Minnie Canfield walked downstairs to the kitchen. She loved the peaceful moments alone in the kitchen before the cafe would open. Each morning she would take a few minutes to drink a cup of tea and read a book from the library. It usually only ended up being a chapter or two but it was a cherished morning routine.

"Minnie! Do you know where my shoes are?" Joseph called down from the top of the stairs.

"Dear, they are right by the chair where you left them last night. Running late?" Minnie shook her head watching her husband race down the stairs.

"Yes. I need to see Lee at his office to put a notice in the paper about the church potluck next week. I would also like to do a food drive for the families that were affected by the oil company closing." Joseph quickly put on his shoes and his hat.

"Hmm. How about eating free for every food donation or .15 cents per plate? Then any money we get can also go towards the food donations. We could even start a pantry to help families not just today but year-round."

"Great ideas. That could work. What time is your meeting with Elizabeth today? That way I am back here to cover the cafe." Joseph grabbed a banana muffin off the counter before his wife had a chance to say anything about having oatmeal instead.

"2 pm I am meeting her at her house for a late lunch. Can you please be here by 1:00 pm? That way I have time to get ready and pack our lunch before heading out." Minnie handed Joseph an apple and a cup of coffee as he sat next to her.

"Will do. I'm curious why Elizabeth like to see you today. Or even why it can't be here at the cafe." Joseph asked curiously.

"Maybe something with the kids. Or her upcoming wedding and helping with the cake? It will be nice to catch up on whatever it is about. I see you eyeing that chocolate cake. Let me cut you a piece to take with you." Minnie laughed knowing how much her husband loved sweets. Especially chocolate.

"A sweet from my sweet. Thank you. Praying your day goes well with many blessings. I love you." Joseph kissed Minnie and then left out the kitchen door.

2 pm

Minnie knocked at Elizabeth's door. She had downplayed it with Joseph earlier. Since she saw Elizabeth a few days earlier she had wondered what it could be about. Hopefully something good.

"Minnie, come in. It's so nice to see you today." Elizabeth smiled as she opened the door.

"Nice to see you as well. I have to admit you have had me curious the past few days. I brought chicken salad sandwiches, potato salad, carrots, and some cake for dessert. " Minnie followed Elizabeth to the kitchen.

"Nothing to worry about. The food sounds very good. Let's eat and catch up and talk business after lunch. What would you like to drink?" Elizabeth asked as she got out two glasses and gave the choices of what to drink.

"Iced tea, please. So how is the wedding planning going? I have to imagine that has been keeping you busy this summer. I remember planning for my wedding. It was alot." Minnie took a plate and utensils from the center of the table and started to serve up the food.

"Yes, so much to do especially with a short engagement. I still haven't heard from family on both sides so that makes it even more stressful. Jack is also keeping me busy, but I love having the summers to spend with him." Elizabeth sighed as she took a bite of her sandwich.

"The best advice is just to take it one day at a time. We usually stress and worry but then things work out how they are supposed to. All we can do is try our best. Pray for guidance or support and hope for the best. Also, delegate as much as you can. Plenty of people would love to help with the wedding planning." Minnie smiled at Elizabeth hoping her advice helped.

"Just what I needed to hear. You are always such a calming presence Minnie. That is exactly why I wanted to ask you this. Would you be interested in working at the school this year? The roster of kids has been expanded. I am able to get extra funding through the school district for additional help. The position would be 15 hours a week but could lead to more in the future. I have all ages in the school, and this would help to give kids some smaller group activities and individual help if needed." Elizabeth said.

"Can I take some time to think it over? Are there certain days or hours that are required?" Minnie was surprised by the offer wanting time to talk it over with her family.

"Yes, take your time. For your schedule, I would prefer afternoons. I am flexible with how many days a week. The deadline is within two weeks so I can submit the paperwork. Mr. Landis is the one who sent me the information about this. Both of us think very highly of you." Elizabeth smiled seeing the mixture of emotions on Minnie's face.

Later that night

"God sure works in mysterious ways sometimes. We had prayed just a few weeks ago for extra help with our finances. Today I was just thinking Elizabeth wanted to talk about Angela and getting new schoolbooks for next year." Minnie sat down on the couch next to Joseph.

"So, you would work at the school?" Cooper asked as he finished eating his supper.

"Yes, a few days a week after I did mornings here at the cafe." Minnie squeezed Joseph's hand.

"I think you should do it. You have always been a great teacher." Angela said as she started eating her pie at the table.

"We will make it work. I can do the lunch shift and Anna can also help more if needed. This is the opportunity that was provided so there is always a reason. As a family we agreed any time an opportunity would come, we would pay it forward. So hopefully we can continue through some of our ideas for the church and someone else will also receive a blessing." Joseph bowed his head leading his family in prayer.