Dear Gary,
I have been following your journey with Evelyn during her illness. It has been a long time since
we communicated with you, but I have prayed for you and Evelyn during this difficult time.
I have been touched by the stories you shared on internet, and appreciate your wonderful care-giving and
total attention to her..
I remember in Missionary Orientation at Pine Mountain, GA, what a great time we shared. Both of you
were a blessing to Leslie and me during those memorable days. I know that your missionary service was
meaningful and a blessing to all with whom you worked. We had a wonderful 5 years with IMB, and
unexpectedly had to resign near the end of our first furlough, due to Leslie's health. He developed
very high blood pressure while in the Bahamas. God had other mission fields in Texas where we
served from 1981 - 1998.
I have been retired here in Waco, living in my family's missionary home, for the past 16 years. My dearest
Leslie departed for heaven in a split-second highway accident as we were changing drivers near Ft. Worth, TX.
on June 27, 1998. He was hit while preparing to enter the driver's side door by a huge waste disposal truck,
and while I looked out the passenger window, I saw him hurled out on the highway. He was killed instantly,
and I suffered a major heart atttack from shock. The little church in Arlington, TX. where he was pastoring
was so loving and wonderful to me for the 3 months I stayed there. I felt a need to leave Arlington and move
to Waco, as we were only 6 months from retirement and moving here.
God has blessed me with wonderful friends and a loving church, which has been the main focus of my life.
I teach Adult women's SS, sing in the choir and Joyful Sound ladies ensemble, and love teaching ESL with
our International ministry, and mentoring in Kid's Hope USA with a little Hispanic girl 13 years old. I have
shared with her once a week for the past 5 years. WMU and service in the Baptist Assn. have kept me
involved in missions.
My 3 sons, Robert, David and Paul, are all happily married and have added 5 grandsons and 3 grandaughters
to our family. What joy!
Know that my memories of you both are always beautiful, and bless me still.
My love in Christ, and prayers for you,
Eleanor Davis