The art of retiring

Goshen's Arlin and Naomi Hunsberger own over 90 paintings and sculptures purchased in Haiti

Their bags were almost packed. In January 2010, Arlin and Naomi Hunsberger of Goshen, Ind., were preparing to travel to Haiti to visit friends. Then the catastrophic earthquake hit the country, effectively canceling their trip.

Supporting many artists, the Hunsbergers own over 90 paintings and sculptures purchased in Haiti over the years.

But soon Arlin was heading to Haiti anyway. Before retiring, he had overseen reforestation and other development programs in the country for the Pan American Development Foundation. When the earthquake hit, Arlin was asked to come back for a while as interim director.

Arlin and Naomi spent a total of 18 years in Haiti, beginning with a Mennonite Central Committee voluntary service term in the early years of their marriage. They learned to appreciate the artwork of the country, starting a lifelong interest in collecting Haitian art.

They eventually moved to northern Indiana where Arlin was asked to be the first director of the newly designed international Study Service Term program for Goshen College. He served in this capacity as well as international education director for the college for approximately 20 years. After leaving the college, Arlin and Naomi returned to Haiti for another decade.

Now in retirement, they give time and money to support organizations in Haiti as well as other groups locally and internationally. They also enjoy visiting friends and family scattered around the world.

Having someone like John King, their trust and financial advisor at Everence, to manage their retirement and other funds has freed up their time. “I don’t enjoy sitting at the computer to manage our money,” said Arlin. “There are other things we would rather do.” But they do appreciate regular meetings with John so they know how their Everence Trust Company investment portfolios are faring and to discuss any action that needs to be taken.

Everence Trust Company’s asset management accounts are designed to allow clients to spend time on what is important to them, instead of wading through complicated investment strategies. So people like Arlin and Naomi can do what they feel called to do in life.

Investments are subject to market fluctuations, may lose value, and are not subject to any company or government guarantees.

May 8, 2012