As you know, I’ve also been teaching Bobby to say the Lord’s Prayer, like our Mammas taught us when we were little. It’s still hard to believe he had never heard of Jesus before I came! Little Lisa and Kimberly have started to wander over and listen when I read Bible stories to Bobby, who likes to sit right next to me on the sofa. The twins sit on the floor, peering up at me. It’s the sweetest thing.

Well, how’s the year’s first crop of apples? I remember walking in the orchard with you last July as we picked the ripe yellow apples off the trees. I’ll never forget all the secrets we shared through the years in that most beautiful place. I’m sure you remember, too.

Ellie leaned back on her headboard, holding the letter against her heart. “I’m happy for her,” she murmured, thankful Leah was making friends with other Amish there. She isn’t just spending time with Englischers after all.

Ellie savored every word as she read the rest of the letter, then placed it in her second dresser drawer with the others. Through the years, Ellie had also saved cards from her family, especially from Lydia, who lived two miles away with Titus and their five children and loved to keep in touch that way, as well as visits.

Ellie glanced at her wall calendar and wished she could mark the day, or at least the month, when Leah would return. But she doesn’t know how long she’ll be gone, Ellie thought, reminding herself to retain a grateful spirit. I’m thankful to you, Lord, for giving me the kind of friend who’s hard to say good-bye to.

She prepared for bed, then carefully pulled back the top quilt. Although it was a summer cover, tonight the room was much too warm for anything but her cotton nightgown. She checked to make sure all the windows were wide open, then sat on the room’s only chair and brushed her long hair as she prayed for each of her family members by name, beginning with Evan and lingering there before moving on to her other siblings and their families. She prayed for Dawdi Hezekiah, too. It was a blessing to have so many loved ones to pray for, she thought, then suddenly remembered Jack Herr’s family would always have a son missing.

When she came to Leah’s name, she prayed for Carolyn Madison and her children, too, since it seemed like they needed a special prayer just for them. And with her eyes closed, Ellie had a growing sense that God really had led Leah to be with this family.