The tick-toc, tick-toc, tick-toc of the Old Grandfather clock in the hall was the only sound to be heard at this early hour of the morning. Indeed the sun was just about to rise signaling not only the dawn of a new day but the dawn of a new season in Angie’s life.  The day had finally come for her to advance beyond the comfortable borders of the homestead, leaving family and loved ones behind, it was her time to “make it big” in the hustle and bustle of New York City.  Well at least that’s what she told herself many times this past week, as the fear of all things new threatened to overcome and squash every ounce of faith that she had.  Thankfully all those years in Miss Murphy’s sunday school class had helped establish her strongly in her relationship with the Lord and it was from Him that she drew her strength and courage again on this special morning.

“Ok, that’s definitely everything packed, nothing more can fit in that case”, she mused to herself.  “Let’s get this down to the buggy, kitty!” and with that she marched out of the room with the tan and striped kitty chasing after her.  “I could have got that for you sis” said Charles, “Although, I suppose you will have to get used to handling things yourself in the big city, are you sure you still want to go?”  “I’ll be ok Charles, it’s only for a year, until I get my teaching qualifications and then I’m going to come back and start a school, right here in Mistysprings.”

That had been her childhood dream and now here she was about to make it a reality, all those long hours of studying had been worth it, to get this far.  And she was certainly ready to complete the final part of this journey to become a fully qualified school teacher. She could almost hear the chatter of her future students in the playground!

“You best be going now daughter, the train waits for no-one!” At her father’s words, reality kicked in and suddenly New York seemed as far away as the moon.  Angela give her mother and father a final hug and jumped up beside Charles, doing her best to keep the tears at bay.  “Let’s go then, bye bye, love you, see you at Christmas!” She shouted back to her parents, as the horses pulled her away from the home she cherished so. Once at the train station and with the final goodbye and promise of letters said, Angela found herself trembling with excitement at the prospects to come. “You have been accepted to the Mission Academy for Teacher Training in New York City” the letter had said, “Please make your way here one week before your start date, so that you can get settled into your communal house and familiarise yourself with the area” At first read, she was startled at the thought of sharing with “others”, but after reading further, was greatly relieved that it was indeed only for the women teachers and that the men did have their own accommodation in the house next door!

The platform suddenly became alive as the train pulled in. Quickly Angela gathered up her belongings and made her way to her designated carriage.  Thankfully her father had insisted that she ride in her own carriage room with a bed and lockable door. She was indeed grateful, especially as it was going to be a two day journey to New York.  With a blow of the whistle they were off!  “Oh what adventures do await me, I wonder” Angie gleefully thought to herself as she left the familiar sights of Mistysprings behind!

…to be continued.