Matthew nodded to Cate, “We’ll be back shortly.”
“Okay,” Cate replied.
As they walked toward the door, Matthew turned to Kim, “Now, Kim what’s this about?”
“The man standing just outside the door stopped me on my way to the restaurant and asked me about Jesus. I shared the gospel with him and he accepted Christ.”
“Kim, that’s great.”
“Yeah, but there’s more,” she said, smiling. “He asked me to come to his village and tell his neighbors about Christ. I told him I couldn’t, but I knew someone who could.”
“You bet you do,” David said.
While they were outside meeting with the man, Cate and Sarah entertained themselves.
“What have you been doing today, Baby Girl?”
“Oh nothing, just reading,”
“Just reading?” Cate said.
“Yep, and then, me and Daddy decided to come here for lunch. Daddy invited Miss Kim and when we saw you and Mr. Matthew hugging, I decided to invite you.”
“You saw me and Mr. Matthew hugging.”
“Uh-huh, Daddy said that we shouldn’t watch, but he did.”
“He did?”
“Yeah, I saw him. Daddy had a sad look on his face.”
“A sad look…” Cate turned and looked to the door.
“The kind of sad look he has when he looks at mommy’s picture.”
Before any further conversation, David, Kim and Matthew returned to the table and began discussing what had happened outside.
“Wow, I really can’t believe it,” Matthew said.
“Believe what?” Cate asked.
“I can’t believe that someone would approach a stranger,” Matthew answered.
“Who did that?”
“A Jivaro man approached me on the way to the restaurant, and I led him to the Lord,” Kim answered.
“That’s great,” Cate shared Kim’s excitement.
“But there’s more. He wanted someone to come to his village and share Christ with his neighbors,” Kim said.
“I’ve never seen anyone as happy as he was when David told him that he would be glad to come to his village and tell his people about Jesus,” Matthew said.
Mama Rosa interrupted the conversation as she came to the table to take their orders. Mama Rosa told them she’d bring them a surprise or two with their meals.
“Punch, Mama?” Matthew asked.
“Could be, Señor Matthew. Maybe, a special dessert also.”
“You,” Matthew teased, “are a woman after my heart.”
Mama Rosa glanced at Cate and a slight smile curled the edge of her lips, “No, Señor that is not me.”
Kim laughed while Cate flashed an embarrassed grin. Matthew put his arm around Cate and pulled her close as David looked down at the table.
“I will send your food out quickly,” Mama Rosa said, as she left for the kitchen.
Once she left, the conversation returned to the Jivaro man.
“It’s amazing what God can do,” Kim said. “I’m humbled that God allowed me to be a part of it.”
“Kim, you explained the gospel so clearly that he understood exactly. When I asked him what he would tell his neighbors when they asked about how to become a Christian, I knew he had it exactly right.” David applauded her witnessing.
“David, you’re going to his village?” Cate said.
“Yes, I am, and Matthew’s going too.”
Cate looked at Matthew, her hand instinctively touching his arm, “You’re going? Along with David?”
“I guess, I am.”
“I think Dr. Patterson might want to go too,” David said.
Kim sighed, “I wish I could go, but I have to stay and teach.”
Cate removed her hand from Matthew, and folded it in her lap, “When do you think you’ll go?”
“As soon as we can get ready. The man is going to show us the way to his village. It’s somewhere on the eastern slopes of the Andes,” David’s voice clearly indicated his excitement for the upcoming field trip.
“I can’t believe he’s Jivaro,” Kim said.
“What does that mean?” Cate asked.
“It means that he is a member of a tribe called Jivaro, or the Shear,” Matthew answered, “who go back to the days of the Incas.”
“They were known,” David paused, “for shrinking heads.”
Kim swallowed hard, her eyes widening, “They–shrink–heads?”
“Not any more,” Matthew felt around his head with his hands, “I don’t think.”
“Stop that,” Cate punched him, “not funny.”
“A very good thing,” Kim said, with relief.
Matthew chuckled, “You girls have no sense of adventure.”
“You’re right,” Kim assured him.
“Kim, there is more of a miracle here than you know,” David said.
“How’s that?”
“The Jivaro usually speak Quechua. Some speak a little Spanish, but very few speak English. Yours spoke English.”
“Only through the providence and grace of God,” Matthew’s eye briefly glanced upward, “could what happened today happen.”
“You mean that God orchestrated the events that caused this English speaking Jivaro and I to cross paths,” Kim said.
David nodded, “Exactly.”
Cate felt the emotion within her; This is why I’m supposed to be here. “How exciting!”
“God, is an awesome God,” Matthew said.
Sarah had patiently and silently listened to the conversation, but when she heard Matthew say God is an awesome God, it triggered a memory. She began to sing. As she was finished, everyone applauded, Sarah smiled broadly.
Along with a waiter, Mama Rosa came from the kitchen bringing their food. She was always excited to offer them tastes of new dishes to the menu.
“I have brought you a selection of my new dishes. I would be pleased to know how you like them.”
“You mean we are guinea pigs, Mama,” Matthew smiled at Mama.
“Si,” Mama smiled back.
David dug into one of the dishes, “I, for one, am most pleased to be Mama Rosa’s guinea pig.”
Everyone else joined him. Mama anxiously waited for their reaction.
After he had taken a bite, David proclaimed, “Delicoso.”
“Muy bien,” Cate said.
As he grabbed his glass of water, Matthew said, “Picante.”
“Matthew you’re a wimp,” David said.
Mama Rosa laughed and offered Matthew another dish to taste.
Kim took another bite of the first dish, “Muy bien, Mama.”
Mama realized that Sarah had been eating steadily without a word. She patted her on the back and said, “Muy bien, bambina?”
“Muy bien, Madre,” Sarah replied.
Once she was sure each of the new dishes had been taste tested, she thanked them, wished them a good appetite, and returned to the kitchen.
They continued to eat and discuss the visit to the Jivaro village.
“When will you be leaving?” Cate asked.
“Maybe tomorrow,” David added more food to his plate, “but probably the next day.”
Not knowing whether she or Kim would stay, Cate tried to inquire tactfully, “What about Sarah?”
Sarah looked up from her food, and David and Kim looked at each other. “I’ll let you know,” David offered.
During the conversation, Cate watched Kim reach over and take David’s hand.
When David saw Cate watching he looked away, but Kim seemed very comfortable as she held his hand and scooted closer to him. David appeared nervous, and Sarah was unhappy and her face revealed it.
While Kim was oblivious to what was going on with David and Sarah, Cate wasn’t. She sensed that there might be trouble in paradise.
As they ate, Matthew slipped his hand over Cate’s. This time it was Cate who was uncomfortable, and David was the one watching. Cate refused to look directly a
t David as Matthew scooted close. That’s how the rest of the meal went: Cate looked at Kim, and David looked at Matthew, but not at each other.
Finally, everyone finished, the check was paid, and they began the walk home. Once again, Matthew held Cate’s left hand while Sarah held her right, and David held Sarah’s right hand while he held Kim’s left. Half way home, Matthew, Cate and Sarah dropped behind, as David and Kim walked in front. Each couple made conversation, Sarah offered intermittent comments and Cate watched David and Kim as they walked. She noticed that Kim was holding David’s hand more than he was holding hers. What does it mean? Maybe nothing?
As Kim and Cate arrived home, Kim asked if they could talk. They sat on the couch and Kim began, “Cate, I wanted to talk to you about–”
“About what?”
“Cate, I’m sorry, but sometimes I’m jealous of you and David and…Sarah.
“Jealous of me?”
“Yes, jealous of you.”
The look on Kim’s face revealed the extent of her jealousy, and Cate wondered if she had noticed something. “But, you don’t have to be.”
“I know. It’s crazy. I know you have Matthew, but sometimes I…”
“Kim–”
“Cate, I know you and David have been friends for years. And, and, if you had wanted to be with him, you would be. Right?”
Before Cate could answer, Kim answered for her, “Of course, that’s right, so you must not want him.” Kim seemed comforted by answering her own question.
Cate breathed a sigh of relief that she was not going to have to answer, but it didn’t last.
With a puzzled look, Kim looked her straight in the eye, “Why don’t you want him? He’s a great guy.”
“Yes, he is, but Matthew’s a great guy too.” Cate hoped her answer would cause Kim to drop the interrogation, but it didn’t.
“Cate, when you first arrived, I sensed there was something more than friendship between you and David. Was I wrong?”
Her tone revealed that she wanted Cate to tell her that she was. She needed reassurance so Cate decided to tell her about her divorce. “Kim, I’m going to tell you something because I think you need to know.”
“Okay...”
“I’m divorced. Even if I was interested in David, it couldn’t go anywhere.”
Shocked and relieved, Kim asked, “I’m sure David knows, but does Matthew?”
“Yes, he does.”
Kim narrowed her eyes, “Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“It’s not something I’m proud of. My husband left me for another woman.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
Cate shrugged, “Me too, but you see now why you shouldn’t be worried about me and David.”
“Yeah, but I still have a problem. I don’t know what to do about Sarah.”
“What do you mean?”
“While you were away, visiting your parents, I stayed with her while David was on a trip.”
“And…”
“And,” Kim sighed, “all she did was talk about you.”
“Did you read with her and do the things she likes?”
“Sure, I did, but evidently I didn’t do it like you do.”
“I’m sorry. I—”
“Cate, I don’t know what to do. That little girl loves you like she loved Jenny.”
Cate heard Kim’s frustration, “Kim, I’m sorry that my relationship with Sarah is causing you problems, but I’m not sorry that she and I have a close relationship.”
“I know, I sound awful don’t I, but I don’t mean too. I love David and I want Sarah to love me.”
Even though she knew Kim expected to marry David and become Sarah’s mother, Cate was startled by actually hearing her say it. She worked hard to hide her true feelings.
“Cate, how did you get so close to Sarah after Jenny died?”
“I was just kind to her, and loved her.”
“I can do that,” Kim said.
Cate reached out and patted Kim’s knee, “Sure, you can.”
As those words filled the air, Cate was tangled up inside. I can’t believe I’m helping Kim marry David and become Sarah’s mother.
“Thanks, I feel better now,” Kim said.
Cate masked her feelings, “You’re welcome.”
The phone rang and Kim answered. “Hello–Oh hi, David–Do I want to go with you to the village?–Matthew said that I could?–Dr. and Mrs. Patterson?–Of course, I want to go–When will we leave?–How long?–Sure, I’ll let her know–Bye, darling.”
Kim hung up the phone, her body radiating excitement, “I get to go to the village with David, and Dr. and Mrs. Patterson.”
“That’s wonderful,” Cate said, “what about Matthew? Isn’t he going?”
“He told David that because I led the Jivaro man to Christ, he thought that I deserved to go. He would cover my classes if I wanted to go.”
“That’s great,” Cate was envious.
“Oh, one more thing, David wanted to know if you’d stay with Sarah.”
“Of course, I’d be glad to.”
At this point, for Cate, the trouble in paradise was that Kim was about to leave for several days on a mission trip with David, While I stay home with the baby. Even though she did not want to be, Cate was jealous.
Oh God, Cate prayed. Please help me with this.
Twenty
During the preparations for the trip, Cate and Kim saw very little of David. However, he did call Kim to make sure that she understood what she should take on the trip.
Once more, Cate had to deal with her feelings of jealousy and envy. She kept talking to God about it, and admitting to Him that she wished that she could be in Kim’s place concerning David. She envied the fact that Kim could have a future with David while she could not, and she was jealous of the fact that Kim could say she loved David, while she could not. Oh, Lord, Cate prayed. This is the same old battle. Please help me. Please dear God take my feelings for David away.
God didn’t take her feelings away, but He did provide the grace for her to deal with the envy and jealousy. She was able to watch Kim flit around the house singing and preparing for the trip, while she prepared to stay with Sarah.
The day came for the departure to the Jivaro village, and after prayer and appropriate goodbyes, David, and the others loaded their Land Rover and drove away. Matthew, Cate, Sarah, Miss Janet, and Mrs. Garcia waved until they were out of sight.
“I hope they find a lot of open hearts when they get to the village,” Miss Janet said.
“Yeah, me too,” Matthew agreed.
Knowing the power of prayer, Cate added, “Well, we can help by praying.”
Matthew put his arm around her shoulder and hugged her, “You’re exactly right.”
Sarah slid her hand in Cate’s and said, “I can pray too.”
Miss Janet patted Sarah’s head, “You sure can.”
“Si, little one, you can pray,” Mrs. Garcia added. “Would you like a snack, mi bambina?”
“Si, Señora Garcia, gracias” Sarah pulled her hand from Cate’s and followed Mrs. Garcia into the house.
As she watched them enter the house, Miss Janet observed, “She’s such a wonderful little girl.”
“Yes, she is,” Matthew and Cate agreed.
Miss Janet wiped at her eye, “Jenny would be so proud of her.”
Cate turned to look back into the house, “Yes, she would.”
Miss Janet asked, “Did you know Jenny well?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Jenny was a great person,” Matthew said.
Cate thought back to those earlier times, “Yes, she was. I liked her very much.”
“I still miss her. I’m sure David does too,” Miss Janet replied.
“Yes, he does, but unfortunately that’s the past, and now, he’s trying to look forward, to the future,” Matthew said.
Miss Janet knew what he was implying, “Yes, he is. Maybe he and Kim will have a future together.”
Miss Janet looked at Cate, “I need to get home too. I have to finish lesson plans for school tomorrow.”
Cate knew that Miss Janet was beginning to teach from a new literature book, and commiserated with her. “I guess it is difficult to teach from a new literature book.”
Miss Janet smiled at Matthew as she answered, “Well, it’s not too bad. It’s that boss of mine that’s the problem.”
Cate made an appropriate face at Matthew. “I know what you mean.”
“Well, I could look for two new teachers,” Matthew said.
Miss Janet winked at Cate, “Yes, we know, but you couldn’t get two as good as us.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” Matthew teased.
“I’m sure, and even if you could replace me, I know you couldn’t replace Cate. Matthew, I think it’s time I told you something.”
“And, what might that be?”
Miss Janet nodded toward Cate, “You were very wise when you hired her. She’s a wonderful teacher and a fine young woman. Our school is lucky to have her,”
“I know it,” Matthew responded, “I’m glad someone besides me recognizes it.”
Red-faced with embarrassment, Cate offered a, “Thank you.”
Miss Janet saw Cate’s embarrassment, “Cate, I meant what I said. And, Kim and I are lucky to have you as a roommate.”
“Thank you, Miss Janet. You’re very kind.
“She is very kind,” Matthew said, as he winked at Miss Janet. “But, she’s also right.”
Cate gave a mock curtsey, “Thank you, kind sir.”
“You don’t take compliments well. Do you?” Matthew asked.
“I guess you could say that.”
“You need to work on that,” Matthew winked, “I’m sure you’re going to hear a lot more as long as I’m around.”
“Sweet boy, isn’t he?” Miss Janet said.
“Yes, he is,” Cate answered, with a smile and a blush.
Matthew accepted the compliment, “I’m sorry, but this sweet boy really does need to go, correspondence will not take care of itself.”
The Calling Page 14
