To Honor and Trust by Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller Page A

come here every year.” Maude gently poked Callie’s arm. “You need to make an effort to let yourheart heal and move on to another fellow. Even if you don’t feel quite ready, there’s nothing wrong with keeping company with a few of them—see what they have to offer, so to speak.”
    During the past year, Callie had given thought, and a great deal of prayer, to her future. “I’m really not that interested in a romance. I’m considering joining my parents and teaching at their mission school. Perhaps not right away. I’ve been praying for God to direct my path. I know Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport want me to remain as a tutor for the girls, and I’ve considered going back to teach at the private school in Chicago, should an opening arise, but I’m simply not certain. Using my teaching skills at the mission school would likely prove the most rewarding.”
    Maude lurched back and stared at Callie as if she’d grown a second head. “Have you lost your good senses, girl?” She grasped Callie’s arm. “Now you listen to me—going off to some mission and hiding out is not a place for a young, beautiful woman like you. No, it is not. Those places aren’t for women at all, unless, of course, they’re unsightly and have little to offer otherwise.” She wagged her head to emphasize her displeasure. “You’ll never find a husband worth his salt in a place that needs a mission. Take my word for it, there’s nothing but beggars and thieves in those kinds of places. Is their mission in the rundown section of some big city like New York?”
    â€œNo—it’s in Africa.”
    â€œAfrica!” Maude shrieked.
    Both girls turned in their chairs, and Thomas looked up and stared at them. Callie motioned to the children. “Pay Maude no mind, children. Go on with your lessons.” She nudged the older woman. “Please keep your voice down.”
    â€œWell, you can’t blame me for being surprised. Why in theworld would you even think about going off to Africa? That’s the craziest thing I ever did hear.”
    â€œGod calls people to different places throughout the world, Maude. We can’t all stay in our comfortable homes. If we all adopted that idea, others would never learn of Jesus.”
    â€œIf you’re wanting to teach school and tell folks about Jesus, you don’t have to go off to Africa. You’d be better off in Chicago. There’s sure to be plenty of people in Chicago who need to know about Jesus. Have you thought about how lonely it would be? Sure, you’d have your mother and father, but I doubt you’d have many people your age that you could talk to—and once you get over there, I doubt you could come back right away. If I was you, I’d do a lot more praying before setting sail to someplace like Africa. I’ve got nothing against God or prayer, but I think you need to use some good sense, too.”
    Callie didn’t tell Maude she’d already considered the isolation she would experience in another country. If she hadn’t feared the loneliness, she wouldn’t have waited to hear from the Lord. She’d have taken matters into her own hands, packed a trunk, and boarded a ship for Africa. At least that’s what she’d been telling herself ever since the letter arrived from her parents asking her to consider joining them. And the arrival of a letter from Miss Landry, the supervisor of the school where she’d taught in Chicago, had further complicated the situation. Miss Landry had written shortly before Christmas, saying there would be a teaching position open in September, and she’d offered the job to Callie. However, Miss Landry wanted a decision by the end of May.
    Lottie waved her paper overhead. “Will you check my answers, Miss Callie?”
    Maude started for the door. “I best get busy and straighten the children’s