Default Title - THE ELDER'S DAUGHTER

*THE ELDER'S DAUGHTER* : (PART 1)

*THE ELDER'S DAUGHTER*

: (PART 1)

“Esther, Esther, please hurry up *before you miss the bus. It’s almost 12 and you are still not ready yet” Esther’s* mother shouted from the living room. *Esther came walking slowly with her suitcase “Mom, you exaggerate too* much *sometimes. It’s only 3 minutes after 11 O’clock” Esther said. “Whether it’s* *3 minutes or 20 minutes, it still goes down *to* the fact that it will soon *be 12 O’clock. Now go and call your dad from* *the garden and tell him* you are ready” Her mother responded* .

Esther went to *the garden and told her dad that she was ready to go. He was busy* *planting some vegetable seeds with his son Daniel. “Daniel, leave* what you are doing and *let’s get inside” he said. They both entered the living room and sat ** down. “Are these the *only items you are taking?”* Esther’s *father *asked.* “Yes sir” Esther *answered* . Her father opened the* two suitcases *and searched through her* items thoroughly* *as everyone watched. He brought out a small pink* *case. He felt it with his hand to know what *was* inside “What is this?’ *he asked, looking at Esther. Esther went to open** it “This is just a small *case where I keep the keys to my locker and my room” she answered. Her* father continued the *search and when he was satisfied he asked her to* close her *suitcases and kneel down* as he prayed for her.

“Our Father, I *thank you for my daughter Esther who is about to go to continue her studies at the University ** . I pray that you will watch over her and keep *her* in your ways. Let her feet not lead her *into* trouble. May your angels draw out *their sword to strike any person* that will want to* *make her do what is contrary to your word. Give her* the wisdom to excel in her studies and *let her heart be disgusted at evil. In the name of* our Lord Jesus we have *prayed. Amen” He prayed* as he laid hands on her head.

The entire family responded “Amen”. Esther’s father continued “Esther my daughter. You have to understand that you are heading to a place that is not less than Sodom and Gomorrah. You have to understand that you will be a sheep among wolves. University life is not easy. That is why you have to be very careful. Be cautious of the friends you will choose. This phone I have bought for you is only to be used when you want to call us, not for any other thing. I know if I had the money to send you to the Christian College near our house, I would have done it. But I trust that you will behave yourself according to the education that your mother and I have given you. Remember, God is watching you”.

Esther nodded her head and shook her father’s hand, while her mom and brother escorted her to the car park. Her mother cried as she entered the bus. “Take care of yourself Esther” she said. Esther waved to her mom and the bus took off. She also felt the urge to cry, but she felt ashamed because of the other passengers.

This was her first time of leaving her parents’ home for a long time. The only time she left home was when her aunt, who had given birth in another city, had called her to help her out with house chores. However, Esther’s father demanded that she come back after two days.

Esther was the first born in the family of two. Her family was a typical African family of medium income. Her mother was a full time housewife. She was a beautiful and gentle woman. Her father, on the other hand was a man to be feared. He had served as a civil servant for at least 28 years and was planning to retire. He was an extremely strict man who never tolerated any nonsense. He was an Elder in their local church and many people had a lot of fear and respect for him because of the way he had managed to bring up his children. He made sure that they observed all his orders and rules at home. His children greatly feared him. They had no friends, except their fellow church members, although their friendship only ended at church. Known as elder Barnabas, Esther’s father was known to be a man of a strong character.