Patricia McGregor

A Guest in God's World Patricia McGregor

This book describes one woman's journey to and through Madagascar-a journey that took eleven long years, and still remained incomplete. But this is not the journey of a tourist, or of an academic explorer, or even of a curious missionary. This is the journey of Patricia McGregor, a simple, humble American woman whose worldview emerges out of her relationship with God, and her plain life as a wife and mother. As she struggles to find meaning in the simple experiences of life, her journey to Madagascar and her eleven-year stay and service there becomes a deep odyssey into her own restless soul, until she comes to the astonishing discovery that for a Christian the ultimate rest is found in ultimate restlessness! Patricia McGregor, affectionately known as Patsy, has given a very revealing and instructive writing in this book. Unreservedly she pours out the hardships and personal struggles she had to endure while coping with the culture shock and lack of convenience. I understand better now the psychological and material sufferings missionaries must face, and this may explain why at times our requests for expatriate co-workers remain unanswered. I thank Patsy for what she and her family have done for my church in Madagascar and also for this book, which is very easy and exciting to read. His Grace the Most Revd. Rémi J. Rabenirina Archbishop of the Province of the Indian Ocean, and Bishop of Antananarivo, Madagascar Courageous, humble, and faithful; funny and poignant; honest and somehow necessary-Patsy McGregor's vivid account of her missionary family immersed in Madagascar's Anglican Church proves a point... McGregor's patchwork of reflections, letters, and stories builds a powerful theme. The Revd. Jane Butterfield Mission Personnel Director, Episcopal Church of the USA Patsy writes with a disarming honesty of her eventful decade in the difficult but fascinating world of Madagascar. Despite the discouraging beginnings and the endless trials and tribulations, she has emerged from this long journey with a stronger, deeper faith, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion towards the Malagasy people. P. J. Smith, CBE British Ambassador to Madagascar (1993 - 1996)