Between Pastorates (1924 - 1926)
This is a period in our life I find difficult to write about. We knew God had called us to His work, but why all this. In spite of his broken health, my husband felt he must find some way to support his family. We had a second hand model T Ford, so he used that and drove a Jitney that operated as a one man Taxi service.[1] After awhile the strain of traffic, etc. was proving too much. Next he applied at the Life & Casualty Inc. Co. and was assigned a debit in the city. Walking in the open air was better for his shattered nerves, but he suffered constantly from severe headaches. Never being a man to complain he suffered and struggled on.
When Juanita was eight months, my doctor recommended I have surgery, warning us that without it I could suffer serious consequences. I hesitated, but my husband insisted and I agreed. Uncle Herbert and Aunt Gertrude came to take Juanita back with them to Ohio till such time that I could care for her. It made my heart sad as I kissed her goodbye that November morning, little thinking I would not get to see her till the following April. Friends cared for Warren, and his Daddy was with him each night. The surgery proved successful and I was soon home with my husband and little son. As I regained strength, I felt my activities were unnecessarily being restricted. What a joy when our little family of four were at last reunited.
We learned of some families from the Ashland Heights Church who had gone to Phoenix, Arizona. The more we thought of it the more we felt God might be leading that way. I was now strong and well, but the terrific headaches and nervous exhaustion continued with Bro. Bolender. We knew a change must be made. So we sold our furniture and went back to his folks feeling the pull stronger all the time toward Arizona. Another couple from Ashland decided to accompany us, so we got loaded with four adults and two children in a model T Ford, with baggage tied on everywhere possible. When we got to Vincense, Indiana, car trouble developed and we were convinced that we could not make the rest of the trip. We went back to the farm feeling very disappointed and discouraged.
When Juanita was eight months, my doctor recommended I have surgery, warning us that without it I could suffer serious consequences. I hesitated, but my husband insisted and I agreed. Uncle Herbert and Aunt Gertrude came to take Juanita back with them to Ohio till such time that I could care for her. It made my heart sad as I kissed her goodbye that November morning, little thinking I would not get to see her till the following April. Friends cared for Warren, and his Daddy was with him each night. The surgery proved successful and I was soon home with my husband and little son. As I regained strength, I felt my activities were unnecessarily being restricted. What a joy when our little family of four were at last reunited.
We learned of some families from the Ashland Heights Church who had gone to Phoenix, Arizona. The more we thought of it the more we felt God might be leading that way. I was now strong and well, but the terrific headaches and nervous exhaustion continued with Bro. Bolender. We knew a change must be made. So we sold our furniture and went back to his folks feeling the pull stronger all the time toward Arizona. Another couple from Ashland decided to accompany us, so we got loaded with four adults and two children in a model T Ford, with baggage tied on everywhere possible. When we got to Vincense, Indiana, car trouble developed and we were convinced that we could not make the rest of the trip. We went back to the farm feeling very disappointed and discouraged.
Left to Right: Mr. Kouns, Warren, Harry, Mrs. Kouns, Juanita, Bertha
One morning my husband announced that he was going to look for a job. Hours passed; the evening meal was finished. By 8:30 we were calling every hospital in Cincinnati to ask if a man by the name of Harry Bolender had been admitted. We felt sure he had had an accident, or taken violently ill. Each time the answer was "No.” We all retired, but I did not sleep. Around midnight he came in saying he first went to the Chevrolet Plant and was hired on the spot and put to work. It was a rush season and he worked two shifts. I was put out, but they were paying the unbelievable wage to a beginner of $1.00 an hour. We boarded at my sister’s home, and he continued work. I did not see how he did it, but I know the Lord held him up.
[1] A small bus that carries passengers for a low price, originally five cents.
[1] A small bus that carries passengers for a low price, originally five cents.
