Was Helen Högn blown by the wind?
4 years ago Helen would not have imagined, even in her wildest dreams, that she would be celebrating her 23rd birthday in the South-Peruvian Andes. Today, on the 18th March she is celebrating her third birthday away from her German homeland.
Without a doubt her parents’ example played an important role. Their lived-out faith was not based on traditions and habits, but was expressed practically in their daily lives. Their good example had enormous influence on Helen’s thinking.
In the Spring of 2017 her mother gave her the film about the “Hospital of Faith”. The DVD outlined the story of a hospital a stone’s throw away from the world famous Machu Picchu. In itself this is interesting, but it gets even more interesting due to the fact that men and women work there who want to help the descendants of the Incas and that without ulterior motives or driven by possible financial gain. The 60-minute documentary whetted the appetite of the physiotherapist for more.
Then came the 12th November 2017. In Friedrichshafen‘s modern Kulturhalle a German-Peruvian gave a detailed presentation. Outside the wind swept over Lake Constance bringing lashing rain and dark clouds with it. No one willingly steps outside in such inclement weather. But the weather was not enough to put Helen off: she was one of the 150 listeners staring at the big screen.
Having seen 200 pictures Helen was deeply touched. It was the first time that she truly considered Diospi Suyana as an option.
“Can one also only spend one year working with you?” asked Helen pensively. The missionary doctor shook his head: “No, it must be a minimum of three years; otherwise all the necessary preparations are hardly worth their while!”
Was that the end of her dream? No, not quite. Because on that fateful evening Helen had bought two books. On 500 pages the young reader saw God’s wonderful hand becoming reality. The result was no fantasy product out of a fairy tale book, but a medical facility with fine machines, expertise and personal clout.
Four more months passed. Helen was torn this way and that. Should she apply to spend three long years in Peru or should she rather look out for another project? She was plagued by ambivalent feelings and she often felt that her thoughts were going round in circles. Finally she gave herself a push and sent her application to the postal address of the German organisation. She was totally surprised when she was accepted immediately.
Helen honestly speaks about her motives: “On the one had I wanted to give God a part of my life. On the other hand I was also gripped with a thirst for adventure!
In her time here Helen has treated more than 2,000 patients, with love, dedication and expertise. Looking back Helen knows that she took the right decision. Among the countless personal encounters this one stands out for her. A little, roughly five-year-old, girl saw Helen on the hospital compound and called out, totally surprised, to the other children on the playground: “A Gringa – a white girl”. The tone of voice reminded Helen of being in the zoo and someone saying: “Wow, look over there, an elephant!”
Are therefore missionaries who live out their lives’ calling on other continents exotic? To a certain degree, yes they are. On the one hand they are few and far between and on the other they take risks upon themselves that others would rather avoid. They do not feel blown by the wind, but led by God. They know and rely on their inner compass, since are living their lives for the Lord.
Happy Birthday, dear Helen. It is great to have you here. /KDJ
