I first met Cordy in 2nd Union Church in Puerto Rico. I then came to find out that 2UC seemed like a melting-pot for many English speaking AA members. Our friendship grew soon after I retired from the (then) Caribbean Food Bank ministry. Cordy offered me a place to live, till God opened other doors. We really got to know each other, after sharing living space in his condo, for several months.
We shared so many funny, serious, deeply spiritual and exciting (some might call dangerous) adventures, it is hard to decide which to share. He was also my Best Man at my wedding, 1 year later. It was always a laugh after the wedding reception, which brought together good friends and Believers in Jesus. Cordy, Gordy Cody and (Pastor) Cory… and no alcoholic beverages.
On one mission trip, we decided to take some time off, and rent a small vehicle to explore the mountain regions of the Dominican Republic. We agreed on driving to the top of a mountain, where a fortress estate was built for the ruthless and assassinated Dictator Trujillo.
Terrible trails and narrow roads with gulleys and washed out sections came to abrupt temporary stop! Before us was a short span, single lane bridge. The structure seemed sturdy enough, for a small vehicle. Unfortunately, the side-rail-less roughly made floor boards had many wide gaps and several boards were missing. After a brief prayer, Cordy volunteered to get out, and guide me across. With both hands on the wheels and Cordy stooped low using hand signals and grimacing expressions look, guided me, I slowly maneuvered across the bridge, and of course… crossed safely. We enjoyed a very lively laugh as he shared his confidence in my steering ability... and a prayer for our safe journey across. I have a picture attached…. Cordy, confidently grinning and resting against the hood of the car, with the better half of the bridge visible.
The estate, by the way, though spacious was run-down and a testimony to how the population felt about their Dictator.
We grew closer over the years sharing our many laughs, adventures. ministry challenges, victories and sorrows. He loved Jesus, ministry and sponsoring AA members. He is truly missed, for many reasons.
He was one of a kind. And, we know he’s dancing around the Throne right now. We’ll see him again.
Leo Palomo