The Calling (23 page)

Cate looked at Matthew, “What if she’s right about your father?”

“I told you, I am head of the agency. I have the authority to hire whoever I think I should.”

“But, will your father feel the same way?” Cate’s voice held understandable concern.

Matthew took a deep breath and glanced at Dr. Patterson, “I don’t know, but I’m ready to defend my decision.”

“Dr. Patterson, you’re not directly involved in this fiasco. Therefore, may I ask your advice?” Cate inquired.

“Of course, my dear,”

“It appears to me that Miss Janet wants me gone. If-you were me-what would you do?”

“May I call you Cate?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Cate, why did you come to Ecuador to teach?”

“Because I believed God wanted me to.”

“So, you were obeying God when you came here.”

“Yes, sir that’s right.”

“Has all of this caused you to feel differently about God’s leading?”

“I–I don’t know sir.”

“I’m sure that you’ve been praying about this situation?”

“Oh, yes sir, constantly.”

“What have you sensed God leading you to do?”

“I don’t know.” Cate looked at Matthew and David, “I haven’t receive any clear guidance.”

“So, if God hasn’t made clear what you should do,” Dr. Patterson put a fatherly hand on her shoulder, “keep praying until He does.”

“But, this situation, it’s so hard to endure.”

“I know. God knows too, and you can trust His grace to be sufficient to sustain you.”

“Yes, sir, thank you,” Cate said.

“Dr. Patterson,” Matthew interrupted, “Under the circumstances, I think it would be wise for Cate to find another place to live. Don’t you?”

“That might help calm the situation some. I’m sure it will help ease the stress a little.”

“The problem is the agency has no other housing.” Matthew looked at Dr. Patterson, “Does your agency have any here that we could use temporarily?”

“Not at the moment,” Dr. Patterson answered.

“I’ll stay where I am,” Cate said. “I’ll give Miss Janet her space like I’ve been doing.”

“Maybe, I can help,” David said. “I might know somewhere Cate can stay for a while.

“Where?”

“At the Garcia’s.”

Matthew considered David’s suggestion, “You really think so?”

“Yes, if it’s agreeable to Cate, how about you and I go ask them?”

“Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Garcia’s house would be fine,” Cate said.

Dr. Patterson suggested that he stay with Cate while the two young men talked to the Garcias.

“Cate, did I understand correctly?” Dr. Patterson asked, “Your father’s name is Johnathon Jones.”

“Yes, sir. It is.”

“Did he attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary?”

“Yes, he did,” Cate wondered how he knew.

“I believe I know your father. I had a very good friend by the name of Johnathon Jones while I was in seminary. He married a girl name Carolyn Jane Smalley.”

Cate smiled, “That’s right. Smalley was my mother’s maiden name.”

“John, Carolyn, my wife and I lived in the same apartment building.”

“You remind me of my father,” Cate said.

“I’m honored.” Dr. Patterson patted her hand, “After seminary, he took a pastorate in the South and I took one in the Midwest. We kept in touch for a while, but we lost touch after I began to prepare for the mission field. I moved to go to language school and your father moved to another pastorate.”

“That was probably the church in Charleston. We moved from there to Kansas City. My father has been pastor of the Bethsaida Baptist Church ever since.”

“Cate, I’m sorry for all that you are going through. If I, or my wife, can be of any assistance to you, please let us know.”

“Thank you, sir. I appreciate that very much.”

“It’s the very least we can do for our old friends’ daughter,” Dr. Patterson said, as Matthew and David came through the door.

“It’s all set,” Matthew said.

“Mr. and Mrs. Garcia will be very glad to have you,” David added.

“Good,” Cate felt immediate relief.

“The agency will pay a monthly rental for you to live there,” Matthew said.

“Oh, Matthew, I’m so sorry about this.”

“I’ve told you over and over that you have nothing to be sorry for. I’ll call Kim and ask her to gather up enough of your clothes for tonight, and we’ll get the rest while Miss Janet is at church tomorrow,” Matthew said.

Cate frowned, “I don’t like bringing Kim into the middle of this.”

“Nonsense, she’ll be glad to help. She told me so.”

“Well, I’ll leave this with you young people, and make my way back to Quito,” Dr. Patterson said.

David walked him to the door. “I’m sorry Miss Janet dragged you down here.”

“It’s part of the job, my boy,” Dr. Patterson replied.

“Thank you for all that you’ve done,” Cate said, as she and Matthew joined them at the door.

“Yes, sir, thank you,” David shook hands with Dr. Patterson.

“You all are most welcomed,” Dr. Patterson replied. “Cate, be sure and tell your parents that my wife and I said hello, and that they are in our prayers.”

“I’ll walk you to your car. Be back in a few minutes,” Matthew told David and Cate.

Cate and David were alone. They had not been for a long time, and they were uncomfortable with it.

“Cate, I’m very sorry this is happening.”

“Thanks, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ve prayed continually since this began. It’s like the heavens are brass. I wonder if God’s trying to tell me something.”

“Like what?”

“Like maybe I made a mistake in coming here? Maybe I misunderstood God’s leadership.”

“Cate, I don’t think that’s true. I’ve never known anyone who was so convinced about God’s leadership,” David’s voice held conviction, and he moved closer to her.

“You’re right,” she nodded, “I don’t really think I misunderstood, but I
am
confused about why this is happening. Tell me why,” Cate turned and grabbed David’s hand, “when I am obediently following God’s leading, suddenly, everything falls apart.”

David heard the anxiety, perplexity, and discouragement in her voice.

“I can’t answer all of your questions, but I do know that God
is
in control, and He has a purpose in everything He allows.”

“The only purpose I can see in this is Miss Janet’s.”

“I’m sure there’s more here than you know.”

“I’m not!”

“Cate,” David said, with deep tenderness.

His tone caught her off guard, and she immediately looked up. They looked deeply into each other’s eyes. Neither said a word; time stood still.

Hearing Matthew and Kim’s voices as the door opened, they both looked away.

“Well, I hope I got all of the things you needed,” Kim said, as she sat down on the couch. “We’ll get the rest of your clothes and stuff tomorrow.”

“I’ve filled Kim in,” Matthew informed them.

“I knew when Miss Janet came home this afternoon that something had happened,” Kim said, “but I was afraid to ask.”

“Kim, I am sorry that you’re caught in the middle of this,” Cate apologized.

“It’s not your fault. I’m on your side, but if I say it openly, I’ll be looking for a new place to live too.”

“Maybe Miss Janet should be looking for a new place to live and a new job,” Matthew said.

“No, Matthew,” Cate insisted, “I won’t have her lose her job because of me,”

“If she loses her job, it will be because of her attitude,” Matthew responded.

“Cate, we’d better get you to the Garcias’ so you can get settle in,” David suggested.

When they arrived at the Garcias’, Cate and David got out, and Matthew took Kim back to her house. Mr. and Mrs. Garcia and Sarah met them at the door.

“Ola, Miss Cate,” Mrs. Garcia greeted them, “You are very welcome here. We have a nice room waiting for you.”

“Cate, will you be living here now?” Sarah asked.

“Yes. Baby Girl I will.”

Sarah scrunched up her nose, “You’re not going to be living with Kim and Miss Janet?”

“No, Baby Girl I’m not.”

“You’ll have lots of fun at Mrs. Garcia’s house. I always do,” Sarah assured her.

“We are most glad to have you,” Mr. Garcia greeted Cate too.

“Thank you both. I hope this won’t be an imposition.”

“No, you are most welcome. With all of our children grown, we have plenty of room. You will add sunshine and joy to our home,” Mrs. Garcia assured her, while Mr. Garcia nodded his agreement.

“Where should I put this?” David held up Cate’s suitcase.

“Come, I will show you,” Mrs. Garcia said.

Mrs. Garcia led the way. It was not a big room, or a fancy room, but it was a bright cheery room. One of its best features was that its windows faced the same mountains that had become the symbol of the Lord’s strength and protection for Cate.

“I hope this will be fine, Miss Cate.”

“This is beautiful. Thank you both for allowing me to stay here.”

Sarah pulled at David’s hand, “Daddy, can I stay with Cate tonight?”

“Honey, I don’t think so. Cate needs her rest.”

Cate held out her hand to Sarah, “I really don’t mind, if Mrs. Garcia doesn’t.”

“No, it is no problem,” Mrs. Garcia said.

“Come on, Daddy,” Sarah begged.

“Yeah, come on Daddy,” Cate laughed.

“Are you sure?” David asked.

“Sure, I’m sure. She can help me get use to my new room.”

“Well, I guess, it’s all right then.”

“Yea!” Sarah yelled.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you all in the morning. I’ll bring Sarah’s church clothes and we’ll take care of that—other matter,” David winked.

“Thanks that would be great.”

As Sarah was busily playing on the bed, David walked over and asked, “Don’t I get a goodbye kiss?”

“Sure,” Sarah grabbed him around the neck, hugged and kissed him goodbye.

“Bye, Lady Bug I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Daddy, give Cate a goodbye kiss too,” Sarah said innocently.

Surprised by the comment, Cate and David locked eyes, but aware that Mrs. Garcia was in the room, they quickly looked in different directions.

“Sarah, your daddy has to go home. He has many things to do,” Mrs. Garcia said.

“That’s true,” Cate agreed.

David sheepishly said goodbye to Mrs. Garcia and dismissed himself.

After dinner, Cate helped Mrs. Garcia with the dishes while Sarah helped Mr. Garcia feed his collection of animals. Mrs. Garcia took the opportunity to offer Cate her condolences. “Miss Cate, I am very sorry about your troubles. I do not believe that Miss Janet is behaving as God would like.”

Cate leaned against the sink, running a dish towel through her hands, “Mrs. Garcia, I am sure that Miss Janet thinks she is doing what God would have her to do. She believes I’m unfit to teach at the mission school.”

“
Mi querida
, I do not believe that you are unfit.
God
has made you fit. I know that you are a godly woman.” Mrs. Garcia spoke with conviction.

“God has forgiven me of my sin, including any that had to do with my divorce. But, that doesn’t matter to some people. They see divorce as anathema,” Cate explained.

“Ana-anna-anth-”

Cate smiled, “Anathema, it means a terrible sin, an unforgivable sin.”

Mrs. Garcia shook her head, “I am so sorry
chica bonita
.”

Cate smiled at the “beautiful girl” reference, “I’m sorry too.”

“But, God forgives all sin,” Mrs. Garcia reminded her.

“That’s true, but some people don’t,” Cate said, with great sadness.

Mrs. Garcia glanced upward, “Everyone should be like God.”

“That would indeed be wonderful,” Cate replied, “but I fear that won’t occur this side of heaven.”

“I am glad you are here with me,” Mrs. Garcia hugged Cate, “I will take care of you as if you were my own daughter.”

“Thank you,” Cate hugged back.

Once they had finished the dishes, Cate and Mrs. Garcia relaxed in the back yard, and watched Mr. Garcia, as he allowed Sarah to play with the animals. As the sun went down, they enjoyed a spectacular sunset and later, a beautiful star-studded, moonlit night.

When Sarah fell asleep sitting in her lap, Cate carried her into the house, and tucked her in. Cate turned out the light, but she didn’t go to bed; instead she stared at the mountains in the distance. She found herself meditating on Psalm 46 and praying that God would be her
present help
in this time of trouble. “Please Father work in this situation however you see fit. Help me know if I made a mistake in understanding Your guidance when I came here. Please help me know what to do. I’ll do anything you want.” She prayed fervently with tears for two hours before falling asleep.

Twenty Five

She awoke the next morning with a verse of Scripture on her mind. Psalm 57:2: “I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me, Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them.” It was confirmation to her soul that God had answered her prayers and was indeed working out His will for her life. For the first time she felt a sense of peace, and found herself silently praising the Lord for His love, grace and goodness.

She had been reading her Bible and praying for about thirty minutes before Sarah woke up. Cate watched as she began to stir
, I couldn’t love her anymore if she were my very own.
She prayed that whatever God had in store for her that it might somehow include Sarah. She wanted very much to continue to be a part of Sarah’s life.

As Sarah opened her eyes, Cate welcomed her to the day. “Good morning sleepy head.”

“Good morning.”

“I guess we better rise and shine so we can get ready for church,” Cate sat down on the bed beside her.

“Yeah, I like church.”

“I know, and I’m very glad that you do.”

“Ever since He came to live in my heart, I like to hear about Jesus and to sing songs about Him,” Sarah said.

“I’m glad you asked Him to come to live in your heart.”

“He’ll live in my heart all my life, and someday I’ll go to heaven to live,” Sarah said, with child-like simplicity.