Nellie's Story

A Tale of Refuge and ConnectionOn a serene fishing trip to Lake Tobin, I encountered Mary Yoder, the warm-hearted owner of a quaint diner and boarding house. Nestled in a small town near the lake, Mary's establishment became my go-to for home-cooked meals and her legendary cinnamon rolls. Evenings were quiet, with guests trickling in for the buffet-style dinner, often finding Mary at her favorite table close to the buffet line.
One evening,  as we chatted, a young mother and her children entered the diner, their attire suggesting they were travelers. This sparked a profound story from Mary about her boarding house in Prairie Province, near Ravendale, Canada, where she welcomed seven refugees from the U. S. Intrigued by a young woman named Nellie, who stood out from the other refugees with her well-kept appearance and strong, callused hands, Mary learned of Nellie's role in running a safe house in southern Indiana.
Concerned about the rumors of Canada ceasing to accept travelers, Nellie had journeyed north to ensure the safety of those she had helped. Through heartfelt conversation, Mary uncovered Nellie's true motives and the depth of her dedication to aiding those in need. This story paints a vivid picture of resilience, kindness, and the unexpected connections that form in times of hardship.