Though Noah floated in the dead center of God’s will, a very long, dark, damp, and very smelly year at sea followed. And the animals were not smiling in spite of Sunday School graphics. Just because we obey God, doesn’t mean an easy, comfortable life follows. Satan says, “Just keep the peace, compromise, and I will give you the world!” Deep down we knew we had not compromised our convictions for a church paycheck. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” Jhn. 16:33. Hebrews tells us, “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness” Heb. 12:10.

After Conrad put his name into the CBA office, a small church in Washington asked us to candidate. Nearly the whole church joined the search committee, and we sat in a large circle for questioning. The Yakima area is covered with vineyards so someone asked if we drank wine. We answered that we had on occasion. The questioner’s brother was an alcoholic, so if the church called us, they wouldn’t attend. The rest still voted for us to come. Of all people, they billeted us to stay overnight with the dissenting couple. I wanted to die and go to heaven, but no, I had to follow through. They were nice enough, but we never saw them again.

We packed and cleaned up our little bungalow. With a last glance at those empty rooms filled with memories, longing, and heartache, I said my goodbye. We drove into Grandview where a rental home, sight unseen, awaited us. I walked into an amazing, 3200 sq. ft., four bedroom, two story home. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked a broad orchard-filled valley and Horse Heaven Hills. It felt like heaven! I thanked God for this house everyday for the next six years. It felt so big after Haley House, we all slept in a corner of the living room that first night.

Conrad once again uncompromisingly preached the Word, and the enemy, entrenched in bitter hearts, crawled out of hiding. One year later the board called Conrad into the church office after his Sunday message and asked him to resign. When he asked why, they said they heard he had been in counseling for manipulation and lying. When asked the source of this information, each board member turned to another one until the question rested on one. This one said he heard it from the former pastor, who heard it from someone in the CBA office, whom we had never personally met.

Conrad called the CBA directors together with the former pastor. Our Christian counselor sent a letter stating, “These accusations could not be farther from the truth. One of Conrad’s greatest attributes is his integrity.” Things were set back in order. Three months later a woman in the church invited church members to her home to “lynch” the pastor under the auspices of an auditing meeting. Discovering this undercurrent, and battling tension headaches, Conrad resigned.

Part-time work became available here and there until a janitorial job opened at a Christian school. When a job to sell portraits in churches opened, Conrad took it. This job required traveling throughout the Pacific Northwest, which wore on our marriage and children. One weekend, after two years on the road, he decided to quit rather than continue to face the mounting temptations of a traveler. The very day he arrived home and said he quit his job, I told him Sam Jaramillo had just asked for him to join his insurance business. God rewards faith! I worked as secretary for a United Methodist church for two years, and then at Grandview Grace for another two. Charissa nannied three little children and Joel did yard work for our neighbors.

During this whole time, God exonerated us in our small town through our children. What a joy for Conrad to baptize Joel at Grandview Grace and hear Jonathan publicly pray for Joel at his baptism. After his graduation in ’92, Jonathan moved to Portland to live with Conrad’s sister and attend Mount Hood College for an AA degree in Forestry.

We rejoiced over Jami’s wrestling victories, including an all-star Russian team featured on the evening news. He also qualified for the state wrestling championship, and became the first Student of the Month featured on a half page in the newspaper. After his graduation in ’93, he headed to LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.

Charissa won the title of Grandview Junior Miss and received all five judges awards. We never realized her public performance gift until we saw her completely at ease on stage—so like her daddy! When we first moved to Grandview, girls threw stones at her and mocked her. God’s “poetic justice” gave her this title because, “ Those who honor Me I will honor” 1 Sam. 2:30.

Joel did some football, wrestling, tennis, and played a silver trumpet. This agricultural area brought in many migrant workers. The Hispanic population in the schools registered about ninety percent. Hispanic boys mature physically earlier and Joel suffered legitimate fears of gangs and bully intimidations. Also, as the youngest of four siblings, he felt the loss as each sibling left the nest.

We continued to attend Grandview Grace and led a college and career Bible study. Hosting their Christmas party in ’94, I noted Jonathan and Becky Mead playing Balderdash together. I intuitively knew something would come of this. December 29 of ’95 Jonathan and Becky married. That fall, they moved to Vancouver, Washington, where Jonathan earned his AA degree in Airframe and Power Plant while Becky taught school.

One day Conrad came home from selling insurance and shared about a client who loved his job. His own heart cried out for this joy. Realizing God stirring our hearts, we bowed to ask once again for full-time ministry. God answered and led us west. . . .

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make you paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6