The Preacher's Son - Juliette Duncan Page 0,22

and her eyes had that determined look she always got in the middle of a big case. I was so glad I’d been right about her finding the mission fulfilling, because before we came, I’d been worried she’d hate it. I felt responsible for her being here, even though I knew it was the woman she’d met in the cemetery who’d changed her mind in the end. I didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but I couldn’t help comparing that meeting to my experience all those years ago with the stranger in the canteen. Mysterious ways, indeed.

The first Sunday was a welcome relief after the toil of the week, and after an uplifting worship service and early lunch, we strolled around the grounds and down to the little lake behind Camp Bano. As we sat on the warm patch of sand, I gazed across the water. It was only a small lake and on the other side was a swathe of trees that hid the city.

Penny faced me and grinned. “You're thinking about the surf, aren’t you?” she asked.

I nodded. “I bet the kids have been on the beach all week.”

“But not with their boards. Mum wouldn’t let them since she’s not a strong swimmer.”

“No, I think they’d have to rescue her.” I let out a small chuckle as I eased back on my elbows and rubbed Penny’s back.

We’d spoken to Elijah and Rosie that morning as we did nearly every day providing we could get a signal. Electricity wasn’t always reliable at Bano. They were having a great time and didn’t seem to be missing us in the slightest. I wasn’t too sure how I felt about that.

“Are you coming to my class tomorrow?” Penny asked. “I think David wants all the volunteers there, regardless of what part of the project they’re working on. It’s good for everyone to understand the legal frameworks we’re dealing with here.”

“I would be there anyway. You’re my wife and I want to support you. You’re anxious about it, though, aren’t you?”

“You know me so well, don’t you?”

“I should hope so.” I leaned in for a kiss but Penny jumped up and ran off towards the water, laughing. I immediately jumped up, too, and raced her. We spent a blissful half hour swimming in the warm water before walking contentedly back to our cabin for an afternoon siesta.

“Leon wasn’t at church this morning,” Penny mused as we walked, linking her arm through mine.

“Did you expect him to be?”

“Not really. Julia said he’s settling in really well, and he’s impressing the teachers, so I’ve heard. I had lunch with him yesterday. He’s definitely coming out of his shell.”

I knew it was important to Penny that Leon did well. Since securing his conditional discharge, she’d spent the week putting the workshop together, but she’d also liaised with the police and local judiciary, trying to build bridges and setting up some kind of referral pathway. From the little she’d had the chance to tell me, I knew she was finding the process deeply frustrating. Three weeks wasn’t long enough to see the fruits of the seeds she was trying to plant. I kissed the top of her head lightly. “You’re doing a great job, Pen.”

And she was. I was proud of her, but I was also a little envious, too. It was becoming more apparent that I didn’t want to carry on in construction forever. I enjoyed the work, but I was growing convinced it wasn’t my life’s calling. I needed to explore what was, because I also knew my calling wasn’t to be a small-town preacher like my father, either. I had yet to find my path.

That night as Penny slept, I knelt before the bed and prayed, asking God to give me an indication of where I could be of most service to Him. To show me what He wanted me to do.

I didn’t have long to wait before the signs started to come.

The next morning, I put down the sack of bricks I’d been carrying and wiped the sweat from my brow as I glanced at Felipe. He seemed quieter, more thoughtful than usual. “How are things at home, Felipe?” I asked.

I was rewarded by his bright smile. “They are good...as good as can be. Maria is so excited about moving into our new home. Safe Hands has been very good to us. I want to help them help more people.”

“I’m sure you will do just that.” I gave him a friendly smile.

He nodded.