Hi Tish!

When I was in high school, my wonderful school, Beaverton High School, found wonderful opportunities for me to go to each summer.

The summer between my junior and senior year I went to a 5 week marine science program in Wallops Island, VA. It was put on the the U of West Virginia and sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

I remember a nurse with long red pigtails and overalls. Her name was Tish. I wish I remember more about our conversations back in the summer of '81. I remember identifying with her dealing with her mom and dad splitting up. She took me to the airport when it was time to go home. She hugged me goodbye. I felt joy for the connection we shared, sadness that I might not see her again.

When I got back home to Oregon that summer, I went down to Bend (OR) to see my friend Annette from my previous summer's adventure to the Youth Conservation Core in Eastern Oregon. She took me to see the Continental Singers, a traveling Christian group. Annette had recently become a Christian. I accepted Christ into my life.

Tish started sending me letters. She was a Christian too! She traveled to Israel to discover her roots, on her dad's side I believe. Her letters were a huge encouragement to me back in my high school days. I did not have a lot of friends. Writing is like therapy to me, and writing to friends like Annette and Tish really kept me going. Getting her international letters from Israel were such a thrill!

My first job out of college was as an associate editor with World Christian magazine. I had to raise prayer and financial support for the venture. Tish sent me a very large gift that I will never forget.

In my mind Tish is my big sister. I lost contact with her about 20 years ago. I have googled her name a few times to try to find her. No luck.

Last week got this special email:

"Troy,

I wonder if you remember me. I think you're the same Troy Wittren that I used to know. Is your birthday Feb ..? I was a counselor (red hair) at Wallops Island when you were there - if you're the same Troy Wittren. I've thought about you so often since that summer and didn't know how to get in touch with you. But it occurred to me just recently that perhaps if I "googled" you I would turn up something. Please let me know if this is you. I loved reading your website and finding out that you're married and that you love the Lord (another reason why I think it must be the Troy I knew). Please let me know if you remember me and if it's you and I'll write more.
Tish"

Of course I remember you Tish...you have no idea how I have missed you.