" Is earth my mother, the lord just told me so in a whisper came through to my heart," Natalie said to Sister Mary Francis, at The Immaculate Conception Home for Children known as Catholic Charities. Natalie five years old stood saying all this truth right next to the Saint Francis of Assis.
She is so kind and thoughtful, please lord give her a forever home. Sister stood praying right next to this beautiful child. " Sister, did you hear what I said?
" Yes, that is a good way to say it, Natalie, she grows the seeds we plant. Mother Earth gives them fertility to grow. She has given the right to life to everything. "
Natalie was then satisfied with Sr. Mary Francis, answer for out the mouth of Babe's truth. Walking further, Chloe came to get Natalie for classroom learning. As usual, Natalie all smiles from head to toe. " Gut morning Sister Mary Francis how are you doing? " Wonderful Chloe seeing your smile I'm great, I think Natalie is ready. Taking her small hand in hers they walked off together.
The one-room schoolhouse is equipped with chalkboards on two walls full length. A black pot-bellied stove to burn wood in winter. A refrigerator for cold lunches is supplied by a neighboring kitchen. Every morning a brown paper bag with lunch in it. Mennonites starting to pay lunch expenses. A big cooler is full of ice and cartons of milk, bottled water, and almond milk. Each lunch carried a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a cheese and cracker bag, celery sticks with cream cheese, sliced apples, almonds, and two oatmeal cookies. Afternoon snack bag of popcorn with corn candy mixed in.
Today's lesson by Opal Hershberger, her charming face brightens every place she goes. And today teachers appreciation day. Opal received gifts, a gold apple bell, a chocolate caramel apple, and stationery with printed apples. Also, a new book bag knitted in the color black, and a black knitted lap blanket. Teary eyes and forever grateful, Opal said " Danke, I will treasure the gifts you gave and treasure our time together always."
The children all leave their seats to run and hug her. She bent over to hug them one by one, for today's last day before summer break till September. " Please take your seats I have your gift for being so gut ."
They all sat gleefully, hands folded on the desk. She put a small wrapped gift before each pair of folded hands. " Alright children open your gifts each had a new yo-yo. They cheered in small voices so happy.
After today, Opal had plans to go back to the store she owned Amish Ladies Apparel. Yet her certificate to teach right after graduation from eighth grade went and got her GED. And set out to be a teacher for the Amish. Then taught for four years and opened the store with all the clothes she designed and made. Mater and Neomi ran it till I returned.
For those of us strong-willed, and here on earth to worship our lord. May find guidance in knowing his hand sent her to The Immaculate, to see children I can adopt after I marry. And I feel better about myself knowing. She turned out the lights in the little schoolhouse. Then left and got into her small economy car to drive home to the family-run farm.
On her way home she praised God for him blessing her with his grace at the school. The path of righteousness wins every time. Down the road, a piece is the best view, the open range where Deer and elk play. She pulled her car over onto the shoulder and took some pictures. Then drove back onto the highway turning onto the black dirt road, up a hill. Further south to another road called Beacon Crossing. They lived on a farmstead right after that on the right.
Opal turned into the lane driving into the farmstead her store set back in the landscape. The car put along, a sound everyone knew as her car. She parked in her parking place and continued into the farmstead.
After stepping inside her nose picked up a smell of baking roast beef and the fixings. Oh, how yummy. She was ravished to eat something for certain Master's cooking, her favorite. Slipping off her small black sneakers
Setting them next to the front door.
" Who's out there? Mater asked from the kitchen." Me Opal said. " Come on out and join Naomi and myself. " They had been making cinnamon rolls, then putting them in the oven to bake. Mater poured everyone a hot steamy kaffi. Handing out freshly baked cottage bread with a thick layer of butter served on a pretty dish, they are all mismatched. Resembling Shabby Sheek.
Our farm is decorated in a style we enjoy using. Pretty paper napkins from the dime store. Today paisley ones a bigger napkin. All place settings are picked by us girls, making sure it is all mismatched, just like Shabby Sheek.
"The cottage bread is simply delicious, kaffi nice and hot," Opal said smiling, wiping her mouth. Neomi was happy to be with hers and got up to get a cinnamon roll, bringing two more over for Mater and Opal. They all giggled at the thought of eating such a gooey roll full of cinnamon.
Such a fun time baking together a family who bakes together stays together. Fater strolled after removing his boots, " Smells gut in here Jah, I just finished shoeing Stockhorses. He washed his hands in the barn with lava soap. Fater always looked clean and scrubbed. Mater brought him a dish of chili with crackers and a glass of iced tea. " Danke Dearest wife."
Besides chili in a pot on the stove, and chopped hamburger for wheat buns. Boiled potatoes to our chili over if desired or mashed with butter or sour cream. Something to remember Plain always has several dishes to choose from to eat. Except today lunch after desserts. Supper would then have added dishes of cold salads, Pea salad, Potato salad, and three bean salad. Potato chips with dip cut apples, and caramel dip. Apple pie and raisin cream.