Adventures In Odyssey (Will Raleigh)

George jumps back before the hot water and steam can scald him. The strange man runs up and turns out to be anything but an ax murderer. He and George walk back to the station and tow in the Barclay car, which will take at least a weekend to be repaired. Chester, the strange man, invites the Barclays to come home with him. The Barclays are wary at first, but it turns out that Chester and his family are Christians, so they accept.

Chester lives in a big house with his wife, Grace, and their youngest boy, Ted, who is Jimmy's age. Ted and Jimmy hit it off immediately and, after doing a few chores, run off into the forest to play. Mary and Grace enjoy each other's company, as do George and Chester.

The next day is Sunday, and the Barclays attend a church picnic with great food, a three-legged race, horseshoes, softball, egg-tosses, and other games. Donna is the only one not having a good time. She sits and sulks under a tree, and no one can move her. Jimmy says that if all Donna is going to do is think about Odyssey, she might as well hold a piece of it. So he gives her Whit's Boredom Buster puzzle.

Donna slowly starts working on it and soon is completely engaged. After a few hours she finally figures it out, and the puzzle comes to life in a beautiful array of swirling colors, lively music, and a nice message from Whit saying that boredom is under your control. Donna finally gets the message, just in time to participate in the last event of the day — the tug-of-war. After a few good pulls, Donna ends up in the mud, followed by everyone else in her family, much to their great amusement. The next morning, Chester finishes fixing the car, and the Barclays continue on their way, knowing that their vacation has gotten off to a great start thanks to a little Christian fellowship.

Irwin Springer loves history-especially about the American Revolution. So he is excited when Whit leaves a book about Benjamin Franklin for Irwin in The Library. Unfortunately, Irwin's enthusiasm causes him to temporarily lose good sense. Irwin climbs on a rolling chair to reach the book, which is on top of a tall bookcase. The chair moves just enough for Irwin to fall off and get knocked unconscious.

When he awakens, he's in a forest, where a man is telling him to run. Suddenly, a bullet whizzes by Irwin's head and splats into a tree. Irwin runs, and he and the man hide in some bushes. The men chasing them run up, and to Irwin's amazement, they're Redcoats from the British Colonial Army! Irwin has been transported back in time. He and the man narrowly escape the Redcoats by pulling down a wasps' nest onto the men, but then Irwin and his companion are attacked by the wasps. They jump into a nearby pond and swim to the opposite shore. There, the man introduces himself - as Nathan Hale!

Hale takes Irwin back to the Continental Army camp, where he meets George Washington. Irwin can't believe any of this is happening. He's especially awed when General Washington asks him to take a message to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Irwin doesn't know how to ride a horse, but he certainly can't refuse a request from George Washington. So Irwin runs off to Philadelphia.

In Philadelphia, he meets the patriots, who are debating over whether to sign a document called the Declaration of Independence. Irwin delivers his message, the debate rages on, and finally the Declaration is signed. Ben Franklin tells Irwin to spread the news to every village and town - the United States are free! Irwin does, but his horse stumbles and falls, knocking Irwin unconscious again. When he awakens this time, he's back in the library at Whit's End. It was all just a dream... or was it?

Craig Moorhead is a funny guy. No matter what anyone says to him, he always responds with a joke. In the three weeks, he and his family have been in town, Craig has made a lot of friends by keeping them in stitches. Unfortunately, Craig takes his humor too far when he razzes Freddy, whose parents are getting a divorce. Freddy storms off, and Craig goes home, where he faces his own family problems.

Craig's dad moved the family to Odyssey to start a handyman business. However, business isn't going so well, and Craig's mom wants to move back to Columbus, where they previously lived. This conflict erupts into a full-blown argument. Craig, who likes living in Odyssey, is distraught by his parents' conflict. He tears out of the house and races away on his skateboard, which he ends up crashing. Craig's friends see him crash and rush over to check if he's all right. But instead of offering sympathy, his friends ask him to tell more jokes. Craig angrily refuses. His friends leave him feeling bruised, hurt and alone.

Craig wanders into Whit's End and tells Whit the whole story. Attempting to explain things to Craig, Whit uses some melting orange sherbet and raspberry ice cream to illustrate the biblical principle of sowing and reaping. Craig has sown nothing but jokes with his friends, so how can he expect to reap their sympathy? Craig understands and promises to put what he has learned into practice — a promise he gets to keep immediately when the door opens, and in walks Freddy.

Kirk McGinty idolizes his war-hero father, who died in Vietnam. But when his teacher, Mr. Altman, tells him that the soldiers who fought in southeast Asia were killers, it shakes Kirk's faith to the core. Altman tells Kirk that the men who lost their lives in Vietnam died for nothing. Then Altman gives him a book, which details some of the atrocities that happened at the hands of U.S. soldiers. After reading the book, Kirk isn't sure he wants to participate in the unveiling of the Veterans' Monument at Odyssey's annual Memorial Day picnic, even though he and his mother, Joyce, worked very hard to make the monument a reality.

Joyce tries to comfort Kirk, but when he sleeps that night, Altman's words and the book's images invade his dreams. Kirk wakes up convinced that his father did, indeed, die for nothing.

Meanwhile, Whit visits Altman and questions the wisdom of his actions. Whit informs Altman of the fate of Kirk's father. Altman, in turn, bitterly reveals that he lost a brother in Vietnam.

Later, at the unveiling of the memorial, Kirk is subdued until his mother reads a portion of the last letter Kirk's father ever wrote to her. The letter reveals his sense of duty and the gratitude of the Vietnamese people, and how those things make paying the price of freedom worthwhile. Kirk is touched by his father's words and proudly cuts the ribbon, unveiling the memorial.

Then Altman shows up and apologizes to Kirk for damaging his image of his father. Kirk and Joyce take a closer look at the monument. Altman says he noticed his brother's name carved on the memorial and passes on veiled thanks to Whit, who is the only other person in town who knew about Altman's brother. Altman also says he noticed another name on the monument — Jerry Whittaker. Whit tells Altman that Jerry was his son. The two share a moment of silent pain, mourning their losses, and Altman better understands Memorial Day.

School's out, and Laura is ecstatic! Sixth grade is over, and she is planning a party at Whit's End to celebrate. As she and her friend Kelly walk to the popular emporium, Kelly says that she's looking forward to meeting Laura's parents at the party. Laura quickly replies that her folks are out of town. The girls turn a corner just in time to witness an employer chewing out one of his employees. Kelly feels sorry for the employee, but Laura callously remarks that the man probably deserved it. When Laura and Kelly get to Whit's End, Laura's mom, Eula, is already there, talking with Whit. Laura is embarrassed that her mother is there (especially since her parents are supposedly out of town). When Laura's father, Homer, shows up a few moments later, Laura is mortified. Homer is the man they saw getting yelled at in the alley! Homer and Eula are friendly to Kelly, but Laura quickly shuttles Kelly away, then turns on her parents. She tells them they embarrass her and yells that she wishes she'd never been born into the Fremont family!

The next day, Whit talks with Laura about why she treats her lovely parents like dirt. "Because they're hicks!" Laura blurts out. Whit can't believe Laura feels that way and decides to show Laura why her folks are honorable. First, he has Laura meet Homer's boss, who tells Laura that Homer is his best employee. Then Whit takes Laura to the mission where Homer and Eula volunteer their services. Laura sees the wonderful work the mission is doing and discovers that her parents helped start it. Laura meets people who literally owe their lives to her parents.

Whit informs Laura that the things her parents have done are worthy of her respect. But the most important reason Laura should honor her parents is because the Bible says children must do it. The lesson sinks in, and at her party that night, Laura introduces all of her friends to her special guests of honor: her folks, Homer and Eula Fremont.

There is a new family in town, and they are giving all the kids at Odyssey Elementary the creeps — especially Jack and Lucy. They have to walk by the family's house every day, and Lucy is spooked by the young boy she sees staring at them through the window. At school, they hear further rumors about the family from Alice Pringle. Alice's brother saw the strange family's father leaving the house early in the morning, carrying what looked like a big sack with a body in it. Jack deduces that the father is a Mafia scientist.

Later at Whit's End, Whit tells Jack and Lucy the name of the family: Kirban. Whit says they are very private people, which just makes Jack even more curious to find out about them. Lucy, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with the family. She even refuses to walk by the house with Jack the next morning. At school, Jack informs Lucy that the boy wasn’t in the window that morning. Just as Lucy wonders where the boy went, the teacher introduces a new student...John Kirban! No one even gets close to John all day, which makes Lucy feel guilty.

After school at Whit's End, Jack reveals plans to spy on the Kirbans and wants Lucy to help him. She refuses. Jack storms off angrily, bumping into Connie on the way. Connie talks to Whit and tells him that she saw John Kirban sitting on the curb by himself, crying. Whit goes to Lucy and asks her to do him a favor: walk to school the next morning with John Kirban! Lucy tries, but when she reaches the Kirban’s house, John's father nearly slams the door in her face, telling her that John isn't going back to school that day or any other.

Lucy runs from the house, terrified, and runs into Jack. He tells her not to worry — he's going to spy on the Kirbans that night and expose the whole Mafia/mad-scientist family! But thanks to a stray cat and several trash cans, it is Jack who winds up exposed — caught by Mr. Kirban! A police officer is summoned, and gets to the bottom of things. The bag the father carries out to his van contains... a carpet. Mr. Kirban is a carpet maker. The family seemed unfriendly and mysterious because they are from a different country. Jack is released back to his parents' custody, Whit decides to buy a new carpet, Lucy has a new friend in John Kirban, and everyone learns that you can’t always believe what you hear.

Whit is in the Bible Room working on another invention designed to make the Scriptures come to life. Connie enters, and Whit shows her "The Environment Enhancer". It's a set of headphones hooked up to a machine that, through the imagination, places you inside a Biblical adventure. Connie is disappointed that the adventures are from the Bible, but Whit tells her not to knock it until she's tried it.

Connie puts on the headphones and is almost immediately transported to a pastoral setting where a young man is watching over a flock of sheep and playing a harp. The young man's name is David. He reads Connie one of his "poems." She watches as he fights a lion with nothing but his staff. Later, Connie witnesses this young shepherd being anointed king of Israel by an old prophet named Samuel.

Connie then accompanies David as he visits his brothers on the battlefield in their war against the Philistines. A giant bully named Goliath taunts the Israelites. Connie is stunned when David volunteers to go one-on-one against Goliath in battle, armed with only a sling and five smooth stones. Goliath ridicules David, but David calls upon the Lord. Connie watches as the giant falls to the ground, then David cuts off Goliath's head with his own sword. Spurred on by David's heroism, the Israelites surge forward and attack the Philistines, defeating them soundly.

Connie discovers that the Bible is anything but boring, moving her another step closer to a relationship with God.

Brad Dillard loves radio. He tells Whit that he wishes a radio station existed just for kids. Whit is intrigued by the idea and shows Brad all sorts of old broadcasting equipment that came with the building when he bought Whit's End. Whit says he'll provide the equipment if Brad will run the station. Brad agrees and calls all the kids together. Everyone is enthusiastic, especially a nerdy little kid named Sherman who is a whiz at electronics. The gang all agrees to help Brad get "Kids' Radio" off the ground.

But soon Brad and Sherman learn that what kids promise and what they deliver are two different things. The only ones who put any real work into the station are Brad and Sherman! They work hard to get it on the air, and once they do, they work to keep it on the air.

After a while the work starts to take its toll, making both Brad and Sherman frazzled. Brad's father tells Whit that Brad is endangering his health by working so hard. Brad cannot continue. Whit agrees. He goes on the air to praise Brad and Sherman for their commitment and mildly scolds the kids listening for not following through on their promise to help. Whit also announces that everyone interested in keeping Kid's Radio on the air should meet at Whit's End at 3 p.m. the next day. Unfortunately, no one shows. Brad, Sherman, and Whit are disappointed - until the manager of a local station walks in the door. The manager says he loves the show and wants it for his Saturday morning lineup. Brad and Sherman happily agree, having learned firsthand the value of perseverance.

Rain, rain, rain - it's been storming in Odyssey for days, and Connie is sick of it. Sick of that and the way Whit, Tom, and everyone else in town seem to be "preaching" at her. It all escalates when Whit assumes Connie will emcee the upcoming Bible Drill. Connie blows up, then takes a walk in the rain. She goes to a friend's house, but finds no comfort there. Finally, she ends up at home, where she begs her mom to let her go back to California - permanently. Mrs. Kendall says she'll have to think about it. To Connie, that means it's a done deal. Suddenly, Mrs. Kendall remembers that she called Whit because she was worried about Connie, and Whit went looking for her out in the storm.

Connie dons a slicker and rubber boots and takes off in search of Whit. They meet up in a neighbor's shed, and Connie informs Whit of her decision to go back to California. Whit is bothered but suggests that they go back to Whit's End to talk about it. The storm gets much worse. Whit and Connie barely get inside the door when the front window explodes! Glass flies everywhere, and a large chunk embeds itself in Whit's leg. Connie panics, but Whit steadily issues instructions to her while quietly quoting a psalm to calm himself.

Just when things seem their darkest, Mrs. Kendall arrives. She and Connie take Whit to the hospital where he gets stitches. Connie tells Whit that she didn't realize how much Whit meant to her until the accident. Whit tells Connie virtually the same thing, then asks if she's still going to California. Connie says maybe around Christmas. Then she adds that she'd be happy to judge the Bible Drill. Whit and Connie hug, and Connie realizes that Whit is much more to her than just a nice employer. He's her friend.

After the seemingly surprise visit from Jana, Whit tries to explain everything to her, but she refuses to listen, and the discussion quickly turns into an argument. Angry, she goes upstairs to find Monty, but he isn't there. He has run away! Jana tells Whit what has happened and they leave for the sheriff's office. When Whit and Jana arrive and try to report Monty's disappearance, he is already at the sheriff's office for breaking a window at Whit's End.

The three return to Whit's house to sort everything out. After talking to Monty, Jana and Whit send him to his room, leaving them to have a father-daughter conversation. Whit begins to explain some Whittaker family history to Jana. Whit begins to talk to her about when her brother, Jerry, died in Vietnam; they all grieved differently. Whit spent much more time Jason, his only remaining son, partly because he missed Jerry so much, and partly because Jason would soon be of draft age himself. Unintentionally, Jana was lost in the whole ordeal, and before Whit knew what happened, there was a huge emotional gap between the two of them. Whit tells her that he would like to fill that gap, and Jana agrees. For the first time in years, they both are happy — except for Monty, as he has to mow lawns in order to pay his grandfather back for the window.

Freddie Hart would love to be someone else — anybody except himself. He's so unpopular, he's the poster child for Geek World. All the kids love to make fun of him and pick on him. Freddie is so miserable, he asks his dad if the family could move to a new city. Dad doesn't think that's practical, so Freddie suggests that he move instead to a different school — Odyssey Academy. No one knows him there, so he could be a different person. Dad doesn't think running away from problems is a good answer for Freddie, though, so Dad tells Freddie to stick it out. But the next day, Freddie gets beat up. Mr. Hart tries talking to the school principal, but he's not at all helpful.

So Freddie gets his wish — a transfer to Odyssey Academy. He's elated. At last, it's a chance to start fresh! Only, almost immediately, the familiar pattern starts: the teasing, the cruel jokes, the snickering. Freddie thinks he's found a friend in Gordie, but after Gordie offers some blunt advice to Freddie about changing his clothes, his hair, and his hobbies, Gordie avoids him like the plague. Soon Freddie is right back where he started.

That night, Freddie tearfully (again) asks his dad if he wouldn't mind moving the family to another city. Dad comforts him, and Freddie says he's tried everything he knows to make friends. He's changed his appearance, his manners, and even his school just to be liked, but nothing works. Dad says that the only way Freddie can really change is on the inside, in his heart. Everyone wants to be loved and accepted, but the important question is, To whom do we want to be acceptable? The answer, of course, is God. Dad tells Freddy that, fortunately, we don't have to change for God - we just have to let God work His changes in and through us. The way we do that is by asking Jesus Christ to come into our hearts. Dad asks if Freddie wants to do that. Freddie says he does. The two of them kneel, and Freddie finally gets his wish — he becomes a new creation.

It's a busy day at Whit's End. The phone is ringing, kids are demanding sundaes, Tom Riley is making deliveries - everything is in an uproar. Yet, despite all this, Bobby Novak is bored silly. He wants excitement and new activities, not the same old Bible Bowl that occurs every few months. Whit tells him to stay alert - excitement could be waiting on the other side of the door. Right on cue, the door opens, and in walks a young teenage girl named Connie Kendall.

Connie is looking for a job so that she can earn enough money for a bus ticket back to Los Angeles, California. After hearing a bit about her, Whit hires Connie on the spot. Connie proves to be popular with the kids - especially with Bobby, who develops a big crush on her. Bobby is so smitten, in fact, that he plans on sitting next to Connie when she rides the bus back to L.A. When Whit finds out, he is horrified and asks Connie for some explanations. Connie is just as surprised as Whit and assures him that she knew nothing about the crush.

Connie won't take any responsibility for the situation, but Whit tells her she can't simply drift through life thinking she won't influence anyone - God made us dependent on each other. Connie claims she's not into God, but Whit says that her attitude won't solve the problem. But Whit does know how Connie can help solve the problem.

Later that day, Tom coaxes Bobby to come to the Bible Bowl - with surprise host, Connie Kendall! Connie gets Bobby to participate in the Bowl, and they both have a lot of fun.

Afterward, Connie convinces Bobby, and herself, that instead of looking for happiness in California, maybe they should try to find it right here in Odyssey.

The Rogers household is about to add a new member, and Joe and Shelly are happy about the prospect of having a baby. But four-year-old Nicky is only excited about the prospect of getting some new boots. Joe promises Nicky they will go shopping, but before they can, Shelly goes into labor. They all rush to the hospital, and Shannon Rogers comes into the world. Everyone is excited, except Nicky. He'd rather have his boots. Nicky feels even worse when Joe and Shelly bring little Shannon home. Shannon gets Nicky's old baby bed and pacifier (thoroughly sanitized, of course), not to mention most of Joe and Shelly's attention. Nick feels rejected and seeks comfort from the only family member who will still listen to him: Jingle Bells, the dog.

A few hours later, Joe finds Nicky and talks with him about his responsibilities as a new big brother. Joe reassures Nicky that his parents still love him more than ever. Nicky feels better and even gets a little excited about being a big brother. But he still wants his boots. Just then, a package arrives for Nicky from his grandparents, who are missionaries in Brazil. Inside the package is a pair of boots. God knew all along.

This episode starts with Whit and Tom Riley waiting at the airport for Monty Whittaker-Dowd, Whit's grandson who is visiting for the summer. But, much to Whit's surprise and dismay, Monty turns out to be a rude, spoiled brat.

After much conflict between the two of them, Whit applies a few house rules which he hopes will set Monty straight.

The next day, Whit takes his grandson to Whit's End to earn a bit of spending money. After Monty is told what to do, he waits for Whit to leave, and decides that he doesn't want to work for the money — or to be there at all! Monty calls his mom and lies about how Whit is mistreating him and demands that she pick him up immediately. Jana refuses, saying she can't pick him up for another week. Angry, Monty slams the phone down and cons a Whit's End employee to open up the cash register and give him some money. Monty then leaves for the movies, very pleased with himself.

When Whit finds out, he does not spare the rod on his grandson. Afterward, Whit explains to Monty why he had to be spanked. Monty responds positively.

After this, Monty finally starts having fun, and even joins up with The Odyssey Coyotes, completely forgetting that he ever called his mother. Everything seems to be going well until Jana finally shows up, very upset.

Ned Lewis is a nervous wreck. His sixth-grade class at Vacation Bible School is set to perform a sketch Ned wrote and directed about Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and the fiery furnace. The problem is, the class isn't ready, not by a long shot. And, as he explains to Whit, the kids playing the lead characters — Eugene (Mugsy) Mumford, Hank Shorter, and Junior Bascomb — are incredibly rambunctious. Whit says things can't possibly be that bad, so Ned explains in a flashback just how disastrous the V.B.S. week has been.

Mugsy, Hank and Junior continually disrupted the class, took over the main parts of the sketch, and generally made nuisances of themselves. To make the disaster complete, the pastor told Ned how much he's looking forward to the sketch. The pastor said if it goes well, he may approve the drama program Ned's been wanting to start at the church.

Talking to Whit, Ned reveals that he's mostly disappointed because his reason for doing the sketch was so the kids would learn something. Now it doesn't seem that they're gaining anything from it. Whit disputes this and tells Ned that God works in ways we can't possibly understand. Whit encourages Ned and tells him to trust in God.

That night, Ned and his class perform their sketch, leaving the audience in stitches. Ned believes the whole thing flopped. To his surprise, Whit, the audience, and Pastor Williams compliment Ned on a job well done. The pastor even wants to talk more about the drama program. Best of all, Mugsy, Hank, and Junior thank Ned for letting them be in the show. They also apologize for disrupting the class during the week and ask if they can come to Ned's weekly Sunday school class. Ned says "absolutely," and he and Whit marvel at the faithfulness of the Lord.

Twelve-year-old Phillip Callas has a problem — namely, his six-year-old brother, Dean. Dean is constantly getting himself and Phillip into trouble. Once, Dean nearly destroyed a special school project Phillip had recorded on his tape player. Then, later at baseball practice, Dean embarrasses Phillip by making a pre-supper snack out of a large bug. Phillip blows up at Dean, then sends him home, alone. Phillip half-jokingly wishes that something would happen to his little brother — until the phone rings, and his mother informs him that Dean never made it home. He's missing.

With Whit's help, Phillip searches for Dean. They find him in the bottom of a large hole at a construction site. Dean has taken a nasty fall and is unconscious. They rush him to the hospital. Phillip is upset, believing the whole thing is his fault. He hadn't really wanted anything to happen to Dean. Whit comforts Phillip and prays with him. As Phillip talks to God, Phillip realizes that Dean isn't such a bad kid after all. Fortunately, aside from having a small concussion and some bruises and scratches, Dean is all right. Phillip goes into Dean's hospital room. There, Phillip apologizes for treating Dean so badly, and says that Dean can play with anything he wants when he gets home. And, of course, the one thing Dean wants to play with is Phillip's tape player.

Meg Stevens and her mother, Carol, a new beautician in town, have a problem: Carol is divorced and there is no place for Meg to go after school except to the beauty shop. Meg is an inquisitive little girl, and unfortunately, she's beginning to get into the clienteles' hair! Whit learns of Meg's situation and realizes who might be just the right mentor for her. Whit makes a call to the Odyssey Public Library and tells Chris Gottlieb to expect Meg Stevens - she has some questions no one but Chris can answer. Chris is surprised when the inquisitive one turns out to be a 10-year-old girl. But a surprise also awaits Meg - Chris is in a wheelchair. There are a few moments of uncomfortable conversation. Soon, though, the two become fast friends and end up filling an important gap in each others lives.

It's Christmastime at Whit's End. Whit, Tom, and Officer Harley are setting up the tree, and Connie is doling out hot chocolate. Two of the kids are arguing about the meaning of giving gifts. Whit tries to convince them that "it's not the gift but the thought that counts," and "it's more blessed to give than to receive." When the kids scoff at this, Whit comically presents for them the O. Henry story, Gift of the Magi, told in the style of a "Fractured Fairy Tale."

Madge, a very poor woman, is upset over how she can't afford to buy a really nice Christmas present for "her guy, Guy." Her mother, Ethel, tries to convince her to go to get her hair cut at Pop's Top Notch Top Shop for twenty dollars. Madge is hesitant because her long, silky hair that falls almost to the floor is one of the two most prized possessions that are shared between the couple. The other is Guy's antique, familial heirloom watch, with a beautiful case, ivory face plate, and whenever opened, plays a touching little melody.

Madge that decided to go shopping to take her mind off her dilemma. However, while she walked past Fishbine's Jewelers she saw a beautiful gold chain in the display window that would go perfectly with Guy's watch. She asked Morty Fishbine how much the chain would cost. It turned out to be a valuable heirloom, but it would be sold for $20. Madge decided to take drastic action and go to Pop's Top Notch Tops shop to have her hair cut for the twenty dollars she needed.

On her way back to Fishbine's Jewelers, she found the store was closed and that the chain was packed away for a New Year's Day sale. Just as she starts to cry, and since Mr. Fishbine can't stand a woman crying, he allows her to buy the chain. After an hour long confusion about "her guy, Guy," she raced home in the snow to wrap her gift with wallpaper.

Guy walks in soon afterward and doesn't recognize her at first because her hair is cut. He is astonished that she would cut her hair but understands the situation. The main reason Guy was so surprised was because of his gift to her, which was a set of combs made from pure tortoise shell with jeweled rims. She had wanted these combs for years and is delighted to have them. Madge then gives the gold watch chain to Guy. He then tells her that he sold the watch so that way he could buy Madge's combs. The story ends with them leaving together, more in love than ever.

Whit explains that although neither of them expected such generous gifts, they were both willing to sacrifice to give a special gift to the other. That is what real giving is about.

Connie's friend Debbie has gotten tickets to the hottest concert of the year - a concert Connie is sure her mother wouldn't want her to attend. In order to go, Connie deceives her mother into thinking she is just spending the night at Debbie's. Next, Connie works at trying to persuade Whit to let her take the afternoon off.

Whit appears, carrying a box of manuscripts - old stories he's written that he thinks the kids might enjoy reading. Connie makes her request. Whit says "yes" - if they finish cataloging the manuscripts. They dig into the box, and Connie comes across a story called "The Tangled Web." Whit asks her to read it aloud.

It's a tale about a youngster named Jeremy Forsythe, whose mother asks him to go to the store to get flour for her after school. Jeremy doesn't want to go to the store - he'd rather go to Whit's End to get free ice cream and see a display on how movie cameras work. Rather than miss out on fun at Whit's End, Jeremy decides to do both. But somewhere along the way, he loses the money his mother gave him. When she questions him about it, Jeremy panics and says someone took the money.

Jane Forsythe interprets this to mean that someone stole it, and Jeremy picks up on this theme. He concocts a wild tale about a teen-aged thug who pushed him into an alley and threatened to hurt Jeremy unless he handed over the cash. Mom is horrified and takes action. Soon the police force is out looking for the thug, and the school board, town council, and mayor is singing Jeremy's praises. The mayor even decides to honor the youngster for bravery! Jeremy realizes that his lie has gotten way out of hand. When it's time to receive his award, though, he steps nervously to the podium...and graciously accepts it!

Connie is dumbstruck - the kid got away with the lie; however, Whit points out that he really didn't. Jeremy's lie would haunt him for the rest of his life - just like Connie's lie will haunt her if she goes through with it. Whit leaves Connie to think about this. She sighs...then reluctantly calls her mom.

Shirley Zigler is afraid of everything. When we first meet her, she is screaming at the top of her lungs at the sight of Jake's pet mouse, Luthor. Whit notes Shirley's problem and tells her that Jesus' perfect love can cast out her fear. Whit suggests that most fears are really inside our heads. He coaxes Shirley into holding Luthor just so she'll know that there is no reason to be afraid. All is well for a few seconds - then Luthor moves. Shirley screams again and drops him, sending Luthor scurrying off into the cracks and crevices of Whit's End.

This doesn't sit well with Jake, and he concocts a plan to teach Shirley a lesson about fear. With the help of his friend Danny, Jake sets the plan: He'll lure Shirley down to the basement of Whit's End, where he's rigged up some boxes to fall on her. Danny's job is to turn out the lights once they're down there and then distract Connie, who is working upstairs. All while Whit is at a meeting.

Shirley comes in, and Jake puts his plan into action. Down in the basement, Shirley is frightened. Jake laughs, especially when the lights go out. But when he tries to take Shirley back upstairs, he trips over his own booby trap and ends up spraining his ankle. They yell for help, but Danny is doing his job so well that no one hears them. Jake can't walk, so it's up to Shirley to face her fears and go for help. She remembers Whit's words about fear and turns to God for strength. Shirley sets her mind on Jesus, and her fear disappears. Jake is rescued, and all learn a valuable lesson about the power of Jesus' perfect love.

Fight! Fight! All the kids at Odyssey Elementary are gathered around to watch Billy Barton, the biggest bully in school, beat up poor Donnie Hollman. As the fight progresses, Mike Caldwell walks over. Mike tells a kid named Freddy that Billy should cut it out, then Mike yells for Billy to pick on someone his own size. Billy hears this and is insulted. He finishes up with Donny, then turns his anger on Mike. Fortunately, Mike is literally saved by the school bell signaling the end of recess. But Billy tells Mike to meet him the next day for the thrashing of his life, and to bring a bun and mustard because Billy is going to turn him into hamburger meat . Mike is naturally petrified.

At the fight the next day, Mike gets predictably whipped - until Billy grabs Mike's shirt and tears it. Mike is enraged! He attacks Billy, punching him wildly. Billy backs away from the onslaught as best he can, but a sidelong punch connects solidly with Billy's nose. The blood flows, and so do Billy's tears. Beaten, Billy runs away.

Mike's an instant hero! Everyone is proud, heaping praises upon him. But soon, Mike gets arrogant about the fight and begins taking over Billy Barton's place as the school bully! "Magnificent Mike" generally abuses and pushes around the other kids. Then he runs into Sam, a new kid who's never heard of Billy Barton. Mike tries his conceited routine on Sam, who responds with a swift punch to Mike boy's stomach. Suddenly, the kids have a new hero! Lying on the floor, gasping for breath, Mike realizes that his pride has gone before his enormous fall - a lesson he won't soon forget.

Odyssey's most recent resident, Connie Kendall, writes about her new home in a letter to her friend Marcy back in California. Connie describes various places and people in Odyssey: Whit's End, an ice cream parlor and discovery emporium; Tom Riley, a retired farmer and city council member; Officer David Harley, "whose brain takes an occasional vacation"; and most of all, an amazing fellow named John Avery Whittaker.

Connie describes Whit: businessman, writer, and all-around storehouse of information. Connie also tells Marcy about Whit's devotion to God. His devotion guides everything he does, even how he looks at world events - which, Connie explains, is what got her into a bit of trouble.

In a flashback, Connie and Whit listen to a news report on the radio about wars. Connie laments the world's violence remarking that if people would just get to know each other, they'd see how much they have in common, and all wars would end. Whit feels this is a noble idea, but not very realistic. Connie believes Whit is wrong. She says that peace would be possible if everyone simply promised to treat one another with kindness, gentleness, and patience.

To prove her idea is realistic, Connie makes that promise herself, on paper. She will try to be patient for four weeks. Everything goes well - for the first few days. Connie puts up with impatient customers and other irritations with grace and ease.

But later, when the kids fail to figure out a simple electric train riddle Whit tells them, Connie becomes so impatient that she explodes, belittling the kids and completely embarrassing herself. Whit explains to her that no matter how much we may want to conquer our sinful nature, we can't, it's too strong. That's why we need Jesus the only one who can transform us - and the only one who can change the world.

Whit gets on the same elevator as Jean Forbes. Jean then tells Whit how Dr. Frank Graves deserves a medal for how he handled a situation last week...

The Forbes are getting ready for Sunday School while seven-year-old Emily Forbes is watching her loose tooth dangling in the mirror. She doesn't want to pull it out, because she wants Dr. Graves to pull it. It ends up falling out just before they pray for the food. Later at church, Emily, Jean and Bob talk with Dr. Graves. Jean mentions how much Emily loves going to the dentist. She's going to the dentist tomorrow and can't wait for it.

Later that night, Mark Forbes, Emily's brother, decides to scare her by telling her Dr. Graves is going to pull all of her teeth out with big pliers, and how she will get a shot so it doesn't hurt so much. When her parents tuck her in bed, Emily tells them she doesn't want to go to the dentist because she's afraid. Bob tells her she doesn't need to be afraid.

When the big day arrives, Emily is scheduled to go before Mark, and Dr. Graves takes her to the yellow room. She tries to stall and says she should come back when she's not so busy. Then Dr. Graves tells her he was almost finished. Dr. Graves gently gets to the source of Emily's warped information. The good dentist promises not to hurt Emily, and together they devise a plan to turn the tables on Mark, giving him a taste of what it feels like to be afraid. After they scare him, Dr. Graves tells Mark that even though he was just pulling a joke, he hurt Emily by making her afraid of him, making her lie to her parents, and making her dread the whole day. Mark apologizes to Emily, then Dr. Graves tells him "Smile big like a crocodile, Mark!"

Jean finishes her story, and Whit agrees Dr. Graves deserves a medal. Whit then asks why Dr. Graves never asks him to smile big like a crocodile.

With fear and trepidation, Trent DeWhite wanders down the hall to his next class. He knows today is the day (horror of horrors) that he will be called on to give his oral report!

When he reaches the class, his dread is heightened by Brenda Frazier, who makes it very clear how excited she is to give her report. Brenda thinks her family heritage has destined her to do well on her report. This sends Trent on a series of daydreams dealing with a particular member of his own family tree - Abel McAlister. It seems that Trent's great-great grandfather was so afraid to speak in front of people that an entire city was wiped away by a flood. His fear had made him so unable to communicate, that he couldn’t warn them of the danger before it was too late.

Trent makes an excuse to go the bathroom and has a daydream about digging through the bathroom wall in order to escape his impending doom. He finally returns to class, after a small amount of concern from his teacher, and is promptly chosen to give his report. (He is the last one, after all.) As he hesitantly heads toward the front of the class, everything goes into slow motion. Will he truly be able to give this report?! But he begins, he tells the class a joke and they laugh. Suddenly, the report doesn't seem so scary. So, he starts into the rest of his report and...the bell rings! The report is moved to the following Monday.

Trent is reminded of what happened at the end of his great- great-grandfather’s story. Abel was able to overcome his fears, and actually ended up running for mayor. Trent used this as the greater part of his speech, and was able to successfully overcome his fear and give a great oral report.

Connie rushes in late, and starts to make excuses to Whit, who is supposed to be behind the counter. Only it isn't Whit, it's Tom because Whit went to go visit his wife's grave, who died four years ago. Tom begins to tell Connie the story of how Jenny saved Whit's End.

In a flashback, Jenny is speaking before Tom and the other members of the town council pleading with them to let her save the Fillmore Recreation Center - which is now Whit's End - from destruction. One of the members, Philip Glossman, doesn't want to sell the property to Jenny because he wants to destroy the building and sell it the Webster Development Firm that wants to turn it into a mini mall. Jenny argues so passionately that she passes out and is rushed to the hospital. Whit arrives and learns that Jenny is suffering from a chronic ailment that is slowly deteriorating her kidneys. The doctors can do nothing because the sickness had gone to far to be stopped now. Because of Jenny's death, the town council puts off voting on the recreation center for a month. Tom and Officer Harley visit Whit to try and convince him to carry on the fight. Whit refuses, saying that fighting for this building is what killed his wife.

Later, he visits the old center where he sees a bunch of children playing happily on the grounds. There, a young girl says that after the center is tore down, none of the kids will have a place to play anymore. Whit listens and is touched. The girl's mother calls for her to leave. Her name is Jenny. Whit takes that to be a sign from God to keep fighting.

Right after the council votes to sell it to the Webster Development Firm, Whit bursts in, saying that a company called Universal Press Foundation wants to buy the recreation center for 3.5 million which happens to be 500,000 dollars more than what the Webster Development Firm had offered! UPF proposes to turn it into "a place of adventure and discovery, filled with books and activities, fun and games, arts and crafts, and uplifting conversation". The council re-votes to sell it to Universal Press.

Coming out of the flashback, Connie learns that the man who owns UPF is Whit himself!

It's vacation time, and the Barclay family is off like a herd of turtles. Well, almost: they haven't even left yet. Young Jimmy is going to journal about the trip. One of the first things he records is that his older sister, Donna, doesn't want to go. She prefers to remain in Odyssey, but her parents have overruled that notion, so Donna is not a happy camper. Jimmy also documents a brief, pre-trip visit with Whit, who has given him a new invention, "Whit's Boredom Buster" — to be used only when Jimmy is "absolutely, without question, no doubt about it, as bored as you've ever been in your life."

At last, the Barclays are on the road... and aren't 20 minutes into their trip when trouble starts. Donna and Jimmy argue about backseat space; George runs over something that everyone thinks is a small animal but turns out to be a piece of tire rubber; they have a chewy lunch in an old diner; they sing every praise chorus they know; and the batteries go dead in Donna's tape player, further souring her mood.

To top it all off, the car suddenly dies. When George gets out to investigate, Jimmy sees a man they passed on the road rapidly approaching them. Donna speculates that he's an ax murderer. She screams for her father to get back in the car. Just as the man walks up, George pops the cap off the hot radiator, sending up an explosion of water and steam.

This plot section is too short and should be expanded. »

Davey Holcomb is a walking disaster. It seems everything he touches or attempts ends up in failure. At a Little League baseball game, Davey strikes out three times, knocks over the portable backstop, cleats his own second baseman, and causes the entire team to trip over him when he bends down to tie his shoe.

After the game, the team goes to Whit's End to commiserate about their loss. At Whit’s End, Davey meets Whit, who shows him around. As they talk, Whit learns that Davey is interested in inventing things. Whit suggests Davey try out the Inventors' Corner, but Davey is afraid he'll fail again. Whit asks Davey to help him bring out a new display called "Whit's Flop," an invention Whit couldn't get to work. Davey tries to fix "Whit's Flop" and nearly succeeds — until he accidentally breaks off a lever on the machine.

Davey runs out of the shop, feeling very sorry for himself. Whit follows to bring him back inside, telling Davey that he must fix what he has broken. So Davey returns, and he and Whit work on the flop together, creating a new invention. They unveil it later that afternoon, but when Davey proudly turns it on, it shorts out and nearly blows up. He leaves again, feeling sorry for himself.

A short time later, Whit finds Davey and offers him a piece of freshly-made pizza. They talk, and Davey learns that the machine fizzled out because of a short in the wiring at Whit's End, not because of anything Davey did. The machine, a pizza oven, works wonderfully and is a big hit with the kids. Davey has succeeded — without even knowing it! Whit explains that this is an example of how "God works all things together for good."