Monday, July 5, 2010 WOW-Zine

WOW's Woman of the Week is Donna Ryan.

Many of you may not know Donna by name, as she tends to stay in the background and serve quietly. But most of you will recognize her face, seen here with a child she's caring for at VBS. She will be moving out of the area in just a week, so I wanted to be sure you have a chance to get to know her better so you can miss her that much more!

Sherrie: Donna, it's so nice to sit here with you at BJ's over a mocha. We haven't had a chance to do this before. What brought you to Wapato in the first place?

Donna: It was a combination of Amy Rusaw and my daughter, Mattie. Four years ago Mattie was attending VBS at the church in Lauralwood and Amy brought her kids there too. Then Amy invited Mattie to come to Wapato, so that's what we started doing!

Sherrie: So, I've heard a rumor, which you've confirmed, about you moving soon. What's up with that?

Donna: My sister down in southern California has MS and it's getting worse. So I'm moving down there to help take care of her and spend time with my mom.

Sherrie: Your training as a nursing aide should come in handy! Are you going to stay there forever?

Donna: I'm calling it a long-term temporary move! I'd really like to come back here, but I have no idea how soon that would be. I love Missouri too, so, who knows, I may end up there eventually.

Sherrie: How has your life changed since attending Wapato?

Donna: I look forward to going to church. I talk more openly about God, and Mattie and I pray before meals. I'm going to miss being an Awana leader.

Sherrie: I know you're a single mom and there's challenges that go along with that. What do you do to help train Mattie in "the way she should go?"

Donna: I make sure we sit down and eat our meals together, with the television off. We do a lot of talking about things. And we attend church together faithfully. The challenging part is that I feel I have to carry out both the mom and dad role. I'm on duty all the time.

Sherrie: What's your favorite song?

Donna: One called The Christmas Gift, by Grandpa Jones. It always makes me cry!

Sherrie: I've got to say, that's a new one to me. And now, the most anticipated question of all, what is your favorite candy?

Step right up, ladies, and make a comment with your guess. First one to guess it right, wins one!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Wednesday, July 7th--a stroll through the Farmer's Market in Forest Grove. Meet at 4 P.M. outside the ice cream shop on the corner of Main and Pacific. You are invited to bring your children along on this outing. Come prepared to taste the freshness offered in our local produce and other products.

Wednesday, July 14th-- meet at the Tillamook Forest Center on Highway 6 at noon for a picnic and hike. Children are encouraged to join us.

Wednesday, July 21st--spend the day at 5Rock Ranch.

Note from Sherrie: I'll be in Disneyland with Christina and the grandkids before you read this. Should be home on Thursday, July 8th. Feel free to call me while I'm gone if you have any special concerns or prayer needs. I'll miss seeing you gals!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699