Jennifer's Journey: Pauline

Pauline and Jen in North Dakota (1999)

Pauline and I met in college and were roommates our junior and senior years. I have wonderful memories of those days. Laughter, talks, prayers, baking, friends, and fun! Pauline was an excellent student and was also very involved in campus ministry. She knew she wanted to be a pastor someday. We had good theological discussions and I enjoyed reading her papers. I knew she'd be an excellent pastor some day... and she is!

Pauline grew up as a missionary kid in Cameroon and Senegal, Africa. I was always fascinated by the stories she told. One time she got to be the guest speaker at a convention for ELCA Missionaries. She spoke about the ups and downs of being a missionary kid. I was so proud of my friend! I have always enjoyed visiting with her parents when they were home from the mission field too. Their home base was near Minot, North Dakota. I have fond memories of sitting on a hay bale with Pauline looking over their pretty farm with the creek nearby and rolling hills all around us. No place does sunsets as beautifully as North Dakota.

The summers in-between college, Pauline enjoyed working at Camp of The Cross on beautiful Lake Sakakwea near Garrison, North Dakota. I visited her many times and even volunteered there a few times. Pauline was the perfect camp counselor - loud and crazy, joyful and fun... and really good at rope tricks! The kids loved her! After college, Pauline worked at camp full time. Camp is where she met her husband, Larry. They were made for each other!

Graduating in 2000

Henna!

Pauline and Jen

The wedding day of Pauline and Larry in 2003

Larry and Pauline were married at a small church near Stanley, North Dakota where Larry's family farm is located. They had a lovely ceremony on a Sunday morning (as part of the church service). There was one bridesmaid (me) and a groomsman and a flower girl. Our friend, Amy, came to provide beautiful flute music too. Afterwards, everyone went to the community center for a festive potluck reception. It was an exciting, emotional day.

Larry and Pauline lived at Camp of the Cross for the first few years of their marriage. They had two happy boys (Joshua and Michael). I am godmother to both of them! Pauline began her seminary training, which led them to the Twin Cities for a short time and then on to Pelican Rapids, Minnesota for Pauline's internship. It was fun having them closer to Becker. Larry was always very patient with us while we played piano duets, sang hymns, watched Anne of Green Gables, put Henna on our toes and hands, giggled and talked for hours on end, and played with the boys. But, I think he was glad when Todd came around in 2008, so he could have another man to visit with when we got together! Todd and Larry never run out of things to talk about!

Michael's baptism

I love being godmother to Joshua and Michael

Pauline and her family now live in Bowdon, North Dakota where Pauline is the pastor for three different churches. Her boys are in second and fifth grade. They love school and are involved in music. Pauline and Larry are fabulous parents! Larry has built his own shop in town and has a ministry of his own to all the men of the community. Pauline and her three "boys" just fit right in to life in Bowdon (and are making it better for the other residents). Todd and I enjoy visiting them when we can. It is fun to see Joshua and Michael growing older and developing wonderful personalities, just like their parents.

Pauline inspires me in so many ways. She is always ready with an encouraging word and a big smile. She loves life and loves God. She is dedicated to serving Him. She inspires me to live like that too.