Elizabeth Thatcher stood in the front of her family's church alongside her sisters. The July air was hot and humid to the point where it was almost unbearable. As the pastor continued with his message to the bride and groom, Elizabeth did her best to pay attention. Easier said than done however. Her feet, which usually lived in comfortable flats or flip flops were screaming inside her stilettos. Her sisters told her she'd feel beautiful and it would be worth it. They were wrong, and she would make a point to tell them so later. To make focusing even more difficult, she couldn't keep her mind off of the wonderful adventure that soon awaited her. A new life, a new journey.

Soon the vows and rings were exchanged and the ceremony was coming to an end.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!" the pastor said with a big smile, happy to be marrying two people he'd personally seen grow up before his eyes. When the couple pulled apart and the roar of applause finally ceased, he continued. "Ladies and gentleman of the congregation, let me be the first to proudly introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kensington!"

The string quartet began as Elizabeth followed her newly married sister and one of her oldest friends back down the aisle hand in hand.

"Congratulations you two!" Elizabeth hugged Viola and Charles once they stood outside the large brick church.

"Thank you, Elizabeth! For everything."

"You're my sister! How could I not!" Elizabeth had been a huge help in the wedding production since returning home from Gordon College in May where she graduated with a degree in early childhood education. With the next year or more of her life planned out, she had little to do but wait. Viola's wedding was a wonderful distraction.

"I'm just glad we got to spend time together before you gallivant off to Haiti for a year."

"Or two," Elizabeth grinned. She was leaving in two days for at least a year to teach in a small community of Hopes Landing in Haiti. She'd be teaching students from ages 5 to 12, a large number of which were orphans in the small community. She'd gone once for a month long stent with a group from college the summer after her junior year and fell in love with it.

This new venture was a shock to some. As a child, Elizabeth had always done exactly what was expected of her. She got good grades, minded her parents, even dated a young man chosen for her by them. It was a good life. Until her junior year of college when it wasn't anymore. It wasn't that it was a bad life, she just wanted something more. Something different.

It all started when she and her boyfriend of 4 years, Trent Maxwell, were taking a walk on the trails around campus. A brief warm spell that week had tricked Elizabeth into thinking the weather was nicer than it really was. Ever the gentleman, when Trent saw her shivering, he offered her his coat. After dropping her off at her dorm later, she realized she still had his jacket. Searching the pockets to see if there was anything he'd need back right away she found it. The big shiny ring which would change everything.

She tried to convince herself that she was ready, that this what she wanted. It was certainly what was expected of her. Truth was, it wasn't what she wanted at all. After many late nights talking with her roommate and best friend Faith Carter, she realized she did love Trent, but she wasn't in love with him. She called it off not long after. It was a decision her father still didn't understand. Her sisters and mother did, however. They always knew she was destined for adventure that stretched far beyond their quiet Connecticut town of Hartford.

Back in the present, the wedding planner ushered the wedding party into an organized receiving line just outside on the sidewalk. Elizabeth wasn't looking forward to this part. Like her father, many of the Thatcher's society friends didn't understand her or her choices.

"Just breathe," her younger sister Julie whispered in her ear. "If anyone says anything too offensive I'll… say something even more offensive." Elizabeth laughed. "That will change the subject for sure!"

"Oh Julie! Nothing too obscene please?"

"Oh alright. You're taking all the fun out of it though."

"Then so be it," Elizabeth smiled. She loved her sisters dearly.

The line moved fast with people wishing her luck or respectfully keeping their mouths shut and just saying she looked lovely. Things were looking good until about ⅔ down the line when Julie grabbed her arm.

"Incoming!" she whispered loudly.

"Why?" Elizabeth looked down the line. "Oh…"

"Afternoon ladies." Trent Maxwell walked up. "Julie, good to see you."

"Trent… how's life?"

"It's going." He smiled over at Elizabeth. "You look beautiful, Liz."

"Oh thanks. You look, nice."

"Thanks." He stared at her, he wasn't over her yet. Not by a long shot. Even after a year and half apart. "Save a dance for me at the reception? I'd love to catch up."

"Of course." She smiled politely before he moved a little way down the line. As he passed her he gently took hold of her hand. "You do look very beautiful." She nodded and turned her focus back to the line.

"Well, that went well…" Julie spoke trying desperately to hold in her laughter.

"Hush you. We're friends. Or something like that."

"Right, friends. Are you sure? Because any boy that's looked at me that way had more than friendship on his mind."

"Well, it's all that's on my mind, thank you very much. Better yet, Haiti is the only real thing on my mind. I can't wait!"

Julie giggled and turned her attention back to the receiving line. Her sister was hopeless. Julie knew one day a man would swoop in and leave Elizabeth's heart thundering like a sudden summer storm. She hoped when it happened she'd be there to see it.

The lavish reception was held at the country club which both the Thatcher's and Kensington's were a part of. Once the DJ announced the bridal parties arrival, and her obligations were complete, Elizabeth took her seat at the large table in the front, kicking off her heels.

"Didn't anyone teach you not to take your shoes off wherever you please?" a giggly voice teased from behind..

"Faith! Thank goodness, a friendly face!"

"I couldn't leave my best friend hanging at a party like this."

"Thank you!" She stood, hugging her friend. "Ready for our trip?"

"Yes! I'm almost completely packed. I can't believe we're both going to Haiti for a whole year!" When Elizabeth had shared the idea with Faith of teaching in Haiti, she quickly decided to go as well. Having completed nursing school, she was very qualified to work in the village's medical clinic. "I just need to pack more deodorant. No way I'm going to smell for a year!"

"Oh, Faith!" Elizabeth laughed. "You are hilarious. I wouldn't worry about it much. It's not like we going down there to meet guys or something."

"No that's not the goal but you never know! It could happen!"

Haiti

Thousands of miles away in a small village on top of a small mountain rested the peaceful village of Hopes Landing. The extremely rural village was home to a church mission run by pastor Frank Hogan of southern FL, a few hundred or more locals and an orphanage. The village was quiet. It seemed like everyone was off eating dinner or enjoying the local music of singing, guitars and drums. Everyone except for one young man that is.

Up on a roof top, the sweltering summer sun beat down on 25 year old Jack Thornton, despite the evening hour. Wiping his brow he took a look over his handy work. He and his men had worked tirelessly repairing the roof of the Hopes Landing pavilion. The structure had been home to the village's church and school since the last hurricane ripped through. Like an angry force it had torn down everything in its path. Including most of the homes and small buildings there. It wasn't a proper building by most Americans standards, but the people of the Hopes Landing community were more than grateful for it.

He checked his watch. He'd missed dinner again. He'd sent the other workers away for the night 2 hours ago, but had kept working himself.

Jack had been serving in Haiti for the past six months. Back home in Seattle he was a fireman, here he was more of a carpenter and architect, helping to rebuild homes and other buildings for the village. He was grateful his fire chief agreed to hold his job for him. He needed the time away.

A year before, his father, Thomas Thornton passed after a battle with cancer. Before he had gotten sick, the retired fireman had made a number of trips to the small island. When Jack's church was gearing up for another month long trip to Haiti, he decided to take a leap of faith and go as well. Now here he was, 6 months into what was originally a 1 month journey, and loving every minute of it. It started out as a way to feel closer to his dad, but grew into so much more.

"Hey, Thornton!" Jack's friend Carson called out from the ground. "Workday's over! Come down and eat." Carson held up a bowl of food.

"In a minute." Jack called back. He was focused, wanting to make sure he'd done enough work before calling it a day.

"Oh! Mail just got here too. You got a package."

That got Jack's attention. "I'll be right down." Jack organized his tools and climbed down from the roof of the pavilion. "Who's it from?"

"Not sure. It just says Thornton on the return spot. If it's from your sister, I'll do your laundry for a week if you share it."

"And if it's from my mom?"

"If it's from your mom you can keep it." They laughed. Charlotte Thornton was as sweet as could be, but her baking skills left much to be desired. Her last batch of cookies could have been used for hammers in a pinch.

Jack sat down in the cool shade of a nearby tree to open it. "We're safe. It's from Rosie."

"Thank goodness! What'd your sister send us?"

"Me, Carson. She sent me the package." Jack shook his head with a grin.

"Oh you know you'll share with me. I'm your best friend," he grinned. Carson was one of Jack's oldest friends. They grew up together just outside of Seattle. He'd arrived in Haiti a month ago, committing the next year of his life to work under the doctors at the med clinic there. He was a smart man but could only do so much school before he felt completely burnt out. The opportunity was a real blessing. He'd receive credit from his time there and more experience than he would in a classroom. When all was said and done here, he'd return back to Baylor University to finish out med school.

Jack examined the contents of the box. His younger sister Rosie was great at making care packages. There was a little of everything in there. Cookies, prepackaged snacks, a new pair of sneakers, socks and some books. Sitting on top of it all was a small black book with an envelope sticking up.

"What's that?" Carson asked as he swatted away a few bugs.

"A new sketchbook." He opened the letter and began reading it to himself.

"Hey brother,

First off, I miss you. You'll be happy to hear Mom is doing well. She signed up for a cooking class! So, there's hope she won't give you food poisoning the next time you're home. She also signed up for a book club but so far she's found the books rather annoying so we shall see how that goes. At least she's getting out of the house. She's been a big help with wedding planning though. On that note, Lee and I have finally settled on a date. June 9th! Please tell me you'll come home for it. I need you to walk me down the aisle. You are my big brother after all. Even if it is only by 18 months.

I've heard from Tommy. He's still working on a fishing boat in Alaska trying to find himself. I love him dearly but I'll never understand him. Lee and I watched the show, "the deadliest catch" so I could get an idea of what he might be doing. Bad idea! Tommy is crazy, Jack! It was good to hear from him though. He's safe, or as safe as that job can be and working hard so that's good.

Oh, so I'm sure as you read this, Carson is patiently lurking around hoping I sent him something. Well of course I did. Half the socks are for him and I sent those Ding Dongs he loves so much. You'd think for a man wanting to be a doctor he'd have a more refined pallet! Anyway…

I hope you enjoy the sketchbook! That was from mom. We all miss you Jack! Stay safe.

Love,

Rosie."

"What'd she say?" Carson asked leaning back against an old supply crate. His shades were down and his hands were folded behind his head.

"She said to give you socks and Ding Dongs. Here." Jack tossed a bag of socks in Carson's direction.

"Oh nice! I needed some. How's everyone at home?"

"Good. Nothing too new. Though she and Lee set a date."

"About time! Those two have been in love since high school. I have no idea why they've waited so long."

"I know," Jack laughed. "The three of us would get together at my house then all of the sudden Lee would be gone!"

"Yes! Usually off staring meaningfully in Rosie's eyes. I thought you were going to lose it when you found out about them at first."

"Na. He's a good guy. I couldn't ask for a better man for my sister."

"True. I have to say, I'm surprised you're still single."

"Me? Really? What about you, ladies man?" Jack teased.

"Oh, I know exactly why I'm single. I may seem all confident on the outside but when a pretty girl walks past, I'm like a 6th grade boy stumbling over his words." They laughed. "I'll be single forever."

"I doubt that. Me on the other hand, maybe."

"Why do you say that?"

Jack stared off into the ocean. They had a perfect view from their perch on the cliff. "I don't know. Mom says I'm too picky."

"She still pushing Heather on you?" Jack shook his head. "Good. I mean, she was gorgeous, but I can't imagine her in a place like this."

Jack snorted as he took a big bite of the dinner Carson had brought him. Heather Miller was a friend from back home. One who tirelessly tried to turn their friendship into something more. She was nice and all, but way too obsessed with her looks and the status of someone's bank account for Jack's humble taste. See the Thornton's had money. Not that you could tell at first glance. Thomas and Charlotte chose to live nice and modestly, teaching their 3 children to look at the world and find how they could contribute to it, not at what they could gain from it. More importantly, Heather never gave him that spark. The spark his Dad had with his mom, or that Lee had with Rosie. He wanted that, and nothing short of it would suffice. He felt there was a woman out there for him. When he found her, he'd know.

"Thanks for the food, Carson." Jack took another large bite. He was hungrier than he'd thought.

"No problem. I know you. When you get in the zone, it's like the rest of the world disappears." Jack nodded with a laugh. "Hey, how's the school building coming?"

"The real one or the pavilion?"

"I guess the pavilion. The real one just looks like a heap of old building supplies." Jack looked across the way at the mess. Carson wasn't wrong.

"It's coming. I think we fixed the roof but there's no knowing for sure till the next rain. How are things at the clinic?"

"Good mostly. We're low on a lot of things but no one's come in with anything that serious."

"I thought you doctors liked complex cases," Jack teased.

"Not me. I love what I'm doing here, but honestly I'm happy when everyone is safe and cared for. I'll leave the complex cases to doctors in places where they can handle it."

"I hear you there. You're a good man, Carson. The people here are lucky to have you."

"You too. Pastor Frank says you've been a godsend here."

"I do my best." Jack stared off into distance again. This time thinking about the letter from Rosie. "Hey, Carson, do you think I ran away from my problems? Like Tommy?"

"You and Tommy are two very different people."

"Maybe not. After dad died we both left."

"Yes but Tommy ran away. You went running to something. You felt God calling you here, remember?" Jack nodded. "Besides, you stayed in Seattle for a while after your dad passed. You cared for your mom and Rosie."

"True. I wish I understood why God called me here. I mean, I love the work I'm doing. I just feel like there's something more."

"You still think it has something to do with that school?" Carson pointed back to the school pavilion. When Jack first arrived and stepped foot in the pavilion he felt something, something resembling peace. It was odd considering the state of the village when he'd first arrived. Things were such a mess. The feeling of peace was undeniable though. He hadn't felt that in a long time. Since then he did his best, leading visiting teams to repair all the buildings but his main focus was on that one. He still didn't understand why.

"I guess yeah. Maybe I'm supposed to rebuild them an actual school building. One with walls and doors and a chalkboard that doesn't have a crack down the middle. Maybe that's what I'm here for. I mean, they use it as a church too. It's important to them."

"Could be. I think it's more than that though," Carson said reassuringly. "But whatever it is, you'll find it in time."

"You're right. Pastor Frank said a new school teacher is coming in for the year with the next team. They arrive in a couple days."

Carson eyebrows moved up curiously. "What do you know about her?"

"Nothing. The last one was a 55 year old woman from Iowa. The kids loved her, it was a shame she had to go back. But health and family's important." Jack finished his dinner and placed the empty bowl on the ground. "I think I'll pack up for the night and go for a run on the beach."

"I'll join you if you want."

"Sure. If you think you can catch up, old man," Jack laughed as he stood.

"Old man! I'm only a year older than you! I can run circles around you!"

"We'll see about that!" The men smack talked all the way back to the pavilion.

Connecticut

William Thatcher walked down the long upstairs hallway of his upscale Connecticut home, looking at all the family photos that graced the walls. So many years of memories. He'd just given one daughter away the day before, now he would send another off into the world.

He stopped outside Elizabeth's doorway and watched as she went through her checklists again and again. Her beautiful wavy brown hair danced as she moved quickly around the room.

"How's the packing going, sweetheart?" he finally spoke.

"Hi Dad! It's coming. Thank goodness I'm an organized person. I can't imagine how much more stressful this would be if I was, well, like Julie."

"I heard that!" Julie yelled out from across the hall, making them laugh.

"I hope I don't forget anything," Elizabeth sighed.

"Dear, you have lists for your own things and lists for the school. You'll be fine. If you do forget anything though just let your mother and I know and we'll see that you get it."

"Thank you. But no spoiling me, Dad. I can do this."

"I know." He sighed, his daughters were growing up. He had a plan in his mind for each of them. Viola just completed hers, Elizabeth on the other hand was jumping head first in the opposite direction. In his plan, Elizabeth was engaged to Trent, about ready to begin her journey as a wife and teaching at the prestigious Hartford schools. He still wasn't sure why she ended things with the young man a year and a half ago. He seemed perfect for her.

Catching her father lost in his own thoughts, she spoke. "You alright, Dad? Not having second thoughts about me leaving are you?"

"No, sweetheart. Even if I was, your mother made it clear that I'm to let you live YOUR life."

"Thank you for that. I love you."

"I love you too, Beth."

"But…" She knew there was something on his mind. She could read him like a book.

William sighed, "I just don't understand why you feel the need to leave like this. Haiti is so far away, and so different."

She sighed and sat down on the bed, patting the seat next to her for him to join. They'd had this conversation numerous times since she announced her plans. She hoped one day it finally would sink in for him.

"Dad, you once told me you backpacked across Europe the summer after your junior year. Why was that?"

"I… I wanted some adventure before I settled down. But dear, that's what I thought last summer was about for you. Not when you're 22 years old like you are now. I never expected that month you took in Haiti to turn into a year long mission trip, working as a teacher. You said there isn't even a proper school there."

"This is what I want, Dad. More importantly, this is where I feel God calling me. You have to let me go."

He stared into his daughter's eyes, he knew she was right. "Yes, I suppose so. Again, your mother's pointed out recently that you are an adult. I have little say in the matter."

"It's true," she laughed. "But I promise to make you proud. Does that help?"

He smiled and took her in his arms. "I'm always proud, dear. Even when I don't understand. At least Faith will be with you. It will good to have a friend there. You two need to look out for one another."

"Thank you! And yes, I'm so glad she's coming too!" She went back to packing, going over her lists for the hundredth time as William watched.

"Did you have a nice time at the wedding?" he asked.

"I did. Viola and Charles looked perfect together."

"They are. She planned a wonderful evening too. I noticed you danced with Trent a bit. It was nice seeing you two together again.

"We danced as friends, Dad." Her voice was polite, yet stern. "I'm not looking to settle down right now. Besides, Trent and I had a chance, and he's not for me." Elizabeth rolled her eyes. She had no interest in Trent or marrying at all any time soon. Her father couldn't let that go for some reason.

"I know you've said that. You never know how life can change things though. Did he mention I gave him a job for the summer at the firm?"

"He did. He's very grateful."

William had high hopes that someday Elizabeth would come to her senses and take Trent back. Rumor around the club was that the young Maxwell heir hadn't been seeing anyone since he and Elizabeth ended things. It gave William hope. They were, in his mind, a perfect match. If he truly knew his daughter, he'd know to just let it go.

Once everything was packed and downstairs ready for the morning, Elizabeth spent the rest of the evening with Julie in her room, enjoying some old fashioned sister time before she left.

"I can't believe you are going to be so far away for a year!" Julie pouted.

"It won't be so bad. You'll be back in college soon anyway."

"Still." She sighed. "There's no internet in that silly village. What if you meet some tall, dark, and handsome man and he sweeps you off your feet? I'll never know because you can't snap chat or text me!"

"First off, there will be no tall, dark, and handsome man gaining my attention, thank you. I don't need that in my life. And second, there's a city nearby that has internet. I was told we'll venture out there about once every week or two."

"It's not the same."

"No, I know. But I should be back for a bit around Christmas. I'll tell you all about it then!"

"Deal! Oh, and take pictures! Especially of any hunky men you meet."

"Julie! What is it with you?" Elizabeth laughed. "I'm not…"

"You're not looking. I know, you've said that. A lot actually."

"What's your point?"

"Oh, I don't know… what's that line from Pride and Prejudice? Oh yes, "a girl likes to be crossed a little in love now and then." You're time is coming sister. Though you may have to run smack dab into it to realize it."

Elizabeth shook her head and laughed. It wasn't that she didn't want love. She just hadn't ever meant anyone who took her breath away. Someone she couldn't stop thinking of. Someone she would move heaven and earth to be near. Someone who would be her best friend as well as her love. That's what she wanted, and she was willing to wait for it. As long as it took.

A yawn overtook her face as she went to respond to Julie and her antics. "It's really late. I need to be up in… 4 hours."

"I guess I should say goodnight then."

Elizabeth hugged her sister. "I love you, Jules. No crazy shenanigans at Vassar, okay?"

"Aye Aye captain." Julie playfully saluted. "I promise Beth. I'll be good!" Julie had another year left in her degree at Vassar. She was an English major with a minor in art and illustration. She'd be busy bee. Never stopped her from getting into a little mild trouble though.

Elizabeth crossed the hall back to her childhood room. So many memories. As she curled up in her bed and switched on her fan for noise, she thought about her life. Up to this point, it had been a pretty good one but she was ready for what was coming. The openness of the adventure ahead filled her with unbridled excitement. As she drifted off to sleep, she noticed an odd feeling in her heart. A feeling that this trip just might change her life forever.

4 Hours Later...

Elizabeth's alarm went off just after 4:30 AM. She had an hour before they'd leave for the airport. After a long hot shower, something she knew she'd get little of in Haiti, she dressed in her comfy travelling clothes and headed downstairs to the dining room.

"Skipping your morning run?" Her dad teased.

"It's pretty early, Dad. Besides, I'll run on the beach in Haiti. Can't beat that." She smiled as she took her seat at the dining room table.

"I suppose not."

"There you are!" Grace entered the room with a large smile. "I made breakfast." She placed a plate with a yummy, gooey cinnamon roll and some fruit in front of her daughter and husband before grabbing her own from the kitchen.

"Mom, this is wonderful! Thank you!"

"I have to send you off right! Now, I'm not sure, but if the rolls travel well maybe I can send you some in a care package later."

"I think it's safe to say both Faith and I would love that!" Elizabeth inhaled the cinnamony scent and smiled. "Perfect."

It was a wonderful breakfast, but in what seemed like a flash, the Thatcher family stood just outside security at the airport with Faith and her family. It was time to say goodbye.

Grace held on tight to her daughter. "Write to me. Email or snail mail, I'll take what I can get!"

"I will, Mom, trust me."

"Oh, my sweet girl." Her warm hands cupped Elizabeth's face. "I'm so proud of you! You are making a difference in this world."

"I love you, Mom. Thank you. For everything." She glanced over subtly at her father, knowing her mother had truly gone to bat for her in this.

"You're very welcome, sweetie. I love you!"

Grace stepped aside to let William say his goodbyes. William sighed as he held his daughter in his arms.

"Remember, you are a Thatcher. You can handle anything this world gives you with grace and determination."

"I know, Dad," she giggled. "I love you."

"I love you too. Very much."

She pulled herself away and went to stand by her friend.

"You ready?!" Elizabeth was bouncing as she talked to Faith.

"Ready!"

With one final wave they were off. The Thatchers stood in place, arms around each other watching as Elizabeth made her way through the line. It wasn't till she was out of sight that they turned to leave. They joined the Carters, buying coffee before heading to a place where you could sit and watch the planes take off. Neither family wanting to leave until their daughters were in the air.

William draped his arm around his wife's shoulders, sweetly giving her a kiss on the head.

"What a week." His mind going over everything from the wedding to this moment.

"It's been eventful, that's for sure." Grace looked at her husband. "Will, sweetie… may I ask you something?"

"Of course, dear."

"Did you really give Trent a job at the firm?"

"I did. It was easy. He's a good strong worker. Besides, I own the law firm and he wants to be a lawyer." He shrugged.

"Elizabeth suspects, and I do as well, that this has something to do with her."

William gave a laughing huff. "I'm simply looking out for her future, my dear. It's what a father does."

"I know. But how do you know what her future is?"

"I know what it takes to succeed in this world, Grace. I'll do what I can to see that my daughters are happy."

Grace sighed. "If only it were that simple."

…..

The 3 hour flight from Connecticut to Miami went smoothly. Both Faith and Elizabeth slept the whole time, only waking when the wheels roughly touched down on the runway.

Gathering their things, they exited the plane and stepped into the busy terminal.

"Okay, our next gate is…" Faith looked from her digital ticket to the gate screens. "All the way on the other side of the airport…"

"Of course," Elizabeth giggled. "We have time. Looks like it doesn't take off for another couple hours. Maybe we should grab some lunch."

"Sounds great."

They were on their way to Chilli's when they passed a bookstore. Elizabeth made a sudden turn towards it only to be snatched by Faith.

"No you don't! Your bags weigh enough as it is!"

"But I love books. And I think I saw the new book by that author I like."

"You really have a problem." Faith laughed, letting go.

"Maybe a little one. You don't seem to mind when you're borrowing all my books though."

"True…" Faith grinned. "Alright, but one book then lunch!"

Haiti

Pastor Frank was out checking on all the people in Hopes Landing. A sudden fearsome rainstorm had sent everyone running for cover. As he left one home and quickly ducked back into the pouring rain, he saw Jack standing in the Pavilion with some of the children.

"Everything alright?" Frank asked running up.

"Yeah. These guys were playing when the rain started. The storm scared them. I think it reminds them of the hurricanes."

Frank frowned sympathetically as the 3 kids huddled around Jack. The 2 girls and little boy where from the orphanage in the village. The hurricanes were downright terrifying for those without proper shelter protection. The organization Frank was a part of was trying hard to make it so Hopes Landing and villages like it had safe, sustainable homes. Jack's work building homes called Safe T homes, was helping to do just that.

"Jack, if you want, I can help you take them home."

"Thanks, but they aren't going anywhere till the rain let's up. Right kids? Puis-je vous ramener à la maison?" Jack asked in his best French, which was still lacking some, if they wanted to go home.

"No!" The kids yelled and huddled around him tighter.

"See?" Jack laughed a little. "I think we're going to just ride it out. At least I fixed the roof." Jack pointed upward.

"Indeed you did! You're great, Jack. I don't know what we'd do without you sometimes!"

"You'd figure it out I'm sure," Jack said humbly.

"I asked Carson to go with me to pick up the newcomers tomorrow from Port au Prince. Want to come with us? There's a group from yours and Carson's home church coming."

Jack thought about it for a moment as he sat back down with the kids. "When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow early morning. Their plane gets in tonight so they'll stay at a hotel in the city and we'll pick them up in the morning there."

One of the little girls with Jack tugged on his shirt before asking him to sing a song. The request made him smile. "Un moment." He looked back at Frank. "I think I'll stay. I want to get started on the old school building as soon as possible."

"If you say so." He smiled. "Don't work yourself to death though, alright?"

"I won't. I promise."

"Sing! Sing!" the kids chanted.

"Alright!" Jack laughed. He started singing a country song in English. The kids didn't understand most of it, but they didn't care. They loved that someone was taking time to be with them and watch over them and they soaked up Jack's unconditional love like a sponge.

Once the rain died down, Jack walked the children back home. Giving them each a hug and high five he headed back to his room in the dorm across the village.

With everything being so wet from the rain, there wasn't much work he could get done. Instead he laid on his bed and pulled out his sketchbook. Within minutes he had drawn the faces of the three children he had been with earlier. He wanted to remember them when his time there was up. He wrote their names and ages on the bottom of the page. Maybe Pastor Frank would give him an update on them in the future if he asked.

Moments like that with the kids were so precious to Jack. As he sat there staring at the sketches, one thing became clear to him. Should he ever marry, he needed to find a woman who loved all kids, whether or not they were hers biologically. In the time Jack had been in Haiti he had truly fallen in love with the people in that village. Maybe, should the right woman ever come along, they could adopt a child from here, or if nothing else, they could do trips back to help and be a part of the work that was happening.

The thought maybe him laugh. What were the chances of meeting a woman like that?