October

Issue 49

Dear Timothy,

    It was good hearing from you. I must say, from the pictures you sent, the Burmese mosquitoes look gargantuan. I can only imagine the effect of the panoply of God’s creation there on that mountain, with the jungles flowing to the ocean and beyond. Truly I can say you were galvanized when you found Christ in our humble church, and that we could send you on this journey was a blessing. Yes, hardships befell you during your misspent youth in foster care, but those trespasses have seemed to strengthen your relationship with our Father, and I can say fervently that it is such an honor to call you my best friend and confidant.

    Now, as much as I can praise your efforts and commend you on the turnaround you have accomplished, you are still a tad flighty. This is something which I have the luxury to jibe you with, surely. I can understand no tower available so that your cell phone is not a necessity, but sir—your laptop? Ye who liveth and die by the electronic connection to the rest of the world? So I am forced to send parcel mail, when even this old school Baptist has grown accustomed to the advantages of the Internet. There is something antiquated in all of this and thus, I suppose, befitting my manner of speech as you would undoubtedly say. How did you put it?—the eloquence of my words. That I was blessed with a gilded tongue—as you so affectionately refer to it—is as much a gift from God as the work you are doing.

    As to why you wrote me: I could tell by your letter that you knew how I would answer. You were seeking a sensible head that would either validate or argue against these matters of the heart. I should caution you that in situations like the one you described to me, the head and the heart rarely agree. Their ways on that island are not our ways, and you should take heed to what you told me, that their rituals and traditions scare you. Her family is already opposed to the idea. Allow me now to disclose the first chapter in what is to be an undoubtedly strange story. This will validate my answer to you.