Arriving home, I informed Pearl that apparently all avenues for work in Sioux Falls seemed to be closed for me now, all but one, and that was old West 12th Street out over the plains and mountains to a new land of opportunity up in northern Washington. Incidentally, years before I had a desire to come to this wonderful country, but I believe the good Lord kept me there in SD as I have told Pearl, so that I might find her, my fair lady. If she felt disappointment, she did not betray it, but was especially sweet and lovely, simply trusting that my decisions were right and that the Lord would not fail us in any emergency. I expressed my opinion that now and not tomorrow opportunity was at the door, and for the sake of my family and our future I could not afford to pass it by.
There was no time to lose, not a single moment. I have noticed others always waiting, waiting, waiting for more favorable circumstances. The tragedy is, they never arrive. I have learned this, don't be afraid to buck the stream up-current, if you pull hard enough on those oars you can get your boat into port. A child can go down but it takes a man to go up. Too many people, including myself, permit themselves to be unduly influenced by what others might say or think. I was determined to turn a deaf ear on this and exercise the common sense and faith that the Lord has given me. Well-meaning relatives sometimes do much harm by being too generous with their advice, and most of it is worth just about what it costs--nothing!! For this reason, Pearl and I had wisely decided not to disclose our plans to anyone. We talked to God about it, that was more important.
I think of Mr. I. P. Olson. He came to our home one evening and we talked and prayed until midnight. I knew I could rely on what he said.
One Sunday evening preceding the day I left, the Brues and Wichers were over to visit us. I wanted to tell these dear Christian friends, but I could not tell these friends, for I didn't know myself just what course of action I would take. Events and circumstances alone would determine that.
James had no suspicion at all, but Ray had an idea that something was up, because he noticed my new carpenter box with the tools in it. However, pious man that he is, he did not question me. When Ray and James walked down off of our porch at 125 South Summit Avenue, I felt it would be a long time before I would see them again. This was not pleasant for me by any means, to break the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love and fellowship. And where did I first meet these fine men who have adorned themselves by a conduct and conversation becoming the Gospel? I met Ray at a big Phil Ward tent meeting and James at a fellowship meeting. There's no friend like a Christian friend.
With my tools and clothes loaded in the car, I was now ready to depart. We now went into the bedroom to kneel and pray and talk to our "Greatest Friend." Then I kissed them all good-bye and hurried away as I was just about ready to break down. I remember little Gloria crying very loud as I went out the back door. She seemed to understand that her Daddy was going far away. This made it very difficult for me.
A young man was sent down by my oil station man, to go as far as Mitchel, SD. No doubt this was a good thing for me, as I might have broken down; however, I remember that I was very poor company for him as I couldn't talk to him but little. My car and tires were old. In fact, the tires were old, which I had picked up at the junk yard for $1 or $2, but I felt that with careful driving they would take me to my destination regardless of what one man had sincerely said a short time before. He said, "I wouldn't take a chance on going out of the city limits with that outfit." Another thing, I had no money at all until a few hours before I left. But I went down to see my cousin, Lyle Ginther, and he helped me. Thanks, Lyle, I owe you a great deal for this kindness.
It was 2 o'clock in the afternoon of July 20th, 1942, that I started from 125 South Summit Avenue in Sioux Falls. A sad and heavy-hearted individual if there ever was one! At Mitchel, the boy left me and I went on alone. It was good to be alone. Then I could talk to God, for He alone could understand and give comfort. Driving into Chamberlin, I stopped and wrote the first letter to Pearl. I told her that this was the hardest thing I had ever done, to leave her and the children, but the more I talked to God the more I was assured that this was a step of faith. And my Bible says, "The just shall live by faith."
It was now getting dark as I drove on to the west across the Missouri River. I had no desire for food or sleep. After a time I reached the Badlands. Turning up some lonely, unused trail, I slept for a few hours in my car until early dawn. There was some hot coffee in my bottle and sandwiches which helped to make me feel better physically. Taking time to read my Bible and have devotion first, I afterwards drove on into Rapid City, SD. May I say that it was this spiritual nourishment which gave me strength and courage to continue and which swept away all doubts and fears? Two things are essential for success: Faith in God and confidence in yourself. Alone in the Badlands that night, I began to question my own sanity, but talking to God I received the blessed assurance that I was perfectly rational, and that this was for me "an adventure of faith." After this no doubts or fears assailed me.
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