Searching for Sara

Copyright © 2001

Nona Mae Johnson

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher and copyright owners.

Published by Angels Breath Books/Mintfield Publications
PO Box 1421
Oregon City, OR 97045

The Library of Congress Copyright Office
Searching for Sara / Johnson, N.M.
TXu1 – 131 – 355
ISBN 0-9755796-0-6

Christopher's dwindling passion has been poured into the Gallery and the raising of his daughter. Now a timid young woman with a harsh history and a promising future needs the one thing that he doesn't have: hope.

Will Sara's growing care for him and his daughter be enough to soften the grief, urging him through his torment to the happiness waiting at the end of his search for faith and wholeness?

Author's Note: I still have a very few of these in paperback remaining. Let me know if you would like to purchase one. They are $19.95 each, including shipping/handling. I accept Paypal and personal checks/money orders.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

- Matthew 5:3-12 (NKJV)

‹ Journeys ›

December 11, 1891

Sincerely,
Miss Sara Ann Lyttle

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February 23, 1892

Dear Sara,
I was so glad to receive your letter. Some friends had written of you but were not so certain you would begin correspondence with me as they are of the mind that your current employer treats you harshly. After reading your letter I find myself unable to stand idly by when I am of the heart and mind that you deserve a place better suited to your sensitive nature.

My husband and I have a passion for giving new possibilities to people who haven't previously had them, and I feel God's hand upon my spirit to invite you to come and choose your possible future. My husband and I both will fully support you as you do whatever you must in order to choose your new path.

Please write back with any questions or concerns. We will assist you in this endeavor in any way that we are able.

Sincerely,
CTL

« ‹ § › »

June 8, 1893

Dear Madam,
I'm so terribly sorry it has taken me such a time to write.

Lord willing, I've saved enough for my ticket to the Colonies. I haven't ever traveled such a great distance, so if you could help me with travel plans I would be ever so grateful, though I hate to bother you with such a request. I'm a bit fearful I might book passage to a wrong location. You've already been so patient and kind, and I would hate for you to wait longer because of my bumbling.

Thank you so much for your time and patience,
Miss Sara Ann Lyttle

« ‹ § › »

August 3, 1893

Miss Sara Lyttle,
I hope this letter finds you well.

In answer to your request for travel instructions, please find the following information. I hope this is helpful to you. Firstly, find the three-masted passenger vessel 'Dawn's Angel' captained by a gentleman by the name of Robert Cowell. Explain your situation to him and mention the name 'Carla Thiesen-Lake' and he will book you passage at a discounted rate. If this letter finds you in time, he will be leaving the port earnest you on September 20, 1893, at eight in the evening.

Secondly, once the ship arrives in New York, there should be an almost immediate departure of a passenger train for Richmond, Virginia. If Capt. Cowell arrives on time (he is generally a day or so early), you should have plenty of time to purchase passage. Should you not have enough to cover the cost, again, explain your situation and mention Carla Thiesen-Lake's name and the ticket-master will take care of the rest. The train is due to depart on January 2, 1894, at one in the early afternoon.

Lastly, the trip to Richmond should take no longer than three or four days, and four only if the weather is poor. According to the schedule I've enclosed with this letter, the train is due to arrive at or before noon; someone will be waiting for you at the station there.

Good luck and safe traveling.
Christopher Lake

September 20th, 1893.
I'm free.
I sit here within my small little space aboard this huge ship and can hardly believe it takes me from all I've ever known to all I've ever dreamed of having. But then I read the letter they sent and know that it's true. I've finally acted bravely and trusted You to step toward the life You've put on my heart to have.
I've taken the risk and now wait for the blessing.

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September 30, 1893

So much has happened that I find myself overwhelmed, not knowing how to take it in to think nothing of putting the wonder into words. The crew are so kind, even though I know they don't need to take time for a simple girl like me. They answer my questions that must be so simple-minded. They make me laugh with their stories, helping me to forget how afraid I am of this new life they take me to.

The Captain is more a gentleman than any I've ever served. He invites me to have dinner with him, asking after England and the Queen, and then he patiently tells me of his adventures in India and America, and all the other wonderful places he's traveled. After sitting with him I feel as if I've spent time with my father, and that blesses my heart more than I know.

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October 5, 1893

There's a storm today.

Please bless the crew and keep them safe. They've done so much when I've had so little, and all they've wanted in return are stories and sketches of home. Visions and images of parties and people. Tales of the Queen and their beloved England. I've done my best, and I pray it's enough to thank them for all they do and all they've done.

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October 20, 1893

To celebrate our safe month from port the crew and Captain had a party. It was splendid, with music and laughter, and dancing and stories that had me on the edge of my seat. I haven't ever had so much fun as I did this evening. The brightness of acceptance brought tears to my eyes, making me believe, again, that I've but been having the most wonderful of dreams. But then I look into my sketches and see the reality of this dream.
How can I thank You for the possibilities You've waiting down this path? Words aren't enough, so all that's left to me is the deep and overflowing warmth I feel in the bottom of my heart and soul when I say, “Thank You.”

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November 10, 1893

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December 8, 1893
Each evening as I stare at my journal of thoughts and sketches I wonder what the start of my adventure would have been like without these kind souls. I hesitate to think on it, for I know it wouldn't be the less daunting journey into the unknown. It would be more frightening and alone, and certainly not as filled with laughter and song. A song of life that I am welcomed to sing.

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January 2, 1894