Sarah Lee and a Mule Named Maybe

We were just crossing the entrance to the Nordegg trail when I heard a low growl.

'Please God ' I whispered. 'Not another moose. I couldn't stand another moose.' I reached forward to pull on Auntie Teresa's coat but it was too late.

The growl erupted into an enormous roar. I glimpsed something dark racing down the path straight toward us. It threw itself into the air and banged into my chest knocking me to my knees.

I let out a horrible scream!

Maybe is a big gray mule who wins races and Sarah Lee is a big-and-tall 12-year-old who's not happy with her size. Her family is headed for the Canadian Rockies for a trail ride. She prays: 'Dear Jesus please keep us safe tomorrow. I don't want to be chased by a cougar or a bear. And Jesus please make me a different person?someone who isn't fat. Amen.'

When Maybe and Sheba Mom's snow-white Arabian horse are spooked by a crash in the underbrush they disappear leaving Sarah and Mom stranded in the woods. Now what?

'God please take care of Maybe ' prays Sarah.

As they hit the dusty trail Sarah Lee learns a few things about mules. And prayer. And self-esteem. And why God lets bad things happen. And how much she has to be thankful for.

Ages: 10-12