UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

← Back to Plays
⬇ Download PDF
Theme: Family, Forgiveness, Joy, Redemption
Duration: 35 minActors: 5Memorization: Yes

UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

PURPOSE: A family is torn apart by disappointment and unforgiveness. A painful choice leads to broken trust, but it becomes a lesson in faith, forgiveness, and restoration. This moving journey shows how God can heal relationships and bring a family back together.

TOTAL CAST MEMBERS:

Scene 1 – Children’s House

CAST FOR SCENE 1:

PROPS:

MUSIC CUES

“Go Light Your World” by Kathy Troccoli.

SCENE 1

A small table center stage with a Monopoly game in progress. The space should feel simple and slightly worn, but warm.

(Three children sit around the table playing Monopoly. Monopoly money is scattered. Maddy holds her teddy bear beside her.)

Alex: (Confident, dramatic flair. Fans Monopoly money in front of Sarah.)
I would like to buy the Pennsylvania Railroad for $200… because, well… I have so much money.

Maddy: (Pulls teddy bear up so Alex can “see” it.) No fair! You know I love the ones with the choo-choo trains! And so does Mr. Brown!

Sarah: (Laughing, squeezes Maddy.) Maddy, you already have two with choo-choo trains on them. And besides… you have almost a bazillion dollars.

Alex: (Counting money, then casually.) Do you think Mom will be home tonight after work?

Sarah: (Quick reassurance.) Of course! As a matter of fact, I think she’s going to bring home dinner for us tonight!

Maddy: (Excited, rubbing stomach.) Oh good! I am so hungry! Maybe later can we—

PHONE RINGS: (Sarah freezes. Others quiet immediately.)

Sarah: (Becomes serious.) Be quiet! It’s Mom! Hello!    (Pause)

What? (Pause. Confused expression.)

Understand? (Longer pause. Voice rises.)

Understand?! (Louder, anger building.)

You know what, Mom… I don’t! And I won’t understand!

Maddy: (Softly, worried.) When is Mommy coming home?

Sarah: (Covers phone, tense whisper.) Alex, can you take Maddy to look for another game to play?

Alex: (Senses something is wrong.) Sure… come on, Maddy. (Alex picks up game boxes. Alex and Maddy exit.)

Sarah: (Voice cracks. Frustration spilling out.) Tomorrow? You won’t be home until tomorrow?! Somehow I’m not surprised! You always let us down!

(Pause — listening.) No, I’m not listening to any more excuses! Just shut up!

(Pause — final emotional outburst.) When you come home, I won’t be here, how’s that?


I never want to see you again! (She drops phone onto table. Sits. Buries face in hands and cries.)

Alex: (Alex and Maddy re-enter. Alex carries game boxes. Sarah quickly wipes her face and forces calm.) So… what is happening with Mom?

Sarah: (Sniffs. Wipes eyes quickly.) Well… seems like we’re on our own again tonight.

Maddy: I am soooo hungry. When is Mommy coming home?

Sarah: (Kneels to Maddy. Forces cheerfulness.) I love you. You’re the best sister in the whole wide world. Let me fix you a snack, okay? (Walks to cabinet. Opens it. Stops. Stares. Turns slowly.)

Alex: (Concerned.)What’s wrong?

Sarah: (Quiet but intense.) There is NO FOOD in the cabinet.
I guess we’ll have to wait until tomorrow and go early to the soup kitchen again.

Maddy: (Small voice.) But I am hungry now, Sari.

Sarah:(Rubs Maddy’s back. Deep thinking moment.)

Alex: You… okay?

Sarah: I’m just thinking.

Alex: Oh boy.

Sarah: (Suddenly energized.) I got it! But you must trust me on this one. Okay?

Alex: (Slow, cautious.) Sarah… what is going..

Sarah: (Cutting him off.) Can you just trust me for once? Just once. (Takes Alex aside. Speaks urgently but controlled.)

Listen. Mom’s not here. And who knows if she’ll even be here tomorrow.
We’re going to have to stick together… to survive.

Alex: Without Mom… they’ll take us away. They’ll separate us.

Sarah: (Grabs backpack.) That’s right! Do you hear what I’m saying, Alex?

Alex: Where in the world are you going?

Sarah: There’s no food. Everyone’s starving. Where do you think I’m going?

Alex: NO! I’m not going!

Sarah: (Strong, hurt pride.) Well guess what? You can stay starving in this rat hole… but I’m not.
Come on, Maddy. Let’s go. (Sarah grabs Maddy’s hand. They exit.)

Alex: (Stands alone. Frustrated.) Uhhh…

Maddy: (Runs back on stage.) Oh! Mr. Brown! I almost forgot all about you! (Picks up teddy bear. Squeezes it.)

You coming, Alex?

Sarah : (Offstage voice) Maddy!

Maddy: Uh oh! Let’s go, Mr. Brown! (Exits.)

Alex: (Stamps foot.) Why doesn’t she ever listen?! (Grabs jacket. Looks around house one last time. Exits.)

SCENE CHANGE

“Go Light Your World” by Kathy Troccoli. (First Part of song. Music begins as set transitions.)

Scene 2 – “Wes and Dora’s House” Split Stage: Kitchen & Bedroom

CAST FOR SCENE 2:

PROPS:

Kitchen Set:

Wes & Dora

MUSIC CUES:

“Go Light Your World” by Kathy Troccoli. (Second part of song.)

SCENE 2

NARRATOR: Steps forward, slower tone. Tonight, three frightened hearts step into a house they should not enter…
unaware where this journey will take them. This home, however; is not empty — and not unguarded.

(Children enter quietly. Sarah leads with flashlight. Alex scans nervously behind her. Maddy clutches her bear following Alex.)

Sarah:  (Turns to Alex, barely above a breath.) Shhhhhh.

Alex: (Turns to Maddy, Echo whisper, tense.) Shhhhhh.

Maddy: (Whispers to her bear.) Shhhhhh, Mr. Brown.

Sarah: (Begins placing food into backpack quickly now — faster, more urgent.)

Maddy: (Sincere, uneasy.) Sari… isn’t this stealing?

Sarah:  (Doesn’t look at her.) No. We’re borrowing it.

Maddy: But taking something without asking… that’s stealing.

Sarah: (Stops. Looks at her. Firm but conflicted.) We’ll give it back.

Alex: (Low voice.) If we can.

(Small silence. Weight of reality hangs.)

Maddy: It makes my stomach hurt… and not just because I’m hungry.

Sarah: (Looks shaken for a brief second — then pushes forward.)(Firmly with resolve.)
I’ll leave a note. That makes it fair.

(She writes quickly. Her hand shakes slightly.) “We are barrowing some food. We owe you.”

Alex: (Listening carefully) Did you hear something?

Sarah: It’s nothing. Hurry!

Alex: (Bumps table. First vase clangs. Long silence.)

(In bedroom.)

Dorah: (Half awake.) Wes… did you hear that?

Wes: (Murmuring.) Probably the house settling.

(Second crash — louder. Backpack drops. Panic energy rises.)

Dora: (Now fully alert.) No. That was not the house.

Wes: (Rises straight up. More serious now.) Stay here.

Dora: Stay here? (Picks up shoe to use to defend herself. Determined.) We need to protect each other!

Wes:   With that!? (Picks up his cane.)

Let’s go! (Wes and Dora tip toe quietly to the kitchen.)                                                                      

(Children scrambling to gather food. Breathing audible. Maddy trembling.)

Alex: We should go. Now.

Sarah: (Still putting food in bag) Almost done!

(Dora steps into kitchen doorway and sees them. Stillness.)

Dora: (Firm voice.) Children… what are you doing in my house?

(Children freeze. No one runs yet. Silence stretches.)

Sarah: (Protective, steps slightly in front of siblings.) We weren’t hurting anything.

Dora: ((Dora lowers the shoe slowly. Notices food on counter. Sees fear in their faces.) It doesn’t look that way.

Wes: ( Studies children carefully.) You’re not very good thieves.

Alex: Please don’t call the police.

Maddy: (Near tears.) We left a note.

Wes: A note? (He picks it up and reads slowly. His expression shifts from suspicion… to confusion… to something softer.)

“We are barrowing some food. We owe you.”(Looks at them.) Hmm…that’s new.

Sarah: We were going to pay it back.

Wes: With what?

Sarah: (Has no answer. Silence.)

Dora: (Now softer. Really seeing them for the first time.) Are you hungry?

Maddy: (Maddy nods before anyone can stop her.) Yes ma’am.

Wes: Kids stealing food from a house that prays over its meals every night…

(Looks at Dora.) Seems the Lord sent us company.

Dora: (Gently now.) The Lord has a reason for everything.

(Children exchange confused, uncertain looks. Fear still there — but now mixed with hope.)

SCENE CHANGE:

“Go Light Your World” by Kathy Troccoli. (Second part of song. Music continues as set transitions.)

Scene 3 – Wes and Dora’s House (Kitchen)

CAST FOR SCENE 3:

PROPS:

Sound Effects:

MUSIC CUES:

“Family” by Amy Grant (Option: Dora to Sing live or lip sing)

SCENE 3

Dora: (Enters, carrying plates of chocolate chip cookies. Gentle sigh, setting plates down carefully.) You must be very hungry.

(Gestures to table) Why don’t you sit? We can talk while you eat.

Sarah: (Arms crossed, guarded.) No. We’re leaving!

Dora: (Kind, steady voice) I understand you want to. But running won’t help tonight.

(Small pause.) Let’s just sit first.

Alex: (Anxious.) Please… don’t call the police.

Dora: (Looks directly at him.) I won’t… if you’re willing to be honest with us.

(Alex quickly sits. Maddy follows. Sarah hesitates, then sits last.)

Wes: We always thank God before we eat. You’re welcome to join us.

(Warm, calm tone.)
Lord… thank You for this food.
And… thank You for unexpected visitors.
You know every story sitting at this table.
Please bring peace here tonight.
In Jesus name, Amen.

Dora: Amen.

Alex and Maddy : (Beginning to trust Wes and Dora are nice people.) Amen.

Sarah: (Raises head quickly.) Does that mean we eat now?

Dora: (Soft smile.) Yes.

(Alex and Maddy begin eating quickly. Dora notices how fast they eat. Her expression shifts — this is not mischief. This is need.)

Dora: What are your names?

Sarah: (Guarded, yet protective.) Don’t tell them anything!

Maddy: I’m Maddy.

Alex: Alexander. But everyone calls me Alex.

(Wes and Dora look to Sarah.)

Sarah: None of your business.

Dora: (No offense taken.) That’s alright. You don’t have to tell me until you’re ready.

(Small pause. Sarah slightly surprised by lack of pushback.)

Maddy: My mommy doesn’t come home a lot.

Wes: (Beginning to understand.) Oh, I’m sorry sweetheart.

Dora: That must feel scary sometimes.

(Sarah stiffens but listens.)

Wes: Where do you live?

Maddy: Apartment 13A on the corner from your house.

Alex: Why do you pray before you eat?

Dora: (Simple, natural.) Because we’ve learned everything we have… comes from God, the giver of all gifts.

Food. Health. Even people. (Small glance at Wes — shared history there.) So, we thank Him for all He has given us.

Wes: And because we believe He NEVER leaves us.

Alex: (Quiet, vulnerable.) Well, what if He does?

Wes: He doesn’t.

Alex: Everyone else does.

Dora: (That line sits heavy. Leans forward slightly, voice soft.) Alex… when you feel alone… that doesn’t mean you are.

Sometimes hurt is loud. God is quieter, but always present.

(Alex absorbs that.)

Sarah: (Suddenly laughs — defensive.) Ha Ha! Right! “God is there.” I’ve heard that before.

Dora: (Very calm.) I’m not trying to convince you of anything. (Pause.)

I just know there were nights in my life when I felt abandoned too.

(Desiring to share a personal experience.) And somehow… I made it through them.

Not because I was strong. Because I wasn’t alone — even when I thought I was.

Sarah: (Emotion rising beneath anger.) When there was no food in our house… where was God?

Dora: I don’t always know why hard things happen to us. (Pause)

But I do know this —
You are sitting at this table tonight.
You are eating.
You are safe.

(Very gentle.) That tells me God hasn’t let go of you.

Wes: We don’t have to understand everything. The most important thing is: God will always be there for you.

Sarah: It’s Mom’s fault we’re in this mess. And I’ll never forgive her.

Dora: (Gently)Holding that much anger…can only hurt you, more than the person you are angry with.

Alex: (Turning to Wes and Dora) You said before that God listens when we pray? 

Wes: (Smiling gently) He sure does. The Bible tells us “Because God bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath.”

Maddy: Does He bend down to listen to me too?

Dora: Yes, and You can trust God knows everything!

(Suddenly, distant POLICE SIREN is heard. Flashing red/blue light effect can gently reflect off stage if available.)

Sound Effects: Police siren in the distance. KNOCK at the door from offstage.

(Alex and Maddy quickly move towards Sarah, and huddle together in fear.)

Wes: (Calmly moving toward the “door”) I wonder what is wrong? (He mimes opening the door. POLICE OFFICER steps in from behind divider.)

Police Officer:
Good evening. We received a call from your neighbor. They reported seeing a flashlight shining inside your home and were concerned for your safety.

(Children cling to each other, whispering nervously.)

Dora: (Kind, steady tone — not defensive) That was thoughtful of them, Officer. It’s late, but everything is alright.

Wes: We’ve just had three young visitors tonight.

Dora: (Gently, with intention) They are our friends. There’s nothing to worry about.

(The children slowly look up in disbelief.)

Wes: You can assure our neighbors we are safe.

Police Officer: (Nods, glances at children) Very well. It’s our job to investigate anything suspicious. Sorry to disturb you so late.

Wes: No trouble at all. Thank you for looking out for us.

(Officer exits. Door closes. Silence.)

Ales: (Stepping forward, overwhelmed) We should be arrested for what we did.

Sarah: (Confused, emotional) Why… why did you do that for us?

Dora: (Smiles.) There was a time I didn’t deserve forgiveness. But Jesus gave it anyway.

Not because I earned it… but because He loves me.

Wes: (Nods gently and picks up Sarah’s bookbag.) And when you’ve been forgiven… you learn to forgive. (Hands the bookbag to Sarah.)

Sarah: (Looks between them, wrestling inside.) So… you’re just letting us go?

Dora: Yes. You’re free to go home.

Alex: Wait. Can I talk to God before we go?

Wes: Of course.

Alex:(Looks up. Small pause.)
Um… God?
It’s me.
We kinda messed up tonight.
I’m sorry.
Thank You for bringing us here.
Thank You for people who care.
Please help us.
I believe You really love me and forgive me.
I want to trust You more.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

Maddy: Me too God, Amen. (Quiet pause.)

Wes & Dora: Amen.

Wes:  (Gently touching Alex’s shoulder.) That was a beautiful prayer. God heard every word, and He is with you.

Dora: (Hands Alex a bag of food.) Now, this is so you won’t go hungry tonight.

Alex: Thank you!

Maddy: (Hugs Dora) Thank you! And thank you for teaching us how to pray.

Wes: Your welcome sweetheart. (Hands Sarah a piece of paper.) Here’s our number. If you need help, you call.

Sarah: (Soft, unsure) Okay…

(Sarah, Alex and Maddy exit slowly.)

Sarah runs back and hugs them.

Sarah:
Thank you!

Dora: Your welcome, Sarah. Let us know if you need anything.

(Children exit. WES and DORA watch quietly.)

SCENE CHANGE

“Family” by Amy Grant   

Option: Dora to Sing Song (Sing live, lip sing or play track.)

SCENE 4 – CHILDREN’S LIVING ROOM

CAST FOR SCENE 4:

PROPS:

Food Items

Game Setup

Set Pieces

After Performance

MUSIC CUES:

Closing Song: Play “Today is the Day” Lincoln Brewster

SCENE 4:

(Original set with Monopoly game board on floor or small table.)

(SARAH, ALEX, and MADDY enter slowly, carrying bags of food. Their energy is quieter than before — thoughtful, changed.)

Maddy: (Kneeling near the table, happily unpacking food) Oh! Dora packed some of her chocolate chip cookies!
(Pulls one out, smiles big, takes a bite.) Mmmm!

Alex: (Setting food on table, still processing the night) What… just happened tonight?

Maddy: (Cheerfully but sincerely) We should’ve been taken away by the police for what we did… But Wes and Dora forgave us!

(SARAH freezes slightly at the word “forgave.” She slowly sets her bag down.)

Sarah: (Softly, almost to herself) Forgiveness…

Alex: (Steps closer to her) What are you thinking, Sarah?

Sarah:(Pause. Sits down slowly near the Monopoly board, staring at it.) I’ve been so angry with Mom.

Alex: What I learned tonight is God is always there for us… even when Mom isn’t.

Sarah:(Nods slightly, wrestling internally.) Mom has disappointed me… over and over again.
(Pause. Takes a breath.)

God forgives us, but I have not forgiven Mom.

(SARAH looks upward. Steps separate from siblings.)


Jesus… forgive me.
I’m sorry for holding on to anger.
Please come and help me.
(Opens her hands wide as if releasing something.)
I’m Yours.

(A visible emotional release. Shoulders relax.)

Maddy: (Walking up beside her) You okay, Sari?

Sarah: (Big exhale. Smile.) Yeah, I’ve never been better.
(Pause) I feel like a big weight just lifted off my shoulders.

(She kneels and hugs MADDY tightly.)

God forgave me. So… I forgive Mom.

Maddy: Yay! (Runs to Monopoly board.) Can we finish our Monopoly game now?

Sarah: (Laughs.) Sure, but there is something I need to do first. Go ahead, I’ll be right there.

(She slowly reaches for the phone on the table. Holds it. Hesitates.)

Alex: (Gently) What are you doing?

Sarah: Calling Mom.

Alex: You are calling Mom this late?

Sarah: Tonight…God forgave me.
And He wants me to forgive Mom too.

(MADDY and ALEX exchange light hearted gestures while setting up the game from the beginning.)

(Holding up hand gently)
Shhh… I’m getting Mom’s voicemail.

(She takes a breath before speaking. Tone is shaky but sincere.)
Hi Mom…
Umm… I just wanted to call you…
(Pause. Swallows.)
I wanted to tell you that God loves you.
And Mom…
(Longer pause. Eyes close briefly.)
I love you too.

(She slowly lowers the phone. Silence. She holds it close to her chest.)

Alex: (Moves closer to Sarah. Let silence sit.) Nice job, Sis.

Maddy: (Grabs a bag of chips from the bag of food.) Look, Alex! Your favorite chips!

(They sit around the board. ALEX grabs a chip and immediately reaches for the train tokens.)

Alex: I’ll play, only if you let me have all the choo-choo trains!

Maddy: (Grabs them first, giggling) Ha ha, Alex! No way!

(They laugh. A new mood of revival is present. A picture of simple family restoration.)

ENDING SONG:
Play “Today Is the Day” by Lincoln Brewster.

Music begins as the children, Wes, and Dora come together center stage and hold hands for a closing bow.

As the song continues, the cast gently spreads throughout the room to mingle with the residents—holding their hands gently, dancing with them, and singing over them while they remain seated.

At the conclusion of the song, each cast member gives a flower to a resident and spends a moment engaging, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide each interaction.