Naomi’s Christmas by Marta Perry

Author:Marta Perry [Perry, Marta]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781101611692
Publisher: Berkley Books
Published: 2012-10-02T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

It was very seldom that Amish children had an opportunity to perform in front of an audience. Naomi had never thought much about why, but it was probably because Amish children were taught to be humble, not drawing attention to themselves. That humility was an attitude that would serve them well their entire lives.

But the standard was suspended for the Amish school’s Christmas program, and the community joined in support of the young scholars. Although Naomi had brought the children early, the lane going back to the white one-room schoolhouse was already lined with buggies.

“Hurry, hurry, Naomi.” Sadie bounced on the seat next to her. “I want to see everything.”

“So you will,” she said, pulling into the next open space. “We are in plenty of time, for sure.”

One of the older boys came running to tend the mare. It was obviously one of his jobs for the day.

“Denke.” She slid down, handing him the horse blanket for Sunny. Sadie and Joshua followed her quickly.

“Komm.” She took their hands, and they walked toward the school. Joshua’s eyes were big with contained excitement while Sadie danced along, her feet seeming to skim the ground.

Naomi slowed as they reached the steps to the porch. “Once the program starts, you must sit still,” she cautioned. Joshua didn’t need to hear it, but Sadie did. “It would not be polite to talk or move around then, ain’t so?”

“Ja, Naomi,” Joshua said, and Sadie nodded.

“Like in worship,” she said.

“That’s right,” Naomi said, smiling. “Let’s go in and find seats.”

That was easier said than done. The room was already crowded, and even with extra folding chairs set up, Naomi began to think they might have to stand.

“Look, Naomi.” Sadie, wide-eyed, was staring at the chalkboard. It was decorated with a snow scene, filled with children sliding on a hill. “I can’t wait to sled ride.”

“That will be fun.” Naomi trusted that Nathan’s protectiveness didn’t extend to keeping the children from enjoying the snow. “See the stars?” Strands of yarn reached across the room, bearing cut-out angels and many-pointed Moravian paper stars. That was something she could make with Sadie and Joshua. Talking about the symbols was a good way of teaching the children the meaning of Christmas.

She spotted Leah Glick motioning to her from across the room, indicating a chair next to her. Clutching the children’s hands, Naomi began working her way through the crowd. Was she imagining it, or did conversation cease momentarily as folks saw her before resuming again?

By the time she reached Leah, she feared her cheeks were burning. She slid into the chair and then realized she had displaced Leah’s stepdaughter.

“Ach, I don’t want to take Elizabeth’s seat—”

“Not at all. She wants to sit with the little ones,” Leah said, and indeed, Elizabeth seemed perfectly happy to gather Joshua and Sadie next to her along with Rachel Anna, Leah’s youngest, and Gracie, Leah’s little niece.

Anna Fisher, Leah’s younger sister, was sitting in the next chair. She smiled a welcome, pulling a diaper bag over to give Naomi more space.

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