Mission Of Hope: Mission Of Freedom Series, #3

By Naomi Sowell

It's been fifteen years… Fifteen years since my life fell apart. Music and my baby brother, Dillon, are the only things that keep me sane. But a promise made is a promise I will keep. After running from myself and my parents' ministry for so long, I'm off to a foreign country to serve at a safe haven for people just like me. I can't escape the irony of the situation, but something tells me that this trip may help me find what I've been searching for. Then, a bus accident that was no accident and Dillion's disappearance force me into action. I used to lose hope so easily, but that was before I recognized Who, not what, my Hope is. Now, it's a race against time again to find my brother before he's gone forever. Along the way, I discover more than my fair share of friends, danger, missions, and sure enough, hope.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Naomi Sowell
• Release date: Feb 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201414757

Book preview

Table of Contents

Acknowledgement

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Epilogue

About the Author

Also by Naomi Sowell

Naomi Sowell

Mission of Hope

Copyright © 2021 by Naomi Sowell

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Naomi Sowell asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Naomi Sowell has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

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Always first, I dedicate this to my Hope, Jesus Christ. May this book help others find their eternal hope in You.

Contents

Acknowledgement

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Epilogue

About the Author

Also by Naomi Sowell

Acknowledgement

Just like in the Dedication, I want to thank Jesus first. I couldn’t have done this without Him! Next, a huge thank you to my family! Thank you for supporting me every step in this journey. And finally, I appreciate every single person who’s given me encouragement over this whole story. When I sat down and wrote my first word in Mission of Freedom, I had no idea that it would grow into a trilogy. Y’all are the best!

Prologue

Adira!

The distant shout makes me jump, and my heart pounds involuntarily. Relax. It’s just Ali. I take a couple of deep breaths like Daddy taught me before I push off the ground. Grabbing the book I’d been reading, I walk back to the house—Kirk’s house. I shove away the memories in fear that I’d have yet another episode. My mouth turns down. Strange, I’m normally perfectly fine here. And it’s true. Kirk’s beautiful old house and ranch have never triggered my anxiety before. Sighing, I shake my head as I turn the corner and Ali comes into view. Fifteen years... will it ever go away? I force a smile as Ali hugs me.

Where were you? She bounces the baby on her hip.

Reading. I shrug and tap her son’s cute button nose.

Figures. Ali laughs. Kirk here just woke up from his nap. Wanna snack with us?

Flinching inwardly at Kirk’s name, I nod. Sure. We head inside, but before the door closes, I stare again at the endless Texas sky. What is wrong with me today?

Once the baby is in his high chair and stuffing his face with Cheerios, Ali turns to me. What’s bothering you, honey?

I shrug again as I sit and reach for a warm cookie. Don’t know.

Don’t give me that. She sits across from me.

The corner of my mouth turns up just a little. It’s especially hard today, and I don’t know why. I feel stuck, useless. I’m almost twenty years old and have no idea what I want to do with my life. James and John are already established in their roles in Mom and Dad’s ministry... I stop before I say something I’ll regret.

Ali looks unfazed. And you?

Looking away, I confess what she seems to already know. I don’t want any part of it.

My best friend nods. I thought so, and I think I understand. But why don’t you tell me why? You need to get this out.

Tears burn, and the words tumble out. I couldn’t do it. How could I when I don’t even have a handle on what goes on in my own brain? I’ve tried. I really have. I just don’t want it. It... it hurts.

Ali takes my hand and lets me cry it out. Finally, she says, Do your parents know?

Maybe. I blow my nose.

Adira. She waits until I can look at her. It’s okay not to be okay.

Is it really? The bitterness rises inside.

Yes. Squeezing my hand confidently, Ali stands to take Kirk out of his chair. I can’t fully understand why you’re hurting, but I do understand hurt. It’ll heal one day.

But how long?  I’m so done with this! My phone buzzes, and I open it to see a text from Momma. Heading home today?

I send a response back. Yes. Leaving soon. Why?

Just checking in. We have a surprise when you get back. Be safe. Love you, Sunshine.

A smile eases the pain, and I reply. Okay. Love you more!

Well? Ali raises an eyebrow as she cleans up from the snack.

Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I grab another cookie. Just Mom checking in. Says they have a surprise, so I’d better get back before they spill it.

More like before you die from curiosity!

We laugh together, and I already feel better.

True! I finish helping her clean up. Ali?

Yeah? She carefully places Kirk in a playpen and turns back.

Thanks.

Giving me a big hug, she whispers, That’s what I’m here for, Sunshine.

As I climb into my car, I pivot to wave goodbye and smile again. Once I hit the road, I play the song that always helps my mood. The soft words from I Hope You Dance drift through the speakers, and my shoulders relax.

Pulling into the garage at home, I prepare myself before stepping out. Chaos can frazzle my nerves, and in a big family, that’s hard to avoid. When I do get out and lock the car, the lovely smell of dinner teases my nose. There you go. Focus on the positive. I’m hardly in the door before Dillon slams into me in a bear hug.

Easy, bro! I say, laughing. You’re not so little anymore!

Standing to his full height proudly, which is now taller than me, he grins. I’ve been waiting hours for you! C’mon, Mom has a surprise! He grabs my hand and pulls.

I can’t help but giggle at my fifteen-year-old brother jumping around like he has springs in his shoes. Okay, okay! Ruffling his hair, I follow him into the kitchen.

Dillon was a surprise for my whole family during the worst year of my life. Momma found out she was pregnant when she went in for a monthly brain check up. It ended up being the best thing because I had a new and much better distraction in recovering from the trauma of my kidnapping and Kirk’s death. His name matches his personality and the miracle of his birth perfectly—faithful. I’m unashamed to admit that Dillon is my best friend.  

Momma wraps me in hug too as I round the corner. Good trip, Sunshine?

I nod. Dinner smells amazing!

Thanks, sweetie! Why don’t you wash up so we can eat before Dillon comes unglued? Her soft laughter is soothing to my nerves as Dillon is practically bouncing off the walls.

You bet! I kiss her cheek before slipping into the bathroom.

At the table, we all hold hands while Dad blesses the meal. Even though I struggle with faith personally, praying as a family still feels like a meaningful part of me.

As we dig in, Dillon immediately asks, So what’s the surprise, Mom? Dira’s here now.

Dillon don’t talk with your mouth full. Dad hides a smile behind his napkin.

Dillon swallows the food. Sorry.

Momma grins at him then me. Your dad and I have arranged for you two to visit our office in Serbia next week.

I choke on the once-tasty bite of chicken and drop my fork with a clatter. What?! My mind reels. Last year, Belle had wanted me to go with her for her first time. But since I was avoiding anything to do with Mom and Dad’s ministry, I’d said that I wasn’t ready.

Are you serious? I grab my fork off the floor.

My parents exchange a look, and Dad answers, Yes, Sunshine. We think you’re ready.

No! The word came out stronger than I meant. I recoil inwardly at the hurt on their faces. Now I’ve done it.

Before they can say anything, Dillon clears his throat. I turn to him and immediately regret it. Why does he have to have those deep puppy eyes?

Dira, he begins softly. I know it will be hard. But will you come with me? I wouldn’t want to go with anyone else. We can do it. Together. Please?

Tears pierce my eyes for what seems like the hundredth time today. How can I say no to Dillon? He’s sat beside me during my darkest hours of depression. A memory surfaces of a twelve-year-old Dillon spending the night on the floor in my room because I couldn’t sleep for crying. He knows all my messes and monsters.

I blink hard, forcing my vision to clear, and swallow the boulder in my throat. Okay. I’ll go.

Surprise flickers across Momma’s face, but she says nothing. Dad is silent as the grave, yet gives a nod. Dillon on the other hand is over the moon.

Yes! He raises his hands like a victorious boxer.

I can’t