Disclaimer: I seek no profit from this story. The story of Christy and all characters that are associated with the book belong to the Marshall-LeSourd family.

Summary: What if Christy had refused Dr. Ferrand's offer to go to Cutter Gap? This story follows Christy's life if she had waited another year and a half to go to the mission.

Chapter 1

Ashville was beautiful this time of year. Its southern hospitality was evident even in its summer mornings. As Christy Huddleston took in a full breath of fresh air she was reminded of how blessed she was to live here. Her childhood home had been a comfortable and unshakable foundation in her life. Walking along the picket lined drive, it was hard to imagine a more serene environment. She let out a soft sigh as she wondered out loud, "Where do I go from here, Lord?" This question had been on her heart more then she wanted to admit.

"How could a girl, excuse me, woman be so blessed and yet so…" her trail of thought was broken as she was greeted by the local mail carrier.

"Morning Miss Huddleston. Enjoying the sunshine?"

"What? Oh yes, Mr. Johnson, it is a lovely day isn't it?" She remarked half heartedly. Tucking this mornings mail under her arm, she continued her musings.

Flashback

It had been a year and a half since Christy had refused Dr. Ferrand's offer to go teach in the Smokey Mountains. That decision stay in Ashville had been one of the hardest in Christy's young life; however, at the time she felt as if it was her only choice. She remembered how her heart had been set on fire by the remarkable stories she had heard about this rustic, backwoods mission. An older woman, Christy thought for a moment, yes Miss Henderson was her name, had come to speak to Christy's congregation. Listening to the tales of barefoot children and rifle toten hillbillies had tickled her interest. Christy had never laughed so hard or been more intrigued after hearing Miss Henderson's stories.

"What I would give to see this mission," she whispered to her brother George during the sermon.

"What I would give not to" he quipped back.

"George! Aren't you the least bit interested?"

"I'll tell you what I'm interested in, tomorrow night's game. You realize we're up against? They're second in the district!"

There was no sense continuing this conversation. Once George brought up baseball there was no going back. Christy settled back into the pew. "What's stopping me," she thought quietly? Christy began making a mental note of all the reasons not to talk with Miss Henderson after the service.
"I only have one year of college left. It would be silly of me to put off my studies for some childish adventure. Besides mother needs me." She almost laughed out loud but quickly caught herself. "Who am I kidding, the only thing mother needs is for me to find a husband. I surely wouldn't accomplish that in Cutter Gap, Tennessee. George will be going to off to college next year though and it would be shame if I missed his last year at home." Suddenly it dawned in her, none of these reasons should keep her from speaking with Miss Herderson. "For heaven's sake, its not as if I'd be running off to marry of backwoods man! I'm not even suggesting that I leave home. All I want to do is speak with her!" With that last thought, Christy made up her mind. There was nothing wrong with asking a few innocent questions.

With the last few members filing out of the church building, Christy excused herself from her family and snuck back inside. Miss Henderson was gathering up the last of her things when Christy cleared her throat.

"Excuse me, Miss Henderson?"

Looking up Alice Henderson saw the petite outline of a young girl standing next to her.

"Yes child?" she replied.

"My name is Christy Huddleston. I was very moved by your stories. This Cutter Gap sounds like a very special place."

"It is that! God has blessed those woods with a very special purpose; however, it is sometimes hard to see that purpose through the dirt and poverty. It has been my unique privilege to serve His people there."

"Yes, I can imagine there is plenty that God can accomplish there. Do you often have people, from the city I mean, come to visit?"

As if not hearing the initial questions Alice Henderson interjected, "Tell me, if you don't mind my asking, how old are you Miss Huddleston?"

This new topic surprised Christy. "Oh please don't be concerned about my age. I'll be turning twenty in a few months!"

"Do not be alarmed child. Thy age does not worry me! Quite the opposite in fact. It is thy youthful spirit that interests me. What caused thee to seek me out just now?" Never one to miss a thing, Miss Henderson's heart was already lifting up prayers to God concerning this young women.

"Caused me to seek you out? I'm not sure what you mean Miss Henderson."

"I can see it in thine face that thou art full of questions. Your curiosity is a gift from God!"

Somewhat taken aback from the direction this conversation was taking, Christy suddenly felt like she was losing control of the situation. It had only been her intention to ask a few questions. Instead she felt as if she were in an interview. Without thinking first Christy blurted out. "My curiosity is one characteristic that my mother would not say was a gift from God! However, I think curiosity is a necessity, especially if I am to become a school teacher." Now Christy realized she might have said to much. This polite woman had no interest in Christy's personal life. Why was she rambling so?

"Is that your plan, Miss Huddleston? To teach?"

"I, um, well, that is I am studying to become a teacher, yes. However, I am not exactly sure how God plans to use me yet."

"What a perfect answer! Would thee be inclined to hear about a teaching position at one of our missions?"

Christy's mind was in complete shock "WHAT" she silently screamed. "Oh no Lord, this is definitely not what I had in mind! Surely you don't want me to follow this woman back to Tennessee?" Filled with her own questions, she realized that she had not answered the question at hand.

Out loud Christy answered "You have a teaching position open? I would love to hear more about it!" To herself to whispered "Crazy girl, what are you doing?"

"Why don't I arrange a meeting between yourself and Dr. Ferrand. He is the director of our missions. Of course, I will be there as well. Tomorrow afternoon we can meet for a light lunch at my hotel. Can you make it?"

Christy had made the lunch and walked away from the meeting more excited and confused then the day before. Dr. Ferrand had been much more intimidating than Christy expected and she was glad for Miss Henderson's company. Sunday's speech had only been a glimpse into life at the mission. While Dr. Ferrand had not meant to scare the young woman, he also did not want to give her a false sense of security. At the end of the discussion the three had agreed to spend the next week in prayer before making any decisions. Once again Christy found herself in awe of what had transpired. Lying in bed that night Christy tried to make sense of what was going on around her.

"Lord, if anyone understands this situation it is you. None of this surprises you. None of this even unsettles you. Let me find peace in that knowledge. Remind me that you have already seen the outcome and you have already planned my path. I am excited Jesus and I am ready to serve you in those mountains. Speak to me. I am listening." With those last words Christy surrendered herself to God and to her pillow. End Flashback