Chapter 16
“Come and join us,” Evie said after tending to Max’s burns. “It’s our family night, and for now you are part of our family.”
Max didn’t tell her that he was growing more and more fond of the idea of becoming a permanent member of the Turner family.
He’d been touched by their concern for his needs.
Even the youngest boy, Jared, came to check on him and offered to play checkers to stave off boredom.
Max found him delightfully smart and full of ideas.
It was clear that he had been encouraged to expand his knowledge and try his hand at many things.
At the moment, he intended to own two hundred horses and land that had at least one big lake where the horses would always have water and could even swim, if they were of a mind.
The thought nearly made Max laugh out loud, but he didn’t want to offend Jared or discourage his ideas.
“Did you hear what I said?” Evie asked. “Or are you still worried about your father?”
“I’ll probably always worry about what he’s up to, but as for joining the family, I’d like that,” Max finally said.
He let Evie help him back into his shirt.
They had come to be quite casual about his attire, or lack thereof, and she didn’t seem the least bit concerned about seeing to his care.
He met her gaze as she adjusted his sling.
“Have you said anything to your parents about nursing?”
“No. I’ve wanted to, but every time I start, someone interrupts.
I suppose I shall have to make an appointment with them.
I thought it might be easier after everyone starts back to school.
That will leave just Meri here during the day, and she will be tied up with cooking lessons.
She wants to learn all about cooking, especially baking. ”
“Evie, you need to tell them. They’re counting on you, and if you at least let them know right away, then they can find another nurse to help your father at his new charity hospital.”
“I know.” She finished with the sling and stepped back, sighing heavily. “I agree with you. It’s just not easy to follow through.”
“Have you prayed about it? You’re always telling me to do that when I’m perplexed.”
She smiled. “I have and continue to do so. I’ve thought about your concerns as well.
I think you should talk to my father. He and the mayor have been friends for years.
He might have some idea or advice as to what should be done.
He might even know more about the fire than what’s being discussed in the newspaper. ”
“I will do that when I felt better. It seems the logical choice to make.”
That evening as they came together to enjoy family night, Max took a seat beside Dr. Turner and considered whether to bring up the fire and his concerns. It didn’t seem an appropriate discussion for such a festive occasion.
“Gather around everyone,” Dr. Turner called to his family. “Your mother and I have some things to discuss.”
The children were the first to come, sitting down on the grass at their father’s knee. Mrs. Turner took a chair on the opposite side of the doctor, while the older children sat on chairs or benches. Evie took a seat on the grass in front of Max. She put her arm around little Jared and smiled.
“I want to share some exciting news. Your mother and I have been working to figure out how we can best help those left homeless from the fire. They’re struggling greatly to secure what they need.
There’s only so much the city can offer in the way of help, and while the churches have been wonderful to give clothing and food, permanent shelter becomes a real issue.
The weather is soon to change, and we must act on the situation now in order to find them proper housing before winter.
“With that in mind, we have purchased two farms that faced foreclosure. Both are nearby, and while they aren’t well developed, we will make an announcement that families can sign up to live and work there while they figure out their next steps.
We’ll provide building materials—and for the time being, tents—and each family can help to build their own homes.
We’ll plant some winter crops, but in order to earn money immediately, we’re going to make one farm a poultry-focused enterprise and the other a dairy farm.
Those who work the farms will be provided a salary and a place to live, and their food will be included until spring.
They can choose to either buy their place and stay on the farm or save up to move elsewhere. ”
“How can we help?” Andrew asked.
“We’re going to be loading up several wagons of supplies and delivering them to the farms to get things started.
I know you and Jacob are about to head off to college, but I’m hoping maybe you could each be in charge of one of the farms and oversee these deliveries.
The men from the homeless groups will be able to take charge of loading and unloading, but you’ll be overseeing the inventory and distribution for each place, until we can establish workers who are good leaders.
You two would also be a help in that. You’ll be there to see which men are capable of leading and who works hardest. The farms only work when the people living there work together. ”
“We can do that,” Jacob said. “We still have a couple weeks before we leave.”
“I’m grateful to you. Your mother and I, and some colleagues and friends I’ve recruited, will rotate between the two places, offering what help we can.
Your mother will organize the women into groups who can cook, clean, and care for the children while others are working.
These will be communal efforts, and everyone will have to do their part.
That’s why we’re going tomorrow to interview some of the families and see who might be interested in this kind of living arrangement. ”
“You’ve helped homeless men with farming work in the past. I think this is a brilliant idea to see some of the people established with work and homes before the winter sets in,” Evan offered. “I will see about clearing my schedule at work and come to help as well.”
“That will be great.” Dr. Turner looked down at the younger children.
“I’ll need your help as well. It won’t be easy to set up an entire community in so short a time, but it’s important that we do.
I already have a construction crew hired for each location to help with the major building, but you children can take on some of the painting and sanding and all sorts of little projects.
It pleases me greatly to know I can count on all of you to help those who have nothing. ”
“It pleases God, too, doesn’t it, Father?” Winifred asked.
“It does indeed. It pleases God very much.”
“Can we share some of our toys with the homeless children?” Penelope asked.
Mrs. Turner took over here. “Of course you may. We have lots of things we can share—clothing and dishes and toys. We can spend time tomorrow crating up what we think might help them.”
“I have lots of old clothes they can have,” Jared declared in a most serious manner.
“I’ve grown a whole lot taller, Nanny said, and all my clothes are getting to be too small.
She said she’s going to have to put a brick on my head to slow me down.
” He jumped up. “See?” He stretched to his full height.
Everyone chuckled at this, and even Max joined in. The young boy was so intense regarding his growth spurt.
Dr. Turner opened his arms to the boy. “We must all do our part. This is a way we can show God’s love to others. We will work to help those who can’t help themselves, and as we do this for them, we are actually doing this unto the Lord.” He gave Jared a hug.
“I’d like to help.” Max found himself speaking without really thinking it through. “I know I can’t do much physically, but surely there might be something else.” Evie turned to offer him a smile.
“We will need to put together a school for the children,” Mrs. Turner said. “I understand you are quite capable with business matters. Perhaps you could help organize this venture.”
“I could even teach,” Max said, noting the surprised look in Evie’s expression.
“I’ve always enjoyed teaching. I even thought about becoming a teacher when I was studying in college.
I joined a group of volunteers who took turns tutoring children.
Of course, teaching wasn’t quite fashionable enough for my social-climbing stepmother.
” Evie continued to watch him. The admiration in her gaze only served to encourage him.
“Max, that’s a wonderful idea,” Dr. Turner said, smiling.
“Of course, it depends on how much time you can spare, but getting a school up and running will be critical. There are a great many children in these homeless families. School will give them a sense of normalcy. Why don’t we meet tomorrow, and we can discuss in detail what you think you will need.
That will give us time to search for teachers who can attend the children at both farms, since they’ll be too far apart to join together. ”
Max nodded and couldn’t help glancing down at Evie. She was radiant as she smiled in approval. He loved that she was pleased with his offering. Perhaps in time he could tell her how he hoped to spend his life pleasing her.
“I was so surprised at your volunteering to help teach,” Evie said once everyone was settled down eating. She had positioned a little iron table between them so that Max didn’t have to struggle to balance a plate on his lap.
“I had almost forgotten how much I enjoyed teaching. That was never considered a smart enough position by my father, nor fashionable enough by my stepmother, as I mentioned earlier. Therefore, becoming a teacher was never an option.”
“But if you love it so much, why not? The world needs good teachers. They can make all the difference in a child’s life. I’ve had some good and some bad, and the outcome was quite astounding. I know you’d make a wonderful teacher.”