A week has passed since the Orphanage re-opened and everything seems to be going smoothly and then a Mr. Rodman from the State cffice comes in. Mr. Rodman is talking with Joe Kagan and says to him, "I'm from the State Office and I had a phone call stating that this Orphanage just opened up and I came by to make sure things are in order. I need to look around."

Joe Kagan shows him around the place and Mr. Rodman is well pleased with the layout as he says, "The layout of the building and the care of the children is well and in order."

"Thank you sir," Mr. Kagan replies.

Joe Kagan and Mr. Rodman then head back to Kagan's office and in his office Mr. Rodman asks, "Mr. Kagan, one last thing before I head off. Do you and your staff have State credentials to operate this Orphanage?"

Mr. Kagan has a concern look on his face, "State credentials?"

Mr. Rodman answers, "Yes, are you and your teachers State certified? or do you have Church support?"

Mr. Kagan mentions, "We do have some financial support from our local Church but not 100% and I don't have a State certificate or do I know if my teachers do."

Mr. Rodman continues to say, "Mr. Kagan, I'm sorry but if you don't get 100% financial support from your Church or everyone on staff isn't State certified within 2 months I will have to close down the Orphanage. I will be back in 2 months to make sure everything is in order."

Joe Kagan then asks Mr. Rodman, "How do we get state certification?"

Mr. Rodman states, "At the beginning of every month there is a class at the State capitol in Saint Paul Minnesota. It lasts for 3 weeks and then a test is given at the end of the 3 weeks. The class cost $25 to take. The next class will begin in 2 weeks on the first Monday of the month."

"Ok, Thank you," Joe Kagan says, as Mr. Rodman is leaving the office.

After Mr Rodman left the office Joe Kagan gets on the intercom system that he had installed and called all of his staff into his office.

All the teachers are now in Mr. Kagan's office and he tells them what Mr. Rodman said and asks, "Do any of you have a State teaching certificate?"

All but Hester Sue says they do as Hester Sue says, "I used to have one when I taught the blind school but when it expired I didn't want to retake the test because of my age. I will be willing now because I want to help these children."

All but Hester leaves the office. Hester Sue asks Joe Kagan, "What are we going to do? I'm willing to go to Saint Pau MN. but I don't have the money for the class or for traveling."

Joe answers, "I don't either but we will think of something."

Just then Joe looks out the window and sees Pastor Rodney going into the Church and Mr. Kagen says, "Hester Sue let's ask the Pastor what he thinks."

Joe and Hester Sue walks over to the Church and as they do they see Mr. Peterson outside of his store smiling. Mr. Peterson is thinking to himself, What are you going to do now, your dumb Orphanage is going to close down and those kids put in the workhouse where they belong!"

Hester Sue and Joe talk to their Pastor and tells him the situation and the Pastor says the Church is not able to give 100% financial support at this time but I will ask the congregation tomorrow about what we can do to send you both to Saint Paul to take the class."

The next day after the Church service Pastor Rodney makes a suggestion for the Church to send Hester Sue and Joe Kagan to Saint Paul MN to take the class and test to help keep the Orphanage open. All of the Church except Mr. Peterson agrees to send them.

Mr. Peterson doesn't say anything but he has a grimace look on his face.

After the service is dismissed Joe Kagan, Hester Sue and Pastor Rodney are speaking and the the Pastor says, "It is all set the Church will take care of the fees for the class and traveling expenses. I will keep an eye on the Orphanage while you are away."

Joe and Hester Sue both thank the Pastor.

How will Hester Sue and Joe Kagan do in Saint Paul Minnesota? Will they take the class and pass the test and be able to keep the Orphanage open?

To Be Continued