I am a CPT Reservist (part-timer), am married, in my mid-60s, mother of two young adults – a son and a daughter. I was raised in an Old Order Amish family in Goshen, Indiana. I am now a Canadian citizen and a member of Valleyview Mennonite Church in London, Ontario. I graduated from Goshen College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. I completed a thirty four year nursing career as a Nurse Manager, a Clinical Nursing Instructor of University of Western Ontario, an Employee Relations Officer, and a Registered Nurse Recruiter.

Where have you worked?

• Delegations in Grassy Narrows/Kenora, Colombia, and Middle East
• USA/Mexico Borderlands, based in Douglas, Arizona
• Grassy Narrows/Kenora in Northwest Ontario
• Hebron, West Bank
• Numerous public witness events - "Shine the Light" Campaign in Toronto and Washington DC, SOA event at Fort Benning, Georgia, other events in North Carolina, Indiana, and Ottawa, Ontario
• Volunteer work in the Chicago office.
• Numerous presentations for churches, and other groups and gatherings. On planning committee for Peace Congress.

How did you get involved?

In 1997, I started participating in humanitarian aid/medical missions to Russia, Cuba, and Honduras, with a growing awareness of economic injustice, systemic racism, white privilege, human rights violations, the politics of power and control, and the ways in which violence is used as means of resolving conflict. Material aid provides short term relief, but does not address underlying causes. Friends of mine were involved in CPT and with their encouragement, inspiration and example, I decided to join.

What attracted you?

CPT expressed a congruence between my faith and belief in Jesus' call to be peacemakers. I was also drawn to the inclusive nature of CPT in welcoming people of faith. Growing up in one of the traditional peace churches made the transition to CPT a "natural fit."

Why are you doing this work?

It is a way of putting my faith into action, moving from being an academic arm chair peacemaker to actively 'getting in the way.' It is a matter of faithful obedience.

What does your support community think about your work?

My faith community is very supportive, and welcome regular reports while I am on project, and presentations when I return. My immediate family have trepidations about my involvement, but are supportive, knowing that I love what I am doing, that I thrive on challenge, and will continue to go outside of my comfort zone, and push out my growing edges.

An inspirational story from your work:

"Maria" was wandering alone in the hot summer sun, in the ditch beside the massive USA/Mexico border wall. The rest of her group had abandoned her because she had leg cramps, one of the first symptoms of dehydration, and she could not keep up the rapid pace. She had no food, water, or money when CPT members found her, near the site where they had been holding a three day fast along the border wall. Maria's only possession was her New Testament which she clutched to her chest. She was immediately given water and bread, then driven back to the CPT apartment for additional food and shelter, while arrangements were made for transportation to a nearby city where her husband was waiting for her. As she departed, Maria gave CPT a gift of thanks, the only item she had left to give: her black nylon Nike ball cap. The cap now hangs on my bookshelf as a reminder that the unforgiving Sonora desert has been denied yet another victim, and that "in as much as you have done it for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it unto me."

What are the most challenging things about this work?

In the face of sometimes enormous odds, I wonder if what we do actually makes a difference, or changes anything. And yet there are constant reminders that if nothing else, we bring hope to the communities with whom we stand in solidarity. Being immersed into a completely different culture and language is a challenge, yet so enriching as we are warmly welcomed, and learn so much about the people and their history. While we may have daily encounters with risk, danger and violence, we know that we have been trained to deal effectively with these situations, and have made the commitment to get in the way.

What would you tell someone interested in CPT to consider before joining?

Be prepared for a move out of the comfortable pew and experience a radical transformation in their spiritual and personal life.

What else would you like to share?

"You must be the change you want to see in the world". -Mahatma Gandhi