Destination: Romance: Five Inspirational Love Stories Spanning the Globe

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

  When the babies finished feeding, the nursery workers lifted the bundles from their arms, and the women followed Ken out the door. Nat’s arms ached with an emptiness she’d never experienced before. She wanted to hold the child again. Or move here and do nursery duty every day.

  “Would you like to see the girls’ dorm? The one for the boys is on the other side of our home.”

  “Yes,” Jenna agreed, and the others nodded.

  He opened a door, and they entered a colorful room with large cots. As they continued on, smaller beds appeared, until the last room held a dozen or so cribs. “You saw the nursery building where the babies sleep until they are at least a year old with someone who stays there around-the-clock. This room is for those who have passed their first birthday and can walk. One housemother sleeps in this room with them, and another one sleeps in the front to be available for any of the older children who might need help during the night. It doesn’t happen often, but we thought it best as our numbers grew.”

  Bobbi turned a thoughtful frown on Ken. “How many boys and girls live here?”

  “We keep beds for ninety, and when someone leaves, that cot fills very soon. Some of these children have families who can’t afford to keep them, but over half of our children are true orphans with nowhere else to go.”

  Jenna ’s forehead pinched. “How many of them will ever be adopted?”

  Ken hung his head. “That’s difficult to say, but not many. Maybe a dozen or so. Jamaica has its adoption regulations, and America, or any other country pursuing an adoption here, has their own laws. Most adoptions take a year or more to finalize.”

  Natalie barely recalled her own brother’s adoption since she was only six, but it had been a joyous time for her family. “I remember my parents telling me there were home visits in the States.”

  Ken nodded. “Yes, and the adoptive parents must satisfy the qualifications for both countries, so it’s even more complicated to do an international adoption. But it’s well worthwhile for those who are ready to do what’s required. I hope you’ve seen the love these children share with others, and the love they need. It’s hard for less than twenty adults to give them all lots of individual attention, but we try.”

  Natalie pondered what she’d learned as they moved on to a large kitchen and dining room combination. This newer building had been built since her first trip. The children and adults had eaten outside on the ground then, trying to find shade under a tree if possible.

  Shiny bright appliances gleamed, and the sinks and countertops were all scrubbed clean, as well as the tile floors. Ten or more tables of varying sizes covered the dining hall, with chairs enough for everyone. A few high chairs for the youngest babies sat at the corners of some of the tables.

  Ken led them to the next building. A smile teased the corners of his mouth. “Nat, I hope you will find our latest building to your liking.”

  He didn’t give her any other clues, so she was flabbergasted when they entered a room that held shelves loaded with books covering almost all the walls. Ken smiled at her. “Do you remember telling me we needed a library for kids like you who never had enough books to read?”

  Her cheeks flushed. “I do. But, where did you get so many books?”

  “I told my mother about your request. Over a dozen churches sponsor our mission, so Mom wrote letters to each of them asking the ladies to hold book drives for new or gently used books to send to us.” He pointed to some lower shelves under colorful pictures on the wall, and another small table with six chairs around it. “We received puzzles and other games which we keep in that area.”

  Next, he pointed to several taller shelves. “These are books for the teenagers and young adults. The workers even enjoy checking out books from here because most of them don’t have much to read in their homes. So, thank you for your idea. I’m glad you get to see how it came to life.”

  Tears filled her eyes. Heart overflowing, she thanked God.

  Ken glanced at his watch. Already after three. Where had the day gone? Today had been the most enjoyable afternoon he’d experienced in months, and he could already sense a letdown at the idea of Nat leaving soon. God, please give me a chance to talk to her about writing again, even with so many people around. “Would you like to stop by the boys’ dorm, then say good-bye to my mother?”

  “Since you said the boys’ dorm is similar to the girls’, I’d like to spend these last few minutes with your mom. Her wisdom impressed me.” Nat smiled. “Not that we haven’t enjoyed our time with you as our special guide, too.”

  Ken laughed. “I agree. My mom is much wiser than I am, so let’s go visit her again.”

  They trooped off to the Worth home.

  His mother greeted them with big hugs like long-lost friends. “I hoped you would stop by before you left. Please come in and sit down for a few minutes.”

  Bobbi turned to Mrs. Worth. “Could you drop me a note now and then to keep us abreast of what’s going on? I’d love to pray for you and your family and for the work here.”

  “Certainly, and you can fill me in on your family and how I can pray for you, too.”

  “I’d appreciate that.” Bobbi smiled.

  Thanks God, for Your fast answer to prayer. Ken handed Nat, Bobbi, and Jenna copies of the latest newsletters from the mission with the address and email on it. “Nat, I hope we can keep in touch, too. Email out here in the boonies is kind of erratic sometimes, and long distance is very expensive, so we connect much of the time through the slow-but-sure, inexpensive mail system.

  She tore off a blank corner of the newsletter, scribbled her address and email on it, then handed it to him. “I won’t have email or phone service until I get back to the States in five days. It was too expensive for me, too.” She turned to his mom. “I’m certainly impressed with all you’ve done here in the five and a half years since I left. The compound has grown so much, and I love the library.”

  His mom raised an eyebrow. “Were you the gal who put that great idea in Ken’s head?”

  “Yes, she was.” Ken winked at Nat.

  “I trust you enjoyed it.” Mom grinned.

  “I certainly did. The children and the babies were my favorite part of the day, but the library was my favorite building.”

  “I hope you can return again and see more changes in a few years.” Mrs. Worth smiled.

  A warmth filled Ken’s heart, but he hoped she wouldn’t wait years to visit again. “We’d better be going so you won’t be late.”

  After another round of hugs and well-wishes, the ladies were ready to depart. Ken accompanied them, and his steps grew slower as they approached the front gate.

  The bus was nearly filled, and Brad was waiting in the open door. “Thought maybe you’d kidnapped some of our team, Ken.” The man chuckled.

  I wish I could. “No. They’re all here.” He opened his arms. “One last group hug?” They obliged, and he felt Jenna push Nat closer to him. That would have to do for…how long?

  CHAPTER 4

  Natalie heard very little of Mr. Hammond’s wrap-up of their trip. Instead her mind overflowed from her day at the SonShine Orphanage. Her admiratio for Ken had soared with each completed project he explained. His imprint glowed from the finished buildings to the plans he’d shared with them for more ventures when the funds came in. He was a fount of wisdom on the land and the people, too. The special love he and the children shared brought a smile to her face. They’d called out “Mr. Ken” over and over again, always with respect and love.

  Jenna touched her hand and brought her out of her reverie. “Natalie, Mr. Hammond is passing around the microphone for anyone who wants to say something about the trip today.”

  Could she share anything? It was all so personal. God, please give me the words You want me to speak.

  Jenna took the mic. “Mrs. Worth, the missionary’s wife, had a health scare lately, so I hope we’ll all remember to pray for her and also for the babies we held and fed.” She glanced at Nata
lie. “I’ll never forget their faces and their dark eyes staring into mine.” She passed the microphone to Nat.

  Natalie sniffed and blinked her eyes to stop the tears. “It wasn’t until we arrived here today that I realized it was the same place I’d spent two weeks after my high school graduation. I’m amazed at what the Worths have accomplished in the years since I was there. I’d like to go back again after I graduate law school. I’m praying about how God wants to use me, so I would appreciate your prayers also.” She passed the mic over her shoulder to Bobbi.

  She leaned against the window and stared out at the riotous greenery. God, I want to pray as Jesus did, “Not my will, but Yours.” Please show me what You want me to do. The next thing she remembered was a gentle shake.

  Jenna grinned at her. “You must’ve fallen asleep. We’re back at the dock.”

  Natalie climbed out behind her friend, her dream of Ken surrounded by the Jamaican children fresh on her mind. What was he doing now?

  Ken had taken the time for a quick, early supper with his mom before he returned to the worksite. The other men were locking up their tools to leave. He hollered at Peter, “Can you stay a few minutes and catch me up on what you did and what I can do now?”

  “All right, mon, me no ’ave a hot date like you.”

  Ken laughed. “It wasn’t a date, but I wish it had been.”

  “Pretty gal wid pretty brown hair an’ brown eyes dat spark like da stars.”

  Peter’s smile flashed merriment. Nat indeed had eyes that sparkled like the stars—eyes he would never forget. “We better get busy or I’ll still be out here tonight when the stars come out.”

  His friend chuckled and picked up the plans. “See here? Dat pitch neva wuk out wid da porch so we did haffa shorten it some.”

  Ken studied the paper then nodded in agreement. “So how did you modify it?”

  Peter talked and gestured, explaining the changes to him.

  “Thanks, I’ll measure and cut a few rafters this evening so we’ll be ready to start in the morning.”

  “Okay, see you den.” Peter whistled as he left.

  After Ken worked a few minutes alone, his father joined him. “Pretty busy day, huh?”

  And fun. He nodded. “Super busy, and I took off part of the day to walk around with some of the group that came with Mr. Hammond.”

  “Your mom told me one of the girls was from a trip several years ago.” His dad’s gaze bored into his.

  “Yes, Natalie Brooks. We wrote a few times, but it fell through. I don’t plan to let that happen this time.” He grinned at Dad.

  His dad chuckled. “Let me give you a hand with the boards so you’ll have time to write her tonight.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  The work went twice as fast, and Ken’s heart gladdened at the faithful support of his parents.

  That night as he lay in bed praying, Ken wished he’d mentioned to Natalie the scholarship he hoped to receive, but why get her hopes up when he hadn’t heard anything? He needed to stop by the post office when he went to town tomorrow. God, not my will, but Yours, and help me to be patient as I wait on You.

  As the gentle waves rocked the boat that evening, Natalie lay in her bed, her brain on overload. The whole day had rocked her boat, especially meeting Ken Worth again. Their short summer romance fizzled out years ago, but her heart wouldn’t let that happen this time. His bright blue eyes told her he wouldn’t either.

  She’d missed the evening concert tonight to stay in the cabin and write to him. The words flowed through her pen as her heart poured out many personal feelings—her desire to seek God’s direction above all else, and her increased love for the orphans she’d met and rocked today.

  Her internal musings turned into a petition to God to help her discern His will for her career and life, to show her what He wanted her to specialize in her last year of law school, and how He wanted to use her. She also prayed for all the orphans in Jamaica and all the missionaries, especially Mr. and Mrs. Worth and Ken. Slumber claimed her mid-prayer.

  Someone calling her name and the light shining through the balcony doors awakened her at daybreak. She glanced over at Jenna and her mom, but both still slept. Natalie recalled the boy Samuel hearing God’s voice. She responded as he’d done.

  “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” She slid her Bible from the table, and tiptoed out to the balcony for some quiet time with God, her favorite part of the day. The spectacular sunrise again brought words of praise to her tongue. “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth.” She stilled her thoughts before Him, read a chapter in His Word, and basked in His glorious presence around and within her.

  Half an hour later, Bobbi opened the sliding door. “Good morning, Natalie.”

  “Yes, it’s a beautiful one again.” She waved her hand toward the rippling ocean waves and sky bursting with color.

  Jenna joined them. “Are you partying without me?”

  “Never.” Natalie smiled. “Are y’all hungry?”

  “Let’s go.” Jenna pulled her up from her chair.

  In less than ten minutes, they were climbing the stairs to the buffet. Thankful for her Christian companions, Natalie tried the pizza.

  When she finished eating, Bobbi stood. “I want to run to the cabin and brush this syrup off my teeth, but I’ll meet you all down on deck 2 where we de-board for our trip to Grand Cayman in about thirty minutes.”

  Natalie arose. “Sorry to bail out on you all, but I need more quiet time with God. I’m going to stay in the room or on the balcony most of the day.”

  Bobbi cocked her head. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. When I awoke, I heard Him calling my name. Then I read Matthew eleven in my Message Bible and understood why when I reached the end of the chapter.” She quoted, “‘Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me. Get away with me, and you’ll recover your life.’” She smiled. “I love this part at the end: ‘Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.’” She looked up at Bobbi. “I think God wants to teach me something, and I need quiet to take it all in.”

  Bobbi bent over and gave her a hug. “Who am I to argue with God? I’ll pray for you today, and in the days to come.”

  Jenna added a hug of her own. “Me, too.”

  Natalie inched toward the buffets. “I’m going to grab some fruit for my lunch, so you go on up to the room. I’ll be waiting to hear about your trip at supper. And, will you mail the letter on my bed while you’re in Grand Cayman?”

  Jenna raised an eyebrow. “If you tell us who it’s for.”

  “Ken Worth.”

  Bobbi nodded. “Sounds like you plan to stay in touch this time.”

  Natalie watched them leave before gathering her food for the day. She desired this day to be only about her relationship with Him. She stored the food in their little refrigerator before grabbing her Bible again and returning to the balcony. She read the last verse in Matthew eleven aloud.

  “‘Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or illfitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.’”

  She bowed her head. “God, that sounds so good to live freely and lightly. You know how uptight I can be at times, especially about school and being secure. Help me to be still and let You speak to me about how to change and follow You in unforced rhythms of grace.”

  The sound of the waves overtook her conscious thoughts, and she opened her heart to God and wherever He led.

  After lunch, Ken drove to town to pick up the mail and some groceries to supplement their farm produce. Raising chickens and a garden year-round helped to cut expenses in order to aid more of their people.

  He ri ffled through the mail in the box. Mostly for his father, but one envelope with Asbury Theological Seminary in the left-hand corner set his heart to beating faster than the steel drums the natives played. Ken hurried to the truck, and all thumbs, tore open the envelope and read.

  Mr. Worth, We regret to inform
you that all scholarship money has already been allotted for the coming school year, but we hope you will try again next year or perhaps take out a student loan.

  His heart took a dive. He bowed his head. “God, You know there’s no way for me to pay back school loans. I don’t understand this, but I will trust You to supply the funds or give me peace about not going on in school.”

  As he drove back to the compound, he tried to prepare the best way to tell his parents the bad news. They wanted what was best for him. They would probably tell him to accept this as God’s will. He would have more time to work on building projects. Maybe take some of the preaching load off Dad’s plate, although Ken was more comfortable on the job site than in the pulpit.

  His mom met him with a questioning gaze and carried in some of the lighter groceries while he brought in the rest. “Any mail?”

  He handed her the stack. “Mostly for dad and one for you.” He swallowed down the lump in his throat. “I didn’t get the scholarship I applied for. They said all the funds were gone this year, so they suggested I apply again next year or take out student loans.”

  “How absurd. What missionary could afford to pay back student loans for a private university?”

  No surprise his mother was in his corner. “I’ll go tell Dad unless you need me to help put the groceries away.”

  “Shoo.” She waved her apron. “I can pray while I do that. God will make a way.”

  His father stood surveying the building site behind the house.

  Ken stopped next to him. “Hey, Dad, got a minute?”

  “Of course”

  “I picked up the mail. You’ve got a stack at the house.”

  His father’s eyebrows rose. “Any word from Asbury?”

  “Yep. No funds this year, so I guess I’ll be here another year at least.”