On May 29 Daniel graduates from Norway High School, the same academic institution that granted a diploma to both Paula and I 25 years ago.  Fortunately for Daniel few of the teachers that labored to impart their knowledge to me remain.  Like most parents reflecting back on their graduate’s life, we wonder at how the precocious towhead that once painted our bedspread could now be six feet tall with a goatee.  With some more reflection, I realize that we do indeed have 18 years of memories that support the physical evidence before us.

Although Daniel is finishing his education in the US, his experience and education is far from that of the typical High School graduate.  He spent his formative years in the Peruvian jungle attending school barefoot and literally swinging from the trees.  By age six he was averaging one broken bone per year prompting us to wonder if he suffered from a genetic disorder.  The doctor assured us that Daniel’s bones were fine but perhaps there was a something wrong with his sense of self preservation.  His three broken arms came in such rapid succession Daniel learned to write with either hand and only settled on being a lefty at age seven.  Eight years in the Amazon jungle gave us some of our most interesting memories of Daniel, like the time a catfish was impaled on his foot.  Then came four years in the Lima metropolis, and one dangerous year living in the US to complete his education.  His fun loving spirit made him both a favorite and a challenge to his teachers.  He donned white robes and wings as a kindergartener to boldly proclaim the coming of the Savior at the school Christmas pageant. Knowing Daniel’s tendencies, casting him as an angel was risky, but he was the one five year old you could count on to speak boldly.  Daniel could always give the answers to the questions, which made him a star of the quiz team.  If he didn’t know the answer he just made one up – usually a pretty convincing one.  As a teen Daniel found his dad’s guitar and turned the interest into a passion he now uses to relax and bless others.  Many of our memories of Daniel derive from his enjoyment of sports.  What parent can forget helping their son from the softball field after he is knocked out cold fielding a groundball.  We remember jam sessions, pet alligators, fishing trips, school plays, stitches, silly songs composed with input from his brothers and casts, lots of casts.  We thank God for the wonderful young man that has grown out of all these precious memories.  I wish you all could know him too. 

Comments from the Graduate

            As I rapidly approach the culmination of my high school career I try not to look back on it with the attitude of “what did I miss?” but rather, to look back and ask myself, “What didn’t I miss?”  I started to list some of the more memorable moments in my life thus far, but soon found that the list was getting far too lengthy for the purpose of this letter.  I’ve come to realize that the things we do and the places we go are not what really makes us who we are, and only give us a  slight feeling of nostalgia ten years later when we look back on them.  In the end, it was and is those dearest to me who have made my life a most amazing adventure; my family, my friends, and God.  To my brothers:  I love you guys, “A friend loves at all times, but brothers were born for adversity.”  Mom and Dad:  Thanks for encouraging me to persevere in life even when times got tough, and thanks for pulling me kicking and screaming through things even when I didn’t want to go.  God:  You’re awesome! 

About the rest of us

            Paula and I will be returning to Peru in July along with Benjamin and Joel.  Daniel will join Jared at Calvin College in the fall.  Pray for us all as we face transitions.  Pray especially for Daniel as he learns to navigate the college campus as he has the jungle and the streets of Lima.  We are thankful for a successful furlough year which included plenty of time with family, many visits with supporters, and some time to relax.  We are thankful for many of you who have participated with us in the Bible translation task through your prayers and support.  You are an important part of the team.   

            Serving Him with you,

        Jim

Jim & Paula Roberts

Casilla 2492

Lima  100  PERU  South America

Email:  jim-paula_roberts@sil.org

Tel:  011-51-1264-5129