No Distance Too Far Read Free Page B

Gansberg nodded, emphasizing his point.
    “So many diseases can be prevented,” his wife added.
    Astrid leaned forward. Such a fascinating couple. “How long have you been here?”
    “Three months. You will learn about the diseases endemic to the area where you will be assigned and learn what you, as a doctor, can do. As you already know from your work in Chicago, some diseases can be cured, but for others the best we can do is to ease some of the symptoms. We will be returning home to gather supplies and then will leave from New York.”
    “God is so good to give us this privilege.” Mrs. Gansberg refilled her husband’s coffee cup from the carafe on the table.
    “How can you bear to leave your home and family?” Astrid spread jam on her toast. They are so certain, it just glows from them . Lord, you know I don’t feel that way or think that way. What is wrong with me?
    “Don’t you worry, Dr. Bjorklund.” Dr. Gansberg patted her arm. “God has a special job for you to do, and He will make it all clear.”
    “Thank you.” She sighed. “I hope so.” As they left the table, she glanced up to see a young man staring at her from a nearby table.
    “Are you really a doctor?” he asked.
    His emphasis on really straightened her spine instantly. She kept her voice mild. “Yes, I am.”
    “You’re obviously not a member of the clergy, however.”
    “No. Are you?”
    “Yes. Recently ordained. I will be teaching at our training facility for natives in Africa.”
    “Well, Reverend . . .” She waited for him to fill in the blank.
    “Highsmith. The dean here is my uncle.”
    “Have you been to Africa before?”
    “No, but I have always planned to go there. I am the third generation in our family to fulfill this calling.” He spoke as if he dared anyone to challenge him.
    Like Dean Highsmith’s young assistant, this man needed to take some of the starch out of his collar, Astrid thought, but kept her face as neutral as possible.
    “I am surprised they are allowing a young unmarried female like you to participate in our program.” The way he said it made sure she knew how he felt.
    “I believe the need for medical doctors is paramount.” She could hear the stiffness in her own response. How could this young High-smith be so different from his uncle, who despite having some misgivings about her, was open to whatever the Lord intended?
    “I’m sure male doctors are preferable.”
    “Perhaps, but sometimes you have to take what you can get. I’ve always believed God has a use for all of us, male and female. Isn’t there a verse about all being equal in the eyes of God?”
    “That is not an exact quote.” If possible his voice grew more stiff.
    “No, but close enough. Excuse me, I have to get to my first interview.” She picked up her tray and left, mentally shaking her head. So much for flies and honey. How many classes would she be required to take with him? she wondered. Somehow she didn’t see a friendship building there, even though God had surprised her with Red Hawk’s friendship. But Red Hawk had never questioned her right to be a doctor. Just her opportunity to take advanced classes. She smiled, then winced as she remembered his disappointment that she was going to Africa when so many of his people needed medical help. Lord, please help me to be understanding. She added another line. And understood would be nice.
    The tea that afternoon where new students were introduced was both pleasant and not so pleasant. The man and woman who were hosting the gathering had returned from Africa due to medical reasons. The man, Rev. Clement, had finally regained his health after nearly dying from malaria. While he was polite, he left her feeling less than welcome.
    As she met the others, she realized she was right in the middle of dissenting camps. Should she be allowed to go or should she not? She heard a comment from a male person behind her about her being too young and female. Why would God tell her