We’Ll Find a Way: A Family’S Transition to City Life, Book 2

By Todd R. Carver

The Carver familys story continues in this the second book of the Well Find a Way series! Change is in the air when the Carvers and their six children move from the wide open spaces of country life and settle into a small city. Here, they encounter new challenges, such as living in a crowded three-bedroom home in a busy neighborhood, confronting bullies on the walk to school, and adjusting to a new church. Told through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Todd, the oldest child and a PK (pastors kid), this delightful adventure will entertain readers of all ages.

Todd R. Carver is the author of the Well Find a Way series. Based on actual events from his childhood, these stories capture the imagination of booklovers and lead them on a heartwarming adventure that promotes faith, family values, and the strength to overcome obstacles. Many readers compare the family style of Well Find a Way to the Waltons or Little House on the Prairie.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 14, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524603779

Todd R. Carver

Todd R. Carver is the author of several unpublished manuscripts including Stories From My Life, which recounts eighteen stories from his childhood. We’ll Find A Way is his first book. He is a country boy at heart, who enjoys wide open spaces and hanging out with his wife and children.

Book preview

Introduction

The Adventure

ontinues In Book 2

We first met the Carver family on a snowy night as they travelled from the city to begin a new life in the country. We watched them struggle to make ends meet, and live off the land as much as possible. We watched the family work together to make the best of the situation they found themselves in. Though it was not easy, and often tested their faith, we watched God provide in many different ways. From the gift of a used vehicle, to the companionship of a hunting dog, to the kindness of a neighbor who volunteered his tractor, to the generosity of many people who were a source of community and support, the Carver family discovered that they could have a lot without having a lot, and how fortunate they were to be so blessed. These happenings and much more are captured in the first book of this series, which is entitled, We'll Find A Way, A Family's Transition To Rural Life.

A number of years have passed since the Carver family ventured from city to rural life. Change is in the air again as the family prepares to venture back into crowded urban life in a small city. Will the growing family be able to make the adjustment? What new challenges will they face? The adventure continues in, We'll Find A Way, A Family's Transition To City Life, Book 2.

Chapter 1

Another New Beginning

Well, kids, here we are, Dad says as he parks in front of a two-story house with the numbers 924 on a column on the front porch. Welcome to your new home.

Yea! eight year old Beth says as she unbuckles herself from her seatbelt. That was a long trip from our old house in the country.

Four doors and the back hatch open at once and a pile of kids come pouring out of the old family station wagon affectionately known as the Green Grenade. This enormous automobile earned this nickname because you never knew when it would go off and leave you stranded. Its antics could easily be a chapter of its own, but that is another story for another time. Needless to say, because of its age, and with its singular hubcap, the vehicle was quite a sight.

Our new city residence is not new, but it is new to us. The home was built in the 1920's, with artificial brown brick siding, and nestled between two similar houses with about fifteen feet to spare on either side.

This is it? Todd asks, unsure what to think of the place.

As we make our way to the sidewalk, which leads to the house, we notice one set of neighbors who are peacefully enjoying a hot summer afternoon in the shade of their front porch. They are a well-dressed couple, in their golden years. It looks as if they are enjoying the comforts of retired life as they sip glasses of iced tea with slices of lemon. Upon seeing us, they stand politely, smile, and make their way over to us. Gathering on the sidewalk, we wave and say, Hello, as we wait for them to join us.

Time for introductions. This was something we did often. Growing up in a ministry family, where we were constantly meeting people, we developed a routine and each one of us knew what we were supposed to do. As usual, my father takes lead.

Hi, my name is Dale, and I am the new Assistant Pastor at the Bible church here in town. This is my wife Dolores, he adds as he puts his arm around her shoulders. And this little cutie, he says pointing to the baby in his wife's arms, is Cathren. She is seven months old.

As Dad nods his head in my direction, I perform the usual greeting and say, My name is Todd. I'm going into seventh grade, and I'm thirteen years old. I look to my sister, Carrie, a pretty girl with short light brown hair, who is next in line.

My name is Carrie. I'm going into fifth grade, and I am eleven years old, she says.

A girl, with long dark brown hair, follows. My name is Beth. I am going into second grade, and I am eight years old.

A spirited young girl with plenty of personality takes her cue. My name is Emily. I am going into Kindergarten, and I am six years old.

My much younger brother, Daniel, is next, but he does not sound off as expected.

Daniel? Beth calls.

Hearing an unmistakable sound, we turn to see a three year old taking a leak---country style.

Daniel! we cry in unison. Thinking nothing of his behavior, Daniel, with his t-shirt tucked under his chin, turns slowly, looks at everyone, smiles, and continues to water the lilac bush. So much for first impressions.

Well, that was embarrassing, Mom whispers to Dad as we walk to the porch of our residence. I wonder what they were thinking.

I'm not sure, Dad replies. But I am sure that it is going to take us all a little while to get used to way things are done in the city.

Pulling a skeleton key from his pocket, Dad turns the lock and pushes open the squeaky door. The smell of stale air greets us, but the eagerness of exploring our home draws us in anyway. The ground floor reveals a living room, dining room, pantry, and kitchen. Opening a door in the hallway reveals a set of small twisting stairs leading to a moldy smelling basement. Following a much nicer set of stairs to the hot and humid second floor, reveals three small bedrooms and a bathroom.

After sending the little ones into the back yard to play, I hear Mom and Dad having a pow-wow in the upstairs hallway.

There's not very much room, Mom observes. What do you think, Dale?

Well, dear, we'll have to manage as best as we can, Dad replies. At least the church is willing to cover the rent.

Cathren will be in a crib in our room for a few more months, but I don't know how we are going to cram four girls and two sets of bunk beds into this small room. There will hardly be a walking path between them.

You are absolutely right, Dolores, and I share your concerns. With the Lord's help, we found a way before, and we'll find a way again. In the meantime, I guess we will have to get used to cozy.

At least we'll be closer to my mother, Mom says. I feel better about being able to keep a better eye on her.

You're right, Dad says. Her retirement building is on the other side of town next to the church. The children will like having Grandma Newton nearby.

As Mom and Dad descend the stairs, Carrie asks, When are we moving in?

Next week, Mom replies. Hopefully Uncle Sam and Aunt Leslie can help us.

Great idea! Dad says. Let's give them a call. With our large family, we need all the help we can get.

As we gather around the phone in the kitchen, Dad dials the number. A confident voice on the other end answers, Sam Brockman.

Sam! Dad says cheerfully. Just the man I was hoping to talk to. Boy, could we use your help.

You got it, Dale, Uncle Sam announces. When Leslie told me that you were moving, I told her that we'd be up to give you a hand. When is the big day? I can take off work.

Yea, sister time! a cheerful voice greets us through the phone. It is Aunt Leslie.

Oh yeah, Oh yeah! Mom says as she imitates Dad's catchphrase, and they both burst out laughing.

Then it's settled, Uncle Sam says. See you next week!

As Dad hangs up the phone, each of us feels relief and excitement.

Mom, you and Aunt Leslie are two peas in a pod, Carrie remarks. I love it when you two get together.

Me too, honey, Mom replies. She is the best sister I could have ever asked for.

Carrie is right, I observe. You and Aunt Leslie are like the same. You are the same height, you look alike, and you laugh the same.

Speaking of great siblings, I'm going to give Uncle Ron a call and see if he and Aunt Barbara can join us too, Dad says.

I'm glad we are not doing this alone, I say to Carrie as we go outside to join our siblings.

Yeah, and if Uncle Sam and Aunt Leslie come, our cousins Jonathan and Christi will come too! Carrie reasons. Then we'll have lots of fun!

Well, family, let's have a word of prayer, Dad says as we exit the house and climb into the station wagon. The Carver family is about to have another new beginning.

Chapter 2

Moving Day

I'm so excited, Emily says days later as Dad turns off the car in front of our new residence. Today we get to move into our new home!

A caravan of vehicles pull in and park behind us. Wasting no time at all, Uncle Sam raises the back of the moving truck and starts unloading.

Wow, Sam, that's impressive, Dad says as he scans the expertly packed moving truck. The load didn't shift at all. I guess this is what you get when you have a professional mover working with you.

No problem, Dale. You do it enough times, like I have, you start to see what needs to be loaded first and how it should fit together, Uncle Sam replies. Trust me, this is a small load compared to many that I have worked on.

Nice job, Sam, Uncle Ron says as he scans the contents of the truck. With a smile on his face, he adds, Well, D.A.D., I suddenly have the feeling that I need to use the bathroom, and it could be a while.

You do not! Dad says. You always say that when there's work to be done. Having received the desired outcome, Uncle Ron laughs, removes his glasses, and wipes his eyes and forehead with his handkerchief.

Guess they never grow up! Uncle Sam says to Jonathan, Carrie, and me as we wait to be handed boxes to carry in.

Inside, Aunt Barbara, Aunt Leslie, and Mom have their work cut out for them as the house is in need of a deep cleaning. While setting a box in the living room, I see Aunt Barbara giving instruction to my younger siblings and Christi. "It is a beautiful day. You kids need to play outside for a while, and don't you come in here and hang around. We've got a lot