The Calling

by Deborah A Hodge

  Seven

  After a two-hour drive through the mountains they arrived at Otavala, which had more paved streets than the villages before. There was a large square for the market, buildings that were more complex and beautifully ornate, a train station and bus service. However, Otavala was not their final destination. The mission school, David’s house and ministry, Cate’s new home and school were located in Peguche, a small village on the outskirts of Otavalo. The little caravan traveled until it arrived at the small village about ten minutes further down the road.

  A crowd of local people waited at David’s home to greet David and Sarah, welcoming them home with much joy and love. A representative for the group delivered a brief speech expressing the group’s sympathy for the loss of Jenny and their tremendous love for, and memory of her. David and Sarah’s departure from Peguche had saddened the people of the village and they were overjoyed at their return.

  The generosity of the village’s people deeply moved David, and his friends. Finally, he choked out the words, “Thank you friends. May God richly bless you for your generosity and love.”

  Because she was more attuned to his feelings than she wanted to admit, and knew how deeply the generosity of these people had moved David, Cate found herself fighting back tears. She breathed a quick prayer that God would help her not to cry. She didn’t want to intrude with what was going on between David, his friends and the town’s people.

  Sarah had fallen asleep in Cate’s lap during the trip from Quito. When the group arrived at David’s house and the people were waiting to greet David, Matthew had taken her into his arms to allow Cate to get out of the van. Sarah, who was a deep sleeper, continued to sleep during the speech. When she awoke and realized where she was, she automatically cried out, “Mommy! Mommy! Where are you, Mommy?” Immediately, every eye was on David, who moved toward his daughter.

  As he gently took her into his arms, Sarah, rubbed her eyes and continued, “Daddy, isn’t mommy here?”

  “No, Sarah, Mommy’s not here.”

  “But, Mommy was here.” Sarah had a look of remembering on her face.

  “Yes, she was here, but she’s in heaven now.”

  Understanding flooded Sarah’s face, “That’s right. Mommy’s in heaven now.”

  Seeing the look of sadness on her daddy’s face, Sarah apologized, “I’m sorry Daddy. I thought Mommy was here, but I know that Mommy’s in heaven. I miss Mommy, Daddy.”

  “I know, Baby. I miss her too.”

  The joy that everyone had felt now turned to sadness. They could not help but feel that they were intruding upon a very personal moment between father and daughter. One by one they quietly said their goodbyes and excused themselves.

  Matthew and his entourage continued on to the house Cate would occupy with Janet and Kim. Matthew and Mr. Garcia carried Cate’s bags into her room. It was a simple house, but adequate for Cate’s needs. Miss Janet and Kim had shared the responsibilities of cleaning, cooking and taking care of the house. They also shared the expenses involved in providing food and other necessities. Cate assured them that she was quite willing to share in all these things.

  After a quick tour, Cate and Kim returned to the living room where Miss Janet had provided refreshments. Miss Janet and Matthew were talking about the upcoming school term and included them in the conversation.

  “Miss Jones,” Matthew began.

  “Mr. Kennedy, please, call me Cate.”

  “I will, but only if you will call me Matthew. Mr. Kennedy is my father,” he answered.

  “Okay.”

  “Cate, I understand that you taught third grade for four years, but haven’t taught for the past year,” Matthew said.

  “That’s correct.”

  “May I ask why you didn’t teach last year?” Matthew continued.

  “You may,” Cate nodded and smiled, “At the end of my fourth year at the elementary school I resigned in anticipation of teaching at a mission school in Mexico. When that didn’t materialize, my job at the elementary school was no longer available, and neither was any other teaching job around Kansas City. After much prayer and advice from people I trusted, I took a part-time job at a preschool and began seminary.”

  “May I ask why you wanted a job at the mission school in Mexico?” Matthew asked.

  “I wanted to teach in a mission school because I felt that was what God wanted me to do. I applied for the job in Mexico because I was being obedient to God’s call. I was accepted, but the mission organization had financial problems, and had to withdraw their offer of employment.”

  Throughout Matthew’s inquiries, Miss Janet and Kim sat quietly, listening with interest to each question and answer. Cate seemed to read an expression of approval upon their faces as she answered each question.

  “What age groups did you work with at the pre-school?”

  “I worked with three and four year olds mainly, but also some five year olds who had not yet entered school.”

  “Did you teach things like colors, shapes, alphabet, numbers and things like that?” Matthew continued.

  “Yes, I did. I also taught some reading.”

  “Reading! You taught reading to three and four year olds?” Miss Janet exclaimed.

  “Yes, I taught them very simple reading: vowel sounds, phonics, simple sight words and such.”

  “And, they learned that?” Kim inquired.

  Cate nodded, proud of her accomplishment, “Most did well.”

  Miss Janet smiled in amazement and nodded to Matthew.

  “Cate, how would you like to teach kindergarten at the mission school?” Matthew asked.

  “Kindergarten, I thought I’d be teaching third grade.”

  “I thought so too, until I talked to David and the head of the pre-school and found out what you had been able to accomplish with your pre-school students.”

  “Teach kindergarten?” Maybe this is one of my callings? “Yes, I would like that.”

  “Cate, I want to make sure that you understand that kindergarten here will not be like kindergarten in America. Some of your students will be older than five, and some younger,” Matthew cautioned.

  “Really?”

  “As a mission school we try to provide not only a traditional education, but a service for the people of the area. We take students as early as possible to help the parents with childcare issues and we take students who are older, but have been unable to attend school for whatever reason. The government is unable to provide schools in all areas and even then, our school tends to be better than the government schools. We actually have people move to the area, or travel a long way so that their children can attend our school. These people greatly value education. They particularly value the ability to read. Many value Christian education. They want their children steeped in the teachings of Christianity as well as traditional education. We are very pleased that the Lord has put us here to be used in these people’s lives,” Matthew paused and smiled at Cate, “and we are glad that He sent you to us. We’re hopeful that you will be a very valuable asset to help us to minister to the needs and expectations of these people.”

  “Wow, I don’t know what to say, I feel so very humbled by the opportunity that God, and you, are giving me. I promise you that with God’s help I’ll do my very best.”

  “I know you will. You came very highly recommended,” Matthew added.

  “Yeah, David’s opinion carries a lot of weight around here,” Kim chimed in.

  “How long have you known David?” Miss Janet inquired.

  “About eight years.”

  “David was youth minister at your father’s church. Wasn’t he?” Matthew asked.

  “Yes, he was.”

  “So, your father’s a pastor,” Miss Janet stated.

  “Yes, he is.”

  “How long has he been a pastor?”

  “He’s been a pastor for about thirty-five years. He’s been at his present church for twenty-seven years.”

  “So, your
father has been a pastor all of your life,” Kim reflected.

  “That’s right.”

  “Mine too,” Kim added.

  “Your dad’s a pastor also?” Cate asked.

  “Yep.”

  “Mine too,” Matthew added.

  Cate looked at Miss Janet expecting to hear her say, ‘Mine too’. However, Miss Janet said, “My father was a farmer all of his life, until he died last year.”

  “I’m sorry about your father,” Cate gently touched Janet’s arm.

  “Thank you.”

  “Well, Cate, I know you must be tired from your flight. It’s getting late; I guess I should be going.” Matthew rose, “But there’s just one more thing. We’re having a reception in your honor tomorrow night around six at the school. We thought it would give the other staff, parents, students, and interested parties an opportunity to meet our new teacher from Kansas.”

  “A reception in my honor, that’s very nice.” Cate blushed, “Thank you.”

  “You’re most welcome. However, I can’t take credit for the idea. Janet and Kim were the brains behind it, and now that I have met you, I believe that it’s one of the best ideas that they’ve had in a while.” Matthew paused, and before Cate could respond, he continued, “I don’t believe that Job would mind if I paraphrase a little. ‘I had heard of you with my ear, but now I see you for myself and I am amazed.’ Yes, I’m certain that the reception in your honor is a wonderful idea.”

  “Thank you all very much.” Cate was embarrassed by Matthew’s obvious interest in her.

  “I’ll look forward to seeing you tomorrow night at the reception.” Matthew exited after a reluctant goodbye.

  Kim watched with a grin as Miss Janet showed him out, and giggled with glee once he was out the door. “Well, Miss Jones, it seems that in your short time here that you’ve made a conquest,” Kim’s face held a broad smile and a twinkle in her eye.

  “Trust me.” Cate held up her hand, “I am not interested in making any conquests. I’m here to teach.”

  “Evidently, you could teach me a thing or two.” Kim looked to the door where Matthew left. “I’ve been here for five years and Matthew has never looked at me like he looked at you from the moment you got off the plane.”

  “Yeah,” Cate rolled her eyes, “right,”

  “She is right, my dear. Matthew does appear to be rather smitten with you,” Janet agreed.

  “Smitten with me?”

  “Yes, indeed.” Janet arched her eyebrows, “I suspect that we shall have a very interesting school year.”

  “The headmaster will most likely spend a lot of time in a certain kindergarten classroom,” Kim chimed in.

  “Look ladies, I’m only here because I’m interested in serving the Lord by being the best teacher I can be.” Cate wanted everyone to clearly understand why she was there.

  “I am quite sure that’s true,” Janet replied, “and I’m also quite sure that’s one of the things that attracts Matthew to you.”

  “That’s one of the things?” Cate leaned back, eyeing her two new friends.

  “Yes, one of the things, you are quite beautiful you know,” Janet continued. Janet noted Cate’s beautiful auburn hair and lively green eyes.

  Cate choked back a laugh, “Yeah, right.”

  “Yeah is right,” Kim spoke up reluctantly, “Cate, aren’t you aware of how beautiful you are?”

  “Please, ladies, this is getting a little absurd. I do not go around preening in front of a mirror. I do not have a problem with vanity.”

  “Poor eyesight or low self esteem maybe, but certainly not vanity,” Kim joked.

  Miss Janet chimed in with a laugh, “There’s nothing wrong with beauty of appearance or spirit, my dear, if you do not let it go to your head. It’s very apparent you do not. In fact, it seems that you are not even aware of your beauty.”

  Cate felt embarrassed-and uncomfortable. Janet and Kim both apologized and asked her to forgive their bluntness and humor. They assured her that when she came to know them better that she would realize that they had not meant anything. Cate accepted their apology, assuring them that she took no real offense, but she was concerned about Matthew. If they were correct about Matthew, the situation might present complications for which she was not prepared. I’m not ready for this.

  As she fell asleep that night, even though she was quite tired, thoughts prevented her from drifting into a deep, restful sleep. She was quite sure that she was exactly where God wanted her to be, but she found herself anxious about the complications that Miss Janet and Kim predicted. She did not want anything to interfere with carrying out her teaching assignment. Friendship was fine, but anything else would be an inconvenience. In addition-there was David. He would always occupy a special place deep in her heart. She knew he was the only man that she would ever love deeply and completely, and his presence would constantly remind her of that fact. However, she was also sure that her love for him could only be love from afar. He was a missionary through and through, and the International Mission Board would never sanction the service of any couple, one of which was divorced. She could never have any hope of a life with David as long as he was a missionary, and he’ll always be a missionary.

  She remembered how he looked when the man who gave the speech had mentioned Jenny. She saw how much of a grip grief still had on David, and knew he still deeply loved and missed his wife. Even if the IMB obstacle wasn’t there, Cate knew that Jenny still filled David’s heart, and that left no room for her.

  To combat the possibility of falling into the grips of depression as she had in Baton Rouge, she concentrated on her relationship with God and her relationship with Sarah. Sarah needed her after Jenny’s death, but she also realized that she needed Sarah. She had helped Sarah with the grief she felt because of the loss of her mother, and Sarah helped her deal with the depression that had reared its ugly head after she once again began a relationship with David. God and Sarah helped her keep balanced. God because of his strength, truth and grace, and Sarah because of her love and innocence, and she kept Cate busy. Whether at the pre-school or after school, once David had given his blessing, Cate spent lots of time with Sarah. God used that to renew her friendship with David and to bring about the teaching assignment in Ecuador and the caretaker assignment concerning Sarah. She knew God had worked in and through every part of the last year of her life, but in ways she did not always expect-or understand.

  To comfort herself that first night in Ecuador, she reminded herself that as Romans 8:28 says God indeed did work all things for good, for those who love Him. Though His ways were often mysterious, she was convinced they were the best and that God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness were unending. Cate knew that whatever lay ahead God could handle it, and she could handle it with His strength.

  Eight

  She awoke the next morning refreshed and with a renewed sense of purpose. She committed the day, and the whole Ecuador experience, into His hands, confessing that because of Him, she could face whatever lay ahead in Ecuador.

  After breakfast, Cate offered to help with the dishes, but Miss Janet and Kim refused to allow her to help. They told her that she had the rest of the week off to adjust, but after that, they would inaugurate her to her share of the household chores. Consequently, she turned her attention to unpacking and to picking out what she would wear to the reception that night.

  Not wanting to commit a cultural miscue, Cate asked Miss Janet and Kim for advice as to what to wear. They helped her settle on a simple, but beautiful, peach dress, simple white sandals, would complete the outfit.

  Once Cate finished unpacking and choosing her wardrobe for the reception, Kim offered to take her on a tour of the village. Cate readily accepted and off they went for her first real adventure.

  The day was bright and sunny. Even though it was the first of August, it was a delicious spring-like day. Cate loved the spring, and delighted in the fact that in this area of Ecuador the temperatures were usually mi
ld. Cate breathed deeply the fresh air and her senses soaked in the sights, sounds, and smells that she encountered as they walked. She was most interested in the people. Cate knew that they were descendants of the Incas and therefore, had an ancient and proud heritage. She loved their beautifully distinctive clothing. The women wore embroidered blouses, beaded necklaces and skirts. The men wore their hair in long braids, ponchos, white trousers and sandals. They were friendly people; everyone they met seemed to know Kim, and Kim quickly introduced them to Cate. When they found out that she was the new teacher from America, they were anxious to meet and welcome her.

  “Kim, do any of these people have children in the mission school?”

  “Some do; they will be at the reception tonight. Others are just interested in meeting the new teacher from North America.”

  “Oh, I see.” Cate smiled.

  After about twenty minutes of walking, meeting, and greeting, Cate and Kim ran into David and Sarah at the local general store.

  Sarah grinned broadly, as she spied Cate coming through the door.

  “Cate,” Sarah screamed, as she ran toward her.

  “Hey, Baby Girl. How are you today?” Cate swept her up in her arms.

  “I’m good,” Sarah answered.

  “I’m glad.” Cate hugged her and kissed her cheek.

  “Hello, you two,” David greeted Kim and Cate, as he came toward them, hugging Kim briefly.

  “Hello,” they both echoed.

  “How’s the new girl doing?” he asked, as he embraced Cate warmly.

  “The new girl’s doing fine.” Cate noticed Kim observing the whole event with the same expression on her face that she had the night before when she and Miss Janet had teased her about Matthew. She dreaded the prospect of being teased again, especially about David. Trying to run interference against the prospect of teasing and questions, Cate quickly withdrew from David’s embrace. She withdrew so quickly and in such a manner that David noticed, but didn’t comment.