An Odyssey of Two Soul Mates

A little over sixty years ago, a bold young man named Paul wrote a letter to a beautiful young woman named Dorothy. They had recently met at a Wycliffe Bible conference. Both loved the Lord dearly. Both had intentions of going to the mission field. Paul to Mexico. Dorothy to Peru. They only had a few conversations during that conference, but Paul was smitten. He wanted someone to do ministry with him in Mexico. He wanted a wife. And he wanted Dorthy to be that wife. So after leaving the conference and praying about it, he made a bold move. He wrote a letter and attached a six-cent airmail stamp...

Dear Dorothy,

When I learned the other day that you would not be returning to the conference, I wanted to ask if I might write to you. Realizing the seriousness of the implications of such an act, under the present circumstances, I decided not to say anything. After Sunday night, however, I was sure that I wanted to become better acquainted with you. I have been thinking and praying about it, and I am now ready to take the responsibility for the commitment that this letter involves.

I said to myself, "You must not think of Dorothy; she is going to Peru and you are going to Mexico." But what I have observed seems to indicate that you are not certain that Peru is the Lord's place for you. I remember your speaking of "confusion about the future..." (I know that you are trusting Him to guide, and He is faithful.) I think that you are a rare jewel of a girl, Dorothy. I've not know you for long, but I've seen your love for Christ, your sweet personality and your family and church background.

Doubtless my letter has broken the ice. Perhaps I'm presumptuous and impetuous. (But "faint heart never won fair lady...") The thing that makes me happy about this matter is that it is done before the Lord, and he knows my heart -- every desire, every purpose, every motive. "I delight to do they will, O my God." I recall again His faithfulness to perfect that which concerneth us, His own. May I have the great privilege of receiving a letter from you soon? (If I am out of order, please tell me frankly. Perhaps it would be good for me to be told. (But I am hoping for better than that...)

Yours for Mexico's Indians,

Paul

About three months later, they were married. Almost immediately, they left for Mexico and began living among an Indian tribe known as the Chinantects. Their job: translate the New Testament into the Chinantec language. This is one of my favorite pictures of them during those early years:

Notice the dirt floor. Paul and Dorothy and their kids born in Mexico recall that dirt floor...and the mosquito nets...and the many other "complications" of missionary life. Only, not surprisingly, they didn't call them "complications."

Paul's job was translation. Later, he also worked for Wycliffe as a photographer. He had an artistic eye and captured numerous photos from around the globe. Gorgeous photos. Some of my favorite photos, however, are the ones he took of his own family. Like this one, of Dorothy taking care of their daughter, Marlene.

Yes, Marlene. The same Marlene who would grow up and marry Travis and eventually have a daughter named Kelly. Kelly would grow up to marry Joey and have two kids - Jonah and Hannah. Jonah and Hannah don't know much right now about all the stories of their great-grandparents, Paul and Dorothy Smith. I hope someday they remember traveling down to visit them and celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary last weekend.

And someday when Jonah and Hannah are a little older, I will have the privilege of reading to them a wonderful book called One More Mountain to Climb.

It's a thrilling missionary adventure written by... Paul and Dorothy Smith.

To them, it's their story of serving in obedience to our heavenly Father. To me, it's my heritage. (And let me tell you, my heritage blows me away!) I get choked up re-reading so many of the pages even as I write this post. My grandparents make me proud. They inspire me. They bring me joy. Someday it will be an honor and privilege to read their story to Jonah and Hannah. Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa! And...

Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary! We love you!