We met our old friends the Downings at Good Shepherd School in Ethiopia in the '70s before either of us had any kids. Steve later recruited them for Brazil, not knowing we would move on to Mozambique. They ended up living in "our" house in Campo Grande. When our dear friends from Mozambique, Lucio and Rosalee Guimaraes moved to CG, they struck up a friendship with Downings as well. We had all been close friends for years before we ever were the six of us together. When Downings moved to Rio, they attended the same church as our foster daughter, Queila, adding another close connection.
Now Guimaraes, Hardys and Downings are all retired--in Brazil, in Wisconsin and in Vancouver, Washington. Yesterday we drove down to Downings' church where son Tim is a worship leader. Unfortunately Tim was away playing back-up keyboard for vocalist Natalie Grant, but we got to meet his wife and two kids (who are NOT shy.) Also met Cara's husband and two little ones.
The Downing house is full of Ethiopian baskets, Brazilian lace, wall hangings from Brazil and Africa--just like ours. We have lived in and loved the same places and many of the same people.
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