The following morning our early chore of grinding grain was interrupted by Simeon. Grinning impishly he said, "Don't stop on my account. You may be here all day as it is."

It seems that we were to grind twice as much grain as usual for a celebration to be held the following evening. Extra bread would be needed as part of the feast that would accompany the festivities. We would be thanking Yahweh for the safe arrival here and the purchase of land.

As he departed, Simeon called back over his shoulder, "Remember, Dinah, the princes will be here. Don't get too close to them with anything liquid." The daggers my eyes threw at his back didn't even penetrate his laughter.

Our morning was spent in the usual activities, but it took much longer to grind the grain. I thought my arm was coming loose because I had to rotate the hand mill so many times. I wished we were established in a permanent place so that we could have a large mill like Grandpa Laban's. His was operated by oxen, freeing the women from the daily drudgery of grinding grain.

Eating a late breakfast, I realized my hunger would be less than usual at the evening meal. This was unsettling because the next day would be a time of fasting in preparation for the worship experience. I had fasted before, but this would be my first fast as an adult. Though fasting was not usually expected of children, when they participated their amount and kind of food was merely limited. This would be the first time that I would abstain from food for a full day, so I wanted to stuff myself at the evening meal. I suppose that I could drink lots of water since it was allowed when fasting.

I knew the reason for fasting: to allow time for one to ponder his sins and seek forgiveness, to show his dependence on God and his gratefulness to Him for His bounty. Fasting is supposed to draw one close to Yahweh, giving unencumbered time to spend in prayer. For me fasting is probably a waste of time. Instead of drawing closer to Yahweh, I find my gnawing stomach interfering in any attempt to pray; I catch myself daydreaming about food. I was certainly not looking forward to my first day as an adult faster.

After the midday rest, everyone expendable from daily chores was sent to locate stones suitable for an altar. As a member of the weaker sex, I was counted with the children as a spotter. We were to scatter over the available land searching for stones of sufficient size and shape to be stacked together into an altar on which a sacrifice could be made. We were to mark our discoveries by placing a piece of colored cloth under the rock. Scraps from used clothing and curtains were kept for purposes such as this.

Male servants were assigned to different locations as gatherers. They would locate the marked stones and take them to a designated spot. Papa and his two eldest sons would be responsible for the construction of the altar. They remained at the place where the altar would be built, directing the gatherers to place stones into various piles by size and shape. Only after all stones had been brought would actual construction begin. At time intervals determined by Papa, spotters and gatherers would be summoned by the sounding of cymbals. We would then assemble for instructions on sizes still needed and for water.

I enjoyed this type of activity. I was not under the usual observation and between summons would loosen my veil allowing it to fall below my chin. The freedom to wander at will in this territory had not been granted prior to the stone search. I hoped to familiarize myself with the terrain for future reference. If the chance arose for a secret rendezvous with Sheerah, I did not want to get lost looking for a landmark.

Shortly after the first break, I wandered in the direction of the pool. Entering a glade of trees, I looked around curiously. I stood in a clearing that had evidently been maintained purposely. Noting the stacks of pebbles, the shapes drawn on large boulders positioned at the far end and the unusual number of nicks in the surrounding trees, I surmised that this served as a practice area for the city's hunters. I envisioned muscular youths being instructed in the arts of bow, sling and spear by aged men with long gray beards. My imaginings were interrupted by a sardonic voice coming from the shadows amongst the boulders.

"This must be a hunter's paradise. The game I usually stalk is not so comely." Rooted on the spot in fright, I watched as the figure of Shem emerged. "What brings a pretty young maiden so far from her protectors?" Still mute I turned to flee, but the suave voice sounded clearly behind me, "The expression in your beautiful eyes reminds me of a doe startled by the hunter. One day I will change that."

With heart pounding, I retreated to the safer area within sight of the camp. Now that I was out of danger, I found myself strangely exhilarated. Pondering Shem's words, I wondered that he had even spoken to me. Men did not speak to women outside the home. Flushing as I noted my still loose veil, I realized the circumstance portended sordid intentions, but I preferred a more romantic interpretation. I fabricated a scenario in which Shem pled with my father for my hand. After the Prince agreed to convert to Yahweh worship, Papa gave his blessing and a betrothal resulted. I fancied Shem a young man overcome by love, willing to risk all to gain the wife of his dreams. If this were so, his parting words simply meant he planned to remove my fear in an honorable manner.

The search for suitable stones continued for the remainder of the afternoon. Our last summons came just before the day ended and so I had time only to force down a hasty meal before the time of fasting began at sundown. I had been so absorbed in my own thoughts during the afternoon that I had completely forgotten that the evening meal would commence early because of the designated day of fasting.

My disappointment over the scanty meal was forgotten during the time that followed. The curtains were placed between the tents in preparation for the ritual purification to cleanse ourselves outwardly before Yahweh. The men would cleanse themselves completely tonight, but undergo further public purification of their hands as part of the ritual surrounding the sacrifice.

We women were to purify ourselves tonight only. This would allow us to approach Yahweh properly in prayer during the day of fasting. I had undergone only one other purification following my first sign of womanhood and preceding the ceremony inducting me into adulthood. Women were expected to cleanse themselves thoroughly following every period of uncleanness, but I had only one period, the one signaling my womanhood. I awaited with anticipation the chance to compare my initial purification, our occasional baths and this ritual cleansing.

The water I had drawn from the well was too impure for our purposes. Several of us were sent to the spring outside the city to obtain pure water. Rainwater would also be suitable, but the drought kept our cisterns dry. Judith and I followed the older maids to the pool to obtain water. We cast sidelong glances at one another remembering our last outing at the pool. We were careful not to let on that we were familiar with the trail. Judith's part in my escapade had not been discovered, and mother had done her best to conceal the reason for my punishment.

Because of the warning of the lion in the area, Simeon accompanied us to the pool. With his bow slung over his shoulder, I thought he cut quite a figure as he strode before us toward the spring. I was sure that any maiden watching from her rooftop within the city would find him intriguing. In the fading dusk, Simeon was able to make out the figure of Haran on the other side of the pool preparing to begin his vigil. Leaving us to fill our jars, he proceeded to the other side of the pool where he spoke with the Prince.

As we returned to the camp with sufficient water for the ritual cleansing, Simeon took his place in the rear to protect us from any wayward predator. Before we had left the pool, his eyes had signaled me to let the others pass, allowing me to walk at the rear with him. It was unusual for a woman to walk beside a man, but Simeon still thought of me as his pampered younger sister. With a mischievous gleam in his eye, he teased, "You made quite an impression on the Princes, little one. Haran was able to pick you out from the other women even from a distance. He said to tell you that you can spill water on his tunic any time."

Turning red I countered, "Simeon, he did not. No honorable man would relay such as insulting message to his sister."

Laughing at my discomfort, he allowed, "You are right about the message, but he did recognize you. Most of our conversation was about the lion. It was seen twice today by herders, but has not attacked the flock. Haran is almost certain that the lion will come to the pool tonight. If father allows, I will go and stand guard with him. Our help in this should further strengthen our position as a suitable neighbor."

No longer concerned about my reputation, I turned quickly to Simeon stating, "Please be careful. I wouldn't want you to be hurt." Then afraid of sounding too sentimental I continued, "After all if anything happened to you, I would lose a valuable source of information.

"Don't worry, Sis," he responded. "No scrawny lion will best me."

Back at the camp, we distributed the water evenly among the tents. Mother, Aunt Rachel and I shared a bathing space. Zilpah, Bildah and Judith were present to help with the ritual. As women from a pagan background, they were not required to undergo the purification. First we cleaned our hair and bodies with well water; the spring water was reserved for the rite. Judith rubbed my hair with salt and then rinsed it twice with lemon scented water. Next we scrubbed our bodies with the rough inside of a gourd. Finally we poured the pure water over our hands and feet while chanting a blessing. The last of the water was reserved to be poured over our whole body while we raised our hands to heaven in an attitude of praise. Our best tunics and dresses had been washed during the afternoon with vegetable lye and were donned following the cleansing.

Early the next morning the still air was rent by the keening sound of a victory chant. Hastily pulling on our robes, we rushed from the tents to determine the source. I arrived at the edge of the encampment in time to see Simeon approaching the camp carrying part of the carcass of a lion. We all gathered around the campfire to hear his story. After Papa had given him permission to join Haran the previous evening, they had taken positions in trees on either side of the path most animals used when approaching the watering area. As they dozed in the early dawn, they were awakened by the cautious advance of a lion.

Both had taken aim and when the lion passed between them, they simultaneously released their arrows. In examining the fallen prey, they discovered that both arrows had penetrated the heart. In deference to the Prince, Simeon had brought only part of the carcass to present as a thanksgiving sacrifice, allowing Haran to take the hide. Spontaneously we raised our arms in praise to Yahweh singing a psalm of thanksgiving. We now had yet another reason to celebrate.

The remainder of the day continued in the vein set that morning. Tempers did not become short as often happened during a fast. I was even able to sit with Joseph and the other children without a struggle. During the midday rest, I sat in the shade of the tent flap and contemplated Yahweh and prayer. It seemed presumptuous to think that He would be concerned with the daily affairs of a young girl. Yet, I so wanted to believe that the All‑Powerful God desired the best for me.

In my mind I reviewed the stories of Great‑grandfather Abraham, his wife Sarah and their son Issac. I compared their lives with those of my parents. Was marriage to my mother repayment to my father for the deceit in his young life? If so, it seemed my mother's happiness was less important than my father's punishment. But then, I reasoned, my mother had been partially responsible. She had prayed for a husband and an end to the disgrace of being beyond marriageable age. Seeing Grandpa Laban's scheme as an answer to prayer, she had never asked God to bless the union. Perhaps her life was a result of her own folly. When she did turn to Yahweh in despair, he had given her sons to call her blessed. Yahweh had not freed her from what she had done, but he had tried to make her lot bearable.

In my moment of insight, I prayed, "Yahweh, my faith is slight and my understanding less. Please hear my prayer and help me to avoid the mistakes of my mother." Pausing in my musing, I felt an expectancy surrounding me as though a Being I could not see listened. Without conscious thought, I began to recite my sins asking forgiveness. Unbidden the sins of disobedience, rebellion, dislike of Joseph, jealousy and covetousness came to mind. After I confessed these, I felt enveloped in a loving forgiveness. Then the image of Shem appeared. I knew the One who had brought the other sins to mind was gently prompting me to release my fantasies. As I struggled with my response, the sensation of love began to dissipate. I was relieved to have my meditations ended by Mama calling me to help with the preparations. As I rose to leave, I felt an imperceptible tug as though I was being urged to wait. With a shrug, I dismissed the perception as irrational nonsense.

The evening was perfect for worship. The day's heat had cooled sufficiently to allow comfort as we gathered around the altar. The Princes had come as promised. They stood to the side as respectful observers rather than active participants. Their presence heightened the charged atmosphere of the celebration.

Papa stood and raised both hands heavenward. He began his prayer with oft-repeated words of thanksgiving for guidance and providence. We periodically repeated the response of "You are the Lord God, the creator and sustainer of man." The prayer then included new phrases acknowledging God's guidance thus far in our journey, praising God for the purchase of land, and finally gratitude for the death of the mighty lion predator. Then the tempo of the prayer changed. I heard the guests murmur among themselves as Papa asked God to reveal His power to our neighbors by granting much needed rain. The prayer ended with an acknowledgement of God's supremacy.

Reuben and Simeon joined Papa before the altar. Raising their sleeves, each had spring water poured over their extended hands symbolizing the purity necessary to approach Yahweh. First the finest ram and yearling from our flocks and herds were sacrificed. Then as an acknowledgment of Yahweh's protection, the lion carcass was added to the altar.

As the sacrifices were consumed by fire, Judah took out his harp and began to play. His music was joined by the haunting strains of the pipes. We women began to keep beat with our timbrels. We sang the familiar psalms as two groups, the men in the lead and the women echoing the response. As the music continued, we began to move our feet to the beat and then to dance. Our dances were a tribute to Yahweh and his holiness. During the frenzy of the moment I was completely unaware of Shem's eyes following my every movement. Had I seen the hunger and determination, I might have given Yahweh what He had requested that afternoon.