I worked at Cairn University for 6 years. Working there had a big impact on my life.  I had the privileged to work alongside of and for many people I respect greatly, especially my first boss, who only ended up being my boss for ten months.

I remember interviewing with Lisa.  I knew going into the interview that I had to tell them that if I got the job, I would not be able to start right away due to the fact that I would be leading a short term mission trip to Africa.  This didn’t seem to bother my soon-to-be boss and I could tell rather than that being a bother to her, she was excited for me.  This was just the first of many ways Lisa was incredible and why she had such a profound impact on my life.

Once I started working (after the trip to Africa) I saw that Lisa had a joy for life and that people loved to be around her.  She brought out the best in people.  She was encouraging and also wasn’t afraid to be hard on people, knowing they needed to be pushed and that it was best for them in the long run.  She saw my potential and helped me to see my potential.  I loved the fact that Lisa was my boss! However, after I had been working at Cairn for ten months Lisa was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive cancer. In three short weeks Lisa went home to be with her Savior. I so wish I had more time with her.  To learn from her and follow her example.  However, something that was said at Lisa’s funeral has stuck with me.  “Lisa was a citizen of the world” when I heard that, I loved it.  You see, Lisa had been a missionary and lived overseas and she hadn’t just seen places, she got to know people.  People impacted her and she impacted others.

I keep that saying tucked away in my head because I want it to be true about myself.  I want to know the world, and more importantly be impacted by the people I meet. As we moved to Panama I realized it was a step in that direction.  Since we have moved here I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be  a part of an international community. To daily, do life and walk with people not only from Panama, but all over the world. I have no doubt that these relationships make my life richer.

As I become a citizen of the world, I want to know the stories of the people I meet. I want to be a part of their life and learn with them.  As Lisa impacted my life and the lives of many others, I hope to do the same.