A Simple Change by Judith Miller

trade. If they excel at working with animals, weaving baskets, making brooms, making clocks, or tailoring, then they continue with that work when they are older. You understand?”
    â€œWhat if you don’t like the work you’re assigned? Are you given permission to do some other job?”
    â€œMuch would depend on where workers are needed, but we try to do our best to keep everyone content with their labor. For a man to find satisfaction in his labor is a gut thing.”
    I wanted to ask if I could visit the school and possibly assist the teacher, but I knew this wasn’t the proper time. Even though women weren’t permitted to teach, perhaps I’d be allowed to help in some way. It seemed a shame to let my education and experience go to waste. I hoped I’d have a chance to speak to one of the elders about my job assignment later in the day.
    Brother Herman pushed his hat back from his forehead. “For you, we have considered your Mutter ’s illness and know you will want to help with her care.”
    â€œYes, that’s very important to me.” His remark caused me to wonder if caring for Mother would be my only work.
    â€œJa, is gut to care for one another, but you will also help one of the sisters with cleaning the quarters where the outside workers are housed. It is next to the woolen mill and not so far from where you and your parents will be living. Sister Margaret needs extra help, and the elders thought work close to home would be a gut choice for you.”
    I hoped Sister Margaret would also think me a good choice. I didn’t have a lot of experience performing household duties, but I was pleased I wouldn’t be far from home so I could frequently check on my mother. “I am pleased you were so thoughtful in your decision.” I leaned a little closer. “Who are these outside workers you mentioned, Brother Herman?”
    He slapped the leather reins, and the horses immediately picked up their pace. “Some are seasonal workers who come here to helpharvest or plant. They stay only a short time and then move on. There are others who work in the woolen mill or at other more permanent jobs, and they stay with us longer. We have enough work to keep some busy throughout the year.”
    His explanation surprised me. For some reason I hadn’t imagined anyone living in the villages unless he had joined the community. “And they all live in the building near the woolen mill?”
    He shook his head. “Not all of the outsiders, but all the men who work in the woolen mill in Middle live there.”
    â€œWith their families?”
    He frowned. “ Nein . They are all single men—no families. Would not be proper. You will see how it is. Sister Margaret will show you what is expected and answer your questions.”
    I leaned back and folded my hands in my lap. I wanted to ask more questions, but Brother Herman had sent me a clear message: Any further questions should be directed to Sister Margaret.
    The horses immediately obeyed when Brother Herman pulled back on the reins. The wagon came to a halt in front of a large brick house, much like many of the others we’d passed along the way. Wooden flower boxes flanking the porch appeared to be filled with fresh dirt, and an occasional daffodil added a hint of color along the walkway. I was struck by the uniform neatness—so different from the city.
    â€œHere we are. Your new home. I think you will find your space comfortable. Once your furniture arrives, it will be just like home.”
    Even though this house wasn’t at all similar to our home in Kansas City, it was attractive, and the peaceful surroundings would provide a restful atmosphere for Mother. And Brother Herman was right: Once our furniture arrived and we’d arranged our belongings throughout the rooms, a sense of home would prevail.
    Brother Herman waved us forward. “This way. Follow me.”
    After helping