Texas Triangle—Part 2

There I was at tech school, learning computer programming back when computers were nothing like they are today. I was not a happy camper.

When tech school ended, I headed for Carswell Air Force Base just west of Fort Worth and less than thirty miles from where I began my journey.

From all appearances, my goal to get beyond the Texas border would not be met. And then it happened. Less than five months after entering the air force, I received a call that would impact the rest of my life. One morning, I answered the phone and heard words that remain deeply etched in my memory. The rotation officer said, “We have an opening for a computer programmer at Wiesbaden Air Force Base in Germany.

I think it is time we send a woman, and you are the only female programmer on the base.” I barely let him get the next few words out as he asked if I would be interested before exclaiming, “Yes!” Keep in mind, this was in 1967, before the women’s liberation movement became a big deal. The fact that he even thought about sending a woman amazed me.

The fact that I was the only female programmer on the base amazed me even more. By Christmas of 1967, I had flown into Frankfurt, Germany.

Once again, the old familiar butterflies and pounding heart did a duet as I pinched myself. There I was, not only a first termer but also with less than eight months in the service, stepping off the airplane in Germany. During my time serving in Europe, I had the opportunity to travel to Switzerland and the Netherlands. It was a memorable experience I have never forgotten. A few years after returning from Germany, it dawned on me what God had done. How awesome of Him to orchestrate what I have since labeled “The Texas Triangle” as a way of showing His personal touch in my life. I have learned that no matter how things look from my perspective, God knows exactly what He is doing, and I can trust Him.

He knows the desires of our hearts. Let us choose to trust Him, day by day, taking deep delight in His presence.

And in His time, He will unfold His plans for our lives.

Sharon Clark