“Since some are retired, they don’t need as much income and just enjoy the time off. A few guides are right out of college, though, so they pick up part-time winter jobs. I work year-round at my uncle’s dairy farm, with extra hours during January and February. Things at the center tend to pick up again in March and April,” he said.

Their number was called, and she and Mart walked toward the hallway, where a hostess led the way to their assigned table.

Once they were seated beside windows looking out on Amish farmland, Mart brought up that Anna had mentioned attending high school. “I didn’t realize your church permitted higher education.”

“Well, some Beachy families allow it, and others don’t,” she explained. “A few families homeschool their children, but our bishop leaves a lot of that up to the individual family to decide. One young man even went on to get his doctorate.”

“But is college encouraged?” he asked.

“Not really. Of course, there are also some who leave for so-called greener pastures, just as in any set-apart community.” She was thinking now of Atley Brenneman in particular.

“I understand,” Mart said, holding her gaze. “The world can certainly be tempting.”

The young waitress returned to take their orders, and Anna chose the traditional buffet at Mart’s encouragement.

“You’ll have plenty of options for meats, vegetables . . . even a variety of soups, salads, and breads,” the waitress said.

“And most important, a great selection of desserts,” Mart added with a smile.

The waitress agreed and waved in the direction of the separate section for pies, cakes, ice cream, and other sweets. “You’ll find the meat station over there,” she said, “through that short hallway. Today we have baked ham with a mouthwatering cider sauce, slow-roasted top sirloin, fried chicken to die for, baked cod . . . all of that and more.”

Anna thanked her.

“You won’t find a better buffet around here,” Mart told Anna after the waitress left. Then he folded his hands. “Let’s give thanks.”

She bowed her head, grateful for Mart’s kindness to her and for his prayer, which was reverent yet openhearted—much the way she had been taught to pray.

The rest of the evening was filled with the enjoyment of the many delicious dishes, and Anna tried to pace herself, taking small portions of a variety of things while Mart filled up his plate more than once.

They discussed their mutual hope to share God’s love with the clients they met, and Anna confided that it was one of the main motivators behind her pursuing this particular job. “Besides my fondness for local history, that is.”