Shalom Station

Kate hurried to get the big pot of potatoes on to cook. As she set the pot on the modern gas stove, she swiped a ringlet of sweaty hair out of her eyes. 

Once she had wiped the bench and scraped the rubbish into the scrap bin for her chooks, Kate glanced around her tidy kitchen. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband, She thought.  The kitchen, though small, was homelike and convenient. It’s four, stained glass windows faced north looking out into the front yard and further on, the stables and stockyards. Just beneath the windows was a sturdy bench and a sparkling dish sink. The eastern wall was occupied by a couple of cupboards, a pantry, the prized stove and a beautiful display case. This, apart from the gas stove which had been a birthday present from Jim, was their pride and joy. It’s upper shelves were lined with jars and jars of dried legumes, nuts and other un-perishable foods. Other shelves contained recipe books and decorative glass dishes.

Kate sighed and peered anxiously out the windows. I hope Jim makes it back soon.

Jim had had to make an urgent trip into town to pick up a new horse for the kid’s farm.

Shalom Station provided a retreat for children who’s parents were involved in ministry at home. The children would come for an extend period of time and live with one of the young families in the attractive cottages and help with the work on the station and in the homes. They got to leave behind their status as Pr So and So’s Son or Daughter and just be themselves. The house parents encouraged and helped them in their day to day and spiritual lives. The main attraction for these children was a love of horses of which the station had many.

Jim had promised to be back in plenty of time for lunch but there was not sign of him yet and the visitors would arrive in just over an hour. 

Half and hour later, Kate slid a huge nut and rice loaf into the oven and was just draining the mealy potatoes when she heard the horse truck pull up at the yards.

Quickly she dropped what she was doing and, pulling on her boots, ran over to help Jim.

“Sorry I’m late.” He called as he swung out of the truck. “Ok guys, move back.” The excited assembly of kids moved ever so slightly as Jim pulled open the float doors and made way for Kate.

This was always her job and she liked it. Confidently she moved to the horse’s head and untied him, talking all the while. The big chestnut gelding danced nervously and his eyes rolled in fright.

“Sh, quiet boy.” Kate motioned for Jim and the kids to move well back and out of the way.

It was just as well. As Kate maneuvered it slowly down the ramp it continued to jump around and as soon as all four hooves rested on firm ground, his head kate high and his front hooves pawed the air. Kate let the rope slip through her fingers to give the gelding space and waited patiently until there was a loud thud and the blazed head was at her level again.

Soothingly she stroked the strong neck and scratched the tossled forelock. When the beast was quiet again, Kate gently tugged on the halter and led him peaceably through the kids to his prepared stall.

“Mrs Kate sure has a way with the wild ones don’t she Mr Jim?” Commented one of the older boys.

“Sure does, Tony.” Jim agreed.

“Uncle Jim?” Came a voice from a little blonde head beside him. “I want to be just like Aunty Kate.”
Jim smiled, “Good plan little one. Harry, will you put the truck away please?” Jim grabbed his wife by the shoulders and walked with her to the house.

As soon as Kate and Jim reached the house, they kicked off their boots and Jim hung his hat on a handy nail provided for that service.

“Mm, smells good.” He commented as he took the stairs two at a time to change into a cleaner pair of daks.

Kate bustled around the kitchen, setting the table, preparing the salad and juggling trays and dishes in the oven.

“So who are these people who are coming to visit?” Jim asked as he re-entred the kitchen. Kate tossed him a tea towel and motioned to the clean dishes on the rack before answering. “Jess and Roger Smith.” She said, “That name ring a bell?”
“Nope. What do they want?”
“I guess they want to know about Shalom.”
“There, the dishes are all dried and put away.” Jim announced a few moments later with a clatter of mixing bowls. 

“Oh and here come the Smiths now. Just in time.” Kate made a move toward the door but Jim stopped her.

“You know you have mud all over your face don’t you, Honey?” He asked.

Kate grinned and wiped the back of her hand over her forehead. Sure enough it came off grimy brown. “Will you go and invite them in while I get cleaned up al little?” Jim nodded and his little wife dashed up the stairs.

When she returned, a couple about the same age as Jim and herself were seated in the lounge room under the air conditioner. They kate as she entered the room.

“Jess, Roger, I’d like you to meet my wife, Kate.” Jim officially introduced them.

“G’day guys.” Kate said as she shook Roger’s hand cordially. But as she reached for Jess’ hand she looked into her brown eyes and: “Jessica!”

“Kate!” Soon the two long lost friends were in each other’s arms.

“Just wait till I get Ely over here!”

Does she live here too?” Jess asked excitedly.

“Oh yes. Hey, why don’t you and I go over there and surprise her? It’s just down the road.”

Jess Smith nee Bevan quickly agreed and after explaining their mission to their busily yarning husbands, they set off down the dusty track, chattering non stop.

Soon they reached a neat cottage surrounded by an oasis of garden. Happy family sounds reached them from inside.

“Just a second.” Kate said, and opening the door called, “El, it’s Kate.”

Almost immediately a tall young woman with long brown wavy hair and sweet dimples appeared in the doorway. Two small children peered from behind her skirts and a baby hung from her hip.

“There’s someone here I think you’d want to see, El.” Kate pushed Jess forward.

“Jessss!” The young mother squealed at ounce and bounded down the steps to embrace her friend. Soon all three friends were laughing and chattering merrily until Kate had an idea.

“Hey El, why don’t you let Tim and Ella feed the kids and you come on up and eat with us. Sure you can bring the baby with ya.”

“Good plan, but first Jess has to say g’day to my Tim. Tim.” she called and presently a slow manly voice replied. “Yes Baby?” and another tall form filled the doorway.

“Oh, hi Kate.” He drawled.

“Timmo, this is Jess, remember her?” Ely introduced.

“Ha! Sure do. Wouldn’t forget her in a hundred years!” And Tim’s captivating grin spread even wider across his hansom face. “How ya going, Mate?”

“Tim, you stay put here and feed the kids while Ely comes up home.” Kate informed him. “You can bring ‘em all up after lunch, Ok?”
“Yes Ma'am.” Tim saluted stiffly and scooped up the two toddlers in his long arms.

“I’ll take James up with me, Dear. See you soon.”
Lunch was wonderful. The food delicious, the company exceptional and the atmosphere jolly. Ely’s baby James and Jess’ little Cloe were put down to sleep side by side on the spare bed and amongst much friendly chatter the ladies began to clear the big table.

“Well lookee here. She’s married with kids! I do declare. How are ya Mate?” A loud voice boomed from the back door and Jess glanced up from wiping Little Mick’s dirty mouth to see her husband’s hand getting a mighty shaking from Big Tim.

Oh what a happy afternoon that was. After the kitchen was tidied up, the men took the older kids for a walk towards the dry creek-bed and the three girlfriends donned boots and Akubras and, snatching up the babies, headed for the stables.

As the happy girls toured the sweet smelling stables, Ely  and Kate introducing each horse to their enraptured friend, they could see that Jess was sold and Ely  started really expanding on Shalom’s vision and purpose. Sometime in the conversation, Kate disappeared but her absence went unnoticed by the others. Not even the creaking of the heavy barn door prenetrated their minds.