Looking For You All My Life Part 17

"It's a beautiful thing to feel."

"Dinner's ready," called Leah.

32Melody Carison

After they were all seated and Jed had said a brief

blessing, Audrey asked him to carve the roast. "It seems fit-

ting that, as you were the hunter, you should carve the

meat."

"I'm not too sure what I think about eating deer meat,"

said Maggie with wide eyes. "I can't help but think of the

beautiful creatures that grace the meadow right next to my

house."

"Oh, Mom," said Spencer with exasperation. "Now how

do you suppose that would make a cow feel?"

They all laughed, and then Daniel shared a hunting story

of his own about the time his nearsighted grandfather nearly

mistook a cow for an elk, and how the irate rancher threat-

ened to have both of them locked up. Dinner for the most

part was delicious, but Maggie still wasn't sure what she

thought about the actual taste of venison. It wasn't bad

exactly, but different than beef. Unwilling to offend Jed or

Leah, she kept her opinions to herself.

"Say," began Jed as Spencer and Daniel went for seconds.

"I had an interesting letter this week. I'm not sure what to

make of it."

"Tell us," said Leah with bright eyes.

"Well, back in the late seventies, Steven Harris-this guy

who'd been my best childhood friend-went over to be a

missionary on some South Pacific island. I can't even

remember which one offhand. He used to write to me, but

then he suddenly stopped and for several years I heard

nothing. Then I learned about five years ago that he'd died

while living in that country. I was really saddened to hear of

his death, and the news actually had quite an impact on my

own life." Jed looked around the table. "But at least Steven

died doing something he believed in. Well, anyway, just this

week I get this really odd letter from a man by the name of

Michael Abundi who lives on the very same island that

Steven did. As it turns out, Michael was a good friend of his.

He says he owes his salvation to Steven, and as a result he Looking for You All My Life33

believes that G.o.d has called him to come be a missionary in

Pine Mountain."

"You're kidding!" exclaimed Audrey. "What an extraor-

dinary story."

"Pretty ironic, isn't it?" said Maggie. "Our country usu-

ally sends missionaries to places like that. But he's coming

here."

Jed nodded. "And this guy isn't wasting any time either.

He plans to arrive next week and wants to know if he can

stay with me. Apparently Steven had told him all about me

before he died."