Heartbreaking, poignant. So many times I wished I had that "whatever" attitude that has characterized so much of our culture. I was trying to explain why I'm jealous of people like that and yet it's so far from my reach. My theory? We actually did have glimpses of glory. For those of you that never had any relief from pain and judgement, I am truly sorry. Looking back some of our times were remarkable. Do you mind if I reminisce? Every once in a while, a person, a couple, a family would come on base, and it would all come together. Stimulating intellectual conversation, deep spiritual connections, a bit of romance, wonderful but cheap food, perfect weather, mango trees, cultural understanding. . .they would bring new music, new jokes, different books. Hope would reign again. Gradually or suddenly, the era would end. Honeymoon over. Rumors would start to circulate about past indiscretions, mental illness, children that were NOT at Bible school. Then they would say something dumb, prejudiced, religious.
But it was nice while it lasted. And we had time for each other, you know, not having to clock in and out, and drive to work, or for that much, visit or take care of grandparents.
There were many missionaries that had "health problems" that kept them from strenuous work. Having the good wife to cook homemade meals, bake desserts for every supper, sure made it nice. There was a certain placid comfort in being a woman and not having to make decisions, more than to roll and spritz the ironing? Or to use the steam feature? When you condemned worldly music, TV, people . . .there was more time to play Dutch Blitz, volleyball, go for walks.
Did you have any "glimpses of glory?" Nah, I just can't not care. Bummer.
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