Chapter 19 #2
“Let’s head outside, then,” Father said after all the questions had been handled. “We’ll take a tour of the place and get folks established in the locations we have for each family.”
Evie and Max followed behind the group as her parents spoke about various areas of the farm and what would be needed.
Most of the families would live in tents until the simple houses could be put together.
The land had already been marked off just south of the main area where the chickens would be housed.
Keeping in mind the idea of forming a small town, the lots were set up with areas for streets and even a place for a communal park near the common building where the children would have school.
Several outhouses had been dug and framed up for immediate use, and a well had been installed near the housing area, while an existing well closer to the chicken building would be used for the animals and washing up.
Evie hadn’t realized, but there was a small lake just over the hill on the farm property that was quite abundant with fish.
“It’s a lovely setting. Father says that they will endeavor to get some winter rye and wheat planted before it’s too late.
That way, come next year they’ll have a harvest of grain.
The chickens should provide money for the community throughout the winter.
Father has already received several contracts for the expected egg production and says that it won’t be long until this place can fully support itself.
I do hope it works out the way he and the other board members imagine it will,” Evie said.
“I do too. After losing everything, I hope these people realize the chance they’re being given,” Max replied.
“Father says there is always someone who will complain even when they’re given the biggest piece of pie.” She smiled and shrugged. “You can’t make people happy. They have to do that for themselves.”
Someone approached her father for a word, so the tour momentarily stopped. Just ahead of her, Evie spied Mr. Stubbs, the scarred man she and her mother had helped earlier in the month. She wondered how he was faring but said nothing, as he was busy conversing with several of the other men.
“This seems a real answer to prayer,” one man said. “My missus was so anxious to leave that hall where we were staying. Said some folks were thieves.”
“Yeah,” Mr. Stubbs agreed. “This ain’t a bad start for folks who’ve lost everything. I guess the fire turned out to be a blessing to more than just those rich folks who are collecting insurance money.”
Evie frowned and glanced at Max. She knew he was worried about what part his father might have played in the fire. By his expression, he’d heard the man. She reached over, took his right hand, and gave it a squeeze.
The tour continued, but Evie and Max held back. When the crowd had moved far enough away, Evie cleared her throat. “Well . . . that was unexpected.”
“I wonder what role he played in the fire. He speaks like one who knows.”
“Maybe you’ll have a chance to speak with him sometime. Or maybe I will. Mother and I helped him once with some food. Maybe I’ll strike up a conversation with him.”
“Don’t.” Max surprised her with his firm tone. “He could be very dangerous. Leave it to me.”
That evening, Max settled on a stump by a large campfire.
There were several tents behind him where the Turner family were staying.
Max had been encouraged to stay with Evan and Andrew.
They had even arranged a cot for him to sleep on, since it was hard for him to get up and down off the ground with his arm in a sling.
Someone else had brought the stump for Max to sit on.
“I see you’re still up. Morning will come soon enough,” Dr. Turner said, joining Max at the fire.
“I know, but I won’t be able to help with the heavy tasks. Evie and I have planned to set up the classroom and go through the available materials. I figure from that I can create plans for the lessons.”
“Did you get the information I put together for you regarding the children?”
“Yes, there are thirty school-aged children. Most are under the age of thirteen, which means a focus on grade school materials.”
“From what my wife tells me, all have had some schooling, but not much for some.”
“I saw her note regarding that. We’ll just take it easy and assess each one. That way when you bring in the permanent teacher, I should have all that information for him or her to move forward.”
The night was quiet except for the occasional baby’s cry. Dr. Turner took a seat on the ground beside Max. “There are so many little ones in this group. I think Judith said there were at least twenty under the age of three.”
“It must be so hard for these people to leave all they knew in Minneapolis for life on the farm.”
“Most grew up on farms. We chose them on purpose because they know what to expect. Quite a few could probably have set this up better than we did. The thing I’m most grateful for is that most had no trouble agreeing not to imbibe in alcohol.
That’s part of the agreement, and if they didn’t agree to keep alcohol out, we didn’t accept them. ”
“Mr. Flint seems to be the right man for leadership. I heard him discussing a general store that would be set up temporarily like a company store.”
“Yes. He’s had some experience in the past with running his own business. He seemed perfect to head things up here.” Dr. Turner held his hands out to the fire. The evening chill was damp, and Max felt it in his bones.
“I’ve wanted to speak to you about something for a while now.” Max shifted to better see Dr. Turner in the firelight.
“Regarding my daughter?”
Max smiled. “Yes. I love her.”
“I know.” Dr. Turner grinned. “I’ve known for some time. I see the way you look at her and the way she looks at you.”
“Well, I know we’ve only known each other a short time, but I’d like to ask for her hand.
We both agree we don’t need to rush into marriage, but then again, we’ve no desire to drag things out either.
I have a house for us, and with your permission I’d like Evie to be able to begin making it over the way she would like, including hiring staff.
She’ll know best what she wants. The people you’ve lent me are wonderful, but I’m sure she’ll have all sorts of ideas for how she’d like her household to run. ”
“No doubt.” Dr. Turner looked back at the fire.
“Max, you have my permission, but I also have a request. I’d like for you to attend a weekly men’s Bible study with me.
It will help you to grow in your walk with the Lord.
That’s going to be the most important thing you can do for yourself.
Growing closer to God will help you to weather the storms of married life, and there will be plenty.
I know you love her, but there will be times when problems complicate your life together. ”
“I’m sure that’s true. Besides, I really want to know God better. I want to understand why Christians believe certain things. I’d also like to know why one denomination does things one way and another goes in a different direction.”
Dr. Turner laughed. “Well, if you figure that out, you might let the rest of us know. Denominations have always seemed to me the best way Satan divides the body of Christ. Man’s viewpoints or interpretations of what they believe to be God’s instruction can cause all sorts of trouble.”
“Then why study the Bible if we’re just going to get it wrong?”
“God shows Himself throughout His Word. We read the stories of old and see how God interacted with His children. We see how throughout the Bible Jesus was the hope to come. There are people even now arguing the validity of the Scriptures, but you know I feel confident that God being God . . . well . . . He’s able to make His truth clear through those inspired works.
The Bible is God-breathed, and I won’t see it any other way.
It’s been my experience that as I study it and really think about the things Jesus said, or God inspired someone else to say, I’m better able to live in a way that I know is pleasing to God. ”
“That makes perfect sense to me,” Max agreed.
Dr. Turner stood. “I think ultimately, even with mankind’s way of looking at things differently, the important thing is that we recognize who Jesus is and acknowledge that He’s the only way to reconciliation with God the Father.”
Max felt certain Evie’s father was right. He rose and nodded. “I can agree with that. It sits right with my spirit. And I would be proud to attend a Bible study with you. You’ve helped me in so many ways, Dr. Turner, and I promise you that I will love your daughter for all my days.”