From Strangers to Friends

Winifred Green

April 2009

Retiring! Another new culture? We had already faced unusual cultures in the Sudan, Belgian Congo, Algeria, England and France in our missionary experiences.

Another new county in the USA? We had lived in Delaware County, Chester County and now Lancaster County. Would we be able to cope with all these changes in our advanced age?

My husband Dallas had been searching for a "final nesting place" for us in Lancaster County because so many of our friends had moved to this area. We had never heard of Landis Homes but after careful investigation we were confident of God's direction to move here. In fact, we were one of the first to move into Harvest View after its opening in January 1995.

Because we were unknown, I wanted to get to know folks. I invited 6-8 residents at a time for "a cuppa" tea. I asked each one to briefly share their life itinerary, and that proved to be a great way for us to meet new friends. One of the fun things that resulted from these informal times was that we were introduced to the "Mennonite Game."

Dallas started the Keenagers Computer Club and originated ideas for residents to help each other with their various needs. He preached in West Bethany from time to time. However a little after 3½ years, God transferred him to Glory. It has not been easy being alone after 50 years of marriage, but God used me to start "GriefShare" here and I helped to facilitate the group for a number of years, which helped me to cope with my own grief.

For over 30 years I had been traveling in the States and many countries of Europe teaching some of the practical things of the Bible as they related to women. I truly wondered if I'd ever be asked to teach at Landis Homes since no one knew me or what my ministry had been.

The first invitation came asking me to speak at the dedication of Harvest View! Then I was asked to give breakfast devotions in the East dining room. It soon followed for me to lead Bible Studies in Harvest View apartments. When we outgrew there, I taught in the Harvest Room where 50 chairs were put up each week and most were filled. Leading Bible Class in West Bethany and then going to East Bethany for four to five weeks at a time was very challenging, yet extremely rewarding.

God has been gracious to give a great response at each occasion, whether small or great. Many recognize me from being on WLH-TV 13 and that has been another way of meeting people. I've learned so much from you folks about farming, cooking, family life and many other different ways. We were strangers when we moved here, but you have welcomed us and have become very dear friends. I thank my God continually for bringing us here.

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