Joy Comes in the Morning by Ashea S. Goldson Page A

Yvonne came out carrying her Bible at her side. She wore a form fitting pink skirt suit. Her face was heavily painted with eyeliner, bright pink lipstick, and pink blush. She stood beside me and smiled. Then she reached into her purse and handed me an envelope. I took it from her, maintaining a puzzled look on my face. “Oh.”
    â€œWould you please give this to Deacon Joshua for me?” Yvonne smiled.
    I wasn’t sure what she was up to, but I didn’t like it. “Sure. I’ll see that he gets it.”
    â€œI’m volunteering to work alongside him and Brother Jacob in the homeless ministry. You know, for the Elijah Project?” Yvonne said.
    â€œI see.” My throat became dry and scratchy, as if I were wading across the Sahara Desert. My flesh wanted to lash out, to question her motives, but I had no earthly reason to do so. I made my emotions submit to the Holy Spirit. Still, something inside me couldn’t rest. Something had stolen my peace.

Chapter Fifteen
    On Friday morning, when I walked through the doors of Missionary Bible College, the first one I saw was Dr. Harding. He was tall, well built, and had a full head of white hair. Although he appeared to be deep in conversation on his cell phone, he didn’t hesitate to give me last minute instructions. Before I could put down my purse, he lowered his glasses, handed me a broom and pointed to pieces of a broken coffee cup on the floor. He nodded gratefully and disappeared into his office. That was my life.
    â€œGood morning, everyone,” I said.
    â€œMorning, Alex.” Marisol leaned against the wall talking to a student with wavy brown locks that hung to the side of her head.
    When I finished sweeping, I checked the inventory of office supplies. As soon as I made notes on the deliveries, checked them against purchase orders, I was able to determine what shortages I had to warn Mr. Harding of. Being the organizational whiz that I was, I loved keeping accurate, up to date records, and as a secretary, I had more than my share of work in this area.
    â€œAlex, I need you to log in this information.” Mr. Harding handed me a sheet of paper.
    â€œRight, I know,” I recited, without even looking at it. “Yes, sir.”
    â€œYou always do such a good job. I hope you’re still considering my offer to fund your public relations career. If you decide to accept, I’ll need you to go on a short mission trip to Nairobe, Kenya to wrap up some loose ends for me.”
    â€œI’m still considering it, but you know, I . . . I’m not sure I can handle it.” I smiled my biggest smile.
    â€œWith an accelerated program, you’ll be ready to take your place in public relations in no time. ”
    â€œI know, and thank you. But I’m just not sure that I can go back to school right now. I’ve got so much going on right now. You know Deacon Joshua Bennings and I are getting married.” I held out my ring finger.
    â€œCongratulations on your engagement to Brother Joshua.”
    â€œMy aunt will be throwing an intimate little engagement party for us, and I hope you can come. The invitations should be in the mail any day now.” I was hoping to throw him off. Up until now he hadn’t even been on the guest list.
    â€œHow nice.” Dr. Harding adjusted his glasses and smiled.I was hesitant. “Again, I’m just not sure yet about the position.”
    â€œAlex, what if I extended the time you had to decide, would that help? You wouldn’t have to give me an answer until the end of the summer since the official position won’t become available until then anyway.” Dr. Harding’s eyes lit up with his idea. “There is only one catch, of course.”
    â€œWhat is that, sir?”
    â€œThat you go to Nairobe first. You can consider this trip a trial, a free vacation of sorts or whatever you like, but I need the work done either way.”
    â€œWhen is