Life of Joy

by Amy Clipston

Aenti Rebecca asked me not to tell you how ill she is because she’s worried you’ll come home early out of obligation to her. She wants you to enjoy your time in Virginia and help Trisha as much as you can. I know we’re supposed to obey our elders and respect their wishes. However, in this situation, I felt you would want to know.

  Lindsay, I’m not suggesting that you should cut your trip short and come home, but I wanted you to know what’s going on. Follow your heart and trust God to lead you in your decision about whether to stay in Virginia Beach or come home to Bird-in-Hand.

  You’re like a sister to me, and it breaks my heart to have to share this news with you. I know how much you love Aenti Rebecca and the kinner.

  I’m thinking of you and praying for you.

  In His Name,

  Katie

  A wave of panic washed over Lindsay as she finished reading the letter. She stood, jammed the letter in the pocket of her jumper, rushed from her room, and crossed the den to her shoes.

  “Where are you going?” Trisha called from the kitchen.

  “Out for a walk,” Lindsay said, pulling on her sneakers. “I need some time alone.”

  “But where are you going?” Trisha asked, making her way into the den.

  “I’m just going out to the water,” Lindsay said, yanking the door open. “I’ll be back soon.”

  She hurried through the door and ran down the stairs, not stopping until she hit the beach, which was like quicksand under her feet. She tried to run, but she was stuck, forced to move in slow motion.

  She dropped to her knees in front of Trisha’s deck, which overlooked the vast Atlantic Ocean. Lindsay pulled Katie’s letter from her pocket and reread it, memorizing each word as fresh tears filled her eyes.

  Rebecca needed Lindsay but was afraid to tell her. Reading between the lines, Lindsay knew what Katie was trying to say: It was time for Lindsay to come home.

  Her work in Virginia was done.

  Bird-in-Hand was where she belonged.

  Lindsay jumped up and ran back to the house, hugging her arms to her chest.

  Once in the house, Lindsay stood before Trisha and Frank in the den. “I have something important to tell you.”

  Frank flipped off the television, and Trisha looked concerned.

  “I’ve made a decision.” Lindsay took a deep breath. “It’s time for me to go home.” She held up the letter. “Katie wrote to tell me that Aenti Rebecca is having complications with her pregnancy and could possibly lose her baby. She’s been restricted to complete bed rest.”

  “Oh no.” Trisha cupped her hand to her mouth. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”

  “I feel like I’m needed back at home.” Lindsay pointed toward Trisha’s leg. “I think you’re doing better now, and you can get around okay without much assistance.”

  “Oh yes,” Trisha said. “I was going to tell you that you’re welcome to stay, or you can leave as soon as you’d like.”

  “Thank you,” Lindsay said. “I really appreciate all you’ve done for me. Thank you for helping me get my GED and for giving me the cell phone.”

  Trisha stood and hugged Lindsay. “Don’t be silly, Lindsay. You don’t need to thank us. You and your sister are the daughters we never had.”

  Frank stood and also hugged her. “And you got that GED all on your own.”

  “I enjoyed my time here,” Lindsay said. “But I know that Rebecca needs me now. And I’ve realized that Lancaster is where I need to be and where I want to be. It’s where I belong. I want to be Amish.”

  “I understand and I respect that decision,” Trisha said. “Frank and I will also support you, no matter what you want to do. We love you.”

  “Thank you.” Lindsay looked at Frank. “Could you see if there’s a bus that leaves tomorrow morning?”

  He sat on the sofa and opened his laptop. “Have a seat, and we’ll check out the schedules.”

  Lindsay sat with him and they booked a ticket for her to leave in the early afternoon the next day.

  Trisha stood over Frank and Lindsay while they confirmed the ticket. “Are you going to call Rebecca and let her know that you’ll be home early on Monday?”

  Lindsay considered the question. “No, I think I’ll surprise her.” She walked toward the kitchen. “I’m going to go arrange for a ride from the bus station and pack.” She grabbed the phone from the cradle and then started down the hall toward her room.

  “Do you need any help?” Trisha called.

  “No, thank you.” Lindsay pulled out Matthew’s first letter from her dresser and glanced at his phone number written at the bottom. She wondered if Matthew would schedule a driver to pick her up at the bus station. It would be an added plus if he would come to the station to meet her as well.

  She dialed the number, and after four rings, voicemail picked up.

  “This is Matthew Glick,” his voice said. “Please leave me a message.”

  Once the beep sounded, Lindsay took a deep breath. “Hi, Matthew,” she said, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “This is Lindsay. I hope you’re doing well. I need to talk to you as soon as possible. Please call me back.” She rattled off her phone number and then hung up, hoping he would get the message soon.

  She returned the phone to the cradle in the kitchen and then began packing her clothes. While she worked, she thought of Rebecca and sent up prayers for her. Although she was tempted to call and check on her, she didn’t want to get Katie in trouble for sharing the news of Rebecca’s condition. She would have to hold onto her faith that Rebecca would be just fine.

  A little while later, a knock on the door frame drew her attention to the doorway, where Trisha stood grinning and holding up the phone.

  “It’s for you,” Trisha said, handing her the phone. “It’s a boy.” She then leaned in close. “He sounds awfully cute.”

  Lindsay raised her eyebrows with curiosity as she lifted the phone. “Hello?”

  “Lindsay?” a voice asked. “It’s Matthew.”

  “Matthew,” she said, sinking onto her desk chair. “Hi.”

  “Wie geht’s?” he asked.

  “I’m doing well,” she said. “How are you?”

  “Doing fine,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed your letters.”

  “Yeah,” she said. “Me too.” She wished she wasn’t so tongue-tied. There was so much she wanted to say. An awkward silence passed between them for a few moments.

  “I sort of got the impression from your message that you wanted to talk,” he said. “It sounded urgent.”

  “Yes,” Lindsay said, leaning back on the chair. “Do you have plans Monday morning?”

  “I don’t think so, other than work,” he said, sounding confused. “Why do you ask?”

  Lindsay smiled. It was so good to hear his warm, smooth voice. “Would you arrange for a ride and come to pick me up at the bus station in Lancaster around eight on Monday morning?”

  “You’re coming home?” His excitement emanated through the phone.

  “Yes,” she said.

  “I can definitely have a car there for you,” he said. “Is there a reason why you’re coming home now? I had thought you were staying longer. Not that I want you to stay longer, but I’m kind of surprised.”

  “Trisha is doing much better,” Lindsay said. “She’s using a walking cast now, so I’m not really needed.”

  “That’s gut to hear. I’m glad she’s doing better.”

  Lindsay’s eyes moved to Katie’s letter sitting on her dresser. She wanted to tell him the truth, the whole truth, and she knew she could trust him. “There’s more, though. I got a letter from Katie that made me realize I’m needed at home,” she said, fighting back tears. “Katie told me that Aenti Rebecca’s condition is getting worse, and I want to be there to help her.”

  “I didn’t know that,” he said. “I hope she’s going to be okay.” He paused for a minute. “That must be why Daniel has seemed so upset at work. He hasn’t talked much to anyone, and he seems very preoccu
pied and stressed. He must be very worried.”

  “I’m worried too,” she said, wiping a tear.

  “Is she gravely ill?”

  “She’s pregnant and having complications,” Lindsay said. “Katie mentioned that she could even lose the boppli.”

  “Oh no,” he said.

  “The doctor has put her on complete bed rest, and Katie is staying overnight at their house to help out. I should be the one caring for her and the kinner.” Lindsay grabbed a tissue from the box next to her bed and wiped her nose and eyes.

  “You’ll be home Monday morning, ya? And then you can help out and take gut care of her and the kinner.”

  Lindsay smiled. “That’s right.” She gave him the details of her itinerary. “Now remember, it’s a secret that I’m coming home. Don’t tell Katie or anyone else, okay? And we have to keep Rebecca’s condition a secret too.”

  “I promise I’ll keep it all a secret—everything you’ve shared with me,” he said. “And I’m glad that you told me.”

  She asked him how his sister and her family were doing, and he updated her on his family and the rest of their friends.

  “I guess I should let you go,” she said. “Are you doing chores this afternoon?”

  “Ya,” he said with a sigh. “I just came out here to feed the animals. I better get back to work. You have a safe trip.”

  “I will,” she said. “I can’t wait to see you and tell you about my adventures here.”

  “I look forward to it,” he said. “Good-bye, mei freind.”

  “Good-bye, mei freind,” she echoed before hanging up.

  The following afternoon, Lindsay hugged Trisha and then hugged Frank while they stood in the parking lot at the bus station.

  “Thank you for all you did to take care of me,” Trisha said. “I couldn’t have gotten through the past couple of months without you.”

  Lindsay kissed her cheek. “I enjoyed being here for you. Maybe my friends and I can come for a visit sometime.”

  “I would love that.” Trisha hugged Lindsay again and then wiped a tear from her cheek. “I love you, Lindsay-girl.”

  “Love you too,” Lindsay said. She turned to Frank. “You take good care of her.”

  He grinned and hugged her again. “Thank you. We enjoyed having you with us. Come back any time and bring your friends. We’ll have a good time.”

  Lindsay nodded. “I know someone who would love to see the beach.”

  “You better go,” Trisha said. “The bus is boarding.”

  Lindsay hugged them once more and then hoisted her purse and tote bag onto her shoulder. She climbed onto the bus and took a seat near the back.

  Settling into her seat, she smoothed the skirt of her plain purple frock. She then checked her tote bag and found her prayer covering. Once she got closer to Lancaster, she would fix her bun and then put her covering back on her head, where it belonged.

  She leaned back and took a deep cleansing breath. Closing her eyes, she said a prayer for Rebecca, the one she’d recited over and over last night before she fell asleep.

  The bus engine rumbled and came to life and more passengers took their seats.

  Glancing out the window, Lindsay smiled. It was good to visit the place of her birth for a short while, but it wasn’t where she belonged. Tomorrow morning, she would return to her true home and the future waiting for her.

  Zimmet Waffles (Cinnamon Waffles)

  ½ lb butter

  ¾ cup sugar

  2 – ½ tsp cinnamon

  2 eggs

  1 cup flour

  Cream the butter and sugar; beat in eggs one at a time and add cinnamon. Work in flour making soft dough. Form into small balls. Place several in hot waffle iron, press down top, and bake until golden brown.

  Discussion Questions

  1. Throughout the book, Lindsay feels the pull of two worlds —her life in Lancaster County and her former life in Virginia Beach. By the end of the story, she decides that she belongs in Pennsylvania. If you were in her situation, which life would you have picked? Share with the group.

  2. Rebecca is heartbroken when Lindsay decides to go to Virginia Beach to help Trisha heal from her accident. Although she wants Lindsay to stay in Bird-in-Hand, she lets her go, telling her to follow her heart. Take a walk in Rebecca’s shoes. Would you have encouraged Lindsay to go to Virginia Beach? Why or why not?

  3. Throughout the story, characters quote Psalm 41:3 (print out the verse). What does this verse mean to you?

  4. Lindsay is frustrated by her sister’s constant criticism of the choice she’s made to not continue her education beyond eighth grade. Have you ever been criticized by a close family member for a choice you’ve made? If so, how did you handle the criticism? Share this with the group.

  5. When Lindsay first arrives in Virginia Beach, she feels like a misfit. She notices people staring at her clothing and she can’t relate to her former school friends who are excited to leave for college. Think of a time when you felt lost and alone. Where did you find your strength? What Bible verses would help with this?

  6. Katie breaks a promise to Rebecca when she writes Lindsay and shares that Rebecca is suffering from complications in her pregnancy. Have you ever felt obligated to break a promise even though you knew there could be negative repercussions for your actions? How did you handle this situation? Did it turn out as you’d hoped?

  7. Elizabeth Kauffman recites Romans 5:3 – 4 (print out the verse). What does this verse mean to you? Share your thoughts with the group.

  8. Which character can you identify with the most? Which character seemed to carry the most emotional stake in the story? Was it Lindsay, Rebecca, Katie, or even Jessica?

  9. Print out the verses Hebrews 12:1 – 2. Discuss with the group what this verses means to you.

  10. What did you know about the Amish before reading this book? What did you learn?

  Glossary

  Ach — oh

  aenti — aunt

  appeditlich — delicious

  Ausbund — Amish hymnal

  bedauerlich — sad

  beh — leg

  boppli — baby

  bopplin — babies

  bruder — brother

  bruderskinner — nieces/nephews

  bu — boy

  buwe — boys

  daadi — granddad

  daed — dad

  danki — thank you

  dat — dad

  Dietsch — Pennsylvania Dutch, the Amish language (a German dialect)

  dochder — daughter

  dochdern — daughters

  Dummle! — hurry!

  Englisher — a non-Amish person

  fraa — wife

  freind — friend

  freinden — friends

  freindschaft — relative

  froh — happy

  gegisch — silly

  gern gschehne—you’re welcome

  grandkinner — grandchildren

  grank—sick

  grossdaddi — grandfather

  grossdochdern — granddaughters

  grossmammi — grandmother

  Gude mariye — Good morning

  gut — good

  Gut nacht — Good night

  haus — house

  Ich liebe dich — I love you

  Ich hap schmatza — I hurt myself

  Kannscht du Pennsilfaanisch Dietsch schwetze — Can you speak Pennsylvania Dutch?

  kapp — prayer covering or cap

  kind — child

  kinner — children

  kumm — come

  liewe — love, a term of endearment

  mammi — grandma

  maed — young women, girls

  maedel — young woman

  mamm — mom

  mei — my

  mutter — mother

  naerfich — nervous

  narrisch — crazy

  onkel — uncle

  Ordnung — the oral tradition of practices requi
red and forbidden in the Amish faith

  schee — pretty

  schtupp — family room

  schweschder — sister

  Was iss letz? — What’s wrong?

  Wie geht’s — How do you do? or Good day!

  Willkumm heemet — welcome home

  wunderbaar — wonderful

  ya — yes

  zwillingbopplin — twins

  Acknowledgments

  I’m so thankful for the people who shower me with their unending love and support, especially my mother, Lola Goebel-becker; my husband, Joe; my sons, Zac and Matt; my mother-in-law, Sharon; and my precious aunts, Trudy Janitz and Debbie Floyd.

  I’m more grateful than words can express to my patient friends who critique for me—Sue McKlveen and Lauran Rodriguez. Thank you for always editing and proofing my books and offering your suggestions to improve the stories. Stacey Barbalace was integral in helping with the authentic Amish details in the story. Thank you for your help and your wonderful friendship!

  Special thanks to my dear friend Kim Moity, who helped with the medical details in the book. I wish you much luck and success in your nursing career.

  I’m very grateful to my special Amish friend who patiently answers my endless stream of questions. You’re a blessing in my life.

  Thank you to my wonderful church family at Morning Star Lutheran in Matthews, North Carolina, for your encouragement, prayers, love, and friendship. You all mean so much to my family and me.

  To my agent, Mary Sue Seymour — I am grateful for your friendship, support, and guidance in my writing career. Thank you for all you do!

  Thank you to my amazing editors — Sue Brower and Becky Philpott. I appreciate your guidance and friendship. I also would like to thank Alicia Mey for tirelessly working to promote my books. I’m grateful to each and every person at Zondervan who helped make this book a reality. I’m so blessed to be a part of the Zondervan family.

  Thank you to Barbara Michels for the delicious Amish Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.

  To my readers —thank you for choosing my books. As always, I appreciate the wonderful emails and your prayers for my family.

  Thank You most of all to God for giving me the inspiration and the words to glorify You. I’m so grateful and humbled You’ve chosen this path for me.