What about the paparazzi and the fan mob? That was my first thought when I got over the shock of:
#1 the fact that Gracia Burnham had called me, me!?!, on the phone
#2 she was squeezing me into her schedule for next week even though her website says her calendar is jam packed until June of 2014
and
# 3 she suggested IHOP!
Last year her publishers made the extended version of Gracia’s book ‘In the Presence of My Enemies’ available for free for a limited time on Kindle to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the events that transpired in the Philippine jungles. I got it. Then I proceeded to recommend it to all my friends. The book tells the experience of the Burnham’s year long captivity which ended with the loss of Martin’s life. After 16 years of missionary service Gracia was left a widow with three children to raise amidst tragedy. The book takes a candid look at God’s calling, God’s grace, and our choice of how to respond to Him.
After reading the book I found out that Gracia lives in the Wichita area. Knowing that I would be spending some time with my family, who also live in Wichita, during our trip to the U.S. I made a shot in the dark and contacted Gracia through the form on her website, asking if I could buy her a coffee so we could chat a little.
After I got into Wichita I called their offices and left a few messages on the machine. When she called and set up a time for breakfast I caught myself before talking about the paparazzi, in case she changed her mind thinking I was some crazy stalker person. Regaining my composure I said instead, “I am so honored. Thank you very much!”
I arrived at the restaurant way too early and waited in the foyer early Wednesday morning. Part of me still expected her to show up with an entourage. A driver and bodyguard at least! She is that much of a rock star to me.
And she was so much more wonderful in real life than I had imagined in my mind. Can you believe it? So sweet, kind, humble, gentle, smiley, and peaceful. And very short!
We talked about missionary stuff, family, Wichita, Bolivia, her books, my blogs, and the passing of Chavez. I asked her if I could post a little write up on my blog. She said that was fine. I whipped out my Moleskine wherein I had prepared a few questions. I picked one.
You can find the conversation at A Life Overseas here: Breakfast with Gracia Burnham.
From start to finish I feel like this was a treat form God just for me. I was surprised to know she has visited Cochabamba, Bolivia with New Tribes Missions. Also, her son-in-law spent a bit of his growing up years in Bolivia as a missionary kid. So I told her that next time she is in town she needs to look me up. She said she would. Wow!
Gracia Burnham and me at IHOP conveniently standing in front of the globe
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
How thrilling!! I would have been just like you, practically stalking the poor gal.
I was so convicted by her book, so touched by her honesty in sharing what she went through. What a hero. Thanks for sharing your meeting with us.
Yep. Certified stalker right here.
how cool to meet one of your personal heroes! dontcha just love it when God gives you a gift like that and you find out the person is everything you imagined and more?
there really are some pretty amazing people out there!
Truly amazing, yes.
I met Gracia several years ago when she spoke at a local church, and she is one of the inspirational women featured in my book Sisterhood of Faith: 365 Life-Changing Stories About Women Who Made a Difference. She is one special lady!
She leads an inspirational life, indeed! I am glad to know you included her in your book.
SO cool!!
aw.. one of the people I would so, so love to have coffee with.
Sometimes to simply know how to recover from trauma. How to help the kids. We’re still dealing with after effects here. With no help.
So tempted to pick up the phone. Out of the blue. Explain who I am. And beg, please?
But I’m not a stalker, either.
That is so cool! That sounds exactly how I would have reacted.
I love the paparazzi part. Blessings to you!
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