Take undersized five-year-old farm girl Elinor, give her the polio that not only cripples her but also nearly kills her, then give her an impossible dream. In her childhood and again as a college student she rebels against the plan. Finally, she embraces the dream, and it leads Elinor to one of the most primitive, rugged places on earth and to a life that brawny international explorers would envy.
For nearly eighteen years Elinor deals with murdering tribal people, a devastating earthquake and the relief efforts that follow, joys, triumphs, depression, peace, life-threatening illnesses, recovery, and friendship with the Kimyal tribal people, whom she comes to deeply respect and love. The Kimyal people give her the name Bad Legs, which to them reflects how her weak body shows them God's love. Finally, the late effects of Elinor's original polio force her to leave the place and people that her heart has embraced. She must find a way to say goodbye.
Elinor Young was nine years old when she first thought about working overseas and was sure by age 12 that this was her calling. Weakened by Polio as a child, Elinor's dream seemed impossible. But in 1973 Elinor arrived in Papua, Indonesia, to begin linguistic, translation, and community development work among the primitive Kimyal people of the Eastern Highlands. During her nearly 18 years there, the Kimyal tribe gave Elinor the name Bad Legs, saying her bad legs were a symbol of God's love for them. Now retired and living back in the U.S., Elinor writes, speaks, mentors, and encourages. She also keeps in touch with Kimyal friends who have internet access. Life is good.
