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"Jennie, Jennie come here" said a familiar voice to the eldest of the girls Jennie. Jennie quaked with excitement.
"Chris, Chris is it you ?" whispered Jennie as she crept through the darkness to where the opening used to be. "Where are you? Are we sealed in?" asked Jennie, with fear prominently resounding in her voice.
"No, crawl back down the tunnel, and cover your ears, and close your eyes!" said Chris.
"All right" Jennie said as she did as Chris had told her.
BLAST!! Tumble... tumble.A burst of dirt and rock rolled down the opening as Jennie opened her eyes. With the dirt had come light...light, so sweet light, she hadn't felt its warmth in so long. They had only left to retrieve food at night, so they never saw much of the daylight.
"Surprise!" Chris said as he jumped down the hole. He had gotten taller and more handsome since he had left her to pose as a worker. She barely recognized him. His dark hair was still the same messy hair that he had left with but something was different with him. She only got to look at him for a moment, until he and she were covered to their heads in scared little children. "Oh come on now, don't be scared." Chris replied, "It was only me. Okay now, Jennie the church they built is a big one. The workers though, they seem very wary of me for some reason. There is a large balcony. On it is a huge organ, and beside the organ there are two doors. Inside the smaller one I inserted a panel that leads to a small, but nice living area where we will live. There are apartments for the priests and stuff, but we can't go in there. Also, if that room isn't enough room, we can take the kids to the top floor..." said Chris, as he was broke off by Jennie.
"What's on the top floor?" she interrupted.
"Storage rooms!"
"Perfect!" said Jennie.
"I will help you move in, and then I have to convince the boss that I'm leaving." said Chris.
"I hope the babies don't cry much." said Jennie.
"Well there's a corner store down the street where you can buy some
pacifiers and things." said Chris "And the priests take out their hearing
aids everyday but Sunday, I hear." added Chris
"I'm cold Chris do you have a blanket?" asked Joy. She was a 5 year
old whose mother and father had known about the orphanage and helped hide
it. Then all of a sudden both parents fell ill, and sadly they both died
while leaving their daughter Joy and 2 year old son Charlie, with Jennie
and Chris.
Chris quickly leaped out of the hole and came back with a few blankets, some for Jennie and Joy and more for the kids.
As Chris left to go visit with the kids, Jennie looked over her shoulder. She saw all these children, some playing, and some working in books. Why here in this church Lord? Please give me wisdom and show us your plan. Many of these children's stories, of how they got here, she knew off by heart. But her story was known by just one other person. She thought of that rainy night when Chris had stumbled in upon her and, wouldn't you know it, she had been crying over the loss of her parents. He, of course, had asked what was wrong. That was a turning point in her growth. She looked him in the eyes and said 'I have never told anyone this, and I don't expect you too either.' Then for the next few hours Jennie told Chris her story.
"When I really little, I was given up by my mother for adoption" Jennie remembered. She had been told this story more times than she could count, "A woman adopted me, but she just passed me on to another lady because she didn't think she could handle a child. Well that lady wasn't any better. She was never home at all. I had very little to eat. Then one day when I was about 7, she came home from a very bad day at work. She saw me there with her dogs smiling and having a good time, she couldn't stand it. She slapped me across the room and I fell on my arm. I screamed, not only because my arm hurt, but because I was so tried of being lonely and unloved. She took me and threw me into the back seat of her rickety old Chevy. We drove and drove for hours upon hours. We came upon a town that she called, Custer. There we pulled up to an abandoned gas station where she took me, put me on the front step and hit me in the face again, it hurt and I cried. Then, as she was driving away I noticed that there was something stuck on my cheek. I pulled it off and saw that it was a picture of a woman next to a man with 2 little girls. There was a note on the back, written by someone with beautiful handwriting. There was also a locket taped to the picture. On the back of the locket there was an engraving that read 'Trust the Lord always, He will guide you always - Love Jennie Christine Bell'... Now Chris, at this time remember that I didn't know the Lord, so that had no meaning to me. But now I know. Now, the note read:
My Darling Jennie,
I know that you probably have thousands upon thousands of questions
for me on why I left you at such a young age. Well, I don't have an excuse
that will probably suffice. Your father and I married very young, we were
in no way ready to be parents! We were both medical students living in the
poorest part of the city. There was no way we could care for two little
girls and have them grow up right. Your father recommended adoption, and I
wasn't too fond of the idea. Then when you two were born I just knew that
God would watch over you both and He would care for you. So I signed the
papers that I said I would never sign. I really hope that you are a fine,
good girl. I am possibly to be an heiress someday to some money, so if you
ever can find it in your heart to forgive me, and would like to come see me
and your father, the address is in the corner. Remember that your father
and I love you so dearly. Also remember that Jesus loves you too, and He
is always watching over you.
Love - Jennifer Christine Bell
Michael James Bell
Oh Chris, I was so sad, but I decided that I would help others who
were forgotten, and all alone like me. Then I met you, and I decided that
some day, some way, I would raise enough money to see my parents." That
was all told to Chris about 6 months ago.
"Ma, I mean Jennie, Jennie I had a bad dream!" said Samantha a 4 and a half year old, who's parents had died in a house fire on her 4th birthday. She still has nightmares about that frightening night.
"It's all right we'll be in a better place tomorrow" Jennie soothed, and Samantha was soon fast asleep again.
"Jennie, can you come here, I need some assistance." called Chris.
"All right" said Jennie, as she crawled over to where Chris sat with Michael sleeping on top of him.
"Can you lift up Michael's arm I need to move my elbow...Thanks. Well, in a few hours I'll need to get off to work again!" said Chris.
"I know." sadly said Jennie as she crawled to a spot where she always enjoyed reading and rereading the note on the back of the photo and touch the faces. During her quiet time, she would make up stories about what those people were doing right then.
The hours past and soon it was time for Chris to leave the children and Jennie. As she watched him leave she remembered the cold rainy night when he had told Jennie how he had come to be an orphan.
Chris didn't even know if that was his original name. Chris' parents were sent to jail when he was 2 years old. He had no idea what the charges against his parents were, but they must have been pretty bad. So he, at the age of 2, was in the Pennsylvania foster care system. The very first foster home was the home of Mark and Nicole Carlson. Mark and Nicole weren't able to have children of their very own so they were so happy when they received little Chris. The moment that the Carlsons saw Chris they knew he was their son. They adopted him and he became Chris Isaac Carlson. Chris went to church every Sunday. One Sunday, when Chris was 6 he asked Jesus into his heart, and for Jesus to change him. He also asked Jesus to lead him all his life. He lived with the Carlsons for 9 years till one night...
"Honey, as soon as we put you to bed we have to leave, just down the street. Oh, now don't give me that face. You'll be fine!" said mama Nicole.
"All right" said Chris as they tucked him in and exchanged 'I love yous.
A few hours later the phone rang and as soon as the answering machine came on Chris came in, and grabbed the phone.
"Hello."
"Oh darling, you're safe, this is Grandma Carlson,"
"Grandma, grandma, what is the matter, you sound tired."
"Oh honey, the news said that there was an accident and you parents were in it"
"Are they all right?"
"Oh, honey they died on the way to the hospital. I'm on my way over now stay there.."
"No, no Grandma I don't want to feel this pain!"
"Honey you'll be fine just..."
"No, No I won't be fine!"
Dead line...
Chris was so angry at God for letting his only family die. He left his house and ran and ran. He ran past his church...then he remembered hearing his Sunday school teacher saying how God didn't like us to be angry, that He wanted us to give Him our problems. He walked into the church. He knew that no service would be going on but it would still be open. There he prayed. Oh and did he pray, he prayed so hard for God's protection and direction. The next morning he was on the move, no idea where he was going, he just knew that God would direct him. He came upon the town of Custer, and soon he met with Jennie, and things just rolled on from there.
Back to the cave.
"All right children it's time to get ready to go, Chris should be here any second!" Jennie said as she gathered up the last of her belongings. She had lived here for so long, she remembered the day she met Chris, and the first of the children, oh that seemed so far way. This was truly her home.
"Knock, knock anybody home?" asked Chris as he jumped down the opening.
"Chris your back!" said Jennie.
"Yes, I am! All right we have to hurry and get moving!" said Chris as he led the children out of the hole. He quickly covered the opening as the last child was out, then he led them to the main hallway next to some steps. He led them over some dark brown tiles. The church had a large painting of Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane. It had blue curtains surrounding it and lights surrounding it that looked so pretty to Jennie. I wish I had gone to this church, when I was growing up. She thought.
"This way" Chris said as he led them to a back room where the walls looked as if they had been made of stone. The children followed as Chris continued up a flight of stairs.
"That's pretty" said Casie pointed to a circular stain glass window alongside the stairs.
"Yeah, I remember when we put that window in." Chris answered. Once Chris got to the top of the stairs he stopped and pointed up to a trap door in the ceiling, "That is what we will use to get out of the walls in an emergency." said Chris as he continued forward on to the balcony over looking the entire sanctuary. The church had simple blue chairs that formed a circle around the podium. It was a beautiful church none the less. "That's the organ I told you about. Oh kids stay away from this edge. You might fall over." Chris said as he walked. Just then he looked back at the 20 some odd children he had with him. Then his eyes fell upon Jennie. She was holding Charlie in her one arm, a toddler on her shoulders and led another toddler by the other hand. He noticed that her long, red, wavy hair had gone to a darker shade from being in the cave for so long. That didn't matter, he liked it anyways.
He walked toward two closets one much smaller than the other. He led them into that one. Once everyone was in the closet he open a panel and the kids walked into another room. In the darkness they could hear Chris looking for something, then out of no where his face lit up. He was holding a flashlight. He passed out more till every one had one. "This is how we can see each other." He explained, as he moved the wall aside with a push of a lever. He pointed to the first of three crawl paths. "This path leads to the kitchen, library, study, and laundry rooms. This one leads to the upstairs restroom and the storage rooms. Watch out for the bedrooms, people could be in there. This one leads to the down-stairs restroom, Sanctuary, hall, and finally this hallway leads to this floor's restroom."
"I think we should label them." said Casie who was on Chris's shoulders.
"That's a great idea I'll get some paper later." said Chris.
"Well, we must get some rest. Cause' tomorrow is Sunday, and I want to sit by the heater vents so I can hear the preacher's sermon. I haven't heard a sermon in so long..." Jennie dreamed.
"Oh yeah! Guess what I found out that all week, nobody's here but the pastor!"
"Oh Chris that is so great!" Jennie replied.
"I am going to bed, because I want to hear the sermon too, with Jennie." said Megan who always did what ever Jennie did.
"Can I come too?" asked Michael.
"Sure honey. We just have to be very quiet." said Jennie.
"Well good night all." said Chris as he pulled some blankets from a shelf and motioned the kids to follow as he laid them down on the balcony. Soon the balcony was filled with all little bodies all over the place.
The next morning...
"Jennie. Jennie come on, wake up. Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?" asked Chris as he woke her up. When her eyes adjusted, she saw Chris heading over towards the closet. As quickly and quietly as she could, she got out from all the children on top of her. She then stole quickly to the closet.
Once she was in the gathering room, he finally spoke to her.
"Hi Jennie."
"Hi Chris." she answered.
"We haven't had much time to ourselves have we?" asked Chris.
"Not with all these kids that we've taken the responsibility over" said Jennie.
"I missed you so much when I was building this place, I want to show you something special." said Chris as he led her down the hallway that led to the storage rooms. Once they had gone so far, he stopped. He walked into one of the rooms and pushed on a certain spot in the wall and it moved just enough for Jennie and Chris to fit through. Before they went through, Chris said, "I hear that they plan to paint these rooms, and form them into Sunday school rooms. it's going to be a fantastic place to learn about our God."
"I can't wait till it's done. It'll look so nice." said Jennie as she glanced around the white washed, but still in sad shape room.
"We're almost there" said Chris as they headed quietly through a room then into a secret path behind a painting. Then they began, in the dark to ascend some stairs. They walked all the way up, Chris told Jennie to close her eyes as he carefully led her further. Even though her eyes were closed, through her eyelids she could see pink and yellow as if she was outside. She could feel the cool morning breeze along with the smell of water near by.
"Open your eyes!" said Chris.
"Where am I?" asked Jennie as she looked around. From where she stood there was so much to see.
"You're on top of the church, in the bell tower. See, over there is the Gamonohela River, and there are barges going over it. Jennie I brought you up here to ask you somethin. I am thinking about telling the pastor of this church, about us."
"But..." Jennie tried to think of all that was wrong with that plan, but nothing specific came to mind, other than being split up.
"Let me finish please" Chris pleaded. "He could make sure that we are safe. He could possibly even help us get a job in the future if we need one." he paused, "I have heard him preach and he is a good man with a kind heart."
"I think that it is a good idea, but let's wait for a little and then we'll ask him" said Jennie.
"His name is James Custe." said Chris.
"All right then, I think that we better be getting down to the children before church. You're going to hear the sermon too right?" asked Jennie.
"You bet." said Chris as he led her back the way they had came. There were many little hands to greet them when they returned. Joy was the first that they saw. "How did you sleep Joy?" asked Chris.
"I slept fine, but Kevin over there is sad." said Joy.
"I'll check on him. Thanks." said Chris as he made his way over to where Kevin sat.
Kevin was 9 years old. His single mother had complications during his birth and he was alone in the world only a few minutes after he was born. Chris's mother, Nicole, had been a nurse at the hospital at that time. She took pity on Kevin. She and papa Mark adopted him into their family, so Chris felt extra responsible for him. Kevin had always loved Chris and they were great friends. When mama Nicole and papa Mark died, Kevin lived with Grandma Carlson until Chris came and took him with him and Jennie at their orphanage. He spotted Kevin in a corner clutching his arm.
"Hey Kev, what's the matter? "Asked Chris, as he looked and noticed that Kevin's arm was all swollen.
When Kevin explained how he had lost his balance many times since they had left the cave. Chris quickly called Jennie away from preparing the rest of the children to go to church, to come help him.
"Hi Kevin what's the matter with your arm "asked Jennie.
"We need to splint it" said Chris.
Chris laid Kevin down and told him to rest while he Jennie and the children went to church.
"Can I talk to you a minute over here?" Chris asked Jennie as he motioned her over to the side.
"What?" asked Jennie.
"I think we need to tell the pastor about us. Kevin needs a cast or something." said Chris.
"I agree, we'll do it after church." said Jennie.
After the service Jennie and Chris crawled out and approached the pastor.
"Hello my name is Chris Carlson can we speak to you, maybe in a more private place?" asked Chris.
"Hello Chris, sure follow me, we can talk in my office." said the pastor as he led them out of the sanctuary down a small corridor and into his office. His office was nicely furnished with a desk, computer, and awards all around it. "So what do you want to talk about?" asked Pastor James when they had all sat down.
Chris went ahead and explained his story and then Jennie took the floor and told her story. Doing this made Jennie and Chris feel better.
"Pastor James, since we were treated so badly, we decided that we would help others in predicaments like ours. Before your lovely church was built we lived in a small building in its place. One of our very dear friends has broken his arm and we'd like your help. Right now we live in a secret part of your church and that is fine with us, but we could really use some things, so we're asking for your help." said Jennie.
"Well, I don't mind that you're in my church, but wouldn't you like it better if you had a small room of you very own?"
"Oh, yes!"
"Well we can wall off one of the rooms upstairs. Only you, the kids and me would know about it. About how many children do you have with you?" asked Pastor James.
"20-30."
"Well, we can manage that. I'll leave your friend something for his arm in the back room, okay?" asked Pastor James.
"Yes that is just fine!" said Jennie.
"All right, we have a deal then. Chris, maybe on Monday sometime you and I can talk about the room. Okay?" said Pastor James. Then they prayed, and Jennie and Chris left to tell the children the good news. They were overjoyed to hear that they wouldn't live in hiding anymore.
After a few weeks, the room was ready for Jennie, Chris, and the kids to move in. Kevin's arm had just about healed. Jennie was now working at the corner store and Chris was working at the laundry mat part time. Pastor James had begun to counsel Jennie and Chris separately. That one was of the requirements that he had in his church. Pastor James had also agreed to become the legal guardian of the kids so they could get jobs. Jennie worked night shifts so that she could be with the kids in the morning and Chris took the morning shift so that the kids wouldn't be alone when they slept. But Jennie and Chris had about 10-20 minutes to talk before the other went to work.
Within a few months, Jennie had saved about 200 dollars. One night Jennie sat in her bed, and as she prayed, the Lord told to write her mother. Okay, she thought, whatever you want Lord, I'll write her tomorrow. The next morning, Jennie sat in her bed, notepad in hand. She had so many thoughts of what she should write to the woman she never knew. After an hour of erasing and re-writing she came up with this:
Dear Jennifer,
Hello. My name is Jennie. I believe that I am your daughter. That
may seem odd, but I have a photo and a note that I believe you wrote to me
when I was very young. My adopted mother left it to me after she left me.
If I'm your daughter then, do I have a sister? The note written on the
back of the photo mentions 2 girls. I believe that I am 16 years old. I
have red-brown hair and blue eyes. Please write soon.
-Jennie
She then quickly mailed it to the address that was written on the back of the photo.
Time seemed to pass very quickly. Jennie and Chris continued to work and some of the children began to attend school that fall. Chris and Jennie became even closer friends. The children excelled in their studies and made Jennie and Chris very proud with their report cards. Charlie began to run around and he loved to paint pictures. One afternoon about mid October, Jennie came running through the room and nearly ran over Chris.
"Chris, Chris! You'll never guess what just happened"
"What?"
"I got a letter from my mother today!" said Jennie.
"Oh Jennie, that is just wonderful! What did she say?" asked Chris.
She wrote...
Dear Jennie, July 12, 1928
Hello Jennie. Yes, I am you mother. Oh, how I have missed you. It
feels so good to finally hear from you. And by what you said, you look a
lot like me. Oh Jennie, I wish you could just tell me all of the things
that happened when you were growing up. I would love to hear them. But
not in a letter. Maybe some day you'll come out to see me and you can tell
me then. I did get the money that I thought I would inherit, so we have
moved to England. Here I am a doctor and so is your father. And that
reminds me, the answer to your question is yes. You do have a twin sister,
named Christine. She lives, I believe in Virginia. She doesn't know, as
far as I know that she is adopted. I don't know how she'll take it when
she finds out. Also, you are 16, your birthday is March 22, a day I will
never forget. Oh Jennie, I can't wait to some day see you again. You must
be such a beautiful young lady.
All my love,
Dr. Jennifer C. Bell
"She says that I look just like her!" said Jennie.
"That's fabulous! Are your going to travel to England to see her?" said Chris.
"I really, really want to, but we have so many kids. I could never take them all with me. What do you think I should do?" Jennie asked.
"Well Jennie, um... I don't know what you should do." he said.
"Wait, I have an idea. Chris, what if we have the children live with some of the families here in the church? The older ones of course. That way you, Kevin, Joy, Charlie, and some of the babies can come with me to find my mom and dad. I think of you as my brother and my protector, so I would really like it if you came with me." Jennie said half asking, half telling.
"I think it would be great for Kev and me to come with you and the kiddos." said Chris.
"I'm glad you think so too." Jennie smiled.
Jennie passed out flyers at church and began to get very excited about the feed back she got. Most of the families that she gave a flyer to said that they would like to adopt one of the children.
"I have over 30 families that want to adopt one of you right now! I have checked out each one and there is no sign of any drugs or alcohol any where in the houses. And best of all, they all go to this church." said Jennie to the children one afternoon "I want to take your photo and record your name age and other information so I can have a record of you. Each month I want you to write me and tell me how you're doing, even though I'll be seeing you all at church, okay? Make a line please..." Jennie choked out as she began to cry.
After each child's name and information had been recorded, she gave him or her a big hug and a Bible with his or her name inside, along with Chris's and Jennie's. Jennie's list went as follows:
Name death of parents age Jenni accident 6 Mike medical 4 Carly ? 6 Megan fire 4 Madison ? 3 Laurena accident 8 Beth ? 7 Brian accident 5 Casie alive 5 Kevin birth 9 Sarah fire 10 Kelab fire 4 Josh medical 3 Ricki accident 9 Joy alive 5 Charlie alive 2.5 Karin medical 4 Lizzie medical 8 Lara fire 7 Chris medical 7 Samantha accident 4 Gabriele fire 3
The next few days went by very quickly. As they got the children all packed and ready, many tears were shed. One evening after prayers had been said; the children asked them something...
"We all have to leave right?" asked Lara.
"Well no, not if you don't want to, but these families love you, and they want to become your family." Jennie said. There was a lot of commotion at the thought of this new option. Soon enough her list changed:
Name age parents who adopted Jenni 6 accident adopted Mike 4 medical Chris & Jennie Carly 6 ? adopted Megan 6 fire adopted Madison 2 ? Chris & Jennie Laurena 8 accident adopted Beth 7 ? adopted Brian 8 accident adopted Casie 5 alive Chris & Jennie Kevin 9 birth Chris & Jennie Sarah 10 fire adopted Kelab 6 fire adopted Josh 6 medical adopted Ricki 9 accident adopted Joy 5 alive Chris & Jennie Charlie 2 alive Chris & Jennie Karin 9 medical adopted Lizzie 8 medical adopted Lara 7 fire adopted Chris 7 medical adopted Samantha 3 accident Chris & Jennie Gabriele 2 fire Chris & Jennie
The children went with homes that lived right in the town of Custer and had promised to take good care of the children. Jennie got to see most of them every Sunday at church.
Once the children were completely settled in their homes Jennie and Chris began to save money for their trip to England. Jennie calculated that if Chris, her and the children were to go off to England, they would have to work for at least three or four more months. Having only 8 other mouths to feed though, was a lot easier on their budget.
"Chris, your home early, is there something wrong?" asked Jennie as she hung up her coat from work, and pushed all the thoughts of all the bad things that could have happened out of her mind.
"No, not at all Jennie, every thing is just peachy." said Chris with one of the biggest smiles on his face that she had seen in a long time. They spent most all of their time either watching or refereeing the kids, working or sleeping, so smiles were few and far between.
"Close your eyes, Jennie" Chris requested.
"All right." she complied.
"Open" he said.
"Oh my goodness!" Jennie exclaimed as she looked at the gray velvet box in front of her.
"Open it" he said.
She looked up into his blue gray eyes, they sparkled like stars. He nodded. She gingerly opened the box. There before her green eyes, was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Inside that gray box lay a gold cross, it had a rose on each arm. To any other person this would seem silly and usual. But to Jennie this was the best gift she had ever been given, besides her salvation. She glanced at the calendar; today was only...March 22...her 18th birthday.
"You didn't have to get me anything" she said as she thought of all the July 18ths that had passed which were his birthdays.
"I know, but I liked it a whole lot."
"So do I." she said as she hugged him. "Oh yes, guess what happened today at work?"
"What?" asked Chris.
"I got a bonus! That, along with our savings, we will have enough to travel to England with the children!" Jennie giggled with delight.
"Great, I'll use some of the money I have saved to buy all of the children new clothes." said Chris.
"Good, you can surprise them!" said Jennie as she thought out all the plans she needed to make.
So within 2 and a half weeks Jennie, Chris and their 8 kids were ready to go.
On the day of their departure Chris left the church early to go and get their tickets, and to make sure that their flight wasn't canceled. Jennie brought the kids later. They had said their teary goodbyes to their friends the night before. What a sad night that was.
"All boarding flight 219 to London, England" The loud speaker said.
"Time to get on kids." said Jennie.
As they all got to their seats on the airplane, the children were bustling with excitement. Jennie's parents didn't know that they were coming, but she had a map and she knew the city and street. When the airplane touched down they were all sleeping.
"Come on everyone, we are here." said Chris as he gently stirred the kids, and Jennie.
"Oh yeah!" said one of the children.
The sun was just cresting over the horizon when the children started out on their expedition. The town of Denis was about to miles away. It took Jennie about and hour to find the correct street.
"Well this is it." she said as she headed up the cement steps to the door. It had a door knocker that read, "The Bells".
She knocked a maid in a black and white outfit appeared. "Hello miss, how I might I assist you?" asked the woman.
"I'm here to see Mrs. Jennifer Bell." Jennie said.
"All right then, just step right on in here." she said guiding all the children inside. She had never seen so many children with such a young woman. The children's new clothes were gleaming. Chris held Charlie by the hand. "Please wait here." the maid said as she headed down a long hallway and entered a room. She returned in a few minutes. "Mrs. Bell will see you now." said the woman as she lead Jennie into the same room that she had just entered.
The room was like a parlor that you would see in movies, with dainty cups and cookies, and white furniture, lots of windows, fresh cut flowers, and Mrs. Bell was sitting in the corner in a pale yellow dress. She looked lovely.
"Hello darling, how may I help you?" said her mother. Her mother. Words she had barely fathomed hearing. She had always thought about her mother, but never had a true picture to place with those thoughts. Now she did. She looked just like Jennie and her voice was as graceful, loving, and caring as Jennie had thought it would be. It all seemed too good to be true.
"Um, ma'am, my name is Jennie Bell." said Jennie.
"Jennie, my Jennie?" asked her mother "Oh my goodness"she said as she rushed to hug her long lost child, "It really is you, isn't it?" she said stroking her daughter's hair "I'm so sorry that I had to leave you, can you ever forgive me?" asked her mother.
"Yes, yes I already have mother." she said, remembering Chris and the children out in the hallway "Mother, I want you to meet some people." Jennie said as she peeled herself away from her mom and got up from her seat. She headed back to the main entrance hallway where Chris and the children were still.
Noticing Jennie had come back, Chris asked. "How'd it go?"
"It went great. Now I want her to meet my family." said Jennie as she led them to where her mother was. "Mother this is my best, life long friend, Chris."
"Hello Chris, nice to meet you." Jennie's mother said as she held out her hand and gave it a good shake.
"And these are our friends," Jennie said as she introduced each child, the girls curtsied perfectly as she had taught them, and the boys bowed perfectly.
"Susanna," Mrs. Bell called to a maid who was standing in the corner of the room "Darling, would you please escort these lovely children to the play room and make sure they are well cared for." said Mrs. Bell.
"Surely" said Susanna as she took the children away.
"Mother, I think that now would be a good time to tell you my story." Jennie decided out loud.
"Okay." Her mom breathed deep. "I'm ready."
So Jennie while trying to hold back the tears told her mother her story.
"I am so sorry." said her mother as Jennie concluded her story.
"I know, but I want you to also hear Chris's story."
So Chris took the floor and he concluded his by telling about the church, pastor, and the orphans in the other homes.
"Well, I know that I can't make up for all the damage I have done, but your father and I are off this week and we would be honored to have you all stay in our home. Also, Jennie's grandfather died about three years after ago and we inherited quite a lot of money from him. Oddly though, he never really talked to us very much, but I was his only heir so, we bought all this with that money."
Jennie sat there and pondered her new option. Thinking about the thought of being able to stay with her parents was a dream come true but...
"Can Chris and the children stay also?" asked Jennie.
"Of course. It's not like we don't have the room." said Mrs. Bell with a chuckle.
Jennie glanced at Chris and he nodded with a big grin on his face.
"That would be just wonderful." said Jennie.
"Louisa, Louisa would you please escort Ms. Jennie and Mr. Chris to their rooms. Oh, and pick up the children from the playroom on the way."
"Certainly." said Louisa as she picked up their bags.
Once they were in the hall,
"You really are her daughter aren't you?" said Louisa.
"Yes I am." Jennie proudly proclaimed. She had never really been someone's daughter before, she liked it. Thank you Lord she prayed You truly are a gracious God.
"Okay, well here is the play room. I'll go get the kids, you two can come in if you want." said Louisa.
As they entered they saw hundreds of games and puzzles.
"Jennie, Jennie look what Susanna gave me!" said Joy holding up a big doll.
"That is beautiful, but now we have to go and get into our rooms ok?" asked Jennie.
"Rooms? You mean we get to stay?" asked Joy.
"Yeah, we're gonna stay." Chris said happily.
"Oh boy! That's so great!" she returned.
They left and Louisa led them down many hallways till they arrived at one which had 5 doors.
"I guessed that you two would want to be near the kids so I picked these 5." said Louisa.
"Thank you." said Jennie, "But do we need 5 rooms?"
"Well, 2 are for you and Chris, and 2 are for the boys and girls, and the other is a bathroom.
"Oh, okay I see now." Jennie said.
"Good, now Jennie this is your room." Louisa opened the door and all the kids and Chris went inside. The walls were painted with light lavender. The bed set was a calm yellow which shone brightly in the sunlight from the balcony window. Jennie set down her bags in the room, and followed the rest of the group as Louisa led them to the second to last room. This room was painted light blue and the bed set was bright green, his room also had a balcony. Chris loved his room, but he wanted to see the kids' rooms. "Well since you have 5 girls, and only 3 boys, I'll give the slightly bigger room to the girls." Louisa said as she opened the door next to Jennie's room. This room had pink and cream walls. It also had a nice child size balcony. "We'll get some more beds for you girls." the girls smiled in delight. The last room which was next to the girls and Chris's room, was to be Charlie's and Kevin's room. This room had green walls and a cream bed set.
They all went into their rooms to unpack. Soon after that, they were called down for tea.
When they arrived downstairs Mrs. Bell was talking to a man with light redish blonde hair and blue eyes.
"Oh yes, hold on... come here Jennie." said Mrs. Bell, "Honey, this is our daughter, Jennie Audrey Bell."
"She looks like she could be your twin!" said her father.
"Jennie this is your father, Dr. Michael James Bell." said her mom.
"Hello father" was all she could say. Father. A word like that had never graced her lips. She had a father. So many times she had wished that she could have one to hold and be her very own. Now her wish had come true.
"Oh Jennie!" He said but in a much happier and energetic voice than before. He swept her off her feet and spun her around, just like he had done in her dreams.
Once he set her down,
"Father I want you to meet some people." said Jennie "This is my closest friend Chris, he and I have been together since I was a young teenager."
"Hello Chris."
"Oh, and these are my other close friends Joy, Charlie Casie, Samantha, Gabriel, Madison, Kevin and Mike."
"Well, hello to all of you." said her father
"Let's have some tea, and for the children we have milk and freshly made cookies." said her mother.
After they all had afternoon tea Louisa showed Jennie, Chris and the children the family pool. They had a delightful time. As they all went back up to their rooms Jennie turned to Chris.
"Chris, I have been thinking , now that we're going to live here what about Pastor James, he did so much for us, I feel we have to repay him." said Jennie.
"I get your point." said Chris "After we get settled and get jobs we'll send money for him to visit us."
"Good idea." said Jennie, as she was about to head into her room.
"Your parents seem to really like me." said Chris
"I know, I'm glad." she said as she smiled and headed into her room, and he into his, only after watching Jennie go into hers.
Within the next few days Mr. and Mrs. Bell got Jennie and Chris enrolled in the school there. Then they went on to enroll all the children. Samantha, Gabriel, Madison and Charlie didn't go to school because they were still too little. They stayed home with Louisa. They decided that they would wait until Jennie and Chris were out of school to invite Pastor James and his wife Lindsay, to England. There were many discussions over if Jennie and Chris having so little schooling could survive in her last few years of high school. They were very happy to see that they both excelled. They learned all that they needed to graduate in the two years they were there; they took summer classes so that they would have enough credits to graduate on time. Their science teacher Mrs. Rive had a son in college who was studying medical science and she borrowed his book and brought it into school for Jennie. She had decided that she wanted to go into the medical profession. Mrs. Rive also had a niece who was a teacher, and Mrs. Rive asked for one of her books, for Chris who wanted to be a teacher.
"Jennie, Chris, I have something for each of you." said Mrs. Rive as she walked into where her ready pupils sat.
"Really what?" they both asked in unison.
"Here," said Mrs. Rive handing them each a booklet of pages that she had photo copied from the books. "Go home and read them at least as much as you can ok?" asked Mrs. Rive.
"Sure." said Jennie and Chris.
Two days later Jennie and Chris returned to class with the booklets along with another book a quarter of the size as the other.
"Here are our notes and here is the books." said Jennie as she handed Mrs. Rive both her and Chris's notes from his book.
Mrs. Rive looked closely at Jennie and Chris. Neither looked the least bit tired as if they had been up late night writing. Mrs. Rive flipped through the pages of Jennie's notes.
"Jennie these are phenomenal! I'm sure you won't have any trouble getting a scholarship to college now!" said Mrs. Rive "Oh my Chris, yours are just as detailed!"
Before they finished their last year at high school, Jennie and Chris filled out their college applications and had them mailed. When mid semester came, both received a letter that said that they had been accepted to the college that they had wished to go to with full scholarships. Jennie wanted to be a nurse so she was going to head back to Pennsylvania and go to West Penn Nursing Hospital. Now Chris, he wanted to teach, so he applied to University of Pittsburgh, and he got accepted. That all being done, they were able to relax and enjoy the summer before they would go off to college.
One evening...
"Mr. and Mrs. Bell may I take your daughter to dinner tonight?" asked Chris while Jennie was in the bathtub.
"Surely" they said. Then Chris skipped to the bottom of the spiral staircase "Oh Jennie," he called "Put on one of your nicest dresses!"
"All right." Jennie called back.
"Oh yes, Mr. and Mrs. Bell," Chris said as he skipped back on into the kitchen "I am taking your daughter out early because I plan to take her to Romita." said Chris happily.
"Oh Romita, that is in Southern England. It is also very expensive, do you need some help with the expenses?" asked Mrs. Bell as she dressed in her scrubs to leave for her work shift.
"No thank you." He replied, and then he sat down beside Mr. Bell as he read the morning paper. "Um, I have something I want to tell you both." he whispered in Mr. Bells' ear and then in Mrs. Bells'.
"That's lovely." Mr. Bell announced.
Just then Jennie appeared in the hallway in a beautiful navy velvet long dress with ice blue shawl over her bare shoulders, her hair decked up in a neat French braid bun with light and navy blue velvet strips braided into it.
"What is lovely?" she asked.
"By the looks of your dress and your beautiful face, you are!" said Mr. Bell. Jennie blushed.
"Are you ready to go?" asked Chris.
"But it's so early!"
"I know." he replied simply.
"Okay." They exited the house and entered Chris's car. They drove for about an hour. Finally they arrived at Romita. "Oh, we're eating at Romita." said Jennie.
"Yeah we are." he said as he helped her out of his car. Once they were inside their host led them to a nice table in the back. After they were alone and had their orders taken Chris stood up, fixed his tie and bent down on the floor, on one knee. "Jennie Bell, I have known you for such a long time, I almost feel like you're my sister, so this is pretty awkward for me, but Jennie Bell, will you be my wife?" asked Chris.
Jennie was completely taken off guard. She knew that she had loved
him for a long time and she knew what she had to do. "Yes Chris, I would
love to become Jennie Audrey Carlson." she said as Chris slipped a ring on
her finger. He kissed her. Her very first kiss from a boy was now her
fiancé. "Oh Chris, I love you."
"I love you too, Jennie." said Chris.
They had a spectacular time. Jennie ordered her favorite seafood salad, and Chris decided he would try some shellfish.
Once they were in the car again...
"Oh Chris I had such a nice time!" said Jennie.
"So did I, Jennie." said Chris.
"Hold on a minute before we leave I want to look at my ring. The lighting in there wasn't the best... Oh my, it's so beautiful!" exclaimed Jennie as she looked at the gold diamond ring.
"You really like it?" asked Chris.
"Chris, it's gorgeous!" said Jennie.
When they walked in the door Mr. Bell was still at the kitchen table reading the paper...
"Oh your home," said Mr. Bell.
"Daddy look!" said Jennie as she ran to show her father her new ring.
"Chris, that is a lovely ring." said Mr. Bell as he continued to look at it.
They all went to bed and slept soundly that night.
"Chris, Chris darling, are you up?" asked Mrs. Bell.
"What?" was all he could stammer. Then he heard someone coming up the stairs and then saw a shadowy figure in his door way.
"Oh my goodness, Chris you look horrible." said Mrs. Bell as she touched his head "I'll be right back. Michael, Michael come up here, Chris is sick, call work and tell them we'll be late." Mrs. Bell hollered down the stairs. "It's okay Chris, now I'm going to take your temperature," she said as she walked toward him. "Oh my," she said shaking her head. She turned to face the door, she yelled, "Michael, he has a temp of 105.4, and he's been vomiting all night. Hurry up!"
"Okay, I'm here. Should we call the ambulance?" asked Mr. Bell.
"Didn't I tell you to do that...? Oh no I didn't, well yes, go call them now!" ordered Mrs. Bell.
"All right I'll call the ambulance and tell Jennie." said Mr. Bell. As he turned to leave he looked back "You know that she accepted his proposal last night."
She softened, "I'm so glad" She regained her controlling demeanor quickly, "That makes it even more imperative Michael, and he's now our son. Please hurry!" said Mrs. Bell.
After Mr. Bell called the ambulance, and when he was sure they were on their way he headed to Jennie's room. She was sitting at her vanity and brushing her hair.
"Oh, hi daddy," She said as she saw him in her mirror. His face was pale. "Daddy," she turned to face him "What's the matter?"
"Um, Jennie, Chris is very sick!" said Mr. Bell.
"Oh my, what is the matter with him?"
"Well he spiked a very high fever, he's been vomiting, and we need too find out why."
Mr. Bell hurried back to Chris's room. There he saw his wife putting her day shoes on.
"They'll be here any minute." said Mr. Bell.
"Chris, Chris did you eat anything different last night?"
"Dinner with Jennie."
"Yes Chris, but what did you eat?"
"Fish."
"Michael, do you think this could be an allergic reaction."
"Good chance, but let's get some tests and blood work done to make sure. Look...the ambulance is here"
Mrs. Bell drove with Jennie behind the ambulance. Mr. Bell stayed with the kids. Once they were at the hospital and all the tests were completed, the problem was confirmed. Chris was allergic to shell fish. The Bells and the kids came to see him the following morning.
"How do you feel?" asked Mr. Bell.
"Well, I feel great now, but they want me here over night, just to be sure. Jennie, I don't want you to start planning the wedding without me. I'll be home tomorrow, we can start then." said Chris.
"All right." said Jennie.
"Well, we better let him get this rest. I work the next shift so I'll come and visit on my dinner hour, okay?" said Mr. Bell as he squeezed Chris's hand.
"Okay. It'll give me some company." said Chris.
The next morning Mrs. Bell came to pick him up. When they walked in the door, it was oddly much too quiet.
"Surprise." Jennie and all the kids yelled. "It is so good to have you home." Jennie replied "Here have a seat."
As soon as they were sitting, Chris said he felt a whole lot better and that he didn't want to wait a minute longer to start planning the wedding.
"I think our wedding colors should be pastel pink and yellow." said Chris.
"Those sound so pretty." said Samantha.
"Oh, and I think we should have it back in Custer." Chris recommended. Jennie agreed.
Within a few days they decided that they would have the wedding 3 months from that date, July 30th. Over the next few weeks the 12 worked as a team making as many of the decisions that they could without being back in the states.
One day while the rest of the family was away, a knock was heard at the door. Jennie got up from her work, to get the door. "Hello, how may I help you" she answered. A young blonde with a flawless face and green eyes stood before her.
"Um... yes you can, you see I was given this photo by my mother and um... this may seem kind of weird... but well, she told me that I was adopted, and that I could find my real parents at this address on the back of this photo, but the people at that address weren't my parents, and they said that the people who owned the house before them live here. So you could say that I've come here to find who I really am." For the first time that morning she paused, "So... well can you help me?"
"What is your name?" asked Jennie.
"Christine." said the girl. Jennie felt so overwhelmed with emotion that tears began to trickle down her face. "What's the matter?" asked Christine.
"I'm your sister!" said Jennie.
"Oh, oh my goodness!" Christine said as she began to cry also.
The two held each other and wept for over 15 minutes.
Jennie explained that their parents were at work and that her fiancé Chris had the kids at the park and Jennie was just about to go see him. "I'm so glad we're finally together. I've always dreamed that you'd be with me in my wedding, I want you to be my maid of." said Jennie.
"Really? Oh my, I would love that."
When Jennie introduced Christine to Chris, he was very happy to meet her. Their parents were so glad to have both of their daughters back with them.
As the day of the wedding drew near everyone flew back to the states. When the week finally arrived, Mrs. Bell went to go set up the church for the wedding almost every day. Pastor Custe and his wife were so happy to see the two of them finally getting married. When the day came for the wedding, it was beautiful. Jennie was dressed in a cream satin dress as she walked down the aisle with her father at her arm. Chris was waiting for her at the alter. After scripture reading and communion, the time came for them to exchange their vows. After this was done, the rings were exchanged then they were pronounced man and wife. The wedding party gathered at the hall beneath the church for the reception. After the wedding was all over Jennie and Chris Carlson flew off to Florida for their honeymoon.
The Bells and the kids went ahead and rented a place nearby to stay. Then, after much talking together the Bells decided to sell their England home and buy a place in the nearby town of Lori.
"We're back!" said Chris and Jennie as they stepped into the Bells' new home.
"How was it?" asked Christine as she stood there with Mr. & Mrs. Bell.
"Oh, it was fantastic. I've never had so much fun. The weather was so warm." Chris replied.
"Well, we have a surprise outside. See that house next door that is being built?" asked Mr. Bell.
"Yes, it looks like its going to be..."
Before he could finish, Mrs. Bell added "Yours".
"What, ours? You're kidding! Do you believe it Chris, we have a house!" yelled Jennie.
"We have a house! Did you do this for us?" asked Chris.
"Yes," Mr. Bell pulled his wife and daughter close "we did. You can think of it as an extra wedding gift."
"Thank you so much" they both said.
"It will be only a few weeks until it's completed" said Mrs. Bell.
In the next year, Jennie and Chris finished college and Chris was able to get a job in a local school as a teacher. Jennie was still waiting for a job placement.
Chris was sitting in his kitchen one morning, everything was nice and calm. The kids were off at school and the sun was streaming through his window. Just then Jennie came running downstairs with exciting news. "Guess what Chris," She was bubbling with joy, her face was flushed "We're having a baby!" They were both so excited and couldn't wait to share their good news with Jennie's family.
"Jennie!" Chris spun her around their kitchen "I'm so happy!!"
"I have to call my parents. I will try to reach my Mom at work." She
dialed her mom's number, "Hi Mom, ... yeah how are you...I have to ask you
something...how do you feel about becoming a grandma?...Yes.. I know...
He's just as excited...will you tell dad for me? Thanks I love you...
bye..." She looked at Chris, "Now I have to tell Christine!"
After she told Christine, Jennie found Chris in their bedroom putting on his work clothes.
"Yes, darling what do you want?" he asked.
"Chris what do you think the children will do when they find out? Do you think they'll think we don't give them enough attention?" asked Jennie.
"Oh Jennie, never. They know how much we love them. I think that they'll take to it just great." Chris said. Just then the kids came in the front door and they saw Joy holding on to Charlie's hand and Gabriele was right behind her coming up the steps.
"Gabriele would you please bring all the children up here?" asked Chris.
"Okay, sure Chris." she answered.
In a few minutes all the kids were assembled in Chris and Jennie's room.
"Well I want to tell you all something and I am going to say it quick because Chris has to leave for work in a few minutes. You all know that we have adopted you and you're all ours. Well Chris and I are going to have a baby of our own and we wanted to tell you all." said Jennie. After a minute of complete silence they were both covered in happy children.
A few months later Jennie was walking to her doctor's office when she realized that she hadn't seen her friend Cairn since Cairn had come back from Mexico. She had to pass her house on the way, so Jennie decided to pay her a super quick visit.
"Hello, oh Jennie"
"Hi Cairn, how was Mexico?"
"Perfect, we had a really nice time. What's new with you?"
"Well I'm going to have a baby."
"Wow that's fantastic. Having four of my own, I know the excitement you are feeling."
"A secret between you and me, I haven't told even my husband yet but I'm having twins!"
"That's wonderful."
"I'm so excited, well I have to go now, it has really been nice talking to you."
"Bye"
Jennie continued down the street towards her doctor's office. When she arrived home again Chris was already in the car ready to go shopping, when she got there.
"Jennie let's go and pick some things for the baby's room okay?" asked Chris.
"Sure, but first I want to tell you something." said Jennie as she got in.
"What is it dear, is everything okay?"
Oh yes everything is great," she smiled, "We're going to have twins."
"Your kidding," He studied her face, "No your not. Wow we are!"
Together, they went shopping. Buying clothes and picking out teddy bears that they would use as a theme for the babies' room.
Once they were home again Jennie walked over to her mom's house. She went in and found her mom knitting. She never knitted.
"Hi mom, I want to tell you something...Whoa you're knitting!" Jennie was astonished.
"Yeah I kinda felt like it, but what is it that you wanted?" asked Mrs. Bell.
"Mom, um... I'm having twins!" said Jennie.
"Well that is just great! I will tell your father when he gets home. He had to go to an emergency at the hospital." said Mrs. Bell.
"Okay but, did any mail come to this address for me?" asked Jennie.
"Oh well yes this did" said Mrs. Bell as she handed Jennie a long letter. Jennie quickly opened it and practically screamed! She said goodbye to her mom and ran to her house up the stairs into her room, onto her bed and read the letter. It was a letter of acceptance at the hospital she had applied at, she read on, she would start on her birthday March 22. She quickly called Chris even though she knew that he was at work.
"Chris I'll make this quick, I got accepted at Fisher Children's Hospital!" said Jennie.
"That's just wonderful! Make sure that you write Pastor Custe!" said Chris.
"I will. Bye"
"Bye"
One morning...
"Okay kids the bus will be here any minute and I have to go to work, so let's get out there one... five... seven, where is Samantha?" asked Jennie.
Jennie quickly ran upstairs and when she entered Gabriele's and Samantha's room she found Samantha holding her arm where a big bee sting was.
"Jennie, The bee... stung" was all Samantha said, she was all red and puffy.
Thinking that it was probably an allergic reaction Jennie said, "Samantha, guess what you get to come to work with me today!" Jennie thought of all that she would have to when they arrived at the hospital. Once they arrived there Jennie took Samantha to the Emergency room and met with her fellow doctor and friend Charlotte. "Hi Charlotte, this is my daughter and she got stung by a bee and I think it might have given her an allergic reaction. Could you take her to um...Doctor Chester while I go to the emergency room office?" asked Jennie.
"Sure." said Charlotte as she put Samantha in a wheel chair and wheeled her down to the Pediatric area. Soon they found Doctor Chester and things rolled along. Within a half hour Jennie came out the office, and she was almost run over by a fleet of EMT with a crying child on the stretcher.
"Dr. Carlson, I was supposed to take this but can you, I don't feel well" said a colleague of Jennie's, as he stumbled into the restroom.
"Um.. sure." said Jennie as she went to get her scrubs on and catch that stretcher. As she started to care for the child she yelled out to one of the nurses, "Um... Melinda please call down to where ever Charlotte is and ask her to please keep an eye one Samantha or just put her in the nursery ward please. Thank you. Oh and send someone to check on Dr. Eisenbagh. He wasn't feeling to well."
Jennie took care of the child and made him stable. Then the rest of the doctors took him up to the OR. Jennie walked downstairs to where she had left Samantha. Samantha was lying on a stretcher in a private room. Jennie started out for that room, but Charlotte stopped her.
"Ok here's what happened..." Charlotte began.
"Where is Samantha?"
"Hold on let me finish, well we gave her some medication, but it didn't help so we gave her an IV with a new medication. She wasn't breathing on her own before, but she's okay now. She's watching TV in that room." Charlotte backed away and Jennie headed into the room to see her daughter. When she walked into the room, Samantha turned and smiled at her, she could barely talk.
Jennie left her for a moment and spoke with her boss. She explained
her dilemma that morning, and
asked if she could take the day off, and her boss agreed. They both went to
the cafeteria and got some ice cream. Then they went home and Jennie put
Samantha to sleep in her bed.
When she came back down stairs, exhausted, the phone was ringing.
"Hello," she answered.
"Hi Jennie, this is mom."
"Hi mom"
"Oh Jennie, why don't you come have some tea?"
"Samantha is sick so I have to stay with her."
"What happened?"
"She is allergic to bee stings, just put it that way."
"Okay."
"Well mom I have to get some sleep. I'm really tired. "
"Okay sweetie if you need anything just call. Oh and I got a call last night from your sister. She met a guy out at school in Iowa and they're getting married. But we'll talk about that later. Bye"
"Bye"
The next 2 months went very slow for Jennie.
Then one evening May 24, 1928
"Chris I think we need to get to the hospital."
"Why you don't work until... Oh..Oh!" exclaimed Chris.
Chris rushed everyone into his car and drove as quick as he was allowed to, to the hospital. Jennie was admitted and Chris went with the kids went to the waiting room. As it got later and later Mr. and Mrs. Bell offered to take the kids home and return in the morning. All the kids but Kevin left the hospital.
At 2:47 AM May 23, 1928 Miah Faith Carlson was born. Then at 2:55 AM David Jeremiah Carlson was born. Later that morning, Mr. and Mrs. Bell arrived with the kids. Gabriele said that she couldn't wait till Miah was a little older, so she could hold her. Chris, Kevin, and Mr. Bell were too astounded to say anything.
When the babies were 1 month old the time came for Jennie and Chris to dedicate their children to God. This was a very special day so the morning before, Jennie went early to the church. She got out of the car even before the engine turned off. She jumped out and ran up to where the orphans that she gave away lived. At every home there was a grown up child to greet her. They did a little catching of what had happened since the last time they had talked. Which wasn't long since they all went to the same church. Since some of the kids had really busy schedules she wanted to let them know that this was an important Sunday, and that they should make it a point to come to church.
On Sunday Jennie, Chris the twins and all the children, dressed in their very best, came to church. Pastor James dedicated the twins and everyone after the service wanted to see them.
"Thank you so much for your doing this for us." said Jennie and Chris, to Pastor Custe.
"It was my pleasure. I know that you two will be great parents, because you love each other and more importantly, you each love the Lord." said Pastor James.
On the drive home Jennie couldn't help but think about her life.
"Chris, just think of how God has had his hand on our lives from the very start. From having us survive our situations as children, then getting us out of them, meeting each other, meeting the children, meeting Pastor James getting us a place to stay, writing my mother and meeting her, my father and my sister, keeping the orphans safe, getting good schooling, us getting married and adopting all the kids, getting jobs, getting a house and giving us not only one, but two incredibly healthy children."
"Oh Jennie, I know what you mean. I am so grateful that I have had you to lean on and be with for the rest of my life."
"Me too. I think a good summary for our lives is, with God's direction, deal with what comes your way now, and God will watch out for the future."
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather in barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Matthew 6:25-26