Write about It
Have you ever had to move to a new home or school, or say good-bye to a friend?
Saying good-bye to people you love is hard. When you feel lonely, how would the words Bert said to his best friend, Ethan, help? “They can see the same stars we can. It makes you think maybe we didn’t leave them so far behind. When we get lonesome for each other, we can look at the sky.”
How could you “look at the sky” today … and encourage others to do so too?
Shala has had a difficult life. Both her parents died, and she was placed in an orphanage. All she wants is a family of her own. Then, because Sheriff McCarty hears rumors about the Orphan Train “selling” children, Shala meets her real family—her aunt and uncle. As Mrs. McCarty says, “The Lord knew. He turned something bad into good for us.”
When has God turned something bad into good for you and/or someone you love? Tell the story.
“I’ve worked with homeless children most of my life,” Matron says, “and I don’t think there’s a braver bunch anywhere to be found. I’ve tried to give all of them the hope that there is one Friend who will be with them no matter where they go.”
Who is the bravest person you know, and why? How might remembering that you have a Friend who is with you wherever you go help you be brave?
Talk about It
Ethan gives Bert his sketchbook before they part. Bert gives Ethan a chain with a key, the only thing he has of his father’s.
If you were saying good-bye to your best friend, what item would you give that friend, and why?
Bert tells Ethan, “I suppose when I get my new home, I’ll pretend I’m going back to the orphanage again to work with Otis on the farm. I wonder why we always want what we ain’t got.” “I guess you like what you know better than what you don’t know,” Ethan decided.
Do you think this is true? That we always want what we don’t have? And that it’s easier to stay with people we know and places we’re used to than meeting new people or going new places? Explain.
“I don’t know any people I don’t like,” Ethan replied. “There’s some I like better than others, but you can get to like anybody if you have to.”
Is it easy for you to like everybody? Why or why not? If you treated everyone as if you liked them, how might it be easier to make a friend?
Imagine It
Imagine you’re Ethan, responsible for your two younger brothers and sister. You’re riding the Orphan Train to meet your new family. You’re not exactly sure where you’re going, just that someone awaits you at the end of your journey. What questions, worries, and fears would you have about yourself? About your siblings?
Imagine you’re Bert. How would you feel before you got off at each stop on the Orphan Train? Excited? Scared? Hoping this will be the time you find your family? How would you feel when your friends—one after another—were chosen, but not you?
Imagine you’re riding on the Orphan Train. As Ethan said, “Pretend you could have anyone out there you wanted for your folks. Who would you pick?”
Bert said, “My pa would be dancin’ a jig to make folks laugh.” What qualities would you hope for in a father or mother? Why are these things important to you?