“What have you been up to lately, Dawdi? I’ve noticed you’ve been heading out some evenings.”

He gave a nod. “Jah. I’ve been building my coffin over at Rudy’s place, and it’s nearly done.”

“Ach, I’d hoped ya’d forgotten ’bout that.”

“Figured ya might.” Dawdi gave her a little smile as he reached for the empty bag and hooked his shoulder straps into it. “The undertaker is scheduled to come for it in a few days and store it for me. Or maybe one of my brothers’ll need it—we’re all ’bout the same height, ya know—whoever the Lord calls home first.”

“Aww, Dawdi. It’s just hard for me to joke ’bout. Ain’t ’cause I don’t care. It’s ’cause I do.”

He reached to pick an especially large apple, then placed it gently in his bag. “Preparation for life is just as important. And also what you’ll be doin’ on Baptism Sunday next month, makin’ the most precious and holy vow there is.”

Captured by the urgency in his voice, she looked at him, this kindhearted and compassionate man who would do anything for her. And anything for the Lord and His people.

“Just think what our Savior gave up—all the glory of heaven—to come to this old world. And like you and me, He came as a newborn babe. To think He lived a mighty short thirty-three-year life and then willingly surrendered it up to Calvary’s cross . . .” Dawdi inhaled slowly. “Makes ya want to give all your days to Him. Every breath till the very last.”

“I certainly do, Dawdi.”

“Just remember, when ya take your kneeling vow before Gott and the People, I’ll be relivin’ my own baptism, so long ago.” He paused to look at her with tender eyes.

Nodding solemnly, she gazed at the trees laden with beautiful apples—this orchard that had always pointed her toward the heavenly Father. His presence is ever near, she thought. How blessed I am . . . and so grateful!

After breakfast dishes were done the next morning, Ellie hurried through her household chores of dusting, sweeping, and redding up, wanting to pick the last of the peaches with Evan.

She remembered the verse in Hebrews she’d read during her devotions that morning: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Our faithful Savior doesn’t change, she thought, heartened. I can depend on Him.

Later, when she found Evan working with Menno, Ellie kept walking up the grassy pathway, searching for a tree that needed harvesting.

“Ellie!” Menno called to her. “I’ll trade places with ya, if you wanna pick with Evan.”

Surprised that he seemed to know why she’d come, she turned around. “Okay.” She headed back toward them. “Denki.”

“Anytime,” Menno said, then scooted away.