Morning by Morning

By Amber E. Nease

Great changes have come to South Africa in 1901. Though the two former Boer republics have been annexed by the British, the Second Anglo-Boer War is still raging, scarring the land and its people. Into this upheaval step John and Helene Whitting, along with their friends the Eldridge's, ready to do the work they have been sent to South Africa to do.

The two couples are themselves facing tremendous changes as they enter into their new lives as missionaries in Cape Town. Gone are the grand homes, servants, and society circles they grew up with in Great Britain; in the place of these are modest homes, daily chores, and the sometimes rough-edged lower classes of Cape Town. Yet they choose to embrace their new world and its challenges with joy and faith, knowing they are exactly where God wants them to be.

The eventual end of the war brings further changes to their lives. This next set of circumstances stretches the faith of the Whitting's and Eldridge's in ways they never could have anticipated. When a wave of tragic events threatens to overwhelm John's faith, Helene and their friends suddenly find themselves fighting to keep John and what God has used to him to build from being destroyed.

Through a painful process, John must choose whether he really believes that God has called him to South Africa. Meanwhile, Helene must cling to the strength God gives her morning by morning, believing that their marriage and mission will still be standing when the storm has passed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amber E. Nease
• Release date: Oct 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370708437

Amber E. Nease

I have been writing since I was a child, and have composed a variety of poems, songs, short stories, books, plays, and devotional pieces over the years. As a Christian, I see writing as a gift God has given me to share His love with others. Besides writing, I enjoy photography, playing guitar and singing, researching history and my genealogy, painting, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. My latest project has been illustrating the children's book, "Ding-Dong Bella", which is currently available (in print only) on Amazon.com. My next book is a short novel that is a spinoff of the "A Greater Inheritance" series; I am currently in the research and story development phase for this project. I will post updates on this book as I come closer to completing it. I also publish articles, devotionals, recipes, and poetry at hubpages.com (see the link listed below to visit my page on the site).

Book preview

Chapter 1

July 1901

Helene gave a contented sigh as she gazed out at the sea from her spot in a deck chair outside her cabin. The early morning sunlight sparkled off the blue-green waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The salty breeze playing about her face invigorated her being. How she loved the beauties of the beginning of the day! She felt blessed to have a cabin on the port side of the ship so she could watch the sun rise as she had her time with the Lord. Her husband John, not being quite the morning person she was, would usually join her about an hour after she went out on the deck.

They had been at sea for a week-and-a-half now, and Helene was enjoying every moment of the voyage. Possessing a rather adventuresome nature, she could not help taking pleasure in the journey to a place heretofore unknown to her. There was, of course, the sadness of leaving the familiar and loved behind in Great Britain. Yet, Helene had enough faith and confidence in her Lord to know that the new land ahead of her would be worth discovering because He was leading her there.

Thus, as Helene sat drinking in the wonders of God's creation and His word while on a boat halfway down the coast of Africa, she was filled with peace. The verse before her on the page of her Bible aptly described the feelings in her heart: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.

Thank-you, Lord, for Your perfect peace, Helene whispered. I fix my mind and heart on You today. Let me live and think according to Your way, so that Your peace will follow me throughout the hours ahead.

She read on, stopping again with a smile at these words: With my soul have I desired Thee in the night; yea with my spirit within me will I seek Thee early...

Thank-you, Jesus, that when I seek You, You come and meet me.

Peace seemed to be the theme the Holy Spirit was emphasizing to Helene in that meeting, for again the words seemed to leap off the page: LORD, Thou wilt ordain peace for us: for Thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

Ah, yes, there it is again--and You are the One giving the peace. I cannot work it up in myself, can I? You have wrought all Your works in me. What marvelous things You do when I am yielded to You! Oh Lord, whenever I should even think of doing something in my own strength, please quickly remind me that apart from You I can do nothing. I want to be utterly dependent upon You in all things: in my role as a wife, as a friend, as a sister, and as one who is going to minister in Your name.

Helene finished the chapter she was reading in the book of Isaiah, then proceeded to pray for the people and situations that God brought to her heart. By the time John poked his head out the cabin door, Helene had just whispered a final amen.

Good morning, Elle, he said, smiling down at her.

Good morning, John, she replied, rising to give him a quick kiss on the lips when she saw no one was looking their way. Is it about time for breakfast?

In approximately fifteen minutes.

I suppose I ought to come in and tame these hairs that have come loose in the breeze. A figure exiting a cabin down the way from them caught her eye. Charles is up.

John chuckled. Then you know it must be nearly breakfast time. He stepped out onto the deck. I will be down there with Charles.

All right, I shall join you in a few minutes. Helene entered the cabin as her husband walked towards his friend.

Ho there, good morning, Eldridge, John hailed him above the sound of the wind and sea.

An exceptionally fine morning, is it not? Charles responded as John came to stand next to him at the railing.

That it is. Is Rose up?

Yes, she went for one of her prayer walks about the decks thirty minutes ago.

How are you feeling today?

Fine thus far. I am so thankful that I have not become as seasick as I was the last couple of times I was on a boat. The ginger and black horehound Mrs. Smith gave me the day of the farewell picnic have worked wonders.

I glad you overcame your skepticism and used what she gave you.

Charles nodded. She was right, I am most happy to admit. He turned his eyes towards the waves for moment, then said, Well, old man, we are halfway to Cape Town now.

I know, and I have to keep asking myself if I am dreaming. John gave a short laugh. The Lord knows how overwhelmed I am feeling at present!

In a good or bad way?

Probably a little of both.

Do not worry, John; I think if we were asked, the rest of us would have to confess to having our own quivers of trepidation.

Maybe, but I must say if Elle feels this way, she surely is not showing it.

I think she would remind you that it is a matter of not letting the bad part of what you are feeling get the better of you. I suspect she has to continually give all trepidation in her own heart over to the Lord as much as any of us have to.

John gave Charles a half-smile. Truly spoken. He glanced over Charles' shoulder and remarked, Here comes your other half.

I believe yours is coming as well, Charles said before turning to greet Rose. John turned the other way to watch his wife walk towards them alongside her sister and nephew.

Hello, Amelia, Avery, John said when the ladies and their young charge drew near. Are you ready for breakfast, Avery?

The toddler, who was propped up on his mother's hip, gave an eager nod in reply.

Then let us be off to the dining room without delay, Helene declared. We do not want the little man to be hungry. She gave Avery a peck on the cheek.

They all made their way to the ship's main dining area after Helene and Amelia had greeted Charles and Rose. I was surprised at how late Avery slept today, Amelia commented as they walked along the deck. I think he has become so used to the rolling motion of the ship that it lulls him to sleep.

Like a giant cradle or rocking chair, I suppose, Helene responded. At least that means you get a little more sleep.

No, I am afraid not. Amelia shook her head. I keep waking up early, anticipating his awakening at any moment, only to have him sleep later and later every morning we are on this boat.

Poor Amie, Rose said sympathetically.

I will simply have to manage, that is all, Amelia shrugged. I knew not having a nurse or nurserymaid helping me look after him would be an adjustment.

At least at two years of age he sleeps through the night, Helene pointed out. Can you imagine what the voyage would be like if he woke up colicky every other night, as he did when you first moved back in with Mama and Papa?

Oh, please do not remind me! Amelia exclaimed. I love my son here dearly, but that certainly was a trying time. I am happy it is behind us.

As am I. Helene chuckled as she recalled the sleepless nights she had also endured during that time since her room had been near the nursery.

After breakfast, the friends dispersed to various parts of the ship, occupying the remaining morning hours with reading, letter writing, and conversing with other passengers. Once the noon meal was past, they gathered together on the deck near their rooms, as they had been doing each day since they had left Southampton. They would chat a bit first, then enter into a time of prayer. Amelia usually left them about halfway through, however, for Avery was always in need of a nap by then.

The subject of their pre-prayer discussion that afternoon was the ongoing war in South Africa, and some of the disturbing reports that had arisen concerning it a couple of weeks before they had left home.

I was re-reading the reports by Miss Hobhouse this morning, Charles said, and I still cannot fathom how anyone could think of treating women and children in such a fashion.

It is incomprehensible, John agreed. At the very least, if they were going to keep civilians in a camp like that, those in authority should have provided for the people better than they apparently have.

I question the necessity of burning so many of the Boer farms in the first place. Helene shook her head with distaste. Surely there could have been a better way to handle the situation than resorting to such extreme measures.

One would think so, anyway, replied John.

Rose sighed. All I know is that when my father read those reports, he was nothing short of furious, and he is not a man easily angered. He told Charles and me that he was going to use every bit of leverage he had in the Colonial Office to see that this matter is fully investigated and all problems remedied as quickly as possible.

I truly hope he is successful, Amelia chimed in. The Lord knows the government typically does things at a turtle's pace at best, and that is a very bad thing in this case. Those women and children need help now. She looked down at Avery, who was contentedly examining the pages of a picture book as he sat in her lap. I cannot imagine trying to take care of Avery in such poor conditions with so little proper food.

Neither can I, Helene said. Whatever the reasons our military and government may have for burning farms or putting people in camps, it is their duty to rectify any conditions that are causing such overwhelming death and suffering in the camps.

Absolutely they must; anything less will cast permanent doubt on our claim to be a civilized nation, Charles asserted. Such barbarous acts are beneath our dignity.

And not in keeping with a country that supposedly holds the words of Scripture in high regard, Rose added softly.

Well, I believe we know how we ought to pray today, declared John as he gazed about their circle. First, that our leaders will act with wisdom and justice in this situation. Secondly, that God would watch over those who are in the camps and send them the supplies they need soon.

Also for the conclusion of this conflict, said Amelia. It needs to be over, for everyone's sake.

Yes, most definitely. John nodded. Shall we begin?

They all bowed their heads and spent the next hour in earnest prayer over the issues they had been discussing. Amelia slipped away quietly to put Avery down for his nap when the boy became restless twenty minutes into the prayer time.

How was your talk with Captain Wilson this morning, John? Charles asked once they were done praying.

Very good, John responded. I believe his resistance to the Gospel has been crumbling a bit more every time we meet together. John had become acquainted during their second day at sea with an army captain who was also traveling on board the ship. Captain Wilson was an agnostic, but as John had engaged with him in conversation, the man had become increasingly interested in what John had to say about Jesus. John's own testimony concerning his stint in the army, particularly the part about being wounded and the miraculous recovery that followed, was what had given him the open door to share freely with the captain. John felt encouraged by the way the Holy Spirit had been giving him wisdom to answer Captain Wilson's questions, which were many. He knew God had put the man in his path for his sake as well as the captain's sake.

That is good news.

I keep praying that Captain Wilson will leave this ship a changed man, Helene said.

Aha, 'tis you who have been leading the unseen assault on the captain's resistance, Charles remarked with a grin. His rapid softening has now been explained.

Rose here has been praying often as well.

Then please keep it up, ladies, John requested, for I do see the effects of those prayers on his life.

I will increase my own prayers for him, determined Charles. The more the better.

John and Charles ambled off down the deck a short while later, leaving Helene and Rose to have a more feminine dialogue between themselves. They were eventually joined by Amelia, who had a groggy Avery in tow.

Is he awake already? Helene asked, surprised to see her nephew up so soon. It has barely been an hour.

One of the undesirable results of him sleeping later in the morning than usual, Amelia sighed.

Ah, well, that makes sense.

Avery released his mother's hand and went over to Helene. After crawling into her lap, he looked up at her with his wide brown eyes and said, Kitty, An' Lee?

Helene laughed. Oh, you did not forget, did you, young man?

Forget what? Rose queried.

He was wanting to see Eurwyn right before luncheon, but I told him he would have to wait until after he had had his nap. Helene glanced over at Amelia apologetically. That may be another reason why he did not sleep for very long.

You are probably correct, but do not worry yourself about it, Amelia said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

All right, Avery, let us go see what Eurwyn and Taffy are up to. Helene set Avery down on the deck and then stood. Taking his small hand in hers, she led him down to her and John's cabin. Opening the door a crack first to make sure the animals were not lurking near it, she then entered the modest-sized room with her nephew. Taffy, who was sleeping on a cushion in the corner, raised her head as soon as they walked into the cabin. Eurwyn, on the other hand, was too involved with his nap in the middle of the bed to be aroused from it by the appearance of humans.

Taffy, Avery said with a big grin as he went over to pat the dog's head. Helene gave an amused smile; the dog's name was one of the few words that Avery said particularly well. As much as he liked Taffy, however, his primary interest was in Eurwyn. Since Eurwyn's name was more difficult for his childish tongue to pronounce, he simply called the cat kitty.

Kitty up, p'ease? Avery asked his aunt, pointing towards the cat.

Well, I shall see if I can get the lazy thing to cooperate, Avery. Helene sat down on the edge of the bed and tickled the top of the big orange tabby's head. Eurwyn awakened, gave a leisurely yawn, and then stared at Helene with his green eyes as if he was expecting an explanation as to why he had been disturbed. Come here, fur-ball. Avery has come to visit you. Helene scooped up the cat and set him on the floor so Avery could pet him.

Hi, kitty, Avery cooed as he stroked the cat's fur gently. Eurwyn gave a rumbling purr and shoved his head up against the boy's hand. Avery gave a giggle of delight, then leaned over and kissed the cat's head as the animal continued to purr.

Helene sat with a doting expression on her face as she watched her nephew's interaction with the cat. Avery, while capable of getting into just as much mischief as any toddler boy, had in general a friendly, gentle nature. Helene knew her pets had taken to him well because of it; once he had become old enough to understand how to pet them properly, he had always been kind to them.

Helene could barely believe the youngster had just celebrated his second birthday. Time had seemed to pass by so quickly since his birth. Her family had given a small party for him a few days before the travelers had left since his birthday came after their departure date. Avery had ended up getting to celebrate his birthday on the boat as well, though, for somehow (Helene suspected John to be the culprit) the pastry chef on board had heard it was the young passenger's birthday and had baked a small cake for him. Avery, who even at two already had a bit of a sweet tooth, had been delighted by the cake.

Helene hoped that once they reached Cape Town, Avery would be delighted by a far greater surprise: that of seeing his father again. Lyle had been unable to give Amelia any guarantees as to how soon he would be able to come see her and Avery in Cape Town, but Helene prayed the family would not have to wait too long to be reunited. She knew Avery would have to come to know his father all over again since Lyle had been shipped off to South Africa with his army unit when Avery was only three-and-a-half months old. Helene had no doubt, however, that Avery would warm to Lyle quickly.

The other person Helene hoped to see not long after their arrival in Cape Town was her cousin Carey. She knew her cousin's post was much farther away from Cape Town than Lyle's was, but there was a chance that if his battalion stayed put for a while, he would be able to come for a visit. Helene had decided to keep praying her cousin would have such an opportunity. He had spoken longingly in his last letter of how he wished to see the faces of his family members. Helene and Amelia realized they could not take the place of his immediate family, but at least they were familiar faces. A year-and-a-half is a long time to be away from one's family, Helene mused to herself.

Helene was awaked from her thoughts by a cold, wet nose nudging her hand. She looked down at the corgi, who had come over to stand next to her. Do you need a walk about the deck, girl?

Taffy gave a slight whine and nudged Helene's hand again.

Very well, I shall get your lead. She opened a nearby trunk and pulled out a leather leash. After attaching it to the dog's collar, she said to Avery, We need to take Taffy out now, dear.

Take kitty, too?

No, dear, as I have said before, I do not have a way to take kitty out without him becoming lost. In truth, Helene was beginning to feel sorry for poor Eurwyn. He had handled his first week of confinement well enough, but she could tell as they had entered the second week that his feline patience with his captivity was wearing thin.

But him sad.

I know, but we shall get to Cape Town soon enough, and then he will have a whole new home to roam about.

'kay. Avery patted Eurwyn on the head one final time. 'Bye, kitty.

Helene took Avery back to Amelia, who was still chatting with Rose, then went for a few turns about the deck with Taffy. Taffy's tongue lolled as she sniffed the sea air with pleasure. Helene figured it probably reminded her pet of the smell of the seashore in the town not far from her parents' country home. Willow Park--how I shall miss seeing it this year, and going to the Harvest Dance, Helene thought. Ah, well, I am sure our lives will be quite busy once we arrive in Cape Town, and I will not have time to pine away for home.

* * * * *

Elle, a thought just dawned upon me today, John said a few hours later as the couple sat on deck gazing at the stars for a bit before turning in for the night.

Pertaining to?

Your sister. I only realized today that she is planning to live on her own with Avery in a flat.

Yes. She made arrangements for it before we left via an agent in Cape Town, just as we did for our house.

Why? All along I have been assuming she would stay with us. John turn his face towards Helene, an expression of confusion knitting his brows together.

Helene caught his expression in the moonlight. Have you really?

Of course.

Oh. I guess she thought you would not want her and Avery underfoot since we are still newlyweds. I never brought the subject up to you because I figured you realized she was not planning to live with us.

Whilst I appreciate her consideration for our feelings, I sincerely wish you would have said something to me, John replied with mild remonstrance in his voice.

I am sorry, dear.

I am not upset with you, Elle, just disappointed that you and Amelia would think I would rather not have my new sister-in-law and nephew share a home with us.

Please forgive me, John, for I really do not think you to be selfish or uncaring, Helene apologized in a soft voice.

I do forgive you. John reached over and took hold of the hand she had resting on the arm of her deck chair. I should always wish to be approachable in your eyes on any matter, Elle.

You already are John, believe me.

He gave her hand an affectionate squeeze. I do.

Do you want me to speak to Amie about this tomorrow, then?

Actually, I would prefer to have all three of us sit down together and discuss the matter. Whilst I realize in the end she may still decide to take up quarters elsewhere, I want her to at least be made aware that this other option is available to her. I shall have a guess that sharing rent on a house would be better for her financially than paying for a flat on her own, since she and Lyle decided to keep their lease on the Aldershot house for another year.

Yes, it would, Helene admitted. Though she has not come out and said it directly, I have inferred from various comments she has made that her going to Cape Town whilst still keeping the Aldershot house puts somewhat of a strain on their finances. I know Papa tried to convince her that she and Lyle ought to give up the place, but Amelia loves it so. She still clings to the hope that Lyle will not be here much longer.

A hope to which we all cling, I think, John stated. I find it hard to believe it was nearly two years ago that I made this same voyage.

Mmm, yes, it is hard to believe.

Helene and John both lapsed into thoughtful silence. Finally, Helene spoke again: I shall tell Amelia in the morning that we would like to have a chat with her concerning living arrangements.

Thank-you, dear.

* * * * *

It did not take John and Helene long to convince Amelia that she and Avery were truly welcome to stay in their home. Amelia had tears of gratitude sparkling in her eyes at the conclusion of the conversation.

I shall now look forward to our arrival in South Africa with much less anxiety, Amelia declared as she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. You two do not know how much this unburdens me.

I am happy to hear that, John responded sincerely, for that was my express intention in extending this invitation.

That, and the fact that it really would not do to have you and Avery living alone in a strange place when you have family members with whom you could stay, Helene added.

Well, thank-you, truly. I shall wire the news of this change of plans to Lyle as soon as we arrive in Cape Town, Amelia determined. On second thought, I could do so when we reach St. Helena.

I am not sure if we shall be able to go ashore there, John pointed out to her. You might be able to have a message sent over to the telegraph office via a crewman, however.

Oh, that sounds like too much trouble. It will not matter if I wait a few days longer to tell him. Amelia rose from the deck chair she had been occupying. I had best go rescue Rose from Avery now.

Helene laughed. I think Rose can manage Avery just fine.

I have no doubt of that, but I do not want to impose upon her. Excuse me, please.

Helene watched her sister walk away, then turned her head towards John. Do you feel better now?

Much better. I have this sense that sharing our home with others is going to be the rule rather than the exception for us throughout our married life, so we might as well accept the reality now.

Joyfully accept it.

As we ought.

I have no qualms about doing so--at least not at this point! Helene confessed with a small laugh. It may not always be easy, but sharing what God has blessed us with is part of living in His kingdom.

You will have to help me learn to live in that truth even more than I have of late. You are far ahead of me in this respect.

Perhaps, but you took a large step forward today as it is.

Which is exactly what I want to continue to do.

Chapter 2

When the ship made its call at the port in St. Helena several days later, the friends were disappointed to learn that they would definitely not be able to explore the island. They all had to satisfy their desire to see land again after two-and-a-half weeks of travel by standing on the deck and examining the rugged features of the small island from afar. Helene commented to John that he had rather aptly described the appearance of the port of Jamestown when he had written to her about it two years before then. It really does look as if a giant wedged it between those mountains, she said.

The succeeding days after their stop at St. Helena were uneventful, with one major exception: Captain Wilson became a believer the day before the ship arrived in Cape Town. John was ecstatic over the man's acceptance of the Gospel, and had the captain join the group for their afternoon prayer time. The others welcomed their new brother in the Lord with joyful smiles and words of encouragement. John promised Captain Wilson he would write him often, and invited the captain to ask as many questions as he needed to concerning his new faith when he responded. All of them also promised to pray for Captain Wilson every day. The captain, overwhelmed by their genuine display of caring, thanked them all many times for their willingness to share the love of God with him in spite of his initial coolness.

What a wonderful way for our journey to end, Helene declared to John as they later took a stroll about the deck in the cool evening air. The fact that the Lord used one of us to bring a precious soul into His Kingdom while we were yet en route to our mission field thrills me greatly.

God used all of us, John corrected her gently. I may have done the talking for the most part, but the rest of you were praying, so that means we were all used of God in some fashion in this situation.

To His glory.

Captain Wilson's salvation has served to remind me that a 'mission field' is not merely a designated place on a map highlighted by a mission board, but also anywhere I may be on a given day. There are people everywhere who do not yet know Jesus. I do not want to overlook those with whom I interact on a daily basis in Cape Town--the cab drivers, for instance--simply because they are not amongst the group to which I may be assigned to specifically target with the Gospel.

Amen. I agree. Helene closed her eyes and gave a dreamy smile. Ah, I cannot wait to see our new home tomorrow.

I think you will like the general scenery around the city very much. The verdant mountains that surround much of it do create a rather attractive setting, in my opinion.

From the various photographs, postcards, and paintings I have seen, it would seem so--although no picture can ever quite compare to seeing the real thing with one's own eyes.

That is for certain.

Even more important to me than beholding the scenery in Cape Town, however, is seeing, and coming to know, the people living there, Helene remarked. That is where God's heart is.

And we shall know them very soon. John looked down into her eyes with a grin. Get ready, Mrs. Whitting. The first real adventure of our married life will soon be upon us.

I am nearly breathless with anticipation whilst waiting for it to begin.

* * * * *

The ship bearing the small band of travelers arrived at its destination early the following afternoon. As it steamed into Table Bay, the friends eagerly gathered at the railing in order to take in the sight of their new home.

Oh, it is such a lovely place! Rose exclaimed.

Yes, Helene agreed. Just look at those mountains. It almost looks as if the city is surrounded by an enormous fortress. The mountains of which Helene spoke began with a craggy peak on the southeastern side of the settlement, which in turn ran into a massive, flat-topped mountain that dominated the skyline. A break in the ridge came next, then the mountains curved back towards the northeast like a long arm embracing the city.

It does give one that impression, does it not? Charles said with a nod. If memory serves me correctly, Table Mountain--the one in the center--connects to a ridge that runs on down the peninsula beyond it.

I know we are here to do mission work, but I do hope we have a chance to explore those mountains now and then, Rose said wistfully. All this begs for me to capture it with a paintbrush.

I think you will get a chance to do so, John replied. Especially since we do not know how long we shall be here. If it is several years, you will have time to execute a wall's worth of paintings.

Rose laughed and wrinkled her dainty nose. I do not believe I need that many paintings. I guess if we are not here for very long, I can always paint from memory later.

I myself hope that I am not here for very long at all, declared Amelia, however picturesque the place might be. What do you think of you temporary new home, Avery?

Avery, who was propped up in his normal spot on his mother's hip, simply kept staring at the scene before him and pointing to different places that caught his eye.

He seems to be quite fascinated, Helene observed.

Well, we had best go gather up our belongings so we can disembark as soon as possible, John directed the others. We have a number of things to which we must attend before we have dinner at the Gordon's this evening.

Which reminds me, Helene said as they all turned to move through the crowd of passengers who were also trying to catch a glimpse of the city. We need to send a message to the Gordon's posthaste to inform them of our arrival. Those dinner plans were dependent upon our arriving on schedule.

That is right, we do need to tell them we are here, answered John. Please remind me again once we have reached the hotel.

Once the Whitting's were in their cabin, Helene collected her reticule, valise, and the basket containing a very peeved Eurwyn. She was attempting to grab the end of Taffy's lead as well when John stopped her.

I will hold onto Taffy, dear. You will not be able to keep a strong enough grasp on her lead with all those other things in your hands.

Thank-you. The last thing I want her to be able to do is bolt when we get into all the activity on the wharf.

'Tis exactly the situation I am trying to avoid, John stated as he took up the leash with his free hand. He had his Gladstone bag and another valise of Helene's in the other hand. Come along, old girl, and do please try to behave.

Taffy merely looked up at him with her tongue lolling in excitement, as if sensing it was finally time for them to leave the ship.

John and Helene rejoined the rest of their party as the ship was being maneuvered into its docking place along the wharf. A short while later they were being propelled forward by the mass of humanity pressing its way to and down the gangplank. Forty minutes later, having dealt with the particulars pertaining to their arrival in a new place, they climbed aboard two cabs and headed off to their hotel.

What time do you and Charles need to be over at the houses again? Helene inquired of John as they rode along with Amelia and Avery in the first cab.

Four-thirty. Before departing for South Africa, John and Charles had arranged for housing via an agent in Cape Town. While they technically could move into the row houses that day if they so desired (the leases had begun on the first of the month), both couples had decided to stay at a hotel for the first few days instead. This was mainly due to a lack of furniture and other necessary items they had put off purchasing until they got to Cape Town. The few trunks and crates of household goods they had shipped from England did need to be delivered to the houses, though, and Charles and John had made arrangements for that to be done that afternoon.

Are you going to be able to get back to the hotel before we have to leave for the mission?

We may not, which is why you ladies may simply have to meet us over there. I would hate to be late for our first meeting with the Gordon's.

As would I. Very well, we shall just plan to ride over on our own.

You will also have to take tea without us at the hotel, John added. Charles and I have to leave not long after we are all settled in our rooms, for we must go get the keys from our agent's office on the way to the houses.

We shall manage without you. Helene gave a dry smile. I hope these houses are acceptable. I still feel some uneasiness over having taken a house sight unseen in a place half a world away. Not that I expect a palace or anything; I just do not want to pay good money for a place that is in a sorry state.

Do not fret, Elle; Reverend Gordon said our agent was an honest man, so I trust that what we are renting is exactly what he described it to be. John squeezed Helene's hand. Besides, you know when you see it you will be glad you have a place already instead of having to hunt for one.

I know.

I am still so grateful you two are allowing Avery and me to share it with you, Amelia said from across the vehicle.

We are happy to have you both, Helene replied lovingly.

They soon arrived at their modest accommodations, which were located on a short side street off one of the main thoroughfares that ran through the city center. After they had checked in with the clerk and received their room keys, they all set about the business of settling into their temporary residence. John and Charles had a message sent to the Gordon's once they were done, then set off to take care of the baggage being delivered to the houses. Helene and Rose went down to the small hotel dining room for tea, but Amelia decided to take it in her room, for she declared Avery to be in need of a rest after missing his afternoon nap.

Can you believe we are sitting in a hotel in Cape Town, Elle? Rose asked after the pair had been served their tea and a small plate of scones with strawberry jam.

It almost seems unreal, Helene answered as she stirred cream and sugar into her cup of tea. Part of me feels as if I have been living in a dream-like haze since the end of April. It took the relative calm of life on the ship for the fact that I really was married to sink in completely.

I hope that was a good realization!

Helene laughed. Yes, I am most thankful to say it was. I would not trade John for any other man on earth. She shook her head and sighed. Now, after finally having that change firmly rooted in my mind, I must adjust to another one: living in a foreign place many miles away from home.

Well, it is not completely foreign, Rose pointed out with a grin. We are sitting in a very European hotel, in a rather European-looking city, and someone in the kitchen has to be of our stock, for the tea and scones taste just like that which we have at home.

Small comforts in the midst of strangeness, I suppose!

Yet I do think it helps. The Lord will enable us to adjust. It will not always be an easy task, I assure you, but that is why we have His grace: to enable us to do what we cannot do on our own.

It was only by His grace I could take the step to leave home in the first place, Helene admitted softly. She put a hand on Rose's arm. My heart thanks God every day that He has called us to take this journey together.

As does mine.

The ladies lingered over their tea for some time, only leaving the dining room when the need to go dress for dinner forced them to do so. Promptly at 6:00 p.m., the three women and Avery set out in a hansom cab for the Gordon residence.

The Reverend and Mrs. Gordon were the principal overseers of a small mission and church congregation in the heart of one of the city's poorer districts. The reverend had seemed most glad for the help the two missionary couples had offered him via a letter earlier in the year. He had written back to them that aside from his own family, there was only one other couple that assisted the mission on a full-time basis. Any other help they had was from congregation members who volunteered when they were able, but it was often sporadic due to the fact that many had to work long hours to make ends meet. While he was grateful for anything the church members did, Reverend Gordon had admitted that the lack of consistent help limited much of what they were able to accomplish within the community as a mission. In short, he said he was well-funded, but lacked enough hands to do the work!

Helene smiled to herself as the cab rolled through the streets. She and Rose were well-prepared to do much of what the mission needed them to do, as they had both done many similar things in London. Their husbands, on the other hand, lacked such experience, and had felt intimidated by that lack at first. Their intimidation had faded, however, when Rose had reminded them that God had called them to Cape Town, so He would make them able to do whatever He led them to do.

I think we must be approaching the mission, Rose deduced with a nod towards the outside. Helene gazed out the window at the passing people and buildings and saw what Rose meant. The edifices of the buildings and the clothing of the people had gradually grown shabbier as they had driven eastward. The neighborhood through which they were now passing had a multi-ethnic flavor to it, evidenced most obviously by the variety of dress worn by the inhabitants. There were many who were what Helene had heard some call the respectable poor--in other words, people who were generally honest and worked hard for a living, but did not have much. Only here and there could she see evidence of more desperate characters, though she was sure more like them would be out and about once the sun had set completely.

So these are those to whom we have come to minister, Helene remarked. I cannot wait to go out and meet them.

Nor can I, Rose agreed.

The cab pulled up before a humble white-stuccoed house attached to a larger building covered by the same white stucco. Helene figured the bigger building housed the sanctuary and mission station. There was nothing ornate or eye-catching in the appearance of the facade, but there was something about the place that was inviting just the same. Perhaps it is Your Presence dwelling there, Father? I hope so, Helene thought.

The women alighted from the cab into the brisk night air. Ooh, I shall have to become accustomed to the seasons being the opposite of England's down here, Amelia stated with a shiver while holding Avery close to herself. It is hard to think of winter being in July!

Yes, it is, Helene replied, shivering slightly also.

They were preparing to approach the house when another cab pulled up behind theirs. That is probably the men, Rose said. Let's wait for them.

John and Charles climbed down onto the cracked sidewalk. Hello. I see you found the place, Charles said.

Our driver seemed to know the area here well enough, Rose responded. How are the houses? Was everything delivered properly from the docks?

The houses were as we expected them to be, and everyone's baggage arrived safely and in one piece, Charles told his wife.

Though I know you ladies would love to hear more about your new homes, we had best not keep the Gordon's waiting, John said, turning towards the small front porch.

That is all right, because I would rather just see it than have you attempt to describe it, Helene remarked as she took John's arm. Monday will come soon enough.

We will go first thing Monday morning, John promised. Once they were on the porch, he reached out and gave a couple sharp raps with the knocker hanging on the door. A few seconds later a boy who appeared to be in his early teens answered the door.

Good evening, the boy said politely.

Good evening, John replied. We are the Whitting's, Eldridge's, and Mrs. Bennett here to call on Reverend and Mrs. Gordon.

Please come in. The boy opened the door all the way, stepping aside to make way for the guests entering the house. I am Arthur Gordon.

We are pleased to meet you, Arthur, Helene said warmly.

Arthur helped them hang their outerwear on a row of hooks stationed on the wall near the front door. My parents and sisters are in the sitting room, he informed them. Please follow me. He led the way down a short, narrow hallway to the sitting room. The room was homey, yet had touches of elegance to it in the form of things such as porcelain figurines and landscape paintings judiciously placed here and there. Though the furniture and floor covering were somewhat worn, everything was neat and clean, just as the front entryway had been.

The reverend, his wife, and their other children arose as their guests entered the room. Ah, I am glad to meet all of you face to face at last, the tall, lanky reverend said as he stepped forward to greet the newcomers. He extended a hand to John, who was the closest one to him. I am Reverend James Gordon. Would you do us the honor of putting faces with the names we already know, my good sir?

Certainly, John replied as he shook the reverend's hand. He introduced himself, then proceeded to present the others in the group to Reverend Gordon, who greeted everyone with handshakes and words of welcome.

Now I shall introduce my family to you, Reverend Gordon declared. This is my dear wife, Laura. He put an affectionate hand on the petite woman's elbow as she moved forward to shake her guests' hands. And these are our children: Alice, who is fifteen, Arthur, whom you already met and is thirteen, Florence, who is ten, and my youngest, Lydia, who is seven.

The children bobbed their heads shyly as their names were mentioned, though little Lydia added a friendly smile as she brought up her head. Helene could not help smiling in return.

As James said, it is good to finally meet you, Mrs. Gordon stated with genuine pleasure. A friendly gleam sparkled in her green eyes. Helene figured the lady was probably in her mid-thirties, though the only wrinkles her ivory skin showed were a few laugh lines about her eyes. Her golden-brown chignon had no evidence of gray in it. Helene could sense already that she was going to love working with this affable lady.

John was having a similar thought about the reverend. The man's mild-mannered, welcoming demeanor had set John at ease immediately.

Won't you please sit down? Mrs. Gordon said graciously. Hettie, our cook, said dinner will be ready in a few minutes.

The adults all found seats on the settee and various chairs placed about the room. Helene studied the children as they sat down on the floor or on footstools around their parents. Though none of them had the auburn hair or light brown eyes of their father, their faces favored his in every respect: high foreheads, straight noses, moderately full lips, and strong chins. The girls' faces were not quite as angular as their father's or brother's faces, but one could still easily tell who their father was with but a glance. She noticed the youngsters sneaking covert looks in the direction of the guests, trying to inspect the new faces without being caught staring. The younger girls in particular kept eyeing Avery as if they wished to play with him.

How was your journey to South Africa? Reverend Gordon inquired.

Rather uneventful, Charles answered. We had fair weather almost the entire way here, and the two times it did rain, it was nothing much.

I think the highlight of the trip was seeing an army captain with whom John here had been speaking about the Lord receive salvation at the very end of the voyage, Rose chimed in.

Is that so? Mrs. Gordon said. That certainly is a wonderful thing to hear.

Everyone was praying for him, John explained. I am thankful the Lord softened his heart to receive what I shared with him.

Oh, yes, prayer is an essential part of ministering to people. Reverend Gordon nodded as he spoke, a serious expression on his face. We do a lot of that here at the mission.

That is welcome news, Helene responded, for prayer is very important to us.

I see we have much common thought among us already, Mrs. Gordon remarked in a pleased tone. She then turned her attention to Amelia. That is a fine young fellow you have there, Mrs. Bennett. Does he look much like his father?

Thank-you. He does favor his father a great deal.

Your husband is a major in the army, is he not?

Yes, in the Coldstream Guards.

I hope for your sake you are able to see him soon. Mrs. Gordon clicked her tongue sympathetically. One of the very unfortunate side-affects of war is men being called away from their families for long periods of time.

Indeed it is, Amelia concurred. My husband could give me no definite date, though he certainly hopes to be here no later than the middle of August.

Is he stationed anywhere in particular? queried Reverend Gordon.

Graaff Reinet is where he has been since the beginning of the year, and he hopes it will be his final post.

I am sure, Reverend Gordon said. Do any of you have anyone else in your families serving here in the military?

Amelia and I have one cousin who is a lieutenant with the South Wales Borderers. He came to South Africa with a unit of Imperial Yeomanry during the initial phase of the war, but then took up a commission with the regulars last autumn, Helene answered.

One of my brothers was here for several months with the City Imperial Volunteers, Rose added. He was actually in the same company as another cousin of Helene and Amelia's.

Well, it sounds as if you ladies' families have certainly contributed their share to the war effort, Mrs. Gordon said. As have you gentlemen, from what James has told me.

I cannot lie; I am glad my 'contribution' is over, John replied with a dry smile.

Helene sighed. Especially with the direction the hostilities have taken. I hate the thought of any of my loved ones being involved with such behaviour.

Ah, yes, the farm-burning and the camps. Mrs. Gordon shook her head sadly. We have seen the results of some of that firsthand.

Have you been to the camps? Charles asked.

No, responded Reverend Gordon. What Laura means is that we have had quite a few destitute Boer refugees come to this part of the Cape. You see, when they first started burning the farms, there were no internment camps. They would just send the women and children away from their home areas, telling them they were free to live anywhere except in that district. Some came this way, most of the time with little more than the clothes on their backs. The mission has tried to assist as many as possible over the past year.

How sad. Once again I am thankful that I never had anything to do with the farm-burning, John declared.

As am I, Charles agreed.

Mrs. Gordon looked towards the doorway opposite her chair. Is everything ready now, Hettie?

Yes, Mrs. Gordon, it's all ready, the middle-aged woman replied.

Thank-you, Hettie. Mrs. Gordon turned her face towards her guests. Shall we go to the dining room now?

Everyone rose in compliance with the lady of the house's request. Helene noticed Mrs. Gordon whispering something to Florence, who then approached Amelia. Lydia and I are eating in the kitchen. Would you like us to take Avery in there with us? We have a high chair in the closet that he can use.

Oh, Amelia said with a slightly relieved expression on her face, that would be most helpful, thank-you. He is generally well-behaved at mealtimes now, but if he fusses or causes you trouble, please come get me.

We shall. Florence held out her hands to the toddler. Come with me, Avery.

Avery pointed at the floor. Walk, he said to his mother.

Very well, Amelia humored him.

Florence took the boy's hand, and Lydia came around and took his other hand. Together they led him out the door and over towards the kitchen, speaking sweetly to him as he chattered away in his toddler lisp.

Thank-you, Amelia said to Mrs. Gordon.

You are welcome, Mrs. Bennett. He will have a wonderful time with the girls, for they both can handle small children very well already, especially Florence.

Well, he seems to like them.

Shortly thereafter they were all seated around the food-laden dining table in a room at the front of the house. Once Reverend Gordon had given the blessing, they began to serve themselves from the dishes on the table, while Reverend Gordon carved the roast beef from his spot at the head of the table.

I feel I must apologize for the old-fashioned way of serving the meal, remarked Mrs. Gordon. Hettie is our only hired help, and I do not expect her to wait at the table.

Rose waved her hand daintily. Please, think nothing of it. We know that we will not be living with much of the formality we once did.

And I cannot say I will miss some of it, Helene commented dryly.

Mrs. Gordon still does much of the cooking herself, Reverend Gordon informed his guests, and quite well, if I do say so myself.

James... Mrs. Gordon murmured, coloring a tad in the cheeks. She then addressed the other adults: Mission budgets do not factor in luxuries such as servants. I did not even have Hettie's help around here until Florence was born. It was at that time that I realized I was either going to have to hire some help or give up most of my work at the mission. I simply could not keep doing both with that many children and a house to care for.

Therefore, since I consider what she does at the mission indispensable, I carved enough out of our income to hire Hettie, Reverend Gordon concluded the story.

Hettie is practically a member of the family after being with us all these years, Mrs. Gordon stated. The children love her dearly, as do I.

Well, Rose and I shall be doing our own cooking once we are settled, Helene told the older couple. My family's cook back in England, Yvonne, is not only an excellent chef, but a very good teacher, too. We both learned much from her in the months before we moved here.

She did teach us well, Rose concurred. She would often remind me of little details that make such a difference in the quality of one's cookery. 'Madame Eldridge,' she would say, 'if you would have the vegetables cook evenly, you must cut them into equal-sized pieces.'

Mrs. Gordon chuckled at Rose's mimicry of Yvonne's French accent. And do you cut your vegetables properly now, Mrs. Eldridge?

Yes, I am happy to say that I do.

The dinner conversation flowed on in this easy manner for the remainder of the meal. The children helped Hettie clear the table afterwards, while the adults returned to the sitting room. Florence brought Avery back to Amelia before going to assist her siblings with the after-dinner chores.

Did he behave himself? Amelia asked the girl.

Oh, yes, Mrs. Bennett, he was 'as sweet as can be', as Hettie put it, Florence answered.

Good. Amelia smiled. Thank-you, Florence.

You are welcome, ma'am. Florence then left the adults to their visiting.

We shall introduce you to the congregation in the morning, Reverend Gordon told the newcomers. If you are planning to come, that is.

Of course, John replied.

Capital. We have already informed the members of our congregation that you are joining the mission, and they are all eager to meet you.

We are eager to meet them, Helene said.

I thought perhaps in a week or two you might share how the Lord brought you to Cape Town, Reverend Gordon continued. Would you be willing to do that?

The Whitting's and Eldridge's all nodded their heads. We would be glad to do so, Charles responded.

Actually, if you do not mind, I would like to hear more of the details concerning the events that led you to us whilst you are here with us this evening, Mrs. Gordon requested. I always love to hear the stories about God's work in people's lives. They never fail to fill me with a fresh sense of gratitude for His faithfulness and loving-kindness towards us.

Then you will find yourself feeling that sense again by the time we are finished telling this tale, John assured her, for I know it is only by His great love and faithfulness we are here. He looked at his wife and friends. Where shall we start?

I think it all rightly begins with the dream you had as a boy, John, Charles opined.

This might be rather long, Helene remarked with a small laugh.

Well, I suppose we shall have to try to condense it as much as possible, John determined before launching into his story. The Gordon's listened attentively as John (with input from the others) relayed the events that had brought their little group to the other end of the world. The Gordon children came in briefly to bid their parents and the guests goodnight at one point, but otherwise there were no interruptions. By the time John uttered his closing words, the clock on the mantle was announcing that it was half-past nine o'clock.

Oh, goodness, I did not realize how late it had become! Rose exclaimed.

That is all right with us, Reverend Gordon assured her. Now that I have heard your full story, I am more grateful than ever that God has brought you to work with us for a season.

As am I, Mrs. Gordon concurred with a nod. She dabbed the corners of her eyes one final time with the handkerchief she had made use of several times as she had sat listening. Praise the Lord for His goodness.

Amen, said Helene.

Though I hate to draw our evening to a close, we do have services in the morning which we must oversee. All of you appear to be in need of rest, in any case. Reverend Gordon gave an amused look at Avery, who had long ago fallen asleep with his head cushioned by his mother's lap. Especially that little fellow.

Yes, Amelia said. I hope he sleeps through the ride to the hotel.

I am sure he will, Mrs. Gordon stated. He seems to be quite exhausted.

He has had an exciting day.

Reverend and Mrs. Gordon saw their guests to the door and helped them retrieve their outerwear. Having thanked the Gordon's profusely for the enjoyable fellowship and warm welcome, the guests stepped out into the chill of the night. John carried Avery out for Amelia, handing him up to her once she had boarded one of the carriages they had left waiting at the curb.

What a lovely first evening here, Helene sighed as the cab set out for the hotel. I feel so blessed by the Lord to have been placed in a mission with such godly, caring leaders.

You speak my thoughts, John replied. I feel myself eager to begin our work here now.

As do I.

Chapter 3

John was greatly encouraged at the church service the next morning, for everyone present embraced the new missionaries with gladness. There was very much a sense of family amongst the congregants who had gathered at the mission chapel to worship, and they made the newcomers feel accepted as a part of that family.

I am so relieved to see the Gordon's and the Joseph's get some more help around here, an elderly saint, who had introduced herself as Mrs. Hofmeyr, commented to John after the service. We church members do what we can, but they surely have needed some other fully-dedicated hands for some time.

Which is what I am here to be, for however long the Lord so desires.

Well, I am glad you are here. Could you introduce me to your lovely wife there?

Certainly. John led Mrs. Hofmeyr over to Helene, who was soon engaged in a convivial