Now that Sheerah was married, Mama turned her energies to preparing for my betrothal and wedding. My protest that nothing should be done until after the formal betrothal was ignored. Mama insisted we begin now, pointing out the short time remaining before Necho's return. Once he came, it would be only a matter of months before the wedding. If we waited, she did not think we would have time to prepare for the journey to Egypt. It was unthinkable that I embarrass my father by going to my new wealthy family as a pauper.

My volatile emotions kept me in a state of turmoil. Memories of Shem haunted my nights while evidences of Sheerah's happiness taunted me by day. I longed for the serenity I had attained before Papa's announcement. My certainty of Yahweh's disapproval of the betrothal waxed and waned. The harder I prayed for God to intervene, the farther away He seemed.

Early one morning, I retreated to my refuge near the stream. Leaning against a tree, I watched in awe as a gazelle approached. Because I was down wind, my scent did not reach her. As she came through the tall grasses, several quail flapped up and then disappeared back into the grass a few feet away. Holding her head erect, she searched the area carefully. Then craning her neck toward the trees behind her, she emitted a small sound.

Immediately a young gazelle emerged from the brush and joined its mother. I held my breath as the two beautiful creatures came to the spring for a drink. Their black eyes held me under their spell. They were large and deep giving the impression of compassion and wisdom. I wondered if God had gazelle eyes. The spell was broken when a small rodent ran across my foot, causing me to let out an involuntary gasp. Immediately, the two turned and ran.

Physically I was alone again, but yet I sensed a presence, God's presence. In awe I prayed, "You have created such beautiful creatures. How wonderful the world is because of You."

As I sat meditating on God's creation, I felt His love envelop me. "You too are My creation, Dinah. You saw how I care for these animals. I care for them through their senses and their speed. If I am concerned about these animals that I have given for your food, don't you think I will care for you."

Ashamed, I looked down. Then raising my eyes, I replied, "I know You are in control; You have assured me of that. Yet there are times when I am uncertain. I'm so afraid Papa won't let You guide in this matter."

"Trust Me. Your worry has made life miserable. Leave your future in My hands. Do as your parents instruct. When the time comes, My leading will be clear to all. Faith and patience are a part of My nature. If you let Me, I will make them a part of yours."

As though on cue, several antelope entered the clearing and drank. In gratitude, I again acknowledged God's greatness. This time I was sure He cared for me as diligently as He did His other creations. He would reveal His hand in due time. Meanwhile, I could enter into the preparations without worrying about what would happen when Abram and I did not wed.

Later as I sewed on the yellow dress I would wear when Abram came to claim me, I sang psalms softly. Mama looked relieved. I'm sure my moodiness had baffled her. Sheerah and Judith kept exchanging puzzled looks. Finally when Mama left temporarily, Sheerah exclaimed, "What has happened? You haven't been this cheerful since your Papa promised you to Abram."

Smiling, I answered, "When I prayed this morning, Yahweh assured me, He would make His will known before the wedding. I don't have to worry anymore. He can handle Papa's anger and Mama's disappointment. All I have to do is be a dutiful daughter."

Looking at me suspiciously, Judith said, "You're not planning on helping God out, are you, Dinah? Your rash plans have always ended in trouble. I thought you had learned your lesson."

Through laughter I countered, "Don't worry. You won't get sent back to the goats. I'm not scheming; Yahweh's plans are always superior to any I think up."

As the days wore on and my mood remained stable, everyone seemed to forget my previous opposition to the wedding. I didn't forget, but I was content to wait on the Lord. Occasionally I would feel a twinge of remorse over wasted expense, but God had stressed obedience. I was certain he would have some reason for allowing so much to be prepared for me.

One day Mama called me into the tent in midmorning. Bidding me sit, she said, "It will not be long now before Necho comes. Have you come to terms with the fear and dislike you expressed earlier? I want you to be happy. Can you tell me you will enter this marriage without bitterness?"

With calm assurance, I was able to say, "I have no fear, Mama. Yahweh is in control; my happiness is His desire. Whatever He dictates, I can do without bitterness."

Hugging me close, she expressed her thankfulness. I did not feel my speech had been deceptive. God would have to convince my parents of the error they had made. Meanwhile preparations continued, summer came, and still there was no word from Egypt.

Shemaiah was beginning to cut teeth and had become a fretful sleeper. One morning he awakened before dawn showing no sign of sleepiness. Not wanting to disturb the others, I decided to take him and go for water. Knowing it would be some time before the camp stirred, I headed for the well outside Bethel. Normally, I drew water at the nearby spring.

Since it was a beautiful morning and unlikely that others would be around, I ventured further. The haziness of predawn guided my way. As I walked, I thought of my parent's apprehension over Necho's continued absence. Humming a psalm, I wondered how long it would be before the inevitable became clear. My step had a spring and I felt elated. Somehow I was sure God was about to unveil His plan.

As I walked, Shemaiah fell asleep in the carrier I had strapped to my chest. Looking at his sleeping countenance, I felt a surge of tenderness. Stopping by the well, I set my jar on the ground and lowered my bucket. Just as I heard a faint splash, a deep, accented voice spoke behind me. "Might you share a drink with a thirsty traveler?"

Startled, I whirled around, clasping Shemaiah close while clutching the rope to my bucket in my fist. My back against the well, I found myself staring at a dark skinned man standing only a few arm's lengths away.

"Please," he said, "I did not mean to frighten you. We are camped nearby. It was very late, or perhaps I should say early in the morning, when we arrived. I could not sleep. The water skin on my camel was empty, so I came to the well. Foolishly, I did not bring a bucket, only my empty water skin, and perhaps my empty head. Would you have mercy on a weary stranger?"

Relaxing as he spoke, I smiled sheepishly and said, "Of course. Forgive me. Here in my country it is not the custom for men to speak to women."

When he smiled in response, I couldn't help but notice how white his teeth looked against his dark skin. The whites of his eyes also seemed to glow, giving me the uncanny feeling that he could see into my mind. Realizing I had been staring, I flushed and looked down as he said, "I am sorry that I have already violated your customs. It is my first time abroad. I am afraid that I have much to learn."

Looking up as he finished, I couldn't help but laugh at the comical expression he wore. "It's all right. No one else is around, and I promise not to tell."

Grinning broadly, he said, "That is much better. When I first spoke to you, you looked like a fierce mother cat prepared to protect her young. If the rope had been a weapon, I'm afraid I would have died an untimely death."

Laughing I parried, "And you looked like a cub caught in some mischief."

As we talked, I filled his water skin. While he drank deeply, I dropped my bucket back into the well. Just then Shemaiah woke and began to squall. Putting his water skin down, the stranger said, "Let me repay your kindness. I will fill your jar while you tend to the child." Handing him the rope, I cuddled Shemaiah close and cooed at him.

Looking up, I stopped talking. For the second time that morning I found myself staring. The stranger was raising the bucket in a most peculiar manner. Grasping the rope in his right hand, he bent down, placing his left arm far down the rope. Swinging his left arm up quickly above the right, he would then grasp the exposed rope. As I watched, he repeated this several times. When he raised his left arm high, the reason for his unusual way of drawing water was apparent. He had no left hand. His arm ended in a stub where his wrist should have been.

Thoughtlessly, I blurted, "You don't have to do that. I can finish."

Evidently used to the effect his handicap had on people, he said, "Don't be silly. I may only have one hand, but I have muscles in both arms. God took my hand, but He spared my life. He gave me the brain to make adjustments. You needn't feel pity."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it the way it sounded. God gave me a brain too, but I often neglect to use it before I speak."

Smiling, he lifted my jar to my head and handed me my bucket. "Apology accepted. I guess both of us came out empty headed today."

Returning his smile, I responded in the same light vein. "Thanks for your help, Empty. Now you can go back full, even if it is only full of water."

"Thank you" he said as he turned to leave. Then pivoting toward me, he concluded, "This encounter has given my day a wonderful beginning, Unfortunately it has made what I must do today much more difficult. Good-bye, Cat Eyes."

As I returned to camp, I mulled over the stranger's parting words. Thinking they were a mystery I might never unravel, I tucked them away for future thought. At present it looked like I might need my wits to determine why the camp was in such an uproar. Early in the morning, the camp was usually fairly quiet. Today everyone seemed to be stirring. As I approached, Judith rushed up saying, "Hurry, Dinah, Everyone has been looking for you. Your Papa will soon become a raging bull."

Handing Judith my water jar, I hurried to Papa's tent. When I entered, he demanded, "Where have you been, girl. Don't you know better than to wander off unescorted."

"I only went to the well," I began. "Shemaiah...

Papa interrupted my explanation saying gruffly, "Where you've been is unimportant. You're here now. A servant just came from Necho. His caravan has arrived and he wants to know when we can meet. I have sent word that he is to come after the midday rest. Once the betrothal is confirmed, we will share a meal. You will help to serve. Go to your mother now and find out what she needs you to do. You are to stop in plenty of time to prepare yourself to meet Abram. Don't forget to wear the outfit Necho gave you."

Without replying, I turned and stumbled from the tent. The elation I had felt earlier was gone. My mind was numb with disbelief. Only a short time ago I had been certain Yahweh was about to unfold His plan, but this wasn't what I had expected. Inside I felt like someone was squeezing my heart. Silently I cried to God, "No, no! This can't be right. You promised everyone would know when the time was right."

Through the pain the thought came, "I haven't betrayed you. Everyone will know My plan." Yahweh's peace again filled me as I remembered, "Faith and patience are a part of My nature... "

My ability to be patient that morning had to be a reflection of Yahweh's character. It certainly was not a part of my usual nature. I helped the younger women make bread while the older women prepared the fatted calf killed for the occasion. Cheeses and fruits were reviewed and the best chosen. Papa tasted the wines and selected the sweetest to serve with the feast. All of this preparation I watched as though detached. Yahweh would act; I didn't have to worry.

During the rest, Judith helped me to dress. Neither of us could figure out what to do with the girdle. It was thinner than ours, but much, much longer. When I recommended we just cut it off, Judith protested suggesting we summon Sheerah first. Being raised in a town, she might have more knowledge than we. When she arrived, Sheerah told me she knew the Egyptian women tied their girdles around themselves several times.

She had seen an Egyptian once, but did not know how to actually tie the girdle. After much trial and error, we finally achieved what Sheerah considered the appropriate effect. With one strand below the bosom, one at the waist, and another crossed over the intervening area, it created a most becoming gown. With the jewels and headpiece, I felt almost like a bride. I had never before been dressed in such finery.

When the summons came, I was ready. Mama and I proceeded slowly to Papa's tent. As we entered, Necho and a somewhat taller, more muscular man stood and turned to greet us. Astonished, I stopped in my tracks. As though from a great distance, I heard Papa making the introductions. More audible was the voice only I heard, "Everyone will know My plan, Dinah. Everyone!"

I was brought back to the present by Mama's hand leading me forward and Papa's voice saying, "Dinah! Please come and join us.

As though in a dream, I walked forward and took the wine Papa was holding out. After we had drunk to long lives, health and happiness, Abram came and stood before me. In his right hand he held a wide gold ring and a gold armband. Placing the ring on my left finger and the armband above my left elbow, he said, "With these tokens you are set apart for me." Then with an impish smile, he whispered, "What I have to do today is no longer difficult."

Turning to Necho he said, "I thought you were exaggerating when you spoke of her beauty. Now I realize -you minimized it. No fairer maiden can exist in all of the Nile."

Laughing Necho answered, "Forgive the brashness of my son, Jacob. The wine after such a difficult journey must have gone to his head."

"I was about to offer further refreshment," Papa said. "Perhaps grapes would be better fare, They have not had time to ferment."

While everyone laughed, Mama said quietly, "Come, Dinah. It is time for us to take our leave."

As we turned to go, Abram called out, "Wait, don't go yet. There is something I must ask first." Then turning to Papa he said, "If it will be a while before the meal is ready. I would like to make a request. Would you please allow Dinah and I to walk and talk? Her maid can follow behind. I would like to share some information with her about her new home. It might help her to pack appropriately, and it would give us a chance to become comfortable in one another's presence."

After looking questioningly in Mama's direction, Papa said, "Leah, send Judith. We will have another drink while we wait."