Her closest neighbors were an elderly couple who had retired to the country. They were kind, and welcoming. Not like the locals.

Ok, most of the locals. Some were nice enough. Their welcome might even be genuine. She wasn’t sure. Her judgment of other people’s thoughts was something she tired not to waste time on. Besides she didn’t think she was right about everything. Certainly not about most people.

It just seemed that after spending five years restoring an old Sears & Robock catalog house on a farm that had sat abandoned for years, to it’s (and God’s, hopefully) glory, her neighbors would have accepted them.

Theo, or TJ, her husband spent his few hours of free time volunteering at the fire department, and they had always tried to be friendly.

Now, the few ties she had here, scared her. She knew people were stronger together. It made her ache for the Amish community she had briefly been a part of. She had no doubt her family there would be ok. But she also knew God was with her too….and with her husband.

Little puffs of dust followed Ella’s happy feet down the gravel drive. Her warm little hand gave Holly purpose to not give up, despite the great unknown. She just didn’t want to do it without TJ.