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| Blue Topaz |
Part 16
Towards the end of the second round of three months stay, Jessie came to Ruth E saying it doesn't look like good news for you. It would be good if you packed your things, just in case. You may get the fourteen days upon re-entry but quite likely, no extension beyond that. I think you need to prepare yourself and your friends here.
So with a heavy heart, Ruth E did some tentative packing: those for sea mail to home or possible other location; those to give away to local friends &/or folks in need; and those she'd want to personally bring wherever she was headed.
Out of the country she went. Then she returned. She was given fourteen days but must report to the immigration department in person for a conference with one of the officers.
On the day appointed, Jessie accompanied Ruth E. Immigration wanted to know exactly what she was doing. "Charity work" Ruth E said. "Some nursing and health talks for new mothers and also teaching English."
"Well, " she was told, "we've kept track of you for ten years and now for six months plus. You are doing good, so we will give you three more months but that is the absolute limit."
Ruth E and Jessie left the building somewhat in shock even though they knew this sort of thing was happening to one or two of the other co-workers as well. It seemed random but they could actually pinpoint that these "targets" were ones who had the most "harvest".
"Jessie," Ruth E said, "this is why it is so important for the locals to stand up and take the baton from us foreigners. It is time. But, I feel like crying." And she did, on and off, over the passing three months working and packing through her tears. Grieving. Yet she believed that the Holy Spirit had been alerting her to change. It was tough though, after all these past years of fruit and building up the church along with her 'teammates'. She would sorely miss them all.
She wouldn't drown in self-pity, however. She'd been given a three month extension and she intended to make full use thereof.
She also always asked God to guide, and this did appear to be definite direction away from Borneo. Where to next, was the next question!
Her mission organization was in meetings to discuss the options. For now, they said, "Go home." Just like that; out of the blue! Less than a year back and she was headed home.
Ruth E always felt partings so keenly, no less this time. It was even more so as it was all so final--as if someone had died. Kind of herself, or her life in Borneo. Being cut off was no joke. What was that whats app saying someone sent her not long ago...
"As much as you want to plan your life, it has a way of surprising you with unexpected things that will make you happier than you originally planned...That's what you call God's will." (author unknown)
This was certainly a surprise, and she didn't feel happier yet, but she would submit to God and His will and way for her life. She would thank and praise Him "for all that is past and trust Him for all that is to come".
Then came departure day. Oh my, what a send off!! There must have been close to a hundred if not more, friends and spiritual children come to bid farewell. What a tumult of emotion! Jacey and Jacinth never left her side til the last second. Ruth E held up her hands for quiet and right there in the airport terminal began a prayer of challenge and benediction; one she'd just read from a prayer booklet earlier that morning, something in regards to "running the right race".
She quoted Acts 20:24...
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."
She commended them all to God in prayer.
She prayed that the Christians in Borneo "will have a heart that is steadfast in the faith even in the tough and trying times in the region. Oh Father God, let there be resolve to face whatever challenges that may come along these peoples' way with a persevering and joyous attitude."
"May we all fully understand your call Father and the call of Your Son Jesus Christ when He asks us to take up our cross and follow Him faithfully even though it may cost us all greatly at times."
"Father, help us to look beyond our personal preservation and start looking towards Your purposes and the work of Your kingdom throughout this region. Let each one present here, Father, the precious family You gave me here, that together, no matter where each of us are, we will pursue this calling over and above our own needs of comfort and safety."
"Be our everything.*1 And now I take my leave with saddened heart yet submitted to you Father God. In Jesus Name I pray..."
"Amen" came the hundred or so voices.
It started out softly, by ones and twos and gathered strength, and they sang in their mother tongue, "God be with you til we meet again..."
Crying, and singing and hugging. Other passengers were wondering who this celebrity was. God's, that's whose! Finally, Ruth E had to tear herself away. Everyone waving furiously until she disappeared into the passenger waiting area, with the one hundred voices, "We love you Ruth Elizabeth Blue!" ringing in her ears.
Note:
*1. NECF Hope in God Ezekiel 37:1-14, 40 Days Fast and Prayer Booklet 7 Aug-15 Sept 2017 Day 37 12 Sept 2017, Tuesday.
Part 17
Roy L III, Blue Jemmy and Shem received her home. She didn't feel like having a big welcome party. So she re-entered her own culture quietly and with massive ambivalent feelings. They each gave her, even Shem, a hug and then let her just "be" for the next few weeks. They were all kind of stunned and in limbo but new beginnings were beginning to germinate.
One fine Saturday, while Ruth E was digging in the family vegetable garden, Blue Jemmy invited Hannah and Heather (Shem's girls), over to visit unbeknownst to Ruth E. She was busily weeding and pruning, her mind 1000's of miles away on the other side of the world when she was brought back to earth by a bubbly sunshiny voice asking, "Miss Ruth E, what did the judge say when the skunk sprayed the court?"
Ruth E, startled, must have had a blank look on her face, so the voice, which materialized into young Heather, answered, "Odor in the court."
Ruth E had to laugh then and she welcomed the girls with hugs. "Here" Heather said, "I drew it out for you. You can put it on the wall in your bedroom." Ruth E chuckled again. "Thank-you Heather. That's very thoughtful of you. Can you please put it over there on the garden bench for me for now. My hands are all dirty from weeding. Would you girls like to help me do some weeding? Then later, I bet Mrs. Blue Jemmy will have some lemonade ready for us. What do ya think?"
"Well, you talk a bit funny," put in Hannah, "but, sure, we can help. Our Grandma H showed us how to do it."
And so a pleasant morning was spent in the garden with the girls chattering about school and their dog Molly and the things they liked best. Ruth E had an excellent listening ear and the girls warmed up to her, becoming fast friends all in a couple of hours.
After lunch, since the girls said their Dad said they could stay till he got back from Oak Villa about 4 pm, Ruth E asked if they wanted to walk to the park and play on the playground. This was met with favorable assent so off they went. They enjoyed each others' company and astute Hannah remarked, "You may talk funny but you have good energy and can keep playing with us on the swings and everything! Grandma H cannot."
"Uh-oh," thought Ruth, "comparison".
"Well, you know what Hannah?"
"No, what?"
"I'm many years younger so its easier for me to get about. Your Grandma H does the best she can. She's done so much for you. Don't forget to be grateful to her. Do you ever say thank-you to her for helping your Daddy take care of you when he's working?"
Hannah looked down at her toes. "No." She whispered. "I didn't think of it."
"Never mind, " said Ruth E, "you can always start today. How about we go home a bit early and make her a card--almost like its Mother's Day--you can make it "Grandma Hutchinson Day" and write about what you are thankful to her for. I'll help you. And Heather, you can put in some of your "Snicker Doodles". How does that sound?"
They thought it a fine idea so they traipsed off home and busied themselves about their card making task. And that's how Shem found them when he arrived to take them home.
The girls collected their things and the card for Grandma H Day. Ruth E surprised Shem when she handed him a bouquet of flowers. "Not for you," she grinned, "for your mother, to go with the card."
"We've had a very pleasant day. They could do this again if you wish." Ruth E told Shem.
Shem said, "Thank-you Ruth E, I appreciate that."
"You're welcome but it was actually my Mother's idea. It also gives your Mom a break. No doubt, even though she loves the girls to bits, she could use an extra rest day."
"You are likely correct although she has never complained. Ok, bye for now and thanks," Shem waved with the bouquet. Oops, she hoped the bouquet would get to its recipient still intact. And the girls skipped ahead of their Dad to the car, already vying with each other to tell him about their day with Miss Ruth E.
"But she has a funny way to talk," she overheard Hannah comment just before she ducked into the car.
"That's called 'an accent' Hannah. Miss Ruth E has been overseas a long time and can speak two or three other languages, so when she speaks English, sometimes those languages get a bit mixed in."
Ruth E sighed. She still felt like a misfit on her own motherland turf. But it had been a real interesting and pleasant day; that much, at least, was for sure.
She turned into the house and gave her own mother a big hug, "Thanks for the day Mom. It really lifted my spirits. I think it was a wonderful day and also gave the girl's grandmother a break. They'll likely come over again next Saturday. I'll just go upstairs for a bit and put this Snicker Doodle in my room. I'll be down to help with dinner in a trice."
Ruth E's mother kept "mum"; she too, like Great-granny Blue, had been praying for sparks to ignite between Ruth and Shem. If she didn't miss her intuitive guess, those sparks could well be kindling. She'd help stoke those sparks into flame, God willing.
Part 18
Ruth E had had to go round to all her supporters and explain her predicament. She thanked them, one and all for their faithful support over the many years but by right, for now, she didn't feel she should accept funds. One or two, though, told her they would continue to send their monthly contribution until she got her next marching orders or until she got a job. How blessed she was for these godly thoughtful brothers and sisters-in-Christ. She thanked them profusely.
The mission board, as yet had not assigned her another location. She didn't know why the gears were turning so slowly; but again, God's timing was everything.
In the meantime she visited her Great-granny Blue, helped out some, as needed in that home, and at home; went to the local library and had a reading session with special needs children that were brought in once a week. And spent numerous delightful Saturdays with Hannah and Heather.
This Saturday coming Shem had declared they were going for a pizza picnic at a park a short drive away. Would Ruth E like to join them? Well, since it was out in open air Ruth E decided to join them.
Navy Blue happened to be home that weekend and rolled his eyes and cleared his throat unnecessarily and 'ahemmed' a couple of times but otherwise held his peace. Ruth E gave him a punch on his biceps.
Shem and Ruth E had continued to correspond via email so not many knew of their renewed friendship. Any onlookers thought Ruth E was just being her thoughtful selfless self by looking after the girls now and again.
So this semi-public picnic event together was a departure from their norm. The two girls were elated. They chattered non-stop like magpies. Young enthusiasm was contagious so they had a very good time indeed.
The next Saturday the girls were dropped off again. This time Ruth E took them to the market to buy some apples. "Why do we need apples, Miss Ruth E?" they queried.
"Oh, you'll see," Miss Ruth E said mysteriously. "You'll like them."
"What, what?" they chorused.
"Wait and see," Miss Ruth E said. "you are going to help bake something."
"Oh Grandma H lets us bake too sometimes but she gets tired after a while and asks us to go play," they remarked.
"Well Grandma H is very tolerant already. Older people run out of steam sometimes. She does her best, remember?"
"Yes," they replied, chagrined.
"Now let's pay and trundle off home." Ruth E directed.
It was indeed a glorious flour-y mess in the kitchen workshop a couple hours later. Blue Jemmy was going to come in to make some strawberry smoothies for them all but decided to wait it out. Somewhat chaotic for her. Well the apples finally got corralled into apple turnovers and got popped into the oven and anxiously awaited; the girls' mouths already watering.
"There's still ten minutes to wait girls" Miss Ruth E said, "now we clean up."
"Oh Grandma H always does the clean-up. We don't want to do that boring part," they resisted.
"Let me tell you a secret, Hannah and Heather. This is one my mother told me years ago when I was not much older than you are now, but I'll let you know it too."
"You were our age, once?" they exclaimed, hoping to divert the subject.
"Yes, of course! This is what my Mother taught me...Do you know what the sign of a really good cook is? And this is not a Snicker Doodle, Heather."
"No," they answered in unison.
"The sign of a really good cook is to clean up the mess and wash the baking dishes afterwards. Come on, it won't take long and by that time the turnovers should be done."
"Oh," they groaned, "We knew you would say something like that."
"And you know what, I think Mrs. Blue Jemmy is going to make you a special drink. So when we clean up she can come in and work. It's good to leave the place clean for the next person who needs it. Don't ya think so?"
"We suppose."
"Ok, let's get at it. Then we'll take a turnover each to the play room and have an apple turnover picnic. Good?"
"Yes, good," they smiled and gave a thumbs-up sign.
They eventually got settled into the playroom and were munching on their turnovers. Hannah especially seemed to be in a contemplative mood, and suddenly said, "I like you" to Ruth E. "And I really like you, Hannah, and you, Heather" Ruth E responded.
"You don't have anyone, do you?" Hannah observed.
"What do you mean Hannah?" Ruth E asked, somewhat guessing at the answer and where this might lead.
"Well, Uncle Roy L III has Blue Jemmy, and Uncle Roy L IV has Blue Di; you are Ruth E Blue but have no one," Hannah went on.
Before Ruth E could say anything, Heather piped up and said, "My Daddy doesn't have anyone either; least not now."
Hannah gave Heather an elbow in the side, but she continued, "Maybe you and Daddy could be together and you could be our mommy all the time, not just on Saturdays."
That blew Ruth E for a loop. What could she say? She knew Hannah still missed her own mother Josie. She decided to see what Hannah would say, "What do you think Hannah? What if your Daddy found another lady to be by his side? That would mean you had a new mother?"
Hannah's eyes started to tear. "Yes I miss Mommy but I think I still need a mommy with skin on; especially if that was you, Miss Ruth E."
"Aww, you dear girl." said Ruth E and hugged Hannah. "If you had a new mother, you could still talk about Mommy Josie. She's like a gem treasure in your heart and memories of her will always be there."
"These relationships of a husband and wife are not something two people just jump suddenly into. They must think it over well. Ask themselves can they be committed for life? That could be for a very long time."
"Well," responded Hannah, "you've been back for so long already, isn't that enough?"
"Both people have to be in agreement and like each other and be able to trust each other," Ruth E explained.
"Well, my Daddy says he trusts you and says that's why he lets you look after us so much. Sometimes he forgets and calls you "Blue Belle" which is very funny because that's your cat's name," chimed Heather.
Ruth E thought it wise to change the subject and got up to put some kids dancing music on. "Let's sing and dance," she said.
Just then she noticed a shadow pass by the playroom door and a smirking Navy peered in before disappearing elsewhere. "Groan," thought Ruth E, "That's all we need to have him listening about."
Ruth E mused, their emails were changing in tone to something more serious and she believed there was commitment shown by Shem along with a whole bunch of great character and conduct. He had been patient and understanding for so long. She believed she trusted him now too.
That Saturday afternoon when Shem came to pick the girls up, he asked them to go wait in the car and buckle up. When they had complied he turned to Ruth E, "Blue Belle, I'd really like the honor of taking you out to dinner, alone. Would Wednesday 6 pm be good for you?"
Shem held her eyes waiting for her response.
"I'd like that very much, Shem. " Ruth E said softly.
Shem grinned, "Six pm sharp." And he bounced out to the car and drove away; the girls waving for all they were worth.
Inside Ruth E was a churning churn of emotions. "At least we'll have lots of butter," she joked with herself unsteadily. It felt like she was taking a plunge down a waterfall; a point of no return, or of "no brakes". She still wasn't sure she wanted this free-fall.
~ERC September 2017~
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