I told my friends I was going to Berlin on a mission trip, and sounded a lot better

than.

My dad became obsessed with this crazy preacher and is moving us halfway around the world

to join some kind of cult.

I did my best to talk about nightclubs and castles and apples' doosles, but the truth

is that I was terrified.

Most people in my tiny Kentucky hometown have never been outside the state, much less

the country, and I was no exception.

At least I had my twin brother Lee for company, but he didn't understand what was going on

any better than I did.

The two of us had just gotten home from school when Lee heard voices coming from Daddy's

study, which was already strange, since Dad never did business at home.

I mean, I don't even really know what he does for a living, but when Lee gave me that

look, I knew right away I needed to keep quiet.

I closed the screen door gently, trying to keep the rusty hinges from streaking, and we

crept down the hallway until we were within earshot of a bizarre conversation.

A baritone voice with a thick southern accent was lecturing our father.

Your sins are not weakness, the voice drooled.

Your sins are why you've been chosen.

You're sure you can fix it, my dad and the alderman whispered, you can fix me?

All those who prove themselves worthy are healed.

Are you ready to prove yourself worthy, Andy?

...