While they ate, Glen talked about their large family, with its many grandchildren, especially the greats starting to come on over the past few years. At one point, Glen asked about Anna’s grandmother Eliza, which made her think back to the days when Mammi and Dawdi Slaubaugh were young enough to come for an afternoon visit and to see the new ponies Anna’s father bred and sold. Dawdi would put Anna high on his strong shoulders and run around the backyard with her squealing, “Faster, faster!” He was the tallest man Anna had ever seen, nearly a giant in her childish eyes, and the world looked so different from high on his shoulders.

Meanwhile, Mammi Eliza would sit with Mamm on the long back porch as Wanita brought out a big pitcher of homemade lemonade and poured it in paper cups for everyone. And sometimes, Mammi Eliza brought along little hard candies in her pockets for Anna and her siblings. After she left, the boys would trade candies among themselves to get their favorite flavors.

Such happy times, Anna thought, enjoying the pleasant company of the Flauds. When the meal was done, they bowed their heads for a second silent prayer, and Anna prayed her own prayer for guidance.

When Anna pulled into the parking lot at the Mennonite Information Center, she recalled Glen’s thoughtful words and Sadie’s encouraging remarks at breakfast. “They’re cheering me on,” she murmured, getting out of the car and making her way to the entrance, taking note of the lovely shrubs and blooming flowers. All the while, she did her best to calm the nervousness she felt.

Inside, at the counter, a young blond receptionist wore a cup-shaped prayer cap and a silver name pin with Helen Weber engraved on it. She greeted Anna, then took her to the director’s office and introduced her as Anna breathed a prayer.

The middle-aged director, Evelyn Leamen, was a pleasant and professional brunette, who gave a thorough overview of the work of a center tour guide. She also mentioned that two others were being interviewed for the same position. “We’re looking for the ideal person to represent us to tourists,” Evelyn said, tempering her words with a smile from where she sat behind her small desk.

Anna tried to put her best foot forward during the interview and to be articulate and friendly. At its end, she offered her contact information, which included her cell phone number, as well as the address where she was staying.

“Glen and Sadie Flaud are longtime friends of mine,” Evelyn said as she showed Anna around the center’s bookshop. “They speak highly of you and your family. I understand from them that you’ve been working as a tour guide in your hometown.”