Lamp Unto Her Feet

by Paula Mowery

  The next morning, his first glimpse of Kenzie in their shared Sunday school class revved up his heart rate. She patted the empty chair next to her and he sidled over.

  “Saving this for anyone?”

  Kenzie’s lashes fluttered. “You.”

  “Don’t mind if I do.” Class started and Kenzie opened her Nana’s Bible. He hadn’t asked her lately about what passage her Nana had highlighted.

  As he perched his study Bible on his knee, his hand brushed Kenzie’s leg. Heat radiated up his arm. He was going to need to come clean about his affections and discover if they were reciprocated.

  After making their way to the worship center, Trevor skimmed the announcements on the back of the church bulletin. His eyes locked on a call for members interested in a Christmas break mission trip to Haiti. He always planned to go on another mission trip since his youth trip to South Dakota. Kenzie would never believe that he had been in a Christian clown group.

  After worship, the lunch bunch settled into a booth at their normal Mexican restaurant. They placed their orders and Trevor probed for interest in the mission trip. “Did you see the trip to Haiti in the bulletin?”

  Lila frowned. “Yeah, I’d love to go, but Joel can’t. She glanced at Joel.

  Joel nodded. “My company always does a big maintenance week that next week after Christmas.

  Trevor concentrated his gaze on Kenzie. “What about you, Kenzie? Sounds right up your alley, working with the orphanage kids.”

  Kenzie shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve never really been on anything like that.”

  “You should consider it. Pray about it. See what God says.”

  Kenzie nodded.

  Lila spoke up, taking the conversation in another direction. The mission trip idea seemed to flop with Kenzie. Was this something he needed to do? A nudge deep down had prompted him to ask her, but her hesitancy convinced him she might not give the idea another thought.

  ~*~

  Kenzie twirled through her apartment, stopped in front of her couch, and flopped down, giggling. Her childish dance was Trevor’s fault. She sighed heavily. Summer break would be over on Thursday when she reported to school for inservice days. She had dreamed of spending her whole summer with Trevor, but Dad’s heart attack squashed that plan. She wouldn’t complain. Trevor had already spoken for her Friday night, and she accepted. Was he the one?

  Nana Nita would have helped her sort out her emotions. But Kenzie was on her own. Nana’s Bible beckoned from the end table, and she picked it up. OK. I’m not totally on my own here.

  She flipped to the next marked passage and skimmed the verses as well as Nana’s words.

  Isaiah 6:8, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, say, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then said I, ‘Here am I; send me.’”

  Her skin crawled with goose bumps. She hadn’t paid much attention to Trevor’s offer about the Haiti trip. But now the idea was forefront in her mind. It was as if Isaiah’s calling was hers as well. She was compelled to answer, “Here am I; send me.”

  She snatched her cell phone and scrolled to Trevor’s number.

  “Kenzie? Are you all right?”

  “I’m sorry. You’re working, aren’t you?”

  “It’s OK. I’m patrolling down Main Street. What’s up?”

  “Real fast I just needed to tell you that I think I’ll reconsider the Haiti trip.”

  “Oh?”

  “Nana’s passage was from Isaiah. You know the one. Whom shall we send and here am I, send me.”

  “Aha.”

  “I’ll let you go. I’m really sorry for calling. I wasn’t thinking.” Her cheeks heated.

  “I’m glad you spontaneously called me. How about I pick you up about 6:30 when I get off. Chicken and milkshakes? We’ll talk more about the trip.”

  “OK. Be careful.”

  “See you then.”

  She wrapped her arms around herself and squeezed, releasing a low squeal. “Kenzie Murrah, you are hopelessly and helplessly under that man’s spell.”

  ~*~

  Kenzie sipped her chocolate milkshake and stared into Trevor’s steel-blue eyes. “So, what do we need to do to go on this trip?”

  “First, we sign up at church and give a down payment. That’s kind of our promise to go.”

  She shifted in the booth. “If I’m required to pay the full amount, I’m not sure I can swing it on my teacher’s salary.” She bit her bottom lip. Was this trip off despite the message from God’s Word?

  Trevor put his hand up and shook his head. “For the rest of the money we’ll do some fund raisers. And there are people in the church that tend to support projects like this since they may not be able to go themselves.”

  Relief flushed through her.

  “Of course, it does take big commitments on our part. We’ll be working the fundraisers and meeting with the mission team for Bible study and prayer. You know, gel us together.” He laced his fingers to illustrate.

  “When’s the first meeting?”

  “This Sunday afternoon. Gotta make sure passports and such are in order as well as any vaccinations we may need.”

  Her face automatically scrunched tight.

  “What? What’s that face for?”

  “Vaccines? As in needles?”

  Trevor chuckled. “Better than getting typhoid or something.”

  “I guess.”

  His hand reached across the table and covered hers. He squeezed. “I’ll hold your hand.” He winked.

  “I’ll need to get a passport too.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure mine has run out.” He pursed his lips and focused on the ceiling for a moment before glancing back at her. “Are you free in the morning?”

  “Um, yeah.”

  “I don’t go in until later. We should probably get a jump on the passport stuff. We can get the photo done. I know a place that does those. I’ll grab us a couple of applications.”

  “OK. I’m a bit ignorant of all this stuff. I’ve never been on any kind of mission trip.”

  Trevor leaned in. “It can change your life.” He smiled and patted her hand. “I’m glad we’re doing this together.”

  She nodded. Would she be able to do this trip? Trevor was so strong and capable. Would he be repelled by any weakness revealed by this trip? But this trip had to be right for her. She stopped doubting the guidance of Nana Nita’s Bible weeks ago. Hadn’t she?

  ~*~

  Trevor scanned the church parking lot, not spotting Kenzie’s car. She must still be held up at school at the faculty meeting. Their first official Bible study meeting with the Haiti mission team was this evening. Kenzie fretted about the special called meeting at school making her late. He reassured her that he would take detailed notes on anything she might miss.

  Inside the church, he made his way to Bill’s Sunday school classroom. Bill Sanders was heading up the team since he had made this trip three times already. As he neared the room, excited voices chattered. Trevor rounded the corner and through the doorway.

  Immediately, Bill sprang from his seat and extended his hand. “Trevor, welcome. Come on in.”

  Trevor grasped and shook his hand. “Thanks. Hey, listen, Kenzie may be a few minutes late. School faculty meeting.”

  Bill waved a hand dismissively. “Those things are gonna happen. No problem.” He flitted back to his chair.

  Trevor stifled a chuckle. Bill was a hyper man in his forties. Trevor marveled at his energy with a full-time career and five adopted kids from Haiti all under the age of seven.

  Bill stood and clapped his hands together, clutching them briefly in front of his chest and then slinging them by his sides. “Let’s get started. I’ll open with a word of prayer.”

  When Bill closed out his prayer, Kenzie slipped into the chair beside Trevor. She let out a heavy sigh.

  Trevor leaned near her and whispered. “See, you made it just in time.”

  She flashed a half-smile laced with relief. His pulse quicken
ed. A common reaction whenever Kenzie was near. He forced his eyes from her to Bill who launched into a scripture passage from second Peter.

  ~*~

  After the third meeting and Bible study, Kenzie fidgeted in the metal chair. Could she handle the conditions in Haiti? She gnawed her bottom lip. Bill closed out their time together in prayer. She fumbled with her notebook and Bible. Trevor’s warm hand covered hers. She looked up into his eyes, which studied her.

  “What is it? Something’s bothering you this evening.”

  “Oh, I don’t know.” She shrugged and shook her head.

  Trevor’s brows arched and he leaned closer.

  Her pulse picked up due to his nearness as well as what she needed to admit.

  Trevor laid his hand on her shoulder. “You can tell me anything, right?”

  Kenzie inhaled and let it out. “I’m doubting if I can really handle the conditions in Haiti. I mean, Bill talks about the conditions being quite primitive. I may not be strong enough.”

  “Kenzie, don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t need to be strong enough.”

  “I know, but...”

  Trevor grabbed her hand, intertwining their fingers. “When I went to South Dakota, I was just a kid in high school. Interacting with people was way out of my comfort zone.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “You. The epitome of a helpful policeman?”

  He nodded. “Oh, yeah. I was this shy punk whose eyes were truly opened when I met kids who’d never heard of Jesus. I was shocked. I thought everyone grew up like me. And these were kids who had nothing.” He cleared his throat as if to rein in his emotions. “I couldn’t do it, but God did. I got as much or more from that trip than the people we ministered to.”

  “You’re right. I don’t know why I’m doubting. God’s made it clear I’m supposed to go.”

  Trevor leaned closer and looked into her eyes. “And I’ll be there.”

  Her heart melted. He kissed her forehead, pausing his warm lips over hers for just a moment. She was sure to melt right off the chair onto the floor. The fact that Trevor would be with her in Haiti was a definite added bonus, and she was truly thankful.

  He stood, pulling her to her feet. “How about a burger?” A grin spread across his face.

  “I am a little hungry.” Her voice came out low and timid.

  His hand brushed her cheek. “It’ll be OK.” He winked and dropped his arm around her shoulders. “Let’s go.”

  15

  Kenzie marveled that tomorrow was the day she would get on a plane bound for Haiti. Her parents’ support while visiting over a short stay for Christmas amazed her as well. Her one carry-on, stuffed with everything for the week, stood near the door. Trevor would pick her up at six to rendevous with the rest of the team at the church.

  Her mind raced, not allowing sleep to come easily as she had hoped.

  The buzz of her alarm clock jolted her awake. Though she expected dragging to the shower due to such a short night’s sleep, she sprang from the bed and zipped through her morning routine in record time. After drying her hair, she stared at the hair dryer and chuckled. “Won’t have that luxury for a week.” As she stowed the last items in her backpack, her doorbell rang. She skipped to the door and flung it open, immediately locking eyes with Trevor. Her heart increased to a gallop.

  “Morning.” He flashed his toothy smile.

  “Good morning.” She diverted her gaze from him before she lost all focus. “I’m ready.” She reached for her suitcase.

  “Here, let me get that.” His hand brushed hers as he grabbed the handle. A tingling sensation traveled up her arm.

  She hopped in the truck and snapped her seatbelt. Trevor followed suit and then paused.

  “What’s the matter?”

  He met her gaze and grabbed her hand. “Let’s pray before everything gets crazy.”

  Warmth spread through her chest.

  ~*~

  He was right about things getting crazy. They met the rest of the mission team at the airport, boarded the plane, and now Kenzie perched on the edge of a worn school bus seat bumping down the dirt roads of Haiti. She was really here. Would she survive the commute to the camp where they were staying?

  She stared out the window and soon ignored the bumpy ride. Haitian people lined the roadsides selling fruits, vegetables, baskets, cell phones, and any of a number of other items. Behind them were shacks, shanties, and some small block dwellings. Many of the structures were worn, crumbling, or even in shambles.

  The faded yellow bus rolled through the entrance of a gated compound and stopped beside a large pavilion. A dark-haired, middle-aged man hopped onto the bus. “Welcome, my American friends. We’re so glad to have you here. I’m Ben, your missionary sponsor.” A petite blonde-haired woman slipped next to Ben. He laid his arm across her shoulders and pulled her close to his side. “This is my better half, Leslie. The women can follow her to your cabin, and I’ll take the men. We’ll meet in the cafeteria for more info and some supper.” Ben clapped his hands with enthusiasm. “Let’s go. Ladies first.”

  Kenzie hesitated until other women stood, and then she eased from her seat. She heaved a deep breath and let it out. A hand patted her arm. She turned and met Trevor’s gaze.

  He winked. “I’ll meet up with you in the cafeteria.”

  She nodded and followed the line of women who were now locating their one allowed suitcase. Kenzie’s mission team consisted of five women and seven men. They were joined by another team, which included ten women. All fifteen females entered their abode for the week. When Kenzie’s eyes adjusted to the dim light inside, bunk beds, two high, lined each side.

  “Kenzie.” Gail, a woman from her team, waved her over.

  Kenzie lugged her suitcase closer.

  “Which do you prefer? Top or bottom?”

  Kenzie eyed both and shrugged. “Don’t really have a preference.”

  Gail lowered her voice. “I know it’s not that high, but I’m not really fond of heights.”

  “Well, that settles it. I’ll take the top.”

  Gail smiled. “Thanks.”

  “OK, ladies, drop your stuff on your bed and let’s head to the cafeteria,” Leslie announced.

  Kenzie glanced at the view not far from their cabin. The orange sun was just beginning to duck lower over the ocean water. That view would make the visitor think they were in a tropical paradise. She couldn’t help remember the different and poverty-stricken scenes they passed on the way here. And to think they had left winter time back in Tennessee for the much warmer temperatures here.

  Supper included some kind of rice concoction and fruit, followed by an onslaught of instructions and information about their tasks and schedule. They hurried back to their cabins to put sheets on their thin mattresses and prepare for sleeping before the lights would go out at ten o’clock.

  Kenzie needn’t ask why they had brought battery-powered individual fans. The cabin was stuffy despite the screens on the windows. She promptly followed the instructions of Leslie and coated her arms and legs with bug spray to combat the mosquitoes. She crunched down a cracker and grabbed her water bottle, swallowing down the antibiotic for Malaria. Taking another gulp of the hot water, she was relieved she’d brought flavor packets to add to it. The thought of drinking the heated water alone didn’t appeal to her, but the need to stay hydrated necessitated everyone carried their water bottle with them always, sipping often.

  Since the electricity went off at ten o’clock each evening to save energy, she now understood the need for a good flashlight.

  Kenzie slept on and off but was relieved when it was time to get up. The women donned skirts—the accepted attire. After breakfast, Kenzie trudged up the steps onto the rickety old bus. Trevor waved her to his staked-out seat about halfway back. She plopped down next to him.

  “How’d you sleep?”

  She looked him in his eyes. “Not so good.”

  “Me neither.”

  The bus trip w
as short. They filed out and into a small block building, a church. Kenzie sat enthralled by the earnest worship of this little Haitian congregation. At the end, the mission team had a special Christmas surprise for all of the children—a game, a story, and a gift.

  The children’s wide-eyed expressions and sheer gratitude touched Kenzie to the point of tears.

  ~*~

  Trevor couldn’t take his eyes off Kenzie as she laughed, fully involved in the game with the children. She planted herself on the ground and three little girls piled on. Kenzie embraced all three, rocking them back and forth, giggles erupting from the foursome. Her gaze met his, and she waved him over. He sat down beside her and was immediately included in their fun. The children abandoned them when snacks were offered. Trevor jumped to his feet and offered Kenzie a hand. She grasped it, her eyes still peering into his as he pulled her to her feet.

  “Thanks.”

  Everything seemed to stop, like they were the only two people in the small church yard. This woman stirred emotions Trevor had never experienced. She broke the spell when she shifted her gaze away from his. “I suppose we should see if they need help with the snacks.”

  “Yeah, I guess we should.” He reluctantly let go of her hand.

  She started toward the rest of the group but turned. Pink tinted her cheeks. She smiled and darted to a group of small children, struggling to open their bags of cookies. A firm pat on his back startled him.

  “Patrick. How’s it going?”

  Patrick was one of the men who had come with their mission team. “I guess I could ask you the same thing.” Patrick grinned and nodded his head toward Kenzie, brows raised.

  Trevor’s face heated. “Pretty obvious, right?”

  “Obvious? Definitely.” He chuckled. “Meant to be? I think so.” He gave Trevor’s back another hearty pat and drifted into the crowd.

  Could Patrick be right? Were he and Kenzie meant to be? Time to stop playing like some high school kid and find out if Kenzie Murrah had any affection for him. The sooner the better.

  ~*~

  The sun sparkled on the ocean water as it lapped at the rocky shore. Kenzie sat on the concrete wall, legs dangling way above the water. She had yet to complete her morning devotion because her mind wandered. Her eyes glimpsed a figure heading in her direction. As it moved closer, her pulse drummed at a faster clip. That erect posture and strong, rugged build could only be Trevor.