by Debby Giusti
Julia nodded. “Amen,”
“A good prayer,” Abraham said.
“And another confirmation about the importance of trust.”
William took her hand. “You can trust me, Mom.” He looked at Abraham. “I learned an important lesson.”
“Yah, to trust Gott and those who love you. You need to also trust yourself, William. This will come with time.”
Abraham glanced at the people who were headed to the wash area. “Now, let us prepare to eat. I know you are hungry.”
William nodded. “I am starving. I could eat a cow.”
Abraham laughed. “You have ambition, William.”
“That’s good, isn’t it?” the boy asked.
“Yes, William. It is very gut.”
TEN
Julia hadn’t realized how hungry she was until she went through the food line. When a server asked if anyone wanted seconds, both Abraham and William went back for another helping of meat loaf and green beans. William asked for more bread and received an extra dollop of whipped butter to put on the homemade rolls.
An assortment of desserts was on a side table, which interested Julia. The gut-wrenching fear that had hovered over her for so long had lifted, and she was relieved they were in what seemed like a secure environment, at least for the evening.
The older men—regulars, as Muriel called them—took a liking to William. A number of them reached out to her son and encouraged him to get his education and a good job so he could do something worthwhile with his life. The regulars weren’t speaking poorly of those in the shelter but rather bolstering William’s morale and letting him know that he could dream big dreams and follow his heart.
After everyone had eaten, Muriel asked William to help her clear the tables. Instead of rejecting the offer, he eagerly jumped up and started to work. Julia and Abraham both offered to help, but she insisted the kitchen was in good hands.
“You folks relax. We have a number of volunteers. We’ll let them do the work, along with William. I thought he might enjoy being of service.” She patted Julia’s hand. “You have a good boy there. He’ll make you proud someday.”
The woman’s words touched Julia’s heart. For too long, she had worried about William’s future. Having pride in her son was something she had not even dared imagine.
She watched him follow Muriel to the kitchen and felt a swell of optimism in her heart. Things were starting to change, which gave her hope.
“I never thought my son would flourish in a shelter,” she told Abraham. “If I had realized how much he enjoyed working with folks who were down and out, we might have visited them earlier.”
“It does seem that he has had a change of heart, Julia. Once we get back to Yoder, I will assign him jobs to do. He showed an interest in Buttercup and was eager to work in the barn—even mucking out the stalls did not seem to bother him. Being successful at small tasks in the beginning will build his self-confidence. Once he becomes proficient at the initial jobs, others will be added. You will see a change in him within the month.”
If only what Abraham said would prove true. She thought back over the last few years when the future had seemed so hopeless. Mrs. Fielding had prayed for them, and in her own way, Julia had sought help from the Lord. Although she’d never thought He heard her prayers. Maybe she hadn’t been patient enough. Plus she never would have imagined the Lord could provide what William needed in not only a distant state but also in a homeless shelter with an Amish man who had cut himself off from the world.
She glanced at Abraham as he walked to the far end of the common area and peered out the window. His height and build always surprised Julia, as if she could never remember how strong and big he really was until he stepped away from her and she saw him from a distance.
He was handsome in a clean, outdoorsy way, a wholesome look that made her heart flutter when he glanced over his shoulder and caught her staring at him. She should not be thinking of his looks or his strength at this particular time. She should be focused on protecting her son instead of thinking about the man who made her heart skip a beat.
Looking around, she studied the other men. No one came close to having Abraham’s charisma. Her cheeks burned and she shook her head ever so slightly, needing to focus on something else instead of on Abraham.
Once the kitchen was tidy, the men gathered at various tables and played chess and checkers. William joined in the fun. The men enjoyed his enthusiasm and a number of them patted his back when he made good plays and captured his opponent’s pieces.
Julia glanced at the window, seeing the night fall, and thought of Kayla. Although she knew her daughter was well cared for, she still hated to be away from her.
Keep her safe, Lord, she prayed. Let no harm come to my sweet little one.
By nine o’clock, Julia knew many of the people would head to the dorm rooms soon to claim their beds. She didn’t want to leave Abraham and William.
“Perhaps we can stay in this common area tonight,” she said.
“You need a bed, Julia. The couch worked for a short nap, but for a longer sleep you need to lie down.”
Muriel approached them. “I placed a reserved sign on two of the cots near the entrance and close to the hallway and the phones, Abraham. I know you’ve been waiting for a call.”
“From the man who will drive us home,” Julia said.
“You’re welcome to stay out here for a while. By ten-thirty, we ask that everyone retire to the dorm areas.”
“Thank you for providing such a lovely shelter and the delicious dinner,” Julia said. “Your hospitality and understanding have touched us deeply.”
“The Lord calls all of us to welcome the stranger and to feed the hungry. You’ll take what you received here and pass it on to others in your lives who will need help at another time. I see great love between you all.” Muriel’s smile was warm and sincere.
Julia looked down, unable to face Abraham. He was a good man, thrown into this situation due to his own desire to help another person in need. He had not realized what saying yes to Jonathan would entail.
“We will try to reach out as beautifully as you have done, ma’am.” Abraham stood. “I need to make another phone call in case the car is ready.”
He entered the dorm area. Muriel patted Julia’s hand. “He is a good man. I do not see a ring on your finger so I presume you are not married. This is something you should consider.”
Embarrassed by the woman’s words, Julia shook her head. “It’s not what you think. He is helping me escape a bad situation, and regrettably, we have pulled him into the danger that surrounds us.”
“He cares for you. I can see it in his eyes.”
“Maybe you see his inability to leave us. Two gang members are after my son.”
“Which gang?”
“The Philadores.”
The manager nodded. “I’ve heard of them, but they aren’t prevalent in the local area.”
Muriel glanced at a couple of men sitting in the far corner of the room. “Grant’s the guy with the scar on his face. He was a gang member until he found Jesus. Now he tries to help the kids get off the street.”
“Yet he’s homeless himself?”
“He calls himself a vagabond for the Lord. He might know a way to get you safely out of town and away from the Philadores.”
“I’m not sure you should mention our situation to him. I probably said more than I should have.”
“Don’t worry. Grant can be trusted. I would do nothing to place you or your son in danger.”
Muriel did as she had mentioned and talked quietly with Grant. The man put down the newspaper he was reading and approached Julia. “Muriel told me about your problem with the Philador gang. That’s a presence no one wants to have get a foothold in Kansas City. We have our own problems with gangs and do not need more bad actors
stealing our youth and wreaking havoc in our city.”
“I’m sorry that we might have brought them here.”
“Do you have a picture of the gang members?”
“No, but their names are Pablo Davila and Mateo Gonzales.” She described what they were wearing.
“The Philadores usually have a script P tattooed on their left hands.”
“Yes.” Julia nodded. “That’s correct. Pablo has one. I’m not sure about Mateo.”
“They wish to harm your son, Muriel told me, which means he’s seen something or knows something that could cause them problems.”
Julia refused to comment on Grant’s last statement. She had already told him more than she should. Instead, she said, “The two men have been searching for us on the street. We need to meet a car as soon as it gets out of the mechanic’s shop, but I fear we will be seen and followed.”
“What time are you leaving here?”
She shrugged. “That depends on how fast the mechanic works.”
“A few hours?” he asked.
She glanced at the clock on the wall. “The mechanic said he would keep working until eleven. If the work isn’t completed by then, he’ll have to finish the job tomorrow.”
“Everyone has to leave the shelter in the morning by eight.” Grant pursed his full lips. “Muriel needs time to have the place cleaned and the sheets washed before the doors open again at two tomorrow afternoon.”
Julia signed. Eight o’clock seemed early. Where would they go? “I don’t want to think about being on the street again tomorrow.”
“Then let’s hope your mechanic gets the job done.”
Abraham hurried back into the room and looked concerned when he saw Grant talking to Julia.
She introduced her new acquaintance and tried to sooth Abraham’s unease. “This gentleman knows some of the local gangs. He tries to get kids off the street. I told him two Philadores were searching for us.”
Abraham’s gaze narrowed. “I hope you are a trustworthy man, Grant. Julia seems to think you can help us, instead of doing us harm.”
“I’ll make a few phone calls. Let me know before you head onto the street. I’ll see if the people I know can provide some cover for you.”
Abraham stared at him for a long moment and then stretched out his hand. The two men shook. “Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.”
Grant glanced first at where William sat playing chess, then back at Julia. His wide smile touched her heart.
“Your boy has made an impact on a number of people here this evening,” Grant said. “We see some kids, but usually they stay to themselves and don’t wish to interact. Your son has a big heart.”
“You can thank his mother for that,” Abraham added. “She has raised him well.”
Grant nodded. “A mother’s love makes all the difference.” He turned to Abraham. “Young men also need strong fathers who can guide their sons and be a role model for them. You’ve done a good job yourself.”
Abraham started to object, but Julia shook her head.
If Grant considered Abraham the father of her child, she didn’t want anyone to set him straight. Abraham had all the qualities that would make a good father and William seemed drawn to him. If only they could stay with Abraham long enough for William to get on his feet and directed to the right path.
“I’ll make those phone calls now.” Grant stood. “Let me know before you leave.”
Once he returned to his seat on the far side of the room, Abraham scooted closer to Julia. “I hope we can trust him.”
“We need help, Abraham. Muriel mentioned that Grant could be of assistance. We have to trust him.”
Trust. What Julia struggled to accept in her own life. Perhaps being with Abraham was also rubbing off on her.
Muriel blinked the lights. “It’s time to put the games away so we can pray together before everyone gets a good night’s sleep.”
The men did as she asked. Working together, they returned the board games and magazines and books to the cupboards.
“We close each day with night prayer,” Muriel said once the room was tidy. “I hope you’ll all join us.”
She looked around the room. “Who would like to read the scripture to us this evening?”
Most of the people glanced down as if unwilling to volunteer. She nodded to Julia and then Abraham.
He stood and walked to the Bible and read from Psalm 33. The verse, “Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee,” resonated with Julia.
Hope and trust were similar. Was the Lord telling her something and speaking to her heart? Could she trust the Lord? Was He telling her she could also trust Abraham?
Muriel prayed a blessing over all of them for the night ahead, for their safety, for peace and for an end to misery and heartache.
The prayer seemed aimed directly at Julia.
“Amen,” they all said in unison.
She hugged William. “Stay with Abraham. I’ll be in the other dorm room.”
“Don’t worry, Mom. I won’t run away again.”
She looked into his eyes and saw the truthfulness of his statement. “I trust you, William, and I love you.”
Abraham waited nearby. “Do not worry,” he told her when William stepped out of her embrace. “I will have Muriel contact you if Randy calls tonight.”
“Thank you, Abraham. Keep William safe.”
But when he and her son headed to the men’s dorm, she started thinking of what could happen. What if someone broke in and found them? What if Grant warned the other gang members and they worked with the Philadores? What if the safety of this shelter wasn’t real?
Muriel stepped toward her. “You’re worried. I see it written on your face.”
“Leaving my son is hard.”
“I’ll be up for a few more hours and promise to wake you if something changes.”
“I hate to act like I’m not grateful, Muriel. It’s just that so much has happened.”
“Have you given it to God?”
Julia didn’t understand.
“Give Him your worries and your fears. Give Him your son. After all we’re all God’s children. His love is unconditional so we know He loves William even more than you do, and He wants only good for all of us. Trust in the Lord, Julia. Let Him carry the burdens that weigh you down now. He can handle everything perfectly and in His perfect time.”
“I have problems trusting Him, Muriel. He turned away from me when I was in need.”
“Did the Lord turn away from you or did you turn away from Him, which is usually the case?”
“I’m not sure.” Julia hesitated for a moment. “You’ve given me something to think about.”
“Well, tonight try not to think about anything. Just get some rest. Things will seem better in the morning.”
If only that would be true.
ELEVEN
Muriel woke Julia in the night. She hurried to join Abraham and William in the main room. Grant was there, cautioning Abraham to wait inside the shelter until the older man received a phone call.
Randy had called. He had paid the mechanic even more money to keep working past the eleven o’clock cutoff.
William looked tired and worried. He’d changed out of his sweatshirt into a dark jacket and baseball cap Muriel had provided so he wouldn’t be recognized.
Shouts sounded from the street.
“What’s going on?” Julia asked Abraham.
“The gangs are rallying. Seems someone warned them that the Philadores were infiltrating the city and ready to start up a group here.”
“What about Pablo and Mateo?”
“They are outside somewhere. Grant’s getting us an escort to the intersection where Randy will meet us.”
Muriel gave Julia a small bag. “I made
sandwiches for all of you and added some cookies and water. You’ll need food once you get to your car.”
“You’ve thought of everything.”
Muriel turned to glance at Grant. “You’ve had help from some good people this evening. It’s going to work out.”
Grant’s phone rang. He pulled it to his ear and nodded. “Thanks.”
He pocketed his phone and approached Abraham. “It’s time. My contacts spotted Pablo and Mateo. The description you gave was perfect. They’ll keep them occupied while you slip outside and down the street. An escort will be waiting at the corner. They’ll ensure you don’t have trouble meeting your ride.”
“Thanks, Grant.”
“Just trying to help. Pass it on, like Muriel always tells us.”
Julia squeezed his hand. “We will.”
She hugged Muriel.
“Go with God,” the woman said.
Julia grabbed William’s hand. Abraham ushered them toward the door. She glanced back to see Muriel’s encouraging smile. Grant gave them a thumbs-up as Abraham opened the door and slipped into the cool night. He motioned them forward.
The door shut behind them. Rounding the corner of the church, Julia gasped, seeing the swarms of teens and twentysomethings gathered. Their taunts made her heart race, fearing a fight was about to ensue.
She pulled William close to her side. What had she done to place her child in danger? Abraham had said they could get away without being stopped, but heading into the middle of a gang fight was asking for trouble that could end up badly for all of them. She should have stayed in the shelter with William.
“Hurry, Julia.” Abraham motioned her forward. “We only have a short window of time to get to the intersection where we will meet Randy.” He held out his hand to her. “Trust me.”
If only she could.
Fear flashed in Julia’s eyes. Abraham’s heart went out to her for the situation there were in. All she wanted to do was keep her son safe, yet they were walking into the middle of what appeared to be a clash between two street gangs. They were taking a big risk that could turn deadly.
