Embracing Change Read Online Free Page A

Embracing Change
Book: Embracing Change Read Online Free
Author: Debbie Roome
Pages:
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dessert.”
    Dad scrubbed his hands in the sink before joining them at the table. “Is the food ready, Izzy?”
    “I just need to get the kumara out the oven.”
    “Do that, and then we’ll pray.”
    A minute later, the three of them joined hands around the table. “Lord, we thank you for this food and for your provision and ask for your blessing on it today. Thank you also for bringing Joel to visit and keep him safe as he travels back this evening.”
    The aroma of cinnamon and onion filled the air as Joel heaped food onto his plate. “There’s nothing like your cooking, Mom.”
    They were silent for a while, working on their food before Joel’s mother turned to him. “Any news on the girl front?”
    He’d been expecting this. It had become routine, this digging to see if he had found a girlfriend. He didn’t mind, and winked at his dad as he answered.
    “No changes, Mom.”
    She cut a thin strip from her steak and dipped it in a pool of gravy. “You’re not getting any younger, you know.”
    “I’m only 27. There’s plenty of time.”
    “So what happened with Mandy? She seemed to be a nice girl.”
    “She is nice, Mom, but she’s not right for me.”
    “That’s why I worry. I think you may be setting your standards too high. Why don’t you bring Mandy out to the farm again? Give her a chance.”
    Joel sighed inwardly, his list of what he was looking for in a wife running through his mind. Blond, tall, passionate about God, likes the outdoors. “ I don’t want to encourage her, Mom. It wouldn’t be fair because I don’t like her in that sort of way. I’ll know when I meet the right woman.”
    “I’ll keep praying then.”
    “Got much work on?” Dad changed the subject.
    “I have a job in Greymouth next week. A photo shoot by the Grey River.” He turned to his mother. “If it’s okay with you, I thought I might drop Shelley off on the way and spend the night with you.”
    “Of course. You know I love having you around.”
    Joel swallowed a forkful of kumara. The New Zealand sweet potato was sweet and cinnamony as it dissolved in his mouth. “Have you heard from Becky and Susan recently?”
    “Becky called last night and said they’re planning a barbecue together this weekend. It still amazes me how those two ended up marrying brothers and living so close to each other … and in Auckland at that … ”
    Joel grinned at his dad. They’d heard the same story a hundred times or more and it had become something of a joke between them.
    “Are you two laughing at me again?” She put on a stern face. “No dessert for men who misbehave.”
    Joel held his hand up. “I repent. I’ll never laugh at you again if it means no apple crumble.”
    “Sure you won’t.”
    Joel relaxed into his seat. He had the best of both worlds with his own home in Christchurch and also the freedom to come out to the farm as often as he wanted. “So how’s church going, Dad?”
    “Pretty good. You know we have a new pastor? He comes to our little church on Saturday evenings and visits the other areas on Sunday mornings and evenings.”
    Joel nodded, remembering similar routines as a young boy. Many of the tiny villages scattered across Canterbury couldn’t support a pastor by themselves, so shared one amongst three or four. “I’ll try and make it out one Saturday evening. I’d like to meet him.”
    “That would be great, Joel.”
    “It would be good to see all the old faces again. The close-knit community stuff is what I really miss, living in town.” He carried his plate to the sink and cleared his parent’s plates as well. “You have to work hard to make the same kind of connection with city folk.”
    Joel’s mom nodded. “You’re right, son. People out here have a greater appreciation of company because we spend so much time in isolation.” She squeezed his arm as he walked past to get the cream from the refrigerator. “That’s why we value your visits so much. Just remember, you’re
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