Count It All Joy Read Free Page A

be so nice to have Kiano, Lilah, and the new baby—”
    â€œCome on now. Give me a chance to settle in with Lilah and Kiano before you start saddling me down with more babies,” I said, cutting him off.
    Joshua smiled and gave my shoulder a little squeeze. “At least one more.”
    â€œBut can I catch my breath first? I mean, I’m gonna be the mother of three kids.” I gasped. “Wow.”
    â€œYep. I can’t wait.”
    I rolled my eyes and smiled. “I see.”
    â€œI can’t wait to have another baby.” He touched my stomach.
    Since I had recently worked so hard to get rid of the excess flab, I slapped his hand away.
    He growled. “Ouch. That hurt.”
    â€œWell, there’s more where that came from. I just got my abs down to the size they are now.” I twirled around showing off my newly toned figure. “Please don’t mess a sister up.”
    â€œDon’t worry about that, you’re beautiful.”
    â€œThat’s easy for you to say. You’re not the one that has to carry around an eight-pound baby.”
    Joshua laughed and shook his head. “Got that right.”
    I playfully punched him in the arm, and we let the conversation wean itself off like stars in the dusk.
    I remembered how I used to be in such bondage, worrying about my mistakes as if Jesus didn’t die on the cross for my future, present, and my past. Today I was a different woman than I was then. Even though I wanted babies, my past was trying to manifest a new fear in me, the fear of conceiving and carrying Joshua’s child.
    As we were walking out the front door of the orphanage, we ran into Seger again.
    As if once wasn’t already enough, I sighed at the thought of having to stroke my husband’s delicate ego one more time. Humph, men.
    Seger smiled with milky white teeth. “Well, Sister Alex and Deacon ... uh ...”
    â€œJoshua.” Joshua’s chest rose and fell.
    â€œYes, Joshua. It’s good to see you again.” Seger extended his hand and Joshua shook it in an obligatory way.
    â€œNice to see you too, Seger,” I said.
    â€œI won’t be in Kenya much longer. Just a couple more months and it’s back to the States for me,” Seger chuckled.
    I remembered our missions work together. “Oh, your mission assignment will be over?”
    â€œYes, yes. I’ll be heading back home to the U.S.” Seger didn’t take his eyes off of me.
    â€œMmm.” Joshua glared at Seger. “I thought that Kenya was your home.”
    â€œYes, I was born here, but I was raised in the States.” Seger turned to face Joshua.
    Suddenly Seger turned back to me. “Have you seen Kiano?”
    â€œYes.” I could feel myself glowing with the thought of being Kiano’s mother. “We’re going to adopt him.”
    â€œReally? That’s wonderful.” Seger looked back and forth at our faces. “He always wanted to be adopted so badly.”
    Joshua squinted his chestnut-brown eyes. “Oh, so you know Kiano too?”
    Seger turned to look Joshua straight in the eyes. “Yes, yes. Alex and I spent a lot of time with him, and the other kids too, of course.”
    â€œRight,” Joshua said.
    Eventually, Seger turned away from Joshua’s stare. “I’m sure he couldn’t ask for better parents.”
    â€œThank you,” I said.
    â€œYeah, thanks,” Joshua yawned.
    â€œWell, take care of yourselves. I’ve got missionary duties.” Seger, probably sensing the tension, gave a quick wave and disappeared through the orphanage doors.
    I smiled politely, and let out a semi deep breath now that he was gone.
    Joshua took me by the hand and spun me around.
    â€œWhy didn’t you tell me you and Seger were involved with Kiano?” Joshua squinted his brown eyes.
    â€œWe weren’t involved with him. But we did serve the orphans together, all of the orphans.