Chapter 15 - Page 205 - The Village Has A New Name

    Jim knew one important thing about African officials: Money talks. He bought Shanha a passport at a substantial cost.

   Jim, Rhasha, and Shanha continued to visit the patients at the hospital. They sang for them every day, and Jim prayed for them. All three followed what was now an established ritual: kiss each patient on the cheek, hold every patient’s hand between theirs, brush each patient’s hair, and tell every patient they have pretty eyes. The new patients loved Jim, Rhasha, and Shanha, but they loved many other people as well. Every day, scores of caring volunteers visited every patient during visitation hours.

   Jim knew the patients would miss them when they went to the States. It was some consolation to Jim that the patients had other people to love and care for them now. He felt a little better about being away from the hospital for two months. He told every patient they would be gone for two months but always added, “But God willing, we will return.” The patients were assured that when they got well, they would have a home, food, and clothes.

   Angel Town residents planned a big party in honor of Jim, Rhasha, Shanha, Jackie, and Simbatu for the day of their departure. The event was held at large public meeting building in the park. The building was nothing more than a concrete floor with slender tree trunks holding up a pole-constructed, straw-thatched roof, but it had a large wooden stage. Picnic tables had been placed evenly throughout the building and bolted to the floor. The mayor stepped onto the stage. Almost everyone in Angel Town was present for the event, and they gathered around the stage. Many people had to stand outside the public meeting area.