11/2010 from Nancy Towle's journal of the African trip Garry left Kodai after the 7th grade for what expected to be a one-year furlough. His family did not return to India because their denomination wanted them to save travel costs by having Garry and Garth stay in Canada with relatives. Instead, his family moved from Canada to settle near relatives in Fresno, CA where Garry attended HS. He attended Fresno Pacific University, where he met Lois; then Moody Bible Institute, completing a double major in history and Biblical studies. After finishing his BA Lois and Garry, now married, went to Congo (ak Zaire) to teach: Garry taught Social Studies and Lois 2nd grade. During this 6 year stint their two daughters, Annika and Heidi, were born. Their son Andre was born after they returned to CA, where Garry attended grad school for a MA in Rehab counseling. Garry worked in adult rehab for 2 years in Bakersfield, Ca, before moving into special education. During 28 years in special education Garry and Lois took time out for a year in the Phillipines (‘86,’87) and 2 years in Kenya (’94-’96), working with Wycliffe Bible Translators to assist with MK education. After retiring in June ’07 they visited Turkey for a month, which led to an opportunity to teach English in Egypt for three months. This time in the Middle East added to Garry’s growing interest in the Middle East Conflict and interfaith studies, particularly as it involves Muslim/Christian relations. 2001? Garry Schmidt. I left Kodai in 7th grade. It was the end of my parents 7 year term which began in 1950. We went back to the US on furlough. The mission would not pay for the kids to go back so parents changed careers. While in Kodai I lived in Bruton. I have positive memories of boarding. I enjoyed the freedom of not being under the close supervision of parents. It was difficult to adjust to living with them once we returned to Fresno, CA. I went to Fresno Pacific College and went into education as an high school teacher. We went to Africa for six years to teach in American International School with my wife, Lois. Our 2 daughters were born in Zaire. Our only son is in Nicaragua working with a relief organization. We also did some volunteer work teaching in the Philippines in the mid 80's. Since 1973 we have lived in Bakersfield and I work with learning disabled kids, teaching reading and writing. Went back to Africa in 1994 for two years working as a secondary school principal at a school for missionary kids in Nairobi, Kenya.
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