“I felt the same.”
Gently, he held her fingers. “I’m in love with you, Mandy.”
Her eyes glistened with tears. “Oh, Ken, I love you, too. I began to feel it soon after we were formally introduced, but I feared so many things. With the distance between our homes, I didn’t see how anything could work out.”
“I didn’t believe so for a while, either, but after praying and thinking everything through, I’ve come up with a plan.”
“You have? What is it?”
“I’m going back to Indiana with you.”
“To meet my family?”
“Yes, and also to look for a job so I can be close to you, because if you’ll have me, I want you to become my wife.”
“I would be honored to marry you.” Mandy spoke in a soft, shaky voice. “But you can’t move to Indiana. You have a job right here, helping your parents raise chickens. Life in Middlebury is a lot different than Kauai. There are no sandy beaches, palm trees, tropical flowers, or places to go surfing.”
Mandy’s somber expression concerned him. Was she having second thoughts about being with him?
“If you leave Kauai, you’ll miss the island, as well as your family and friends.”
“I’ll have you, and I’ll make new friends.” Ken shifted in his seat, never taking his eyes off Mandy. “I’ve already talked to Mom and Dad about this, as well as my brother, Dan. He said he’d take over my responsibilities with the business, and Mom and Dad are fine with it, too. They’ll come visit whenever they can. My family wants me to be happy, and my happiness is with you.”
“What about your dream of owning your own organic hydroponic nursery?”
“I’m willing to give it up to be with you. Staying in Hawaii and owning my own business may not be God’s will for me. Truthfully, sometimes the things we think we want are not what is best for us.”
“I believe you’re right. I’ve been rather selfish thinking only of my own needs and longing for Hawaii, when I should have been asking God what is best for me.”
Ken leaned forward and drew Mandy into his arms. Then he kissed her gently on the lips.
When they pulled apart, Mandy stared at him with a dazed expression.
Did I kiss her right? Should I have asked her first? Does she want me to go to Indiana with her? Many doubts filled Ken’s mind, but one thing he believed without question: the kiss felt right. In fact, it was perfect. And if Mandy’s sigh was any indication, maybe she felt it, too.
For a while they sat together, holding hands but saying nothing. Words weren’t necessary as Ken looked into her beautiful brown eyes. The tiny flecks of green in Mandy’s eyes looked even more vivid as traces of tears remained.
Ken traced her jawline with his fingers, then moved his hand to the back of her head. He didn’t have to pull her close, for she willingly went toward him, and they kissed again. It was so sweet, Ken felt as though he were floating.
Mandy swallowed hard, then cleared her throat. Her cheeks were still flushed, no doubt from what they’d shared seconds ago.
“You’re not thinking of joining the Amish faith, are you?” she asked.
Sorry to see the moment end, Ken breathed deeply. “I will if it’s the only way we can be together.”
“No, Ken. I cannot ask you to make such a sacrifice.” Mandy paused. “It’s a difficult transition that not many English people have been able to make.” She smiled tearfully, gently touching his face. “I’d thought I would join the Amish church this spring, but it would only be to please my parents. I can be happy attending any church as long as it teaches God’s Holy Word.”
“What exactly are you saying?”
“From the time I was a young girl, I was taught it would be my choice to join the Amish church. Mom and Dad often said it wasn’t a matter of what church you belonged to. What counts is what’s in a person’s heart and whether you choose to follow God.” Mandy paused before she continued. “So, even though they may be disappointed because I’m not becoming part of the Amish church, they will be pleased I have found a Christian man. I only wish we could both live near our families. Hawaii’s a long way from Indiana, and you had no plans to leave here until now.”
“True.” Ken took her hand. “But we can live in Indiana to be near your family and take our vacations on Kauai, where my folks live. It only takes a portion of a day to get here by plane, so we can go once or twice a year—maybe more if I should end up opening my own business in Indiana.”
“When I first went to Kauai, I thought it was the island I loved, but I’ve come to realize it wasn’t the island, but rather the people I’d met while living there. I’ve also learned it doesn’t matter what church we attend, as long as we are serving the Lord.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “I want to serve Him with you.”
Epilogue
Middlebury, one year later
Mandy’s heart swelled to overflowing as she stood at the altar beside her groom, preparing to recite her wedding vows. A meaningful life’s journey was about to begin for her: not pure Amish, but still living a Christian life, ready to serve God.
She took a deep breath to steady her nerves, and then the vows flowed from her heart: “I Mandy, take you, Ken, to be my husband, secure in the knowledge you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. On this special day, I affirm to you in the presence of God and these witnesses my sacred promise to stay by your side as your faithful wife, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, through good times and bad. I further promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always to be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.”
Tenderly holding her hand, Ken repeated his vows. As he spoke the words, Mandy listened intently while gazing into his vibrant blue eyes, filled with happy tears.
Thank You, Lord, for bringing this special man into my life.
When their vows concluded, Mandy stood beside her groom, listening to the song “Each for the Other” sung a cappella by three members of the church worship team.
As the trio sang “Each for the other, and both for the Lord,” Mandy stole a look at the people who had come to witness their union this sunny but cold Saturday afternoon.
Mandy’s folks sat on one side of the church, along with her brothers, Milo, Mark, Melvin, and Michael, as well as Michael’s wife, Sarah.
Ken’s parents; his brother, Dan; and Dan’s wife, Sandy, sat on the other side of the church. It pleased Mandy that Ken’s cousin Brock had been able to take over the responsibilities of the Freys’ chicken farm so they could all be here for the wedding.
Mandy’s best friends, Ellen, Sadie, and Barbara, were seated in the pew behind Mandy’s family. Gideon sat beside Barbara, whom he planned to marry in the spring. Mandy was glad they could still be friends. Barbara was the better choice for him, since she shared his dedication to the Amish church.
They were meant to be together, Mandy thought, just as Ken is the man God intended for me.
She looked forward to spending their honeymoon in Kauai, where Luana and Makaio had promised to give them a wedding reception. When Mandy and Ken returned from Hawaii, they would begin making plans for the bed-and-breakfast they wanted to open. It would be an exciting adventure, although a bit frightening. But with God’s help, she felt confident it would succeed. Like Luana and Makaio, she and Ken would minister to many people in the days ahead…. and perhaps entertain a few angels unaware.
Luana’s Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers
1½ pounds ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 egg
¼ cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
2 stalks green onion, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Combine all ingredients in large bowl; mix well. Form
into patties. Fry, grill, or broil. For additional taste, serve with a slice of pineapple on top of each burger.
Mandy’s Organic Chicken Chowder
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup onion, chopped
1½ cups cooked chicken, cubed
1½ cups carrots, diced
1½ cups raw potatoes, diced
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper
2 cups water
3 tablespoons flour
1½ cups milk
Melt butter in a 3-quart saucepan. Add onions and sauté until tender. Add chicken, carrots, potatoes, bouillon cubes, salt, pepper, and water. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender. Combine flour and ½ cup milk in a jar. Shake until blended. Add to vegetables along with remaining milk. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Yields 1¾ quarts.
History of Hawaiian Quilts
The introduction to sewing and quilt making came to Hawaiians from the wives of American missionaries in 1820. Patchwork quilts were made in the missionary boarding schools, where girls were taught to sew. Even though the missionaries are credited with teaching new concepts and techniques in quilt making, the development of the Hawaiian appliquéd quilts lies with the Hawaiian women. Many of the designs and methods they used are found only in Hawaii. Hawaiian quilt making became a form of self-expression during nineteenth-century westernization. Every stitch had a meaning and every part of the design a purpose.
Quilting frames in Hawaii were set close to the ground so quilters could sit on their handwoven lauhala mats. A wide variety of fill material for the quilts was used in Hawaii, including soft fibers from tree fern, cotton, wool, and animal hair. As three layers were stitched together. The quilters started at the quilt’s center and worked toward the edges.
Quilts found on the mainland that are the most similar to Hawaiian quilts are appliquéd in the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. Their quilts often consist of a central medallion appliqué that resembles the Hawaiian technique and repeats the same floral design in four large blocks. The Hawaiian women designed their quilts based on floral surroundings, legends, and innermost feelings of love. Every quilt had a purpose, and no two quilts were alike.
Discussion Questions
1. For some time, Mandy had a desire to visit Hawaii. Her boyfriend, Gideon, wanted her to stay but gave his blessing so she could pursue her dream. Have you ever wanted to do something so badly you didn’t consider another person’s feelings? Like Gideon, have you ever given someone your blessing, even though you felt what they were doing was wrong?
2. On the cruise ship, someone mistook Mandy and her Amish friends for nuns. Have you ever assumed something about a person based on their outer appearance?
3. Mandy was afraid of water and was unable to swim, yet she set her fears aside to go on the cruise to Hawaii. Have you ever wanted to do something so much you were able to set your fears aside in order to pursue your goal? Or have you ever held someone back from doing what they wanted, because of your own fears?
4. When Mandy and Ellen became stranded on Kauai, a caring Hawaiian couple took them in. Would you be willing to take in strangers at a moment’s notice and make them feel welcome? If you have entertained strangers, how did it all work out?
5. Since Mandy’s and Ellen’s luggage was left on the ship, they only had the dresses they were wearing when they became stranded. Luana suggested they go shopping for a modest-looking Hawaiian dress. Mandy was content to accept the style of clothing on Kauai, but dressing that way made Ellen feel uncomfortable. How do you feel when you’re subjected to uncomfortable situations? Do you conform or stay with what you believe is appropriate for you? Why?
6. When Makaio was injured, should Mandy and Ellen have agreed to stay on Kauai longer to help at the B&B, or would it have been better if they’d returned home right away?
7. After Barbara and Sadie returned to Indiana without their two Amish friends, Barbara found herself drawn to Mandy’s boyfriend, Gideon. She did not act upon her feelings and kept them to herself. What would have happened if she had let him know how she felt? Have you ever been in a similar situation? If so, how did you respond?
8. Ellen realized Mandy was captivated by Hawaii and a certain young English man, so she intervened without Mandy’s knowledge. Is there ever a time we should intervene if we feel someone we know is about to make a wrong decision that could change the course of their life? Should Ellen have gone to Mandy and discussed her feelings instead of going behind her back and attempting to manipulate the situation?
9. Even though Luana had lost a sentimental quilt, she didn’t let it consume her. She moved on with a positive attitude. Have you ever lost something that had either monetary or sentimental value? What was the item, and how did you cope with the loss?
10. When Mandy returned home from Hawaii, Gideon saw a change in her. It was almost as though they were strangers, and he didn’t know how to get back what they’d once had. Life is full of changes, some good and some bad. How do you deal with a friend or loved one who has changed?
11. Gideon’s mother, Peggy, was unsure of him choosing Mandy for a wife. However, instead of meddling, she prayed about it, allowing God to work things out for her son. What happens when we allow God to work in our lives, rather than taking matters into our own hands?
12. Mandy’s desire to live a different life from the one she’d always known was hard for her family and friends to accept. If you had a child who wanted to serve God in a different church than the one in which they were raised, how would you respond?
13. Did you learn anything new about the Amish by reading this story? If so, what was it?
14. Were there any Bible verses mentioned in this story that spoke to your heart? If so, what were they, and how did they bolster your faith?
About the Authors
New York Times bestselling, award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs. When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties.
Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
Jean Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish when she first went to Pennsylvania to visit her father-in-law’s family. Since that time, Jean has become friends with several Amish families and enjoys writing about their way of life. She also likes to put some of the simple practices followed by the Amish into her daily routine. Jean lives in Washington State with her husband, Richard Jr., and their three children, but takes every opportunity to visit Amish communities in several states. In addition to writing, Jean enjoys boating, gardening, and spending time on the beach.
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