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.