Her appearing

the long version

Father Del Carnation, the only Episcopal priest in a midsize Midwestern community, is fighting his way back from depression after the tragic loss of his wife, when he suddenly finds a new love interest. In the midst of his people-rich work environment, he tries to secure some private space for courting Rachel, an African-American who stands out in this "white bread" setting, and not only for her looks. Her appearing in his life produces a ferment of hopes and difficulties. Is she the companion he has been seeking? Del sees himself as living in three worlds at once: the world of relentless work demands, the world of God's empowering Spirit, and the world of his own unfulfilled longing.