“Would ya like to learn to make them?” Sadie asked. “In your free time, that is.” She gave a little laugh.

Anna smiled. “Once I’m caught up with my homework for the tours, I’d love to.”

“Okay, then.” Sadie grinned and said she used to send them anonymously to people who were sick or shut-in. “But word got out who was behind them, and now it’s no secret.”

“That’s sweet.” Anna loved that Sadie was so kindhearted. “Maybe after you teach me how, I’ll send one to Mammi Eliza.” Anna could think of other relatives she could surprise with such a creative handmade card. “Wanita would be tickled to receive one, too.”

“Well, there you have it—a couple folks just a-waitin’.” Sadie looked at her as if she wanted to say something more.

“What is it?” Anna asked, going to wash her hands at the sink.

“I’m not sure, really. But you look ever so happy chust now.”

Anna nodded. “I can’t deny it.” And she began to tell Sadie about the therapy session she’d observed and of meeting several delightful Old Order Amish folk, including Freckles.

Chapter 15

Early Sunday morning, Anna rose to open the dark green window shades. She stood there enjoying the beauty of the landscape all around the Flauds’ turkey farm. The various corn and wheat fields resembled a patchwork quilt, and farther west, she spotted a tobacco field belonging to an English neighbor.

She slipped into her floral cotton robe and headed for a quick shower in the small washroom just down the hall and through the kitchen. When she’d finished, she brushed through her long, damp hair, thankful to have settled in so easily with the Flauds.

After she was dressed and had gone outside to dry her hair, she received a call on her phone from her sister. “Hello, Wanita,” she said, recognizing the number.

“How are you this fine Lord’s Day morning?” Wanita asked.

“Getting ready for Sunday school and church. How’re you?”

“Oh, just wanted to give you a quick call before church to hear your voice again,” Wanita said. “And I’m curious how you like your new job.”

“I like it so far, but I haven’t conducted any tours on my own yet. And I’m on call, so I don’t necessarily have to go to the information center every day, just be ready to go within an hour’s notice.” Anna also described how she’d driven around last Friday to take pictures of Amish schoolhouses and cemeteries. “Thursday evening, I had dinner at Miller’s Smorgasbord.”

“I see . . . and were you with anyone special, like maybe that Mennonite fella you told me about in your letter? The one who trained you?”

Anna laughed. “You remembered?”

“Martin sounds real nice.”

“I think you’d like him,” Anna said.

Wanita chuckled. “Well, the real question is, do you?”