A Retirement, but not a Goodbye

RMI held a retirement party for missionaries, Gary and Marilyn McLaughlin, on May 11, 2013 in Lehigh Acres, FL.  We were happy they were able to stop by on their way home from the field.  It was a sweet time of fellowship and special to hear their stories of some of their most memorable, touching and funny stories.

Many people saw them off at the airport in Cayes, Haiti.  Here they are at Agape Flights in Venice, FL after that emotional send off.
They faithfully served in Haiti for 9 years.  Gary was a team facilitator, worked with the Homes for Haiti building teams, helped out in maintaining our vehicles and facilities and so many, many more things.  Marilyn served in the Hope for Kidz sponsorship program.  When she started, there were about 800 kids sponsored.  Now there are almost 2,000! 
We celebrated them with a yummy rib dinner at the home of RMI President, Dan Shoemaker. 
Left to right: Dan Shoemaker, Gary and Marilyn McLaughlin, Barb and Kim Rose, John and Linda Garner (RMI Board members from Ft. Lauderdale), Herb and Shirley Shoemaker and Frances and Craig Archer (RMI’s new graphic artist).  Also present was Debbie Shoemaker.














They were given a Garmin GPS – so they’d always know where they are going in life …. and a special plaque from RMI recognizing their sacrificial service in Haiti. 
They did an amazing job and many, many lives were transformed because of their willingness to be there during the tough times (earthquakes, included!) and the – well, it can’t really be said that there are “easy times” when one is a missionary in Haiti!  We are very grateful for them and the impact they had on RMI’s ministries in Haiti.
We aren’t saying goodbye, though.  After they settle in at their cabin in Packwood, WA (for those of you who don’t know, that’s in the shadow of Mt. St. Helens), Gary will continue to minister with RMI part time as RMI’s Northwest representative.  It will be great to have his experience with RMI in Haiti continue to be used for God’s glory.