Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate

partly because she wanted to shield herself against whatever God was trying to do with her. “I think God wants me to spend some time in Hope Springs while you’re in Haiti . . .” She wiped a few tears. “Helping Janelle take care of Grandma Geri.”
    â€œWow.” Lindell looked aside, presumably processing it himself.
    â€œBut I know it wouldn’t work,” she quickly added. “We can’t just leave our home for weeks at a time. Too much to look after—bills, home maintenance. I mean, what if a pipe bursts when it’s cold or a bird gets stuck in the chimney—that happened to the Nelsons, you know. Somebody needs to be there.”
    Lindell brought her into his arms again. “Steph, I have watched God do amazing things in your heart in the two years we’ve been married.” He leaned back to look in her eyes. “You think you’re selfish now? Do you remember how you used to be?”
    The tears had subsided, so she could easily roll her eyes at him.
    â€œI’m trying to encourage you, babe. You’ve come a long way. We both have. I would never have considered a medical mission trip two years ago.” He took her hand and walked with her. “I think it’s exciting. You told me you’ve been praying to have a servant’s heart. Sounds like God wants to take you to servant school.”
    â€œYou didn’t answer my concerns, though. What about our house?”
    Lindell almost chuckled. “Really, Steph? How much family do we have nearby to check on things for us? And we can pay bills online. The last thing I’m worried about is the house.”
    â€œWell, Janelle might not want me here. I might just get in the way.”
    â€œTrue.” Lindell stifled a smile. “You’d be remiss if you didn’t ask to be sure.”
    â€œAnd I’d miss my family.”
    He nodded. “Yes, you will. And you’ll get to know the family that’s here better.” He squeezed her hand. “You’re not joining the army. It’s only a few weeks.”
    â€œHmph. It’s kinda like joining the army. Servant school boot camp.”
    He laughed. “That might be true.” He stopped and looked at her. “Not like you have to decide this minute. Let’s pray, and whatever you decide, you decide. God can find a way to take you through servant school boot camp in St. Louis just as well as in Hope Springs.”
    That made her feel better, like her whole life didn’t hinge on this one decision. She stared into the distance.
    â€œWhat?” Lindell said.
    â€œI don’t know . . . My thoughts about what I should do keep changing, depending on whether I’m focused on myself or my grandmother.” She sighed. “If you ask me, boot camp already started.”

CHAPTER NINE
Tuesday, December 29
    T odd, help me here.” Becca blew out a soft sigh, taking a stab at patience, which was dwindling fast. She swiveled from her computer screen to face him fully. “You’re telling me your company is about to lay off a lot of people in your department but you won’t be among them.”
    â€œYes. My level is safe for now.”
    â€œYet this is your confirmation that we should leave life as we know it and move to Hope Springs? You can’t be serious.”
    They’d been debating this since the road trip home. Todd’s meeting with the elders had made an impression and swayed him to at least begin thinking seriously about their proposition. Every day he seemed to be leaning more in favor of the move. But she’d been hanging her hopes on one thing he said he’d need—real confirmation. Given how crazy this notion was, she’d been sure he wouldn’t get it.
    â€œI really think so, Bec.” He paced in front of her, a distressing sign, since it meant his wheels were turning. “When they told me about the layoffs today, it just clicked.” He