and kisses when 14 former Twillingate VSers (plus 4 spouses and a friend) met at Crooked Creek Christian Camp in Iowa to celebrate their 50th Anniversary.

How does one account for the closeness, the solid lasting friendships that evolved in a group of teachers and nurses that served together in Twillingate for a mere year, two years for some, now spanning 50 years? Some say it was the newsy Round Robin which was first established at Cedar Rapids in 1959. It was to be an interim way of keeping in touch between Reunions and has faithfully made its way once or twice a year to each of our homes scattered across Canada and USA. It was meaningful to hear from friends, their experiences, joys and sorrows, share ideas, values, and books that have impacted their spiritual growth.

And could we ever forget our faithful, energetic team leader, Lois Gugel? Through the years she has been there to encourage us and to keep the flame of remembrance burning brightly.

No doubt our Reunions - 8 in all, have contributed to the bonding of our friendship. It was interesting to see how our various paths led us professionally and otherwise. Our first Reunion was at Cedar Rapids in 1959, next Winnipeg in 1990, Iowa in 1993, B.C. in 1997, Newfoundland in 2000, Calgary in 2002, Akron in 2004, and again Iowa in 2006. At every Reunion we enjoyed wonderful fellowship reminiscing, sometimes laughing as we remembered the good and not so good times. At this, our 50th Anniversary we took time to evaluate our year(s) in Twillingate and how our lives were impacted.

To sum up the testimonials it was quite evident that for each of us Twillingate was a growing and stretching experience.

• Professionally — often facing unfamiliar situations and new challenges
• Socially — appreciation for another culture and a simpler life-style, also forming rich friendships with people we otherwise would not have met.
• Spiritually — It was always a challenge to remember no matter the difficulties, we were serving "In the Name of Christ."

 

A number of people were unable to attend the 50th Anniversary and were greatly missed: Margaret (Harder) Letkeman (1956-57), Noreen (Cressman) Polzin (1956-59), Rachel (Miller) Burkholder (1957-58), Mary Willms (1957-59), & Verna Funk (1958-59).

In a short meaningful Memorial Service we also remembered those who had passed away during the last fifty years: Lydia Byler (1956-57), Betty Rheinford (1956-57), Anne Voth (1956-58) in 1997, Susan Friesen (1957-58) in 2004.

 

Our program at Crooked Creek prepared by Lois Gugel, Erna Enns, and Hedie Janzen consisted of a variety of meaningful, interesting activities including:

• "Fifty years in 5 minutes" brief oral reports about "Life after Twillingate" given by each person present.
• Playing games, exercising, bird watching, lots of reminiscing and visiting.
• Devotions, talent shows, singing "Newfie" songs, videos.
• Field trip to Kalona with a delicious noon meal in an Amish home
• and a visit to a Mennonite Museum and Cheese Factory.
• A mini MCC auction of items donated by the Vsers, the proceeds
• designated for MCC.
• Delicious meals prepared by the Camp Staff and also an abundance of tasty snacks provided by Lois Gugel.

As each party left beautiful Crooked Creek Christian Camp at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 8, the woods around us echoed our farewell song: "God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again."