I didn’t think that Mama and Papa took it very well. I figured that would happen. After the children were asleep Mama and Papa helped Ben walk up to his bedroom and around the house, like they had done before. Then they told me to join them at the kitchen table.
“Elizabeth, we are very happy that you got offered this job. There is just one thing you should know before you make your decision.”
“What is it Pa?”
“We just want you to know that these people have been raised very differently than you. The way you will be living there will be very different than the way you live here. It will be a lot to get used to, then when you get home you will have to adjust to farm life all over again.”
“I know. Do you think I should take the job though?”
“What I am saying, is that in the end, it is your decision, but you must be very careful in what you decide. I think that you would enjoy the teaching, but would not care for the way you would be living or how the girls act.”
“I understand.”
“Have you prayed about it?” my mother questioned.
“Yes ma’am, but I feel like when I talk to people about leaving they are opposed to me leaving, and then I don’t know what to think.”
“That makes sense. Who all have you talked to?”
“Ben, and Ruthie, and now you all.”
“Well I think that you should think about it for a few more days and then get back to the superintendent,” my father suggested.
“I will, thanks Ma, thanks Pa.” After saying this I went up to my room and went to bed. That Monday morning as I rode to school, I thought a lot about what mama and Papa had said the night before, but I already knew what I was going to do.
“Ben, can I come in?”
“Of course Lizzie, have you made a decision?”
“Well, I think.”
“So?”
“So, I think I am going to go.”
“Wow, Lizzie. That is wonderful.”
“I have prayed about it and talked to Ma and Pa, and they said it would be a big cultural change but they thought I would enjoy the teaching, so I’m gonna go.”
“Lizzie, have you thought about how other people are going to feel when you move? Like your sisters?”
“I think they would be ok with it in the end, but I’m sure they would miss me at first.”
“That makes sense. Could you help me get downstairs and outside?”
“Sure, how is your leg doing?”
“It doesn’t hurt much anymore, and your Ma said that I could get back to work either tomorrow or Wednesday.”
“Thats great. I am sure Pa will love having your help again.”
We made our way down the ladder and outside and then I headed up to my room to write a very important letter. I wrote very carefully and in the end it read,
Dear Mr. Howell,
Thank you so much for coming to our small town to watch my teaching. When you asked about me moving to Boston to teach, I was so honored. When I arrived home that afternoon, I found that our farm hand had been injured. That is why it has taken me so long to get back to you. After talking about it with my family, I have decided that I will take the job. Just let me know what I need to do to be ready to go.
Sincerely,
Miss Elizabeth Stanton
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Sorry it took so long, but I hope you are enjoying it!!! I would love to know what you think so far!
~Your Author~Bailey~Philippians 4:13~
