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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: BRAND (01/12/17)
Transported



The sea cooled her toes as she strolled on the beach trying to keep her petticoats out of the water. Suddenly, from the nearby jetty she heard “The ship's coming, the ship's coming!” There was frenzied excitement as people rushed from everywhere. 'The women are coming' was the loudest cry as men pushed their way through the people jostling to get a glimpse of the approaching sails.



Sarah didn't rush – she knew what was about to happen. A few years ago

she had been one of 'the women'. Her mind went back to the moment she

heard 'Guilty! Transportation to Canada!” She had been so sure the Lord would answer her prayers – she was not guilty just unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. On that dark rainy night a woman in a dark cloak like hers pushed the watch into her hand, then fled and vanished. The police

in persuit grabbed Sarah despite her protests. Although many character witnesses attested to Sarah's devotion to her church and Godly way of life, as there was no way of proving the other woman's existence she was found guilty.



Despite appalling conditions in jail, Sarah clung to her faith and was comforted by visits from family and friends. One of the jailers recognizing her gentle qualities became her protector from the unsavoury characters. Sarah saw God's hand at work in this man which gave her a sense of peace. About a 2 month's later, Sarah, along with many others was called to assemble in the exercise yard. 'You're leaving by ship tomorrow for Canada. You can start a new life'



The excitement of starting afresh soon faded as the women endured the cramped filthy conditions on the journey. The food was also monotonously poor.Biscuits of flour water and salt for breakfast and tea and salted meat at mid-day.

There was no water for washing only for drinking, or making the terrible ship's tea. Not allowed above deck, as a way of protecting them from the ship's crew who were starved of women's affection, their days and nights blurred into interminable boredom, punctuated only by meal times.



Sarah recalled struggling with her faith but reading her Bible and remembering how God had been faithful over her past 22 years, she claimed His promises. Marking each arduous day inside her precious book she couldn't believe hearing on the 99th day ' “Prepare to disembark”.



How wonderful it was to put her feet on solid ground, but Sarah had not been prepared for what followed. Men of all shapes and sizes pushing, calling out, leering at the 'prospective brides' as they were led from the dock to a nearby street. There, buckets of water and soap were available for the scruffy and bewildered group of

women to have a wash – their first since leaving England.



News of the ship arriving with marriageable women spread quickly among

the many lonely men of the area, one of which was Andrew Beaton. Losing his wife in childbirth he wanted to find a caring woman who would look after his little daughter Jane. Leaving her with neighbours Andrew set out on the 20k walk to try his luck.



Guided by the sound of noisy male voices he arrived to see women lined

up in pairs ready to be housed in the nearby barracks. Taking a deep breath he slowly walked down the line, sometimes asking a question sometimes just looking into their eyes. After going right to the end he started back and stopped in front of Sarah.



Sarah smiled as she remembered that moment – there was a kindness in his eyes and a gentleness in his manner as he had asked 'Will you come with me to care for my little daughter'

She'd sent up a silent prayer “Is this right Lord?”

Andrew continued “You will have your own room and I will keep you safe.”



Since her answer 'Yes” and taking his hand, 5 years had passed.

They were married and now with a brother James for Jane. The farm was thriving and Sarah's life was full and happy caring for her family.

One day she had asked Andrew

“Why did you choose me?”

“Because there was something special about you” had come his reply.





As she left the cool water's edge to fetch supplies and return home.

Sarah smiled remembering “God never fails us and His Spirit is always with us.”
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Larry Whittington
01/20/17
This was a very well written story about a part of history, I do not remember.
I liked the ending even though that was what was to be expected
esther robinson
01/25/17
Truly heart warming and an excellent piece of writing.
Trudy Newell
01/27/17
Such a sweet story. A window into the lives of those in history who struggled with similar circumstances.

I love happy endings. God is faithful. Thanks for sharing this delightful story.

Congratulations! Trudy