“I’ve been a Christian all my life, and I’ve wanted to serve Christ. But I never imagined it would mean this. I love my life here on the farm with you. I love being a mother and raising our children. But the war has turned our lives upside down.”

“They’re not upside down, Lena. They’re growing outward. God gave us this farm and the work that we both love to do, and now He wants us to offer it back to Him.”

“You’re right; you’re right. But you may need to remind me from time to time. I’ve never had to lean on God so hard before.”

Lena covered Bep with a blanket before climbing into bed beside Pieter. As much as she longed for the world to be different, she had to believe that God knew the bigger picture of what He wanted to accomplish. And she had to believe that she and Pieter and the people she loved all had a part to play in what He was doing.

CHAPTER 34

The Gestapo returned to search Eloise’s town house just before dawn. “They’re never going to leave us alone and stop looking for us, are they?” Miriam whispered to Avi as they huddled outside on the ledge. He held her tighter in reply. Insects buzzed in the warm August night, and a smoky half-moon shone through the rustling treetops. It should have been lovely, but Miriam no longer saw beauty in a world gone mad.

Elisheva was safe on the farm, for now. Miriam was relieved when Ans returned, reporting that all had gone well. “She’ll be safe with my parents. She can be a happy child there.” Miriam tried to picture her daughter playing outside in the fresh air, feeling the breeze ruffle her hair and laughing as clouds, like fluffy sheep, drifted across the sky above her head. But Miriam’s arms ached with longing for her daughter. How long would it be until she could hold her again? Would Elisheva even remember her?

Miriam was practicing her muted violin the following afternoon when Ans came up the attic stairs to speak with her and Avi. Her face was red with exertion, her hair sweaty.

“I just returned from meeting with my contact, and I have news to share. Come down to the office where it’s a little cooler.” Her somber expression warned Miriam that the news would be difficult to hear. She held tightly to Avi’s hand as they went downstairs.

“They’ve found hiding places for both of you,” Ans said. “Here are your new ID cards with your new names.” Avi was now Andries Bakker. Miriam was Christina Bos. “Someone is coming for Avi this afternoon, and —”

“This afternoon!” Miriam cried. “That’s too soon! I’m not ready! I can’t say goodbye again after just losing Elisheva! I can’t!”