These questions weighed heavily on him.
“If I could talk to you for a moment, pastor.”
The pastor looked at him and smiled. “Adam! Good to see you today.” He stepped down from the small platform to shake Adam’s hand.
“That was a good sermon today, John.”
“Thank you very much. I used the same topic about a month ago, according to the wife, but it was on my heart, so I used it again.”
“We can always use more words about the sacrifice of our Lord.” Adam nodded. “But I have something else I wanted to talk to you about if you have a moment.”
“I do. Let’s go for a walk.” He gestured with one hand, and Adam led the way down the aisle and through the front doors. He put his hat on once they were outdoors and they strolled over the grass around the side of the building. There was a cemetery very close by, and they walked along the side of it.
“I have been feeling very lonely lately. I am thinking about bringing a woman from the East to marry.”
The Reverend nodded. “I have heard of others doing that. Have placed a few ads myself. Not for me. For others in the congregation.”
Adam looked at him, surprised. “You have? I had not heard of that.”
John shook his head. “You wouldn’t have. It’s not something that is advertised here. And the men typically feel as you do, they are nervous and unsure of the future. Most of them request that the arrangement be kept private. Only those closest to them know what’s happening.”
“It seems to be my only option at this point. No women are traveling here just because they feel like it.”
“No, it seems there are only a few females here, other than very small children.”
“Do you know the success rate of other men sending for women from the East? Have they had successful marriages?”
“As far as I have seen, yes, they have. But I have not kept close track of their lives.”
“Do you think it would be a good idea for me?”
John stopped and turned to him. “Adam, that is a decision you have to make for yourself, but I will say this. I have watched you grow from a young man into a strong Christian adult. You have come far in your life, relying on yourself and the strength God has given you. If you have prayed about this and you have come to me about it, which I commend you for, I think you know what direction is right for you. It sounds like you have already made up your mind.”
“I believe I have. I will do it.”
John nodded and clapped a hand on his shoulder. “I pray for you, my brother. God will provide and protect.”
Adam nodded.
An hour later, he was sitting on the comfortable couch he’d purchased just the year before. He held his Bible in one hand, staring down at the table in front of him, where a blank piece of paper sat waiting for him to write.
What would he say? He began to list the traits and characteristics he desired in a woman in his mind. Beauty, intelligence, compassion, a strong love for God.
How would he put those things in an advertisement? Should he even mention beauty, as it was not good to judge by someone’s looks? He would feel bad if he ended up with someone he was not attracted to, however.
He picked up the charcoal pencil he always used to write and pressed it to the paper. So far he had successfully made a black dot on the paper.
He chuckled and began to write. The ad didn’t need to be long. But if it was too short, would it get the attention he wanted?
“What are you doing, Adam?”
He jumped when he heard the voice of his farmhand, Cody. He looked up at the young man as he came through the room and sat in a chair nearby, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees and clasp his hands in front of him.
“Nothing. What are you doing?”
“Just finished putting that fence back together where that ol’ bull broke it. It should be good for a while now. We gotta do something about him, Adam. He’s gettin’ worse every day.”
“I know.” Adam nodded, looking back down at the paper in front of him. He’d managed two sentences. He wondered if he needed more. Satisfied, he folded the paper and tucked it in his shirt pocket.
“What’s that? You signin’ the farm over to me? I can’t handle all this work by myself.” Cody’s voice was teasing. He grinned wide.
“No, I’m gettin’ a woman sent from the East to marry.”
Cody’s eyebrows shot up. “What’s that, boss? What are you gonna do?”
“You heard right. I need the companionship of a woman. You’re a good farmhand, but you ain’t got the right parts.”
Cody laughed. “I’m glad to hear you say that, but I’m pretty surprised by this. You didn’t mention you’d been thinkin’ about somethin’ like that.”