“The book of James says that if we lack wisdom, we may ask and God will give liberally. He won’t scorn or find fault for the request. But it also says that we must ask without doubt of His giving it.”
“I remember you making me memorize those verses when I was young.” Micah had memorized a good portion of Scripture, but those verses in James held a special place in his heart. “They’ve guided me in all of my decisions.”
“Then trust that God will give you wisdom in this one. He never fails, as you well know. He won’t suddenly start now because it’s a matter of the heart and not the head.” His father put his hand on Micah’s shoulder. “Why don’t we pray about it together?”
“I think we should all move back to the house,” Camri said, looking at Judith. “Now that we’re down to just ten residents, I think we can put someone in charge for the evening and nighttime hours.” They had just finished cleaning the entire warehouse top to bottom, and it was only eight o’clock in the morning.
“I wouldn’t mind living here permanently if we could add some rooms for privacy,” Judith said. “There’s still so much to be done in the city, however, and I don’t know what we might do to help or if we can do it here.”
“I know,” Camri agreed. “But frankly, I’m desperate to sleep in a real bed and have the comforts of home. I want to move forward with our original plan of this being a shelter for the women and children who have need, but right now the relief camps are seeing to that. The time will come, once things return to normal and the relief camps are gone, that something like this will be needed.”
“The relief camps are doing such a good job,” Caleb said, joining them, “that they’re having trouble getting people to return to their homes.”
Kenzie shrugged. “Perhaps they have it better there. Food, clothes, even medical needs are all met in one form or another. They’re required to help with debris removal and such, but given that many of them didn’t have work before, perhaps this is a better way.”
“It’s possible.” Caleb looked at his sister. “I’m in complete agreement about getting you ladies back to the house. We’ll have to keep taking care of ourselves until new help can be hired though. Mr. and Mrs. Wong have informed me that they’re going to stay on, helping their friends and family. It seems the city is trying to force the Chinese to relocate, but the Chinese are adamant about remaining where they were.”
“What will happen to them?” Camri asked.
“I can’t say for certain, but I’ve heard they appealed to the empress of China to speak to President Roosevelt. They believe it is entirely racially motivated, and I’m inclined to agree. The defense by the Board of Supervisors is that the Chinese were the ones who had the highest number of plague cases and thus they are dangerous to the rest of society. Chinatown is in the heart of the city, and if its residents become ill, they could potentially spread diseases to the rest of San Francisco.”
“Never mind that cases of the plague have appeared elsewhere.”
Everyone turned at the new voice to find Micah walking in through the open warehouse door.
“Sorry to jump into the conversation uninvited, but I couldn’t help it. I was just listening to a tirade of this very thing yesterday,” he said.
“I suppose the medical officials believe the Chinese are responsible for the plague,” Camri said more than asked.
“Not the wise ones. They understand that it’s filth and rodents that cause the spread of that disease. Unfortunately, you find filth and rodents in poorer neighborhoods, and the Chinese are among the poorest. But the Irish and Mexican communities suffer poverty as well and have also known plague.”
Caleb nodded. “Well, as I see it, the Board of Supervisors and Mayor Schmitz think they can use the earthquake as an excuse to snap up the most valuable pieces of property for themselves. I can’t say I mind that they’re refusing to rebuild the Barbary Coast, but I hardly think it right to push out thousands of people who own businesses and homes and have done nothing but contribute to society.”
“Be careful, Caleb. Some people would challenge you and say that the owners of those houses of vice and libations were also contributing to society,” Micah said with a grin.
“They contributed, all right,” Camri countered, “but it wasn’t to the good of society.”
“Granted.”
“What brings you here today?” Caleb asked Micah. “I suppose you’ve come for your nurse.”
Micah nodded. “I have. I’m making my way to one of the relief camps and need her assistance.”
Kenzie nodded. “Let me get my apron.” She had taken to using a pinafore apron to keep her clothes clean. Camri had suggested the use of a red cross, as well, so Kenzie had sewn one onto the bodice. She rather liked the distinction.
She went to the peg and took down her apron while Micah continued talking to the others. Donning it, she straightened the bodice, then tied the sashes in a bow at the back. She made her way back to the others, pushing down her anxiety. Lately she’d been thinking about her future, and thoughts of Micah and medicine were ever present.
“What about your hat?” Camri asked.
“I’m not going to bother. It only gets in the way.”
“I feel the same,” Micah agreed. “That’s why I seldom wear one.” He smiled at the others. “We shouldn’t be long. Come, Nurse Gifford.”
Kenzie rolled her eyes and followed. The day was threatening rain but warm. She thought about making small talk, but that seemed silly. Micah would want to talk about their relationship and the future, no matter what topic she chose. However, to her surprise, he said nothing. Nothing at all.
At the relief camp, Kenzie made the rounds with Micah, doing as he instructed. From time to time, she took the initiative before he could instruct. It seemed to please him that she knew what to do. Then again, she knew Micah was pleased with her no matter her actions.
She’d been thinking a lot about his comment regarding trust and letting go of the past. It was the right thing to do. Arthur was no longer part of her life, and she couldn’t impose his poor judgment and hurtful actions on Micah. At least she shouldn’t. She should accept that Arthur had done what he felt best and move on with her life.
