Journey of Faith

 by Emma Humphries (ages 14-17)

Chapter 1

 

 Dear Diary,                                                                                                       April 7, 1899

   Uncle Justin gave me this journal as a birthday present two days ago. I am now twelve and old enough to have my very own diary. That’s what Mother says. She said she never had much time for one when she was a little girl, as each day was filled with activities. Mother thinks it’s a good idea, so that I might remember all the adventures I’ve had.

I suppose Grandmother must be glad that I take so much interest in writing my memoirs on paper. She told me, “Andi [Mother] was always busy with Taffy and being the best tomboy she could be.” She thinks that it’s good for girls to practice their handwriting, though I must confess I’m not very good at it.

 “Mabel! Breakfast!”

Mabel, lost in thought, jerked to reality. “Coming Mother!” she replied. Oh dear. Her side of the bedroom was quite a mess while Ida’s side was neat and clean.

“Mabel!” The sound of Mother’s voice was getting more impatient, and was joined by the cries of her siblings crying for breakfast.

After safely storing her diary away where Ida and little brothers couldn’t reach, Mabel raced out the door- forgetting to close it- and slipped down the banister.

“I’m here!” Mabel cried as she landed on the ground. Uh oh. Everyone was at the table. Little Riley and baby Joseph were complaining- little boys are never patient!- and Ida, always so neat and tidy and clean, was sitting in her chair like a proper girl should.

“Mabel, since you are late, will you say the blessing?” asked Andi.

Mabel nodded. “I’m sorry, Mother. I was writing in my diary.”

Andi smiled. “I know what it’s like to be busy all the time, Mabel. But you must try better to be on time more.”

“Yes, Mother.” Mabel then prayed for the food and everyone dug in.

Later that day, Mabel babysat Ida, Riley, and Joseph while Mother and Father went horseback riding to check on some damaged wire fences.

Shasta was getting too old to ride out on the plains- so Mother and Father took Speckles and Cream, a present to them from Uncle Chad on their wedding day.

Ida and little Riley are busy, so I’ll just put Joseph down for his daily nap, Mabel thought. Joseph was nodding- his eyes half open. Poor little guy. All tuckered out.  

He reached out his arms to Mabel and she took him to his crib. As she tucked him in, Mabel started to sing their family’s favorite song- Amazing Grace.

   The door creaked open and Ida and Riley poked their heads in. “Can we sing too?” they asked. Soon the voices of three children could be heard singing the sweet melody.

   Meanwhile, some miles away, Andi and Riley were riding home to their children.

   “Riley, Mabel and Ida have helped me a lot with the little boys. I don’t know what I’d do without them,” Andi said, smiling.

   “Well, maybe I can take them on a little camping trip for a couple days,” Riley replied. “That is, if you can manage little Riley.”

   It was well known how loud and impatient little Riley was when his sister, Ida, wasn’t around to play with him.

   “Oh, you!” Andi cried. She whispered to her horse Speckles saying, “Come on girl. Let’s see if he can beat us.” Andi whistled low, a secret trick she had taught Speckles while Riley wasn’t around. Speckles was ready- and away they flew.

   “Hey! You got a head-start!” said Riley.

   The laughing couple raced the rest of the way home, taking short breaks every couple minutes.

   Mabel, Ida, and little Riley were just finishing the last stanza of their song when Mother and Father came in the door.

   “Mother! Father!” they cried.

   “Waaahhhh!” cried baby Joseph.

   Oops.

   Joseph had woken up from his nap- and noticed his mother. Andi rushed over and gently soothed him.

   “It’s getting pretty late,” said Riley. “About time for bed, so let’s do our family bible study and hit the hay.”

   Mabel loved it when Father said that- her favorite time of the day. She loved to learn about Jesus who died on the cross and saved her from her sins.

   Andi cradled Joseph while Riley began to read from the book of Ruth.

   “Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land…”

 

Chapter 2

  

Dear Diary,                                                                                                       April 8, 1899

   Last night after our bible study Father said that considering the help we’ve been to Mother, we will get to go on a camping trip. Yippee! No little brothers, just Ida, Father and I. We’ll go a little ways down a creek and camp by a valley. According to a passing rumor, it once used to be a place for rustlers! Father says there hasn’t been anyone there in years.

  Mabel cinched the packages on Cream just a little tighter. “Is this good?” she asked Father, who was helping Ida onto the saddle.

   Mother had packed them a delicious lunch to take- buttered bread with chicken and cheese, a family favorite. She could just smell the sweet aroma-

   “Yep, that is,” said Riley. “You’re getting to be pretty good at that. I don’t know what I’d do without all your help.”

   Mabel blushed. Father had done most of the work. He was just trying to tease her.

   “Mabel! Father! May we go now?” Ida asked.

   “Sure thing, Ida!” called Riley. He turned to Mabel. “Need help getting in the saddle?”

   Again with the teasing! Father knew as well as anyone else how promising Mabel was with horses. She flashed him a smile and swung onto the saddle.

   “All set!” she said.

   And the trip began. It took them all day to reach the campsite- Mabel was starting to think that this wasn’t the best idea. She looked over at Ida. She was slumping- looking too tired to talk. The sun was overhead, smothering them.

    “Father?”

   “Yes, Mabel?”

   “Can we take a break for lunch? I’m getting really hungry and Ida looks ready to drop.”

   Riley agreed. “Let’s take some shade in the trees over yonder.”

   When they reached the area, Mabel pointed to something.

   “Father! I see the creek!”

   Riley was lowering Ida on the ground and uncinching the straps. “Yep, that’s the one. Looks like we arrived a little early. Just a few more hours and-”

   “A few more hours?” cried. Ida. Then she noticed the creek. “Well, I guess if I cool down some and eat lunch I’ll be fine,” she reasoned.

   Riley was leading the horses to the water. “Hey Ida, mind getting out lunch?”

   “Sure!” Ida was already pulling out sandwiches and jerky.

   “Let me help,” said Mabel. And maybe I can sneak a nibble or two.

   Ida smiled at Mabel. She knew what Mabel was thinking. Together they had everything set in no time.

   After getting the horses some feed, Riley settled down with Mabel and Ida to pray.

   “Lord, thank you for the beautiful day You’ve given us. Thank you for my two daughters who I get to spend some time with, and for Andi and the boys at home. Please keep them safe while we’re gone. And thank you for this food. Amen.”

   Later, Mabel wrote in her diary...

    We arrived at camp two hours ago. Ida’s making supper while Father’s bringing in some more firewood. I just finished setting up the makeshift beds, so I thought I might study some in my bible. I always keep a bible in my pocket. It was a gift from Aunt Lucy, ‘cause she knows how much I love to read God’s word. 

  “What are you writing about, Mabel?” asked Ida.

   “I’m writing about all the events that happened so far. Grandmother once told me that one day I would want to remember how God worked in my life while I was young. If you want, you can write in it some too- just to remember your thoughts on the trip.” Mabel replied.

   “I think I’ll be fine- besides, the stew needs stirring.” Ida walked away to the campfire as Father added more firewood underneath the pot.

   “We’ll be eating well tonight,” he said.

   After supper, Mabel finished writing in her diary for the day.

    This evening, Father continued reading to us from the book of Ruth. We studied chapters three and four. Something beautiful I love about God’s word is how in each book, there is a different view of writing. In Ruth, the writing is set as a story. Ruth has a problem and must find a way to solve it. Yet at the same time I can see how God is guiding her along and uses bad for good. Then in Psalms, the psalmist tells his thoughts through beautiful poems. I also love the different views of the disciples. It’s amazing how God created humans with the ability to think, feel, see, smell and decide. So many people take the gifts He gave us for granted. I know I do.

  Dear Lord, Mabel silently prayed, please help me to use the gifts you gave to bring you glory. Amen.

 

Chapter 3

  “Mabel, Mabel? Time to get up.” Ida kept whispering in Mabel’s ear. “Father’s getting the horses their grain. I need you to go get the firewood.”

   “Mmmm. Okay.” Mabel yawned. “What time is it?”

   “Father says it’s around six. Come on Mabel, or I’ll take that blanket off you!”

   “Okay, okay, I’m up.” Mabel looked around her. Ida was stirring up some pancakes and bacon were sizzling in the frying pan. Mabel got up, straightened her clothes, and rolled up the mat and blanket. Then she pulled on her boots and walked into the woods.

   The sun was just rising. It’s warm rays filtered through the tree leaves. Enjoying the beauty of the sunrise and lost in thought, she had wandered a distance from camp. Suddenly, Mabel saw something.

On the opposite shore was a stranger, one who looked a lot like someone she had seen on a wanted poster. What could he be doing here? she thought. More importantly, how did he get here and what did he want? Mabel turned to crouch beneath some bushes. Crunch. Oh no. Why did I have to step on that twig?

   Mabel hid, praying that whoever it was wouldn’t find her.

   But find her he did.

   “Hey Mary!” a voice yelled.

   “What?” another voice answered, but this one was a woman’s.

   What is going on? Mabel began to sweat. She looked up. There in her face was a man, dirty, disheveled and grinning madly. “I found somethin’!” he cried. Then he turned to her. “Get up, girl.”

   “Wh- who are you?” asked Mabel, her voice shaking.

   “Me?” cried the stranger. “I’m Samson Smith.” He turned the woman. “Mary! Git over here. I found you a helper.”

   A worn out and tired woman came over. “Oh, my! A little girl! What’s your name, honey?” she asked.

   “I’m Mabel, ma’am.” Oh Lord, please let Father find me!

   “Well, her folks must be somewhere nearby,” said the woman. “We should return her to them.”

   “No!” said Samson. “She knows I’m wanted. I can see it in her eyes.” he turned to Mary. “We need to get going,” said Samson. “We can’t let her go telling no one. Sides,” he added, looking at Mary. “She’ll be a help to the little ones.” he gestured towards a pair of twins. “Ben and Robert.”

   Mabel swallowed back a sharp reply. I have to get out of here! Oh Mabel, why did you wander so far?

   Samson pushed her towards a makeshift corral with three horses in it. “You’re riding with me,” he said.

   Mabel shrunk away from his rancid breath.

   “Git on!” he barked.

   Mabel silently swung on behind him and closed her eyes. This can’t be happening.

   Behind them, Mary had the two other horses ready- two children were strapped on and food packages were cinched on tight. Mabel felt sorry for the poor horses.

 

   Dear Diary,                                                                                                    April, 1899

   I’ve lost track of the days. My first day being kidnapped was spent in erasing our tracks. Samson Smith led us through various creeks and winding trails, until we reached a small farm in the woods. Apparently they’ve been living out here for years- coming and going only to steal goods from farms a day away. They’re pretty well hidden here. A number of hills surround it and hide the farm from any intruders.

   How I miss my family. I’m sure Father and my uncles formed a search party to look for me. Mother must be so worried.

Poor Mary. She is kind to me, and I can tell she is stuck in a terrible situation, so I try to help her out as much as I can. But I also must find a way to escape.

I am so glad I always have my bible in my pocket! Whenever Mr. S goes to take care of the livestock, I read by the firelight. I can tell Mary’s interested. She keeps asking me questions about everything.

 

Mabel closed her diary and tucked it into the folds of her jacket. It was late at night, and the moon was giving just enough light to be able to see.

Now’s my chance! Mabel looked at Samson, drunk and dead asleep. If she could only just sneak past then- Mabel stopped. Mary and the children needed a better life than this. Plus, Mary probably knew a way out of this prison. She would wait.

 

Chapter 4

 “Mabel! Start breakfast while I take care of the babies!” called Mary.

Mabel dragged herself out of bed and began to mix up some pancakes. She ground the coffee and set the water to boil. Then she helped Mary with the babies.

“Mabel honey, do you mind reading some more of the good book to me? I love to listen to those stories. Helps time pass by.” Mary said, setting the twins on the ground. They gurgled and giggled and started to roll in the dust.

Seeing them made Mabel tear up. They look just like Joseph. I wonder how big Joseph is now. How she missed her family! And with that, Mabel sank to the ground, crying.

“What is it, Mabel? Oh dear, she misses her family.” Mary whispered to herself. “Oh honey, I can understand that.” Mary lifted up Mabel’s chin so she looked her in the eyes.

Mabel sniffed and hiccuped. “You can?”

“Yes, honey. But part of it was my own fault. I was young and foolish, and wanted a lifetime of fun. I’m sure you can guess what happened. Now I’m stuck,” Mary sighed heavily, and suddenly Mabel noticed her gray hair and tired, stricken eyes. Something was in the depth of them- a hint of the young woman Mary used to be, with laughing eyes and a sweet smile.

“Please, Mary, come with me back home. I’m sure you can find a way-”

“Mabel, all I want is that- but even more so I want to trust in Jesus. Will you tell me how?”

So Mabel drew out her little Bible and began to tell the story of Jesus Christ, who obeyed the will of His Father and died on the cross to save the people of the world, for He loved them so much.

“And if you believe that Jesus died on the cross to save you, Mary, you’ll have eternal life in heaven!” Mabel concluded.

“Oh honey, how beautiful that sounds. I do believe. I do!” Mary began to cry for joy, and Mabel wept with her.

“What’s all that commotion?” Samson Smith came over from the shed, mud and hay all over his trousers. His eyebrow was raised in a questioning way.

“Sam, I’ve believed!” Mary shouted, with a smile.

“Hands up, Samson Smith!” shouted a voice from somewhere behind a tree.

Mabel looked up and saw a person she thought she would never see again. “Father!” and five seconds later Mabel was enclosed in his arms. “How did you ever find me? How’s Mother and the family? Is Joseph bigger?” she started to cry. “I thought I would never see you again,” Mabel whispered.

“Hold on now, Mabel. I want you behind that tree right there. We have some business to take care of.”

We? Mabel studied the farm closer. Uncle Chad and Uncle Mitch are here! There was also the sheriff and a group of men surrounding the house.

“Father!” Mabel called.

“What is it?” he answered.

“Mary and the babies... are they safe?” Mabel asked. “It’s not their fault. Mary needs help and they deserve a better life.”

“I’ll see what I can do, Mabel. But right now we need to take care of this criminal. He’s wanted in several places. To think he’s been hiding away here this entire time!

Uncle Chad came from behind the house with Samson Smith, tied up at the wrists. “You take Mabel home to Andi, Riley,” he said. “I’m sure she’s worried enough.”

 

Dear Diary,                                                                                                       April 21, 1899

On the road home. Mary and the babies are safe. The sheriff and some of the men took Samson to the Fresno jail. I’m just glad I’m done seeing him.

 “Father?” Mabel put her diary down to ask him a question. There was something she’d been wanting to hear all day.

“Yes, Mabel?”

“I was wondering- how did you find me?”

Riley slowed his horse to a walk by her. “It was the hardest decision ever to go back. But Ida needed to go home as it wasn’t safe, and I needed more men to investigate. So, I turned back and with the Lord’s help made it home in record time. Then I went to round up a posse. We looked for you for about two weeks, and almost all hope seemed gone. I decided to go on ahead a little ways. There I saw a cliff surrounding what looked like a gorge. It’s as if I was led by God to the place.”

Mabel smiled. It’s amazing how the Lord uses bad for good.

“After calling the men over,” Riley continued, “the sheriff found a cave in the wall which led us out to a bedraggled old farm. Seemed like a perfect hideaway, so we silently surrounded it. Then I saw you with Mary, how you were a help to her. I’m proud and thankful, Mabel, the Lord gave me you. He turned the bad into good.” Father was smiling at her.

“I can see now too!” Mabel replied. Now like Joseph in the Bible, Lord, I see why You let this happen.

Chapter 5

  

Dear Diary,                                                                                                       April 23, 1899

   I’m home at last.

   Mother cried when she saw me. I know how much she wanted to go along with Father, but Ida, little Riley, and Joseph needed her. She told me, “I now know how my mother felt when I was a girl.”

   I understood what she meant. Mother and her siblings had many dangerous adventures in the past. I hope my days of crazy adventures are over. One is quite enough.

   Mary has settled in quite nicely among us, and has received an invitation from Aunt Kate to live with her. I think it will be a great help since Aunt Kate has been in a similar situation before. Mary’s twins get along real well with Joseph. They build with wooden blocks and babble to each other as if they can understand one another.

   Never before have I felt so grateful for my life. I was kidnapped, but God used it for good as I was able to share the gospel with Mary. Now Mary has a great and everlasting joy, and she is free.

I hope as I grow older that I continue to trust Jesus when He allows me to go through trials because I have learned a lesson. God uses what is intended for evil and turns it into something good.