Long Walk Home

by DiAnn Mills

  “No problem. You found Abraham?”

  He grinned. “It was wonderful, Larson. We talked for a long time. Seeing him lifted my spirits, and I’ve been soaring ever since.”

  “I can see. I thought you might spend the night there.” She folded her hands on the table.

  “I didn’t want to take advantage of your generosity. I was afraid if I didn’t get back with your truck, you’d send someone after me.”

  “I might have.” She neatly stacked the sheets of paper. “Seriously, you should have taken advantage of the opportunity.”

  “I will soon. He’s pretty frail, and I think I wore him out. I can visit him another time. It still amazes me that he is Bishop Malou’s father.” Paul hesitated. “What about your day?”

  “Full of honesty.”

  He lifted a brow. “How?”

  “When I was a little girl, Granddaddy used to have this saying—”

  “Is this another Larson story?”

  “Absolutely. Anyway, before I was interrupted, when Granddaddy discovered something that needed to come out in the open, he’d call a ‘come-to-Jesus meeting.’”

  “Spill-your-guts time?”

  “You’re catching on. Seriously—” she took a deep breath—“I realized I couldn’t outrun God and didn’t want to anymore. He’d chased me across the world, and I needed to get caught.”

  Paul rubbed his arms. “I’ve got chill bumps. Wow. Incredible. Congratulations.”

  “I figured you were one of many who have prayed for me, so thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. Tell me what happened. What brought all this about?”

  Larson blinked back the wetness pooling in her eyes. “Your journal, your life, and your commitment to Jesus. I no longer had a purpose to go on living. Guess you’d say I’d sunk as low as I could go.”

  “And what is your purpose?” Paul whispered the words, not wanting to miss any of Larson’s reply.

  “To serve the Lord by using the skill He gave me to treat these people I’ve grown to love—not just physically but spiritually too.”

  Paul couldn’t stop grinning. “You are going to be the most dynamic woman Sudan has ever seen. Look what you’ve accomplished to this date, then think about the future.”

  She swiped at a tear. “My mouth can talk about Jesus while He guides my hands. And think of the power of prayer.” She held her breath for a moment. “Sarah will be elated. I must tell her.”

  “Go.” Paul rose from his chair and shooed her toward the door. “I’ll clean and disinfect while you share the good news.”

  “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

  “Outta here, lady. Don’t come back until you have spoken with every Christian in the village.”

  “I might not be back for a week.”

  “No problem. I’ll handle things as long as no one gets sick.”

  Larson hurried from the clinic, a new lightness in her step, reflecting the joy of her news. He stood and watched her disappear in the direction of Sarah’s hut.

  God was good. Indeed, He was very good. Two answered prayers in one day. Paul turned toward the table and Larson’s unfinished letter. He needed to write Jackie and the boys. They had been praying for Larson too. Paul glanced at his backpack on the floor near the doorway. He had much to journal today.

  CHAPTER 31

  Sarah’s round face fairly glistened. She pulled Larson to her and hugged her time and time again.

  “Praise God. Our prayers are answered,” the old woman said. “What a day this has been. I will remember it whenever times are hard.”

  Larson snuffed back the sobs. She hadn’t laughed and cried this much in a long time. “Paul and I both found answers. Oh, Sarah, I’ll bet my grandfather is dancing across heaven.”

  “He will need an African to show him how to do it. I’ve seen how you people dance.”

  They laughed again.

  “I’ve started a letter to my parents. It’s a little hard to put ten years into a few sheets of paper.”

  Sarah took her hand. “From what you just told me, they are good people.”

  “More than good. They’ve sent letters, but I never replied. They’ve never written anything condemning or asked uncomfortable questions.” Larson tilted her head. “Maybe they should have confronted me with my rebellion. Then again, I’d probably have run farther.”

  “They will treasure your letter,” Sarah said. “Let’s walk. Many of the villagers will want to know you are now truly a Christian.”

  “I feel like a little girl again—happy and excited. I know there are tough days ahead, but this time I won’t give up on God.” Larson covered her mouth. “My goodness, Sarah. I just realized God didn’t send me any patients today. He knew. He actually knew.”

  Sarah slipped her arm around Larson’s waist, and they walked toward the nearest hut, where children were playing chase. Their giggles rose like sweet music, drowning out all the sad realities of a land torn with upheaval.

  Lord, I will need You to remind me of this day, especially if Rachel and Nyok never return. Don’t give up on me.

  Hours later amid the singing and storytelling, Larson swatted at the mosquitoes, a habit formed from dealing with them for so long. In the last few minutes, she’d begun to feel exhaustion take over her body. The time had come to head back to the clinic and see what Paul had been doing in her absence. She wanted to finish her letter to Mom and Dad. Everyone shared in her joy. She’d seen the jubilation before when a villager became a believer, but she’d kept her distance. Now she was a part of a special community of God.

  Ben’s words echoed in her mind. “You don’t even have a country to call home.” He’d been right. She didn’t belong in the States anymore, and she had never really fit into Sudan, but she did have a home within a fellowship of believers.

  Larson stood from her position on the ground. “Thank you all very much for everything you’ve done. I hope I will not disappoint you in the coming days.” She glanced about. “I’m going back to the clinic now. I’m very tired.”

  Once she stepped inside the clinic, she saw exactly what Paul had been doing. He’d cleaned and disinfected every inch—a job she’d considered but hadn’t accomplished.

  “This is amazing.” She whirled around. Even in the dim lighting, she saw the sparkle and neatness.

  “I didn’t want you to come home to work.” He sat at the table, writing in his journal.

  Home. What a pleasant sound. She yawned.

  Paul pointed his pen at her. “See, I was right. All the celebrating has worn you out.”

  “You should have been there.”

  He shook his head. “I felt this should be your special celebration.”

  “Thanks.” Larson slid into her chair. “I wanted to finish this letter, but I might go on to bed. My mind is a bit muddy.”

  “Have you considered a furlough home?”

  She hesitated. “In fact, I have. Thought about it all afternoon. I know I need a break, and reconciliation with my parents sounds really good.” She yawned again.

  “If you don’t get some sleep, you won’t have the energy to get up in the morning.”

  Rubbing sore neck muscles, she agreed. “I want to savor the day, but I may have to do it in my dreams.” A thought occurred to her. “I don’t own a Bible anymore. Bishop Malou may have to lend me one in Arabic.”

  “Do you read Arabic?”

  “A little.” She sighed. “I’m going to bed.”

  “Wise decision—among those other wise ones you’ve made today.”

  “Thanks.” Larson stood and moved toward the doorway, too tired to do anything but wave good night. Once inside her hut, she peeled off her clothes and slipped into pajamas. She crawled onto the cot, pulling the netting over her head. Her thoughts rambled for a moment, but she soon gave in to sleep.

  “Dr. Kerr,” a voice said.

  Larson stirred. In her dreams, she heard Nyok call her name. “Dr. Kerr.”

  What a be
autiful dream to hear Nyok speak without the harshness from days gone by. She loved the sound of his voice, the cracking of a syllable indicating one more venture into manhood. Oh, how she wanted to be a part of his life, if only he would come back to the village.

  She felt a hand on her shoulder, a gentle shaking. “Dr. Kerr. Wake up.”

  Larson stirred, and in the darkness she opened her eyes. Confusion settled upon her. She sensed someone kneeling by her cot. Perhaps this person needed medical attention.

  “How can I help you?” she said.

  “It’s me, Nyok.”

  She caught her breath. “Nyok. Am I dreaming, or are you here?”

  He lifted the netting and touched her face. “I have come back to you.”

  Tears trickled from her eyes, and she reached up to embrace him. This was the boy she remembered, the one who looked to her for strength when he feared the world. “I was so afraid for you.”

  “Colonel Alier found me and brought me here.”

  She kissed his cheek. “I know we’ve had problems, but we can talk them through.”

  “The problem’s been me,” Nyok said. “I was wrong to say and do the things I did. God has shown me how wrong I’ve been.”

  Later she would tell him about her decision. “We’ve both made mistakes. Nyok, I love you so much.”

  “I want to go to school—wherever you think is best. I need an education to best serve my country. I think I may become a doctor like you.”

  Now fully awake, she didn’t want to release Nyok for fear she was dreaming. “I’m so very, very happy.”

  “I want to thank you for all you’ve done for me. I think I was too full of hate to understand it,” he said. “While I was with the soldiers, I realized you have been my mother since my parents died.”

  Larson listened, sealing each word in her heart. “And you have been the son I never had.”

  “We have much to talk about tomorrow, but Colonel Alier is here. He has news too.”

  Larson wondered if it could be news of Rachel, but she dared not believe it.

  “Dr. Kerr, you might want to dress and meet with him.”

  “Is it Rachel?” Larson’s pulse raced.

  “I will let him tell you. He’s in the clinic talking to Paul.”

  In the next instant, she grabbed a robe and wiggled into it, grateful for the darkness concealing her tattered pajamas. Hurrying from the hut to the clinic with Nyok beside her, she tried to prepare herself in case the news was not what she wanted to hear.

  Ben stood next to Paul, and her gaze flew to the colonel. He didn’t look grieved.

  “Thank you for bringing Nyok back,” she said. “I’m very grateful.”

  “On our way here, I stopped to see a slave trader,” he said.

  She trembled. “What did he say?”

  Ben hesitated just long enough for her to wonder if the news was bad.

  “Tell me, Ben.”

  “He says they’ve found Rachel. I’m to meet him in four days.”

  Larson covered her mouth. Gratitude washed over her. “Ben, oh, Ben.” She rushed into his arms, laughing and crying at the same time. Never before had she hugged him, never before had she felt his seasoned muscles beneath her fingertips. In the next moment, she sensed a deep awkwardness. Instantly she drew away. Guilt assaulted her with how he must have interpreted the embrace. “Did he say she was all right?”

  “He doesn’t know anything, only that she is alive.”

  “I see,” Larson said. “You will let me go with you, won’t you?”

  A rare look of tenderness passed over Ben’s face. “It could be dangerous.”

  “I’d like to go,” Paul said. “Waiting here would be hard.”

  “Me too,” Nyok said.

  Ben shook his head. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. The GOS may have gotten wind of her identity and be there waiting.”

  “I’ll take the chance,” Paul said. “Accompanying you couldn’t be much worse than dodging the GOS in Khartoum.”

  Ben whirled around to face him. “Capturing the pair of us would make their day.”

  “As I said, I’ll take the chance.” Paul showed no trace of fear, and Larson admired him for his courage. Now that she knew the truth about his past, her respect for Paul knew no bounds.

  “Well, I think all of us would make a prize catch, but I’m not afraid, and I want to go,” she said.

  “And I’m Dr. Kerr’s protector,” Nyok added.

  “This is a bad idea. We may be walking into a trap.” Ben’s forehead creased. “I can’t risk any of you. Who would take care of the villagers? And, Paul, who’d bring food and supplies into the war zone area? And, Nyok, you’re a young man who needs an education.”

  Larson couldn’t believe Ben had shown concern for the three of them. “I don’t think you can dissuade any of us. We’ve waited too long for Rachel’s return.”

  Ben raked his fingers through his short hair. “I can’t permit it.”

  “Then I will follow you,” Paul stated. “But I agree that Larson and Nyok should stay here.”

  “Absolutely not!” Larson said. How dare he exclude her. She didn’t need protection.

  Ben shook his head. “I know I will regret this, but as long as you understand what might happen . . .”

  “Nothing can stop me from going after Rachel,” Larson said stiffly. “I believe God will be with us.”

  “God?” He swung a startled gaze at her.

  “Yes, God. He and I have gotten back to where I should have been all along.”

  Ben headed toward the door of the clinic. “Then you’d better spend the rest of the night in prayer, because I’m a fool to permit any of you to go. In fact, I hope you see better of this whole thing in the daylight.”

  Larson watched him leave. She caught Paul’s attention. “This day has been filled with blessings. I refuse to back down just because Ben suspects there might be trouble.” She lifted her chin. “I’m going after my daughter.”

  CHAPTER 32

  Paul woke before Larson and Nyok. He had no idea where Ben slept because the colonel hadn’t returned after voicing his reservations about the three of them accompanying him to get Rachel. He’d spent the past two days with his men, obviously hoping Larson, Paul, and Nyok would change their minds.

  Paul’s thoughts had spun most of the night with the myriad of events since he’d first landed his plane near the village. One unfortunate thing after another had occurred until he wondered if he’d been cursed. Then, in the course of a single day, they all had reasons to rejoice. As wonderful as it sounded, he felt a bit skeptical about redeeming Rachel. It seemed too easy, or had he merely grown accustomed to the hardships of Sudan?

  I’ve become a cynic instead of praising God for all His gifts.

  He hated to think about Rachel tortured and her mind forever scarred by the abductors. All manner of horrible things could have happened to her. Paul went about making coffee and praying for Rachel instead of worrying about her.

  “You’re up early,” Larson said from the doorway of the clinic.

  “So are you. I couldn’t sleep thinking about Rachel and bringing her home today.”

  Larson offered a half smile. “I tossed and turned. I need to be grateful for Nyok—” A strange, almost-fearful look swept over her face. She shook her head. “Nyok’s back, and I have to believe everything will be all right with Rachel.”

  “Smart girl.” Paul glanced beyond the doorway and saw Ben heading their way. “Here comes the colonel. I still can’t believe he’s letting all of us go.”

  “I’m not surprised. Both Nyok and I know the way to the village. This way he can keep an eye on us.”

  Ben sauntered inside. He looked like he’d been awake most of the night too. “I smell coffee.”

  “You sound like an angry lion,” Paul said. “I’ll pour us a cup, and we can talk about today.”

  “Don’t remind me.” Ben turned to Larson. “Have any of you reconsidered?�
��

  “Not a chance,” she said.

  “Let me remind you. Have you considered the damage inflicted on our cause if all of us are killed or captured today? Besides, I work faster and better alone.”

  Paul handed him a mug of coffee, but Ben’s gaze never left Larson’s tranquil face. Paul saw the look of concern—and yes, love—in the colonel’s eyes. Larson couldn’t be blind to those obvious emotions, but she acted as though she was.

  “I’m going, and there is no point in discussing it any further,” Larson said. “When do we leave?”

  Ben turned to Paul. “Together again?” When Paul nodded, he took a long drink of the hot coffee. “We leave within the hour.”

  * * *

  Ben drove Larson’s truck, despite her objections. This morning was not a day to argue with him. Nyok chose to bump along in the back, which still left the three of them crowded in the cab. Ben was certain Larson and Farid felt like he did—hot, cramped, and edgy. He would rather be in the heat of battle than stepping into new territory.

  He wrestled with the question of Rachel’s condition. He didn’t want to be a fool and hope she’d been treated well. On the other hand, he didn’t want to learn what the GOS had done to her. He’d seen too much, and the memories haunted him. The best he could hope for focused on Rachel’s strong faith and God’s helping her endure the brutality.

  Ben glanced down at his clothes. He’d chosen to wear a plain shirt and cotton pants. No point in advertising his identity to the GOS.

  “Do you have the money?” Larson said.

  “Yes, and more, in case he has other slaves to redeem.” A long silence followed, and Ben wished she hadn’t said anything. The sound of her voice drove him to distraction.

  “Shall we talk?” Larson said. “This silence is deafening.”

  “I don’t have anything to say,” Ben said.

  “Well, I’m a little scared.” She glanced at Nyok through the rearview mirror. “Later I want to discuss your role in bringing Nyok back.”

  Ben glanced at Farid, who stared at the tall grass to the right of them. “There’s nothing to talk about. You can relax.”