A Welcome at Our Door

by Amy Clipston

  Drew knocked on the Lapps’ back door the following morning. He looked over at Cindy and she smiled at him as they waited.

  “Good morning,” Gertrude said when she opened the door and then smiled. “What are you two doing here?”

  “We’re on our way to meet with John Smucker, but we want to know if you need anything,” Drew explained.

  “Why are you going to meet with the bishop?” Gertrude asked.

  “We’re going to join the church together,” Drew said.

  Gertrude gasped, and her eyes lit up. “That’s wunderbaar!”

  “Who’s at the door?” Ervin called from inside the house.

  “It’s Drew and Cindy,” Gertrude called back. “You have to hear their news.” She beckoned them to come in.

  Drew and Cindy followed her into the kitchen, where Ervin sat at the table eating a bowl of cereal.

  “How are you feeling?” Cindy asked.

  “I’m doing better. Danki.” Ervin wiped his beard with a paper napkin. “So what’s your news?”

  “We’re going to join the church,” Cindy announced. “We’re on our way to meet with the bishop.”

  “Is that so?” Ervin focused on Drew.

  “It is.” Drew threaded his fingers with Cindy’s. “I prayed about it, and the answer seemed more and more clear every time I asked God to lead me. We attended an Amish church service on Sunday and then I visited with my pastor yesterday. I discussed it with Cindy yesterday, and we’re ready to take the next step.”

  Ervin looked at his wife. “This is the answer we were praying for, too, isn’t it?”

  “Ya. I’m sure it is.” Gertrude seemed to be asking him a question with her eyes, and he nodded.

  “Tell them,” he said.

  Gertrude took a step toward them. “If John agrees to your joining the church, and I’m sure he will, we want to give you the farm.”

  “What?” they said at the same time.

  “We’ve been thinking of giving it up for a while, and my heart attack seems to be a direct sign it’s time for a smaller house,” Ervin added. “Our sohn doesn’t want the farm, and he doesn’t expect us to sell it. He’s doing very well in his career. So we decided to find a young Amish couple to take this place, and here you are. We’ll remove the electricity from the smaller house and move in there. You two can have this haus and the farm as long as you let us live in the smaller house.”

  “There’s plenty of room for your family to grow,” Gertrude said. “There’s a bedroom downstairs and three more upstairs. I think it’s perfect for you.”

  Drew felt stunned, and when he looked at Cindy’s face, he knew she did too.

  Then she grabbed Drew’s bicep and looked up at him. “What do you think?”

  “I’m a little overwhelmed.” Drew looked at Ervin. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m absolutely positive, sohn.” The older man nodded. “We’ll be honored to give you the farm.”

  “We’ll be honored to preserve it for you.” Drew shook his hand as a wide smile broke out on his lips. “Thank you. We’ll take good care of it. What a gift.”

  Cindy hugged Gertrude and then looked at Ervin. “Ya, thank you so much.”

  “You’re welcome.” Ervin gave them a broad smile. “I’ll find someone to come remove the electricity. You be sure to tell John we’re working on that, and we’ll have it done as soon as possible. He’ll want to know how soon you plan to live Amish. We can work out when we switch houses too.”

  Drew smiled as his thoughts spun. “This is such a tremendous blessing. I’m so grateful God led me to this farm and this life.”

  This was happening! If the bishop agreed, he was going to be Amish—and a dairy farmer too!

  thirty-one

  Cindy’s heart felt as if it might beat out of her chest as Drew steered his truck into the bishop’s driveway. John Smucker and his wife, Naomi, were retired and lived in the daadihaus behind the main farmhouse on their family’s dairy farm. They expected him to be home this early in the morning, even if he had errands somewhere.

  “Are you ready for this?” Drew asked as the truck tires crunched their way up the rock driveway.

  “Ya, I am.” She looked at him. “Are you?”

  “With you by my side, I think I can accomplish anything.”

  She smiled. “I feel the same way.”

  Drew parked his truck at the top of the driveway, and then they climbed out. This conversation would be life-changing, and a mixture of excitement and anxiety surged through Cindy as they strode up the path to the porch.

  Her pulse thudded as she climbed the steps and knocked on the door. Drew stood directly behind her, his body heat mixing with hers. He rested his hand on her shoulder, and it gave her strength and courage.

  The door swung open, and Naomi, John’s wife, smiled at her. “Cindy. What a surprise.” She looked behind Cindy, and her smile faltered. “Hello.”

  “Hi, Naomi.” Cindy made a sweeping gesture between Naomi and Drew. “This is my husband, Drew. We were wondering if we could speak with John.”

  “Oh. Was he expecting you?” Naomi’s gaze bounced between them.

  “No,” Drew chimed in. “But does he have a few minutes to talk?”

  “Ya, of course.” Naomi motioned for them to enter. “Please have a seat. I’ll tell him you’re here.”

  Cindy stepped into the small cottage and stopped to scan the room, finding a small sitting area with a sofa, two wing chairs, two end tables with propane lamps, and a coffee table. Drew stood beside her.

  “Cindy.” John stepped into the family room, his expression seeming hesitant yet polite. And formal.

  “Hi, John.” Cindy gestured at Drew, who held out his hand. “This is my husband, Drew. We’d like to speak with you.”

  “Hello . . . Drew.” The men shook hands, and then John gestured toward the sofa. “Please sit down.”

  Cindy sank next to Drew, and John sat down on a chair across from them.

  “What brings you here today?” John said as he folded his hands in his lap. Still no smile.

  Cindy looked at Drew, thinking he must also have noticed the bishop wasn’t exactly happy to see them, and he nodded for her to continue. “We’ve been doing a lot of thinking and praying, and we want to be baptized. I know it’s unusual for someone to leave the church, marry an Englisher, and then want to come back. But we both believe this is the path we’re meant to follow.”

  She paused when she saw the bishop’s eyebrows rise slightly, but then plunged ahead with what was in her heart. “The truth is, after mei mamm died, I felt even more disconnected from my family and the church than I had before. When I met Drew, I felt like I’d finally found my home, and I’ve learned a lot from him.” She smiled at Drew and then looked back at the bishop. “Drew has faced tremendous loss in his own life, but he never lost faith in God. He’s helped me find a renewed faith.”

  She entwined her fingers with Drew’s. John had leaned forward, as though he was hanging on her every word. “We’re building a life together, but even though we attended Drew’s church, I’ve realized that my heart belongs to the Amish community. I needed to renew my faith in God to realize I’ve belonged in the Amish church all along. I’ve prayed about it, and I feel God leading me back home. I’m ready to be baptized into the faith, and I’m ready to commit my life to the church.”

  John nodded slowly, then looked at Drew as he leaned back in his chair. “What about you? What makes you feel you should be Amish?”

  “I lost my parents when I was young, and then last year my aunt who raised me passed away. I’ve always longed for a family.” Drew looked at Cindy. “Cindy is my family, but I’ve admired the Amish community for a long time. I work for Ervin and Gertrude Lapp, and I’ve always appreciated how they included me as a part of their family.”

  He looked at John again. “When Cindy asked me if I would consider joining the church with her, I began praying and asking God if I should join. We attended an Am
ish service together this past Sunday in her stepbrother’s district, and then I went to talk to my own pastor, who supports me in this decision. When I asked God again, his answer came loud and clear. He’s guiding me here as well.”

  “We know this is unusual, but we feel in our hearts that we should be Amish,” Cindy said.

  “Are you certain your reasons are pure?” John asked.

  “Yes,” they answered in unison.

  John studied them both. “I heard you were living with Ervin and Gertrude Lapp. Is that right?”

  “That’s true,” Cindy said. “We’re living in the small house they built for their sohn.”

  “That house has electricity, right?”

  Cindy nodded, but John spoke again before she could mention Ervin and Gertrude’s plan.

  “If you’ve been living like Englishers, then you’d have to live like Amish folks for a year before I can let you join a baptism class. That means you need to live without all the modern conveniences—”

  “We understand,” Drew said, interrupting him. “Ervin and Gertrude just told us they want to give us their farm. They’re going to remove the electricity from the little house and move in there. Then we’ll move into their farmhouse and take over the farm.”

  “That’s very generous of them,” John said.

  “We’re immensely grateful,” Cindy added.

  “And you’ll have to give up your truck,” John told Drew.

  “I plan to advertise it right away. As soon as I sell it, I’ll buy a horse and buggy. I’ll also stop attending college classes.” He looked at Cindy. “And I need you to make me new clothes.”

  “I’ll do that.” Cindy squeezed Drew’s hand.

  “What does your dat think?” John asked her.

  “He doesn’t know yet,” Cindy said. “I’ve been praying about it for a couple of weeks, and I wanted to speak with you first. We’ll go see my family after we leave here.”

  The bishop rubbed his beard and was silent for a moment. “You need to be sure, Cindy. You truly believe God put this decision in your heart?”

  “Absolutely,” Cindy said, emphasizing the word. “I could never have decided this without his guidance.”

  “And what about you, Drew?” the bishop asked.

  “Yes,” Drew said. “I have prayed over and over about this, and when I think of becoming Amish, I feel as if God has wrapped me in his love. That feels like a yes to me.”

  Cindy gasped as tears streamed down her face. “That’s beautiful.”

  “It’s the truth,” Drew said with a rasp in his voice.

  “I believe you.” John pointed between them. “You’re ready to shed all your Englisher ways immediately?”

  “Yes,” Drew said. “Ervin and I are going to find someone to take the electricity out of the house as soon as possible.” He glanced at Cindy once again. “I’ll start wearing Amish clothes as soon as Cindy has them ready, and we’ll be in church with our district. I’m ready to make a full commitment to this community and to my new life right away, and I’ll be ready for my instruction in the spring, if you’ll accept us into the class.”

  Cindy held her breath, her body thrumming as they awaited John’s decision.

  John touched his beard once again, and then a smile broke out on his face. “I’m thrilled to hear you both have made this decision. If all goes as planned, you’ll be baptized with the other young people in our district next fall.”

  “Oh, danki!” Cindy clapped her hands together. “I’m so grateful.” Jumping up, she shook John’s hand with vigor. “I’m so thankful. I appreciate your time.” Then she turned to Drew and hugged him.

  “Thank you for inviting me into your community.” Drew kissed her cheek and then shook John’s hand.

  John chuckled. “Go tell your dat, Cindy. He’s going to be thrilled.”

  Cindy took Drew’s hand and they said good-bye to John and Naomi before they practically ran to Drew’s truck.

  * * *

  “Cindy! Drew,” Florence said when she opened the back door. “Please come in. What a nice surprise. We just sat down for lunch.”

  “Thank you.” Cindy’s body trembled with excitement as she followed Florence into the kitchen, where Dat and Sarah Jane were eating sandwiches. “Hello.” She gave a little wave.

  “Wie geht’s?” Dat said. “We weren’t expecting you.”

  “Hi,” Drew said.

  “We have an announcement.” Cindy looked up at Drew, and he winked at her, giving her the courage to move on.

  “Oh!” Florence covered her mouth with her hand. “So soon?”

  “No, it’s not what you think.” Cindy felt a blush coming. “It’s something else, and I think you’ll be pleased.” She took a deep breath. “Drew and I just met with the bishop.”

  “What?” Dat stood, his eyes rounding and shimmering.

  “We’re going to join the church.” Cindy’s throat felt thick with emotion. “We’ve both been praying about it, and we realized we belong in this community. In the past few weeks, I’ve felt the church calling me.”

  “God has been calling me here too,” Drew said.

  “Oh, Cindy!” Dat crossed the kitchen and pulled her into a tight hug. “This is the best news I’ve ever heard. I’m so froh.” He whispered the words into her ear. “Your mamm would be so froh to hear this too. Danki, Cindy. Danki so much.”

  As Cindy held on to her father, something inside released and tears flowed. She was home! God had called her and her husband back home.

  “This is so wonderful!” Florence exclaimed. “Sarah Jane, call everyone! Let’s celebrate!”

  Dat released her and wiped his eyes. Then he shook Drew’s hand. “Welcome to our community, sohn.”

  Cindy wiped more tears when she heard her father call her husband “son.” Drew was fully accepted into her family.

  “I’m so froh,” Florence said as she hugged her.

  “I am too.” Sarah Jane hugged her next. “I’ll go call everyone.” She disappeared through the mudroom.

  “Sit!” Florence ordered. “I’ll get plates, and you can make yourselves some sandwiches.”

  Cindy and Drew sat down with her father and explained their plan for the coming months. They also told him they were going to take over the Lapps’ farm.

  Dat wiped his eyes as he listened to the story. Happiness came off him in waves, and Cindy’s heart swelled with elation. For the first time in years, she felt like a true part of her family.

  Later, her siblings and their families came by to celebrate their news. They all spent the evening talking, laughing, and eating together. Cindy watched in awe as her brothers talked with Drew as if he were already a member of the church. Drew looked like he belonged with her family, and it warmed her from the inside out.

  By the end of the evening, Cindy was exhausted, and her face hurt from smiling. She hugged everyone before she and Drew headed home.

  When Drew parked his pickup truck in the driveway, he turned off the engine and then angled his body toward hers.

  “I had a great time tonight,” he said.

  “I did too. I’m so excited about our new life in the church.”

  “I am too.” He blew out a sigh. “We still have a lot to do.” He tapped the dashboard. “I need to advertise the truck, and then I need to buy a horse from Mark and a buggy from Allen.”

  Cindy pointed to her chest. “And I need to teach you how to guide a horse.”

  He laughed. “That’s right. You have a lot to teach me. You need to start Pennsylvania Dutch lessons right away. I guess some German ones too.”

  “I will.” She touched his cheek and smiled. “And you’ll need to grow a beard.”

  “I can do that.” He reached over and pulled her to him. “I’m so happy right now. I already feel like a part of the community.”

  “I do too.” She looked up at him. “Thank you for helping me find my way home.”

  As Drew brushed his lips against hers, she felt her
body relax. Then she rested her head on his shoulder and silently thanked God. He’d led her to Drew, and then he’d guided her back to the Amish community and Drew to a new home.

  Epilogue

  Cindy held her baby girl against her chest as she exited her father’s barn and walked toward the main house. The sweet September breeze kissed her cheeks and made the ties to her prayer covering bounce off her shoulders.

  “You’re finally a member,” Laura said as she gave her a side hug. “I know you’ve been counting down to this day.”

  “I have.” Cindy looked down at her six-month-old daughter and smiled. “I’m so grateful that Drew and I will raise Emalyn and her future siblings in the church.”

  “I am too,” Priscilla said as she came up behind her with Kayla at her side.

  “Welcome back to the community,” Kayla told her.

  “Danki,” Cindy said.

  It had been nearly eighteen months since she and Drew had moved into the Lapps’ house and taken over their farm. Drew had adjusted well to the Amish lifestyle, learning the language, beliefs, and customs as if he had been born into the faith. Drew also enjoyed the hard work of running the dairy farm.

  As Drew and Cindy fell into their new lifestyle, Emalyn became their miracle, and they prayed that God would bless them with more children when he saw fit.

  Cindy made her way into Dat’s family room, where she set the diaper bag on the sofa and began to change Emalyn’s diaper. The voices of women in the community sounded in the kitchen as they prepared to serve the noon meal.

  “Cindy.” Drew came up behind her and kissed her cheek. “I was looking for you.”

  She smiled down at Emalyn as she finished putting the new diaper on her. “Say hi to your dat. Say hi!”

  Emalyn gurgled and kicked her legs, and Cindy and Drew laughed in response.

  Drew touched Emalyn’s little leg. “With her beautiful blue eyes and blond hair, she’s just as schee as you are.”

  “Danki.” Cindy looked up at him. He looked handsome in his Sunday black and white and his beard. “How does it feel to be a church member?”

  “Like I’ve finally come home.” He kissed her cheek. “Danki for inviting me into your family.”