Memories of a "good and faithful servant" and sister in law. This could also be entitled "The End of an Era".

It isn’t every missionary wife and mother, that has her sister in law make herself available to be around within 24-36 hours after the delivery of their next child, especially when they are all born on the mission field. However, we were blessed by having Betty drive her little car all the way from Lusaka to Kabompo, to be on hand to look after her nephew or niece and nephew – and even on one occasion to feed a small baby while mother was in hospital. In those days, Betty would turn herself to anything – even to caring for point of lay hens in her bath tub – before she began her trip to Kabompo. I am sure many of you have heard her tell many stories of her trips up here and many others besides as Betty loved to tell stories and entertain. She also loved to read, and would live in the books she was reading, sharing the story as tho she herself was right there and it was happening to her.
I actually met Betty long before I met my husband Don, as my first week in Zambia was spent in Lusaka, and as many will and have testified, Betty was certainly given to hospitality and my friend and I benefited from that hospitality during that first week.
Two to three years later, when Betty realized that her brother Don had a special interest she somehow guessed that it might be me and more or less gave her approval before being asked. Betty became a very valuable part of our family – and most Zambian Christmas’ were spent with Auntie Betty in Zambia. Then, when she was back in Canada – once again, Brooks’ Christmas’s were spent at Auntie Betty’s place at Eagle Lake – even when she was in Russia, Christmas was still at Eagle Lake but somehow, some of the spark was missing – cos Betty wasn’t there. She certainly followed her mother’s example of hospitality. Many emails which have arrived these past few days give testimony to the hospitality she showed to those who needed to come to Lusaka for business or, who, as visitors to Zambia, passed thru Lusaka and appreciated being collected at the airport, given a bed and a meal. Sisters and wives of Elders in Lusaka, will verify that she in turn passed on to her Zambian “children” – the importance of hospitality, loving and disciplining children, teaching of Sunday School etc. Even years later – the sisters in Lusaka, (and the brethren too) still talk, with loving memories, and grateful appreciation, for all that she taught them during her 20 years in that city.
These last few days in Kabompo, at school and here at home, a number have paid tribute to her, mentioning how they enjoyed working with her, talking with her, and a number have mentioned her smile and laugh. She tried to learn some Luvale, but it didn’t come easily, however, she would smile or laugh and they would appreciate that.
How thankful we are that Betty was able to enjoy this past Christmas, at Eagle Lake – we wanted to protect her from the work – but, those of you who know Betty, know that she loved to have things organized ahead of time and she had already, before going for her radiation, bought things which she thought she would use at Christmas, in preparation for that day. She wanted to have that Christmas and while she was tired afterwards, she was so thankful and so were we, that we had been able to celebrate that last Eagle Lake Christmas together. Last, because she sold her home and moved in May this year, and last because, she will be enjoying an Eternal celebration much greater than any down here.
Another special thing about that Eagle Lake Christmas was that my sister and her husband from N. Z. were finally able to see the famous Eagle Lake and meet all the Brooks that they had heard so much about over the years. Not only were we together at Eagle Lake – but also in Port Colborne, where once again, Betty entertained her great nephews with stories from her treasury! And then there was Richard and Katherine’s wedding and the joy of that occasion and also the lovely photos, that we will treasure for years to come. The one of Betty you see on the program and a lovely family photo, which included the whole clan.
This year has certainly marked the end of an era in the Brooks family. We will miss Betty, her laugh, her stories, her love and care and her Eagle Lake home and hospitality. Betty was never one to complain, she took patiently any suffering that came her way. We are so thankful for all who visited and encouraged her and for those who kept us posted on her situation, unclear and all as it was. We are however, most thankful to the Lord that her suffering was not prolonged and that she is now rejoicing with the One she loved and served over many years. (Personally, I am so thankful that Don can be there to share the memories of many years and experiences. )One other thing – Betty was really quick at marking exams – and making up answer keys – I miss her right now for that fact too and recall the many times she would come down, or call up, in the middle of marking to share some howler from an exam – someone’s explanation of a Bible story etc finishing with “ I bet you didn’t know that now, did you?” followed by a good laugh.