Fields of Grace (44 page)
“Where is Joseph?”
“He took his fishing pole and went to fetch Wilhelm.”
Eli’s eyes glittered. “How long will he be gone, do you think?” His hands spanned her waist, his thumbs slipping up and down her ribs.
A smile twitched the corners of her lips. She looped her hands behind his neck. “Long enough.”
Grinning, Eli swooped her into his arms. She laughed aloud with joy, but the sound was stilled as he pressed his lips to hers and carried her over the threshold of their fieldstone house, over the threshold of their new start as man and wife.
Dear Reader,
Although Eli and Lillian come from my imagination, the Mennonites in this work of fiction are representative of my own family history.
The Mennonite Brethren first emigrated from Germany into Russia (present-day Ukraine) in 1790 at the invitation of Catherine the Great, who promised them religious freedom including exemption from military involvement. There, on the
steppes
(grassy plains) of Russia, they developed a hearty wheat they called Turkey Red, and they grew prosperous on the harsh landscape.
When government reforms threatened their religious freedoms in 1871, they sent explorers to seek out land in the United States. Groups of Mennonite Brethren began to arrive on American soil in 1873. Several groups established homes on railroad lands that encompassed McPherson, Harvey, Marion, and Reno counties in Kansas. Their hardy, red-gold wheat kernels came with them. The crops of Turkey Red wheat and its derivatives made Kansas the “Granary of the Nation.”
Although much of this story is fictitious, including the community of New Gnadenfeld, there are several factual portions. My mother’s grandparents were among those who came from the village of Gnadenfeld (meaning “Field of Grace”) in the Molotschna Colony in the 1870s. Children like Jakob were given the responsibility for choosing the “perfect” kernels for planting in American soil. Eli’s strong faith is very much a part of the Mennonite Brethren heritage, just as Lillian’s hymn singing is an important part of the Mennonite worship service.
Lillian discovered that God grants grace and strength to help us face the challenges of life. I pray you, too, have found God faithful to sustain you. May God bless you muchly as you journey with Him.
In His love,
Kim Vogel Sawyer
My sincerest appreciation to the following:
Mom and Daddy, Don, my daughters and precious grandbabies
—you fill my life with reasons to sing. Thank you.
Crit Group 14, Ramona, and Judy
—your suggestions and encouragement are always so welcome and appreciated. I’m glad we’re in this together!
Carla, Connie, Cynthia, Kathy, Miralee, Rose, 1st Southern Choir
— your prayers keep me centered and plowing ever forward. Bless your hearts . . .
Ruth Heidebrecht
at the Hutchinson Public Library—thank you for helping me find an appropriate ship to transport Lillian and her family to America.
Herman Rempel
(author of
Kjenn Jie Noch Plautdietsch?
) and
Irv
Schroeder
—thank you for the help in constructing the Low German speech.
“Mama” Ruth Seamands
—thank you for sharing your seafaring adventures with me . . . but mostly thanks for your enduring friendship.
Charlene and the staff at Bethany House
—my eternal gratitude for making me a part of your “family.” Dreams do come true.
Finally, and most importantly, thank You,
God
, for being my Compass in this journey called life. I am never without hope when I am with You. May any praise or glory be reflected directly back to You.
KIM VOGEL SAWYER is fond of C words like children, cats, and chocolate. She is the author of fourteen novels, many of which have appeared on bestseller lists. She is active in her church, where she helps lead the women’s fellowship and is active in music ministry. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in Kansas and have three daughters and six grandchildren.
Books by
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Waiting for Summer’s Return
Where Willows Grow
My Heart Remembers
Where the Heart Leads
A Promise for Spring
Fields of Grace