The Mennonite - A New Start 9 CGW
The meeting of the Elders from all of the Sects was today. Micah asked Jakub if he would address the Elders and make the case for The Mennonite Communities to take over and run the Home for Boys and help the boys to find forever homes.
Micah and Jakub walked into the meeting hall and Micah closed the doors behind them. As the Elders listened to the stories of pain, horror and death at the Boy's Home that Jakub told them they shook their heads in disbelief. When Jakub removed his clothes as proof to his story they could no longer deny it, and that action must take place, the sooner the better. So no child would suffer any longer, as the young man that stood before them and offered his body as proof of what he had suffered.
Jakub replaced his clothes and the doors were opened. Slowly the meeting hall was filled and the Elders decreed that all of the other communities would work with the Giving Community to run the Boy's Home and help find the boy's living there forever homes.
Eve, Clay and Cameron were asked to serve on a Board to help oversee the Home, they agreed. Galen was asked to become the Director of the School he said; he would be honored to help the children that lived at the home. Micah and Clayton Gunderson will serve as Advisors for the Giving Community.
There will be positions at the home for staff members if anyone that wants to help; the boy's that live there for the time being. The Health Minister was in attendance and gave his praise to the Mennonite Communities for helping out their neighbors.
It was decreed that 10% of the product destined for the market from all Mennonite Communities would go to the Home to help enrich the boy's lives. Anne stood up and offered her skills and the furniture factory's use on Saturday's to teach the older boys skills in that trade so when they went into the world as young adults they would have a start and anything that they made was to be sold at the Home and 50% would be placed onto an account for the young man that made it, so he would have funds to start a new life.
The Minister thought it was a great idea, but how will we get the boys here to the shop Miss. Lutz.; Minister we have 3 - 80 passenger buses for staff here sir, so transportation would not present a problem to us.
An older lady stood up and asked what the status of food and clothes is for the boys and other supplies. Micah spoke up; regrretfully there is only a little rice and meal in the pantries and as far as clothing goes what they have on is what they own, every boy must care for his own clothes from the 3 to 17 year olds that live there. The lady spoke again; Elder Micah may we borrow a large box truck and head to the other communities and gather supplies of food and clothes for the boys and take them to the home, and to the ladies of all of the communities I ask of you to meet at the school in the early hours to cook a meal for these young men at the home think of them as your own, make sure they know they are loved. Micah said; you my dear lady may have 2 or 3 truck if needed, the boys there will thank you for your caring enough to help them.
Galen stood and asked her; sister what is it you do every day? Nothing sir I am a widow, all of my children are raised and my husband was called home so I go to the center to see older friends or just sit and sew. Galen asked; can you plan a meal and make sure there are enough supplies for others to cook. She answered; I cooked, cleaned and raised my 13 children, and all of them are now good strong Mennonites sir. Sister asked Galen; would you do me the honor of being in charge of the Kitchen and pantry for the Home for Boys and what is your name so I may show you the respect you have earned.
I am the Widow Stephens sir but, I would have no transportation to the home as I don't drive. Transportation will be furnished Sister Stephens. Then I will run your kitchen for you sir.
Galen said; all of those wishing to help in the kitchen see Sister Stephens. Micah stood and asked for 9 men to pick up the supplies for the other communities, Sister Stephens stood up again and said; I have 9 strong sons that will be glad to help their dear old mother out and drive your trucks Elder Micah sir. 9 men stood up behind her and none were less than 6'2" they looked like a wall. Sister Stephens we thank you and your family for stepping forward to help those in need.
Galen said; he was headed to the Home to see this place for himself and asked in his Daddy would come with him. Jakub asked if he could go with them because Mr. Galen if they get one look at you most of the boys will soil their pants. Sonny stepped up and asked to go also so he could show the boys that there was hope for them also.
When Micah and Galen followed by Eve and the minister pulled up to the Gate at the Home waiting there was a Truck filled with supplies and a bus full of people ready to work. The Minister ordered his men to let them through. When they got out of the trucks there were boys standing everywhere. Galen raised his hands and announced; my name is Mr. Galen and I am now in charge here and you boys and young men will see a very big difference in the way you are treated here from now on.
An older boy asked what will we have to do for you sir. Galen said; attend school and learn to be the very best young men and boys there are, respect yourself and others is all. These folks on the bus will set up tables in the meeting hall and the men on this truck and the one's to follow will need your help to unload the food supplies and new clothes for you. A nice lady by the name of Sister Stephens will make sure every boy and young man here gets 3 meals every day and snacks when wanted in-between meals.
Jakub and Sonny stood up to speak to the boys and told them how they had been treated by the kind folks and if they would just give it a chance they could have a loving home also and all they had to do was to open their hearts up. One boy asked what was going to happen to the special boys from the back. Galen spoke up saying that all of the boys were special and deserved a loving home.
An older boy spoke and asked; even the Monkey Boys and the slow ones kept there with them? Galen called the young man to the front where they sat down and he spoke to him, he took out his wallet and showed him a photo of his wife and 2 children, Seth and Annabelle. My son Seth was brought to us when he was 3, the little girl Annabelle is ours, my wife is in the hospital as we speak with our triplets who were born yesterday and they are perfect. So in my world there are no such things as Monkey Boys, they were sent by God as special, made to his commands by his Angels. The young man apologized for his use of words and names, it would never happen again.
Galen, Eve and the Minister went to the records office and started to go through the files, Galen noticed that there were several groups of siblings there at the Home. Some were 2-3 most were single children but one group was 5 boys from 4 to 16 and they were scattered all over the place. Galen looked at the Minister and said; this won't do for me, we must keep the sibling groups together and offer them a group for adoption as he showed Minister the five boys file to which the Minister responded it would be almost impossible to go as a group and they would have to be spilt up. Galen said; I mean on disrespect to you but not on my watch Mr. Minister I have a plan for action.
Galen broadcast for all of the sibling groups to find each other and stand together and he would be at the meeting hall soon. Galen excused himself and made a phone call, the other person on the other end answered saying hello, Clay my dear sweet brother do I have a deal for you and Anders. Clay said; what's up you big redheaded giant and is this deal going to cost me. Just some love and a little of your time. He went on to explain to him about the Andrew's siblings and how hard it would for them ever to find a home without splitting them up. I'll bring them home to meet you and Anders this afternoon and they can stay with you the whole weekend, because little Samuel needs someone to keep him company. Clay asked; is there an option to this deal my big redheaded brother. Galen said; nope it's a done deal.
As Galen meet with all of the sibling groups and assigned them their new bed locations. He came to the Andrews children and said; where am I going to put such a large group of fine looking young men such as you. Peter spoke up; as long you keep us together we will sleep in the corner on a blanket if need be Sir. Galen said; I have a much better place in mind so you 5 make sure and take a good bath and the folks will help you find some clothes that fit and when you have been feed come back and find me and we will discuss your futures here. Peter herded his siblings to the showers unsure about this new Director and what his intentions were for him and his brothers.
Anders and Samuel walked in the house, Clay walked into the living room and kissed Anders and said; just to let you know we are having houseguest for the weekend. Anders said; okay which one of the family members need babysitters for the weekend? Clay responded; According to Galen we do and smiled at His partner and lover. What do you mean according to Galen? Clay walked to the kitchen and said; in due time my love, all in due time. Anders stood with his mouth open.
Unknown to Anders, Clay had made up all of the sets of bunk beds and if everything went the way it should they would fill up five more of the 8 bed spaces they had reserved for children in their home and hearts.
Mrs. Tang's daughter had come with all of her workers to cut every boy's hair whether they wanted one or not, this was not an option. And thanks to Galen Mrs. Tang was sold out of every little boy and young men's sizes of underwear she had. She didn't complain at all plus she gave her first discount ever due to size of the sale.
The now clean and fully clothed Andrew's brothers stood in front of Galen for inspection and review. Eve was impressed with what she saw, The Minister said; they looked like a different group of children now. Galen said; all it takes is a little bit of soap and water some clothes and lots of love and there isn't any reason every young man here can't find a home. Galen told the boys to have a seat on the bench in his office.
Micah walked in and asked; who is fine bunch of young men you have sitting here in your office, and if they had done anything to warrant sitting here. No Daddy they have done nothing wrong their only crime is there are just too many of them to stay together and be adopted according to the Health Minister. Micah responded; So are you telling me and my Son; that it's now a crime to have such a large group of fine looking young men, and as brothers it is now a crime in the outside world to be plentiful, no wonder this place failed these children so bad.
A very embarrassed Minister responded; No Sir, Elder Micah but it is harder to place larger groups and the older children in the outside world Sir. Then be glad the Mennonites are willing to help out his neighbor in time of need; Miah retorted.
Galen said; boy's let me introduce to you my Daddy; Elder Micah of the Giving Community. Daddy may I introduce you to the Andrews boy's; Peter-16, Paul-15, Joey-12, Nicholas-8 and last but not least Everett- 4. They will be leaving with us on their first and hopefully only home visit. Because; I know of a certain little boy by the name of Samuel, who is 3-1/2 that needs him some big brothers in his life.
Peter asked; you mean that there are people out there that will take us as a group and not just one or two and split us up. Micah spoke to the boys and told them that the giving community was founded on the principal that all children are gifts to be cherished and loved.
It was a very busy day and there was still a lot to be done, all of the boys were in new clothes, clean, feed and together as sibling groups, the special boys were being worked with until they could function around others.
Galen said; it was getting late and he still had to go to the hospital. Micah responded; about that I have a message from your Poppa and wife you are to go home and stay with Annabelle and Seth. But have your ass at home by 5:00 when they arrive home from the hospital tomorrow period.
After we were on the van, Micah spoke to the boys to let them know where they would be going to. The family you will be going to visit this weekend has 2 daddies and a little boy who they adopted a while back so don't count them out before giving them a chance. Nicholas popped off I don't care if they are pokey dotted and have antennas growing from the tops of their heads if they are willing to give us a chance as a group that's good enough for me, and if anyone of you lunkheads screw this chance up, I will bust you in your mouth with my fist and you know I will too.
Galen said; calm down there tiger it will be just fine nobody is going to do anything to mess this up. Nicholas became teary eyed and buried his head into Peter's side. Galen asked; what did I say wrong. Peter responded; nothing sir Tiger was his pet name by our Father and no one has called him that in over a year.
Galen stopped the van in-front of Clay and Anders Home and said; we're here boys now be on your best behavior and see how it goes this weekend. Micah said; tomorrow there will be a big celebration when Galen's triplets come home and you are invited to attend it. Peter said; if allowed we will be there sir. Micah spoke up saying; if allowed; if Clayton Lars Gunderson isn't there with all of you boys, you will get to see me whip his butt in front on everybody.
We walked into the house and one by one the boys introduced themselves to Clay, Anders and Samuel. Galen and I excused ourselves so they had time to bond.
3 hours later the phone rang it was Anders; we have a problem over here Daddy. I asked what it was. Paperwork Daddy that's what, and that's all we need for Galen to do is the paperwork, because these boys are home now and are never going back there again. Okay son I'll let him know, now enjoy your new family. I called Clayton at the Hospital and told him the great news but to keep it under wraps until tomorrow at the party. Okay honey I love you and we will see you tomorrow.
The next morning Clay showed up for coffee with his newest sidekick Nicholas, the boy wouldn't let Clay out of his sight, I found out he slept in front of their bedroom door scared he would leave him in the middle of the night. I spoke to the boy and assured him that Clay would not leave him and would be there for him always. It seemed to help Nicholas calm down about his insecurities. I went to the house to check on things myself, Nicholas was fine, Everett and Samuel got along fine, Joey was attached to Anders, Paul was a little standoffish, Peter was ecstatic with the situation over the top in fact. I asked Paul what was problem that was bothering him; he asked if he had to forget who he was before and start over again. I asked him what he meant by that. They would want to give him a new name now and he had always been an Andrews. I thought about it and said; what's so bad about the name Paul Andrews-Gunderson young man, I think it sound like you are royalty. Paul jumped up and hugged Micah's neck and said; thank you Grandpa I love you. This melted Micah's heart and he told Paul that he loved his also.