Amish Cooking Class--The Celebration

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  “Well, it’s hard, but I’m tryin’ to do my best with the situation we’re in.” Velma waved her hand, as she motioned around the yard. “We don’t have much, but I keep hopin’ for some sort of miracle, and that our situation will look brighter someday.”

  “I know there are people who seem to have it all: a big expensive house, nice cars, and all the other bells and whistles one would think makes a person happy. But you know what? Those folks are some of the saddest people I know.” Nellie’s head moved slowly up and down. “So don’t go thinking those objects bring happiness into a person’s life, ’cause they don’t.”

  “Guess you’re right,” Velma agreed. “We have our health, and I pray our two youngest children don’t leave us too.”

  “You know Velma, there seem to be many opinions floating around these days on how to raise children, but I doubt there is one book ever published that explains how to do it right all the time.” Nellie spoke in a calming voice.

  “Well, I’m tryin’ to improve and do some things differently.”

  “Such as?”

  “For one thing, starting tomorrow, I’ll be takin’ the kids to church.” Velma went on to explain about Heidi and what an influence she’d made on her. “Yep. She’s opened my eyes to a lot of things, and the realization that I’ve been missing something important without God in my life. I’m hopin’ if these kids of mine can learn something by going to church, maybe they’ll end up with a better attitude about life than our two older children did.”

  “What about you, Velma?” Nellie’s expression was one of concern. “Do you have any expectations for yourself?”

  “I’d like to finish high school someday. Maybe take a few night courses and get a decent job.” Velma looked toward her children again. “It’ll have to be when they’re older though.”

  “Don’t you miss the good ole days when we were growing up together?”

  “Sure do. Things were so simple back then. We didn’t have much when we were kids, but as I look back on it, I can see that we had what was important.”

  Velma and her friend visited awhile longer. Then Nellie looked at her watch. “I hate to rush off, but if I’m going to make it to Pittsburgh before suppertime, I’d better hit the road.”

  “Okay, Nellie. Thanks for stopping by. It’s been so nice to catch up.” Velma wrapped her arm around her friend, and they walked to the car. Eddie and Peggy Ann ran up to them.

  “Are ya leavin’ now?” Eddie asked.

  “Yes, I’m heading to Pittsburgh.” Nellie ruffled his hair. “Maybe you all can come to visit me and my family sometime.”

  “Can we?” Peggy Ann asked, standing close to Velma.

  Velma put her arms around both of the kids. “God willing, we’ll sure try—especially if Nellie moves to Pittsburgh.”

  Nellie and Velma shared a parting hug.

  “I think you are heading in the right direction by going to church tomorrow.” Nellie smiled. “My life would have no meaning if God wasn’t a part of it.”

  “I’m hopin’ my life will have more purpose. I just hope the roof doesn’t cave in when I walk through those doors tomorrow morning.” Velma giggled and grabbed Nellie’s hand. “Your visit meant more to me than you will ever know. Let’s stay in touch now, okay?”

  “For sure.” Nellie gave Velma’s hand a final squeeze before getting into her car.

  As Velma watched her friend’s vehicle pull onto the main road, she felt as hopeful as she had after Heidi talked with her.

  Dear God, I have no right to ask this, since I’ve ignored You all these years, but please bear with me, and help me to be strong for my kids, my marriage, and even myself. Show me the way to keep hope alive, and please forgive me for all the mistakes I’ve made.

  Velma looked up toward the sky, and a sense of peace came over her. As she headed inside, she knew what she was going to do first. It had been many years, but she said a little prayer that her grandma’s old Bible would give her some answers.

  Chapter 29

  Seated in the back row of the community church she and the kids had walked to this morning, Velma felt conspicuous and as out of place as an elephant in a candy shop. Hank hadn’t made it home yet, but he would have refused to join them anyway. Of course, Velma didn’t let that stop her. She was determined to follow Heidi’s suggestion and give church a try. After all, what did she have to lose?

  Velma glanced to her left, where Peggy Ann sat, clinging to her hand. The girl’s reddish-blond ponytail bounced as she bobbed her head in time to the music. Maybe coming here will be good for my little girl. She seems to be enjoying herself.

  Velma didn’t recognize any of the songs being sung. But then she hadn’t set foot in church since she was a young girl. Velma’s parents were not the religious type, but her maternal grandmother was. She’d taken Velma to Sunday school a few times when she came to visit on some weekends. She remembered singing songs like “Jesus Loves Me,” “Down in My Heart,” and “The Lord’s Army.” But none of those were being sung here today. One of her favorite songs had been “Onward Christian Soldiers.”

  She pursed her lips, staring at the songbook in her lap. Guess that’s what I get for stayin’ away from church so long. I’m out of touch with everything that goes on.

  Eddie, sitting on the other side of Velma, nudged her arm. “I’m bored. When are we goin’ home?”

  “Shh… Be quiet.” Velma glanced around, hoping no one heard what her son said.

  Eddie crossed his arms and slumped farther down on the benched pew seat.

  Velma had hoped she and the kids would make a good impression, in case they decided to come back again, but they weren’t off to a very good start.

  When the music stopped, and the people on the platform who’d led the singing sat down, a man dressed in a dark blue suit stood in front of the congregation and offered a prayer. Velma closed her eyes, hoping her children would do the same. But no, Eddie decided to start chomping real loud on his gum. She opened her eyes, and was about to whisper for him to take the gum out of his mouth, when he blew a rather large bubble. The next thing Velma knew, the bubble popped, leaving gum all over her boy’s face.

  Velma quietly opened her purse and fished around for the small pack of tissues. Nudging her son’s elbow, she frowned. With a sheepish look on his face, Velma watched Eddie pull the sticky gum off his mouth and put the wad in the tissue she held out to him.

  The prayer was still going on, but Velma noticed several people around them had opened their eyes and were looking in their direction with disapproving expressions. They probably think we’re hicks from the sticks.

  Velma groaned inwardly. So much for making a good impression. This may be the first and last time we ever visit this church. Why can’t Eddie be as well behaved as the other children sitting around us?

  Berlin

  “It’s good to see you. How are things going these days?” Miranda’s friend, Shelly Cunningham, greeted her as soon as she and the children entered the church they regularly attended.

  “About the same as usual. I’m still cashiering part-time at our local grocery store.” Miranda gestured to Debbie and Kevin. “And these two completed their third cooking class a week ago, Saturday.”

  Shelly squeezed both children’s shoulders. “That’s great. Are you two enjoying the class?”

  Debbie nodded, but Kevin merely shrugged. Then, seeing his friend Scott enter the building, Kevin ran over to greet him. A few seconds later, Debbie wandered off in the direction of four young girls about her age.

  Shelly rolled her eyes. “Kids—you gotta love ’em.”

  “You’re right,” Miranda agreed, as she and Shelly stepped away from the front entrance. “I’m just glad my two like coming to church—even if the main attraction is to see their friends. Some parents have a difficult time getting their kids to go to church—especially when their father refuses to go and doesn’t set a Christian example.”

  “Are you thinking about Tr
ent?”

  “Uh-huh. If he could only see how important it is for him to be the spiritual leader in our home.” Miranda sighed. “He’s been trying his best to get me to take him back, through gifts and preying on my sympathy.”

  Shelly tipped her head. “Are you considering it?”

  “No. I won’t go back to the way things were. There would need to be a heartfelt change in my husband before I’d consider trying again.”

  “What about a marriage seminar? Do you think Trent would consider going to one?”

  Miranda turned her hands palms up. “I’m not sure. Do you know of one in our area?”

  “Sure do. In fact, it will be taking place here at this church in August.” Shelly reached into her purse and pulled out a brochure. “All the information is right here. Look it over, and if you think it’s something the two of you should attend, you might talk to Trent about it. If he’s serious about wanting to get your marriage back on track, then maybe he will consider going.”

  “Okay, thanks.” Miranda put the pamphlet in her purse.

  Shelly hugged Miranda. “I’ve been praying for you, my friend, and I’ll keep on until God gives you clear direction.”

  Miranda appreciated her friend’s concern. Maybe this marriage seminar was the miracle she’d been hoping for.

  Walnut Creek

  “The kinner are sure quiet back there,” Lyle commented as he guided their horse and buggy toward home after leaving Eli Miller’s, where church was held that morning. “I wonder if they fell asleep.”

  Heidi turned and glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, Marsha’s head drooped against Randy’s shoulder, and the children’s eyes were closed.

  She turned back around. “Jah, they’re both snoozing.”

  “Guess they must need it.” Lyle grinned. “It was nice seeing Randy and Marsha mingling with some of the kinner after our noon meal. I’m glad they’re adjusting so well.”

  “Me too.” Heidi released the tight grip she held on her purse straps and tried to relax. “I just wish we’d hear something from our lawyer soon about the adoption proceedings. It’s difficult waiting for news.”

  “I agree, but the wait will be worth it. You’ll see.”

  As they approached their home, Heidi noticed a car parked across the road. A gray-haired man stood beside it. But as Lyle began to turn the horse and buggy up their driveway, Heidi looked back and saw the man hurriedly get into his car.

  “I wonder who that is.” She looked over at Lyle. “Did you recognize him?”

  Lyle shook his head. “Probably some tourist looking to get a few photos of Amish people. You know how it is. Sometimes curiosity gets the better of folks, and they stop along the road to stare at us or snap a few pictures.” His face sobered. “Guess they don’t realize we’re just human beings like they are. We may dress differently and use a different mode of transportation, but in here, we’re the same as everyone else.” Lyle touched his chest.

  Heidi’s skin prickled. She wanted to believe the man was only a tourist, but she had an odd feeling that something wasn’t right. She’d always been intuitive, and the way the man had hurriedly gotten into his car made her suspicious. She wondered if he’d planned to break into their house and rob them while they were gone. Perhaps his quick getaway was because they’d seen his face.

  It wasn’t unusual for robberies to take place. Plenty of accounts of break-ins and thievery appeared in the newspaper every month. Heidi thought about one of her previous students, Ron, and how he’d stolen some things from them while they were gone. Hopefully, Lyle was right about the man they’d seen by the road. Heidi certainly didn’t need one more thing to worry about.

  Chapter 30

  No, please… You can’t take them! They belong here with us.”

  Rolling onto his side, Lyle gently shook Heidi’s shoulder.

  “Wake up, Heidi. You were talking in your sleep.”

  Her eyes opened, and when she sat up in bed, Lyle noticed his wife’s nightgown was drenched in sweat.

  “W–what time is it?” Heidi looked toward the window.

  “It’s morning, around the time we normally get up.”

  “I was dreaming.” She blinked several times. “Oh, Lyle, it was a horrible nightmare, and it seemed so real.”

  He sat up next to Heidi and clasped her hand. “What was it about?”

  “I dreamed some unknown relative showed up here and wanted to take Marsha and Randy from us.” Heidi paused and drew a shuddering breath. “It was dark outside, and the man or woman—I’m not sure which—pulled the kinner into their vehicle. I hollered at them to stop and to leave the children with us, but they drove away into the night.”

  “It was only a dream.” Lyle spoke soothingly, hoping to alleviate her fears.

  Heidi swept a hand across her forehead. “Oh, Lyle, I’m so frightened. What if someone should show up and try to take Randy and Marsha from us?” Her voice trembled. “I don’t think I could suffer another disappointment.”

  Lyle slipped his arm around Heidi and pulled her close. “It was only a bad dream. Your fears are unfounded.”

  “I suppose, but after Kendra decided to keep her baby and the adoption was called off, I can’t help but worry that something will happen to prevent us from adopting Randy and Marsha.”

  Lightly stroking his wife’s arm, and fumbling for the right words, Lyle whispered, “We need to trust God. If it’s meant for us to raise those children, nothing will stand in our way.”

  She leaned her head against his shoulder. “Danki for listening, and especially for the reminder to trust the Lord. Sometimes, I find it easier to tell others how to strengthen their faith, but it’s much harder when I’m dealing with my own problems.”

  “That’s how it is with most people.” Lyle kissed her damp cheek. “Now I think we’d better both say a prayer before we get out of bed.”

  Heidi bowed her head. Lyle did the same. Heavenly Father, he silently prayed, please chase away my fraa’s doubts and concerns. Help us be strong and accepting if something should go wrong and we’re not able to adopt the children.

  Heidi stood in front of the kitchen sink, washing the breakfast dishes. It was hard to believe it was the middle of July and today was her fourth cooking class. She hoped the egg-salad sandwiches she would teach her young students to make would be appreciated. While some children might not care for egg salad, it had been a favorite of Heidi’s since she was a young girl. Heidi’s maternal grandma had given her the recipe she would share with the kids today. She was eager to teach the class, too, hoping it would get her mind off the horrible dream she’d had early this morning. Although she wanted to believe everything would work out, it was difficult to get rid of the niggling doubts.

  “I need to trust God, like my husband said,” she murmured. “Perhaps my faith is being put to the test.”

  Heidi glanced out the window and smiled when she saw Randy and Marsha feeding the chickens with Lyle. In addition to bringing both of the children much joy, their little poultry venture was giving Randy, in particular, a meaningful chore and something he looked forward to doing each day.

  She hoped helping take care of the chickens was also causing Randy to draw closer to Lyle as they worked together. The boy still hadn’t called Lyle “Daadi” or her “Mammi,” but Heidi hadn’t given up hope of that happening someday. She felt certain Lyle had begun to think of Randy as his son in every way.

  She smiled, watching Marsha dart away from the chicken enclosure to chase a pretty butterfly. Heidi would have been tempted to join the little girl if she didn’t need to get the dishes done before her young students arrived.

  Randy and Marsha had brought them much joy. At times like this, Heidi’s heart felt like it would burst with enthusiasm and hope for the future.

  Millersburg

  “Your breakfast is sitting out, Becky,” Ellen called when she left the kitchen and stepped into the hall. “And if you don’t hurry, we’ll end up being late for the
cooking class.”

  “I’ll be right there!” A few minutes later, Becky entered the room. She stopped in front of the table and frowned.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I thought we were having pancakes today. You mentioned it last night when you got home from the hospital, remember?”

  Ellen nodded. “I had planned to make them, until I came into the kitchen and looked at the time.” She gestured to the clock above the refrigerator. “So we wouldn’t be late, I decided it would be better to have cold cereal this morning.”

  Becky sat down with an undignified grunt.

  “Aren’t we the grouchy one today? Didn’t you sleep well last night?” Ellen pulled out a chair beside Becky.

  “I slept fine. Just woke up grumpy.”

  “How come?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Well, let’s pray. Maybe you’ll feel better once you’ve had something to eat.”

  They bowed their heads, and Ellen offered the prayer. “Dear Lord, please bless this food to the needs of our bodies, and give us a safe trip to Heidi’s today. Be with the others who’ll be traveling there too. Amen.”

  Becky remained quiet as they ate, even when Ellen tried to make conversation. “Is something wrong? Aren’t you looking forward to the cooking class today?”

  “Yeah, I guess. But I’m not lookin’ forward to going to the Firemen’s Festival with Darren and Jeremy later today.”

  “Why not, for goodness’ sakes? From what Darren told me, it’ll be a fun event, and after it gets dark, there will even be fireworks.” Ellen smiled. “That should be fun, right?”

  “Maybe. I just don’t understand why we have to see Jeremy and his dad twice in one day.”

  Ellen picked up her coffee cup and took a drink. “The Firemen’s Festival simply happens to be on the same day as the cooking class, Becky. It’s not like Darren planned it that way.”

  With only a shrug, Becky grabbed her spoon and started eating. Once more, Ellen wondered if Becky resented Darren and wanted to keep things the way they were between mother and daughter. Was there room in Becky’s heart for a stepfather and stepbrother?