Not expected to live at birth, Mary Jane is slow to walk and talk and diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Her parents pray and don’t give up, but teach her patiently. She even learns to ride a bike and does well in school; but she hates being thought of as mentally retarded. Active in church, she wants to be a missionary to China. In Bible school she commits her life to Christ. Not allowed to be a missionary, Mary Jane gets a job but sinks into self-pity for a time. Part I ends as she is about to meet her husband.