Destination: Romance: Five Inspirational Love Stories Spanning the Globe

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

  Pray about it, My son, and trust Me to work it out.

  He knew to listen when God spoke to his heart. What kind of miracle would God work out this time? He hadn’t known how he would ever be able to afford a degree in missions until Uncle J.T. offered to foot the bill for the online work at his alma mater. Now, only six more hours of online classes and several thousand dollars for two semesters stood between him starting classes on campus, the final requirement.

  I know You are faithful, God. Please help me to be faithful to follow Your lead.

  CHAPTER 2

  Th e next morning, Natalie, Bobbi, and Jenna boarded the small bus in the Jamaican terminal. They chatted as they slid into a double seat. Bobbi snagged a place behind them.

  Th e tall, muscular missionary in charge of the trip walked up the aisle counting everyone before taking his seat behind the driver. He hefted a microphone. “My name is Brad Hammond. My wife Susan and I will be leading this tour to the SonShine Orphanage outside Kingston.”

  Th e words hit her like a sucker punch. Was that the name of Ken’s parents’ orphanage? Even if it was, that didn’t mean he would still be there.

  She stared out the window as they sped down city streets then soon turned onto a country road. Nothing looked familiar, but almost six years had passed. They drove by several ramshackle buildings then onto a road so narrow the green leaves on the branches from the bushes scratched the sides of the windows.

  The man spoke again. “We’ll arrive at the orphanage soon, so I need to share some important info.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s almost ten thirty now, and we all need to be back on the bus before four o’clock in order to board the ship by five. Susan has an assortment of healthy snack packages like peanut butter crackers, raisins, and nuts. Please help yourself to a couple from her basket to give you some nourishment until we get back on the ship to eat dinner.”

  The dark-haired woman carried a wicker basket of treats to the back of the bus then started her way to the front as her husband continued to talk. “Don’t drink any water except bottled while here. In this cooler,” he pointed underneath the front window, “is enough large bottles of water for each person to take one as you get off the bus. We’ll refill the cooler with ice and water bottles for the return trip so no one will get too hot or dehydrated.”

  When his wife reached the front of the bus, he handed the microphone to her.

  She smiled as she scanned the crowd. “We’re so glad to share the beautiful country of Jamaica and its wonderful people with you. Please keep these safety tips in mind. Always use the buddy system and never leave the fencedin compound. Let either of us know if you’re unsure about anything. If you’re comfortable reading or playing with the children, please do that. Or ask one of the workers if they know a job you could help them with. Also, there is a building project going on toward the back of the property, so if you don’t mind getting dirty, volunteer there. We want you to have as much a taste of the missionaries’ lives as you would like, so long as no one gets hurt.” She looked at her husband. “Did I leave out anything?”

  He grinned. “There are two bathrooms in the first building you’ll see when we get off the bus, and also two more portable ones near the back building project where most of the men are working. Meet us here by the gate at ten till four. Any questions?”

  Natalie’s eyes surveyed the property outside her window, and she sucked in a breath at the memories this place evoked. Her pulse fluttered and she bit her lower lip. What would she say if she came face to face with Ken again after so many years?

  The group filed off the bus. Bobbi wanted to stop by the restrooms, so the girls waited for her. They’d make a group of three buddies today.

  As they waited, Natalie’s gaze roamed over the dusty paths, a few palm trees, and several cinder-block buildings. Two small girls approached them. One put her arms around Jenna’s waist like long-lost friends while the other one gave a shy smile and reached out a hand for Natalie.

  Natalie took the girl’s hand. “Hi, y’all.”

  The child sent her a confused look and gave a fake yawn with her hand and mouth. “Yawn?”

  Natalie laughed as she squeezed the child’s hand. Understanding the girls wasn’t a problem, but getting the Jamaicans to understand their Kentucky slang was a little harder.

  Bobbi came outside and put on her hat. “Did you girls apply sunscreen while on the bus?”

  “Yes, Mother,” they said in unison.

  The two Jamaicans chimed in. “Yes, Mada.”

  Bobbi laughed then pointed toward a young girl in a wheelchair. “Can she go with us if I push her?”

  “Yes, Mada.” Both girls nodded their heads so hard their barrettes bounced.

  The group paraded down the dirt path in pairs like the animals boarding Noah’s ark.

  Jenna stopped. “Listen, singing.” She pointed to the right. “Let’s go join them.”

  Heads bobbed, and dark braids bounced again. “Sing and dance.” The girls pulled them along faster as they neared a building with a rainbow painted on its side.

  Bobbi took a picture of the five girls in front of the rainbow building, then they entered.

  Natalie’s heart soared. The jubilant singing and dancing by the children brought back memories of her former trip. This place was starting to look more and more familiar, even the rainbow building. She nudged Jenna. “Can we walk some more? I want to see the rest of this compound. It’s very similar to where I came last time.”

  “I’ll go tell Mom.” She slipped over and whispered in her mother’s ear, and her mom whispered back. Then Jenna returned and nodded. Let’s go, she mouthed.

  Their new little friends kept dancing and singing and didn’t seem to miss them. Jenna and Natalie moved several feet away to hear each other. Natalie asked, “What did your mom say?”

  “That she needed a rest from pushing the wheelchair, so she’d stay here awhile then buddy up with someone else from our group later.”

  Natalie cupped her ear. “Can you tell what direction that hammering is coming from?”

  “Over there, maybe?” Jenna pointed then headed in the direction of the noise.

  Natalie followed. She pulled out her iPhone, wanting to capture the vibrant images of the brightly-clothed, well cared for children.

  As she shifted her camera to take another shot, her heart stopped in her throat. Was the tall guy on the ladder Ken Worth? As if he’d heard her inward question, his blue eyes stared into hers, and her doubts vanished.

  Ken, her first love.

  Ken stepped down on shaking feet. He was seeing Natalie Brooks for the first time in years while covered in mud, concrete dust, and sweat. Was this a dream or nightmare?

  He held out his hands, then pulled them back and tried to wipe them on his pants to no avail. “Nat? Natalie Brooks? Is that really you?” He approached, keeping his eyes on her in case she might be a figment of his imagination and disappear.

  “Hello, Ken.” She licked her lips then pointed to the young woman beside her with wavy auburn hair. “This is my friend, Jenna Lee. We’re here with the mission group from K-Love.”

  Ken swallowed and tore his eyes away from Nat to look at her friend. “Hi, Jenna. I’m Ken Worth. My parents and I run this mission. Sorry I can’t shake your hand.”

  “Jenna, Ken was here when I came on my mission trip years ago.”

  His mother had mentioned something about a group this morning at breakfast, but he hadn’t paid much attention. How long would they stay? He couldn’t remember, but hoped it would be for weeks. He and Nat had a lot to discuss. “Let’s go tell my mother you’re here. She’s in the house where it’s cooler.”

  Nat glanced at Jenna who shrugged and nodded. “Our mission leader told us to always stay with a buddy.”

  He understood that was common practice for mission teams. “Sure, follow me.” He led them to the house, cracked the screen door, and hollered out, “Mom, can you come here, please?”

 
; His mother appeared, drying her hands on a dishtowel. “What is it, dear?” Her gaze settled on Nat. “You’ve been here before, haven’t you?” She opened the door wider. “Please come in to sit and visit. I love company.”

  The girls stared at each other. Nat spoke, “We’re not sure what Mr. Hammond would say. We’re here to play with the orphans or help with a project.”

  Mom laughed. “The Hammonds are some of our best friends in Jamaica, so I’m sure it will be all right. In fact, I’ll call him if that would make you feel better.” She removed a cell phone from her pocket, pushed a button, spoke, then handed the phone to Nat.

  Nat listened, then answered Mr. Hammond. Ken wished he could hear the whole conversation. He didn’t want Natalie to leave so soon. “Yes, Mrs. Worth invited us to spend some time with her. Could you also find Bobbi Lee and tell her where we are so she won’t worry?” She paused again. “That would be great. Thank you.” She hung up the phone and smiled at Ken’s mom. “He said if you’re up to it, visiting with you would be a wonderful use of our time. I also asked him about Jenna’s mom and he promised to bring her here to join us.”

  His mother beamed a radiant smile.

  Ken’s heart soared, and he nodded. “So, it’s settled. Mom, this is Natalie Brooks who came here five or six years ago, and her friend, Jenna. Let’s sit down in the big room where the fan is.” He led them into a large room with a couple of couches and several stacks of folding chairs set against the wall. “We hold meetings and sometimes church in here during the rainy season.”

  “I remember a service in here last time. You didn’t have as many buildings then.” Nat smiled at his mother.

  “Yes, all mission compounds are works in progress. Like the building Ken and the other men are working on now. It’s a dorm to house groups that want to stay here for a couple weeks so they won’t need to travel back and forth like you did, Natalie.”

  “That makes sense. They’d have more time to do things here rather than spend an hour or more each day traveling.”

  “Indeed.” Mom settled into the sofa cushions. “Were you in high school the first time you came, Natalie?”

  “I’d just graduated.”

  Mom nodded. “So, are you out of college now?”

  “I’m in my second year of law school.”

  “A lawyer. I’m sure God can use you to do a lot of good with that degree.”

  Ken noted Nat’s eyes flickered to his before answering. “I hope to, although I’m still not sure what specialty of law I want to pursue.”

  “I’ll add that to my prayer list.”

  Ken agreed. He planned to do the same.

  A knock at the door brought Ken to his feet before his mother got up to answer it. “Come in, Brad, and this lady must be Jenna’s mom.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Bobbi Lee.” Brad shook Ken’s hand then waved to the others. “Good to see you, Tina. Better go keep an eye on things.”

  Jenna moved over to make space for her mother.

  Bobbi smiled. “Thanks for sending Mr. Hammond to find me. I would’ve been concerned if I hadn’t seen you both by now.” Bobbi turned to speak to Nat. “I didn’t realize you’d already been to Jamaica, Natalie. Did you know that, Jenna?”

  Jenna nodded, and her cheeks reddened as she glanced at Natalie whose face glowed to match.

  Ken noted their embarrassment. Did Nat tell her friend about him? If so, what had she said?

  His mother stood. “Ken, would you help me get some cookies and tea ready?”

  “Sure, Mom.” He followed her into the kitchen, hoping she wouldn’t pepper him with questions. He had too much to think about. Did Natalie remember their disagreement? Their kiss? He’d never forgotten her. Had she forgotten him?

  Natalie had gone from anticipation to apprehension in a heartbeat. Now that Ken left the room, maybe she could corral her racing thoughts and galloping pulse. She wished she could read Ken’s mind. Was he as conflicted as she? What if he brought up their past disagreement? Was she ready to give up all her fears to do what he’d asked her to do before?

  Natalie stared at Jenna, who turned to stare at her mother. She looked at the girls and whispered, “Mr. Hammond told me anything Mrs. Worth o ffered would be fine to eat and drink.”

  Jenna sighed. “That’s a relief.”

  “Yes.” Natalie agreed.

  Ken and his mother returned. She carried a plate of cookies, and he held

  a tray filled with glasses of tea. His fingers brushed Nat’s hand as she reached for a glass. Goosebumps travelled up her arm.

  She raised her head and smiled. Had he felt it, too? Was he as sorry as she was about their lost years?

  CHAPTER 3

  Ken’s heart accelerated as he pondered being alone with Nat, but he had to take the chance. He couldn’t stand the idea of not getting to talk with her in private before she left. Who knew how long it might be before they connected again? “Nat, could I speak to you outside a few minutes before I go back to the building project?”

  “Sure.” She set her glass down on a coaster and stood. Was that surprise in her eyes or happiness?

  He held the door open for her then closed it behind them. Now what to say? Words eluded him. This whole day had been such a surprise—like a doover, one he didn’t want to mess up.

  As he stared into her huge brown eyes, he knew where he needed to begin. “Nat, I owe you a big apology.” She didn’t turn aside. “I shouldn’t have tried to change your mind about becoming a lawyer. Who am I to tell you what to do? It was selfishness on my part. I wanted you to take Bible courses or teach or something that would lead you back to the mission field…back to Jamaica.” Back to me. He wiped the sweat from his brow. “Will you please forgive me?”

  “Of course, Ken. I was eighteen and you were nineteen. We both had a lot to learn and a lot of growing up to do.” The golden flecks in her eyes twinkled.

  He dug the toe of his shoe in the dirt. “I must say, you’ve grown up quite nicely.”

  She blushed then gave him a sideways glance. “You, too.”

  He took both her hands in his. “I can’t believe you’re in Jamaica. I want to hear all about what you’ve been doing, how long you plan to stay…”

  Her head jerked up. “We’re leaving at four o’clock.”

  “Today?” His insides twisted like he might be sick.

  “Yes, the boat is only in Jamaica one day before heading to the Grand Cayman Islands.”

  His stomach sank, but he rallied with an idea. “I’d like to escort you and your friends around the compound. If it’s okay with you?”

  “I’d love it!” Her smile lit up her face.

  “Wonderful. And, is it still okay to call you Nat like I did when you were here before?”

  “I’d like that.”

  They went back inside, and he told the others his plan.

  After eating their cookies and getting the go-ahead from his mom, Ken and the three ladies from the cruise ship set off on a grand tour of the mission compound. With God’s help, he would make the most of this day, then he would release the results into the Father’s hands.

  First, they explored the building project behind his house. As they approached, several shouts of “Mr. Ken” peppered the air. The men must’ve saved up their questions for him while he was in the house.

  A tall Jamaican man approached them and slapped Ken on the back. “Where you been, bredda? We need you to tell us what pitch to make da roof.”

  He sighed. “Okay, Peter, but only for a minute. I’ve got guests.” He didn’t want to miss one minute of his short time with Nat.

  Ken shot Nat an apologetic look. “Sorry, this won’t take long.”

  Natalie studied Ken as he pointed, measured, then drew lines on the plans. She glanced at the time on her cell phone. One o’clock. Guilt swept over her for keeping him from his work, but she couldn’t bear to tell him to stay, not when she’d be leaving in three short hours. Meeting him again had resurrected her memories of t
he good times they’d shared, and she didn’t want to leave so soon.

  He returned. “I want to show you our school.”

  She and the other ladies followed him down the path to an older building with two doors. The tin roof was rusting and needed a paint job. When they entered the first door, the three dozen or so students all sat up straight and quiet.

  Ken smiled at the teacher. “Please continue your lesson, Mrs. Brenda.”

  She nodded then called out mental math problems. All of the students from youngest to oldest answered aloud and got every problem correct.

  Ken complimented the children and then thanked the teacher.

  In the next room, the teacher read a story to another thirty plus students. After she closed the book, she began to ask questions. Most hands were raised, and many questions answered correctly by the eager students.

  “Well done,” Ken said, and the ladies clapped for the students. The students repaid them with their own round of applause.

  The next building they approached was quieter than the first. Ken held up a finger to his lips. “Let me stick my head in the nursery to see if any of the babies are awake. If not, we’ll come back later.” His head disappeared then reappeared with a smile across his face. “Two of the babies just woke from their naps and are being diapered. Would any of you ladies like to feed them their bottles?” He cocked an eyebrow.

  Natalie wanted to, but Jenna and Bobbi volunteered first. Nursery workers pointed to two rockers where the ladies could sit. The helpers placed the babies into their arms, then handed them the bottles. She whispered into Ken’s ear, “Is it okay if I snap a picture of them with the babies?

  “Sure.” Ken motioned toward the room in the back of this one. “There are the remaining cribs and more sleeping babies.”

  Bobbi placed the baby she was feeding on her shoulder and patted the child until a burp erupted. She stood and, holding the baby in one arm, motioned for Natalie to sit in the rocker. Bobbi then put the warm bundle and half-full bottle in Natalie’s shaking arms.

  Her nervousness soon turned to contentment. She’d never had much opportunity to rock or feed a baby since her sister was only two years younger and her brother had been adopted when he was five. She would never forget this moment when everything else faded away as she looked into the baby’s sweet face and watched the child’s mouth suck in the nourishment.