Monday morning while Felipa took the men riding and the children were coloring, Carmen used her new cell phone to call the employment office. It wasn't like hiring a sitter. There wasn't a list of people with resumes including equine care. She went online and found some listings, but none were close enough to commute. On a hunch, she called the University of Arkansas. She was referred through several people and finally given a number. She called and had to leave a message. Sam Collins came well recommend and might be worth the wait.
She was fixing sandwiches for lunch when her phone rang. She put the plate of sandwiches on the table and answered her phone.
"This is Carmen."
"This is Sam," a distinctively feminine voice replied. "I got your message. Are you still looking for someone?"
"Yes." Carmen described the help she needed and where they lived.
"That's awesome! I live about five miles from you. I've heard of American Wildlife Safari. That sounds very interesting. I'm only home for the summer, though. I'm studying to be a veterinarian, so I'll be going back to college this fall."
They talked for a little while and then Carmen set up an interview time for that afternoon. Hopefully she wouldn't be a disappointment.
Felipa returned a few minutes later, eyes shining and a contented smile on her face.
"The guys wanted me to tell you that they really had a good time last night. So did I"
Felipa helped with the beverages while Carmen gathered the children and got them into their chairs.
"Where did you go today?" Carmen asked as they sat down at the table.
"They wanted to see the ruins again, so I took them on that route. They wanted to know if we could go into the south hills tomorrow. I told them I did not know who owned that area."
They paused for a few minutes to say grace and then Carmen responded.
"We do - well, actually it's part of the land Alex had when we got married," Carmen answered, cutting a sandwich in fourths for the twins. "There are no established trails, but I've been in that area before." She hesitated, unsure if Alex would approve. He probably didn't want to be interrupted again for something she could do without assistance, though. "I suppose it would be alright - if you don't think you'll get lost."
Felipa waved a hand in dismissal. "Oh, we would not get lost."