Zebina hoisted her two pitchers with great ease as she nearly skipped along the path. She could hardly wait to get to the well on this bright morning to tell her good news. As usual, Mary had already pulled up her first bucket of water.

“Oh, Mary,” she squealed. “I’m so excited to tell you what happened last night.” She hurriedly set her pitchers down. “Seth’s family and my family met together at his house and it was declared that we will be betrothed!”

“That’s wonderful Zebina!” Mary jumped up and hugged her tight. “I’m so happy for you. Sit down and tell me all about it. When will you have the betrothal?” They sat on the edge of the well together, the thought of fetching water far from their minds.

“Seth showed me his field of wheat. He was so proud of it. He said we couldn’t possibly have the betrothal ceremony until after harvest.”

“How long will that be?” Mary asked.

“He said it would be about two months.”

Mary pondered that for a moment. “I wouldn’t even know what to do or where to start.”

“And you think I’m some expert?” Spontaneously, Zebina stood and lowered the bucket into the well as though doing something, anything, would get her in action mode. “I guess I need to think about making a special dress to wear.” She leaned over to pull up the bucket.

Then, Mary lowered it for her next bucketfull. “I can help you gather flowers to make a pretty ring around your hair.” She pulled on the rope to bring the bucket back up from the water . “I can also make some honey cakes for you.”

“You’re such a good friend, Mary.” Zebina helped pour the water from the bucket into Mary’s pitcher. “Seth is so big and strong. He works hard and he talks to me kindly.” She sat on the side of the well again and heaved a deep sigh while rubbing her hands this way and that. “To tell you the truth, Mary, even though I’m excited, I’m a little scared, too.”

“I know what you mean.” Mary sat beside her and touched her arm. “But remember, Zebina, we have Jehovah-Jireh, our Lord provides.”

They continued working quietly as their minds were spinning.

Finally, Zebina burst out with what was really bothering her. “Well, at least with the betrothal, we won’t actually start living together until after the wedding. I’ll have more time to think about that part.”

“Oh, Zebina.” Mary chuckled. “You always know how to get down to the thing that is really on your mind.”

They started to collect their pitchers of water, then Mary hesitated a bit. “I guess I need to go ahead and tell you what my mother told me this morning. She said they would be talking to Joseph’s family next week.”

“Mary, Mary, why didn’t you tell me?” They both laughed and hugged as they parted in good humor. “See you next week with your news!”

~ Joyce ~