The Calling of Emily Evans by Janette Oke Read Free Book Online

think nearly coherently, she felt angry and disappointed that the day of graduation was drawing so near and she would not be ready. Her assignments were not completed. If only—if only— she argued; if only the flu could have waited for a few more weeks!
    And then Emily had no more strength to fight. She gave in to the ravaging illness and was content to lay her weary, aching head upon the pillow and try to rest.
    When she finally felt a little better, it was only a few days until the term would end. I’m so far behind, I’ll never catch up, Emily concluded despondently. With reluctant and unsteady steps she made her way to the dean’s office.
    Professor Henry was more than considerate. He looked at all Emily’s courses, promised to talk to the teachers, and assured her that they would do everything possible to help her to get the necessary work done the week she had left.
    Concessions and shortcuts approved by the faculty along with Emily’s hard work meant that she was somehow able to meet the requirements. But she had to lay aside her required reading. So when she finished the school term, graduating with her class, she was unable to present herself for service as a mission worker along with the others.
    It pained Emily deeply when Ruth showed her certificate of approval and told excitedly where she would be serving.
    “There is no church there—not yet. I am to start one,” Ruth enthused.“I will have two Sunday services, actually. One in the Mid-land schoolhouse on Sunday mornings and the other at the Dunnagan school in the afternoon.”
    It sounded like a big undertaking to Emily. It also sounded wonderful. She gave Ruth a firm hug and wished her well, but tears flowed freely down both faces.
    “Where will you live?” Emily asked when she had her emotions under control.
    “I’ll be boarding with a neighborhood family. I’m sure it will be crowded. They have a family of six, I’ve been told.”
    “Well, there’s a good start to your church right there,” Emily said with a wobbly smile, and Ruth answered with another hug.
    But both girls knew that the situation would not be easy. Ruth had been raised as an only child and was not used to the noise and activity of a crowded house. And Ruth liked a lot of quiet time in which to think and pray and plan her sermons.
    “I’ll make it—somehow,” Ruth said in response to Emily’s look of concern.
    Emily nodded, trying to coax up a confident smile.
    “And what will you do?” asked Ruth seriously.“I know how much you wanted to be ready—now.”
    Emily nodded slowly, trying to mask the disappointment she was feeling.
    “I’m going home,” she said with just a small tremor in her voice.“I’ve been told I must regain my strength—and I still have to complete the reading course … so-o …”
    She shrugged and forced a smile.
    “When do you think—?” began Ruth.
    “Two or three weeks,” Emily cut in.“I hope. Of course Rev. Witt has urged me to take a bit longer. Well, we’ll see.”

    A few days later the two girls stood on the Regis station platform waiting for the train that would take Ruth to her first posting.
    “Isn’t it exciting about Verna?” Ruth asked enthusiastically.
    Emily’s eyes lit up. Verna Woods, another classmate, had also responded to God’s call to serve, even if it meant going alone.
    “That will make three of us who are deaconesses,” Emily said.“And we even get to go to conference—and vote.”
    Both girls laughed and gave each other an unrestrained hug. To sit on the conference bar was quite an honor.
    The distant train wailed against the silence of the spring morning, and Ruth placed her luggage closer to the boarding dock.
    “You’ll write?” urged Emily.
    “Of course. And you?” responded Ruth.
    “Oh, I will. Promise. I’ll have more time than you,” Emily answered.
    “Not if you are going to hurry through that book list,” Ruth quipped, but Emily merely shrugged and nodded in reply. The