Chapter 21 - Page 298 - Lost In The Woods

   "Yes," Shanha exclaimed, "and I was crying. I couldn't find my mama and I was all by myself."

   "Angel," Jim continued, "your mama was pushed onto the train by other people. You ran after the rabbit and the train left without you." Jim could tell Shanha was deep in thought. "Shanha, your mama has been crying ever since. She never stopped looking for you."

   Shanha said, "Do you know where my mama is?"

   Jim looked at Rhasha and back to Shanha. "Angel," he said, "your mama is waiting for you in Angel Town."

   Rhasha burst into tears. She knew she was about to lose Shanha. She threw her arms around Shanha and held her tightly. "No Jim," Rhasha cried, "I can't give her up. Let's go back to Dallas."

   Jim placed his arms around Rhasha and Shanha and gently shushed them. Jackie and Simbatu were still asleep. "God showed me everything would be okay."

   Shanha didn't like the idea of losing Rhasha either. "Mama," she said, "maybe she could live with us." Shanha looked eagerly at Jim. "Would that be okay, Papa?"

   God hadn't shown Jim that Shanha's mother would be living with them. He knew it would make it easier for Rhasha and Shanha if she did. "Yes," Jim replied, "if she wants to, she can live with us."

   Rhasha held Shanha tight. Jim clasped Shanha's hand between both of his. "Shanha," he said, "when we get back to Angel town, we're all going on a boat ride. A messenger of God told me your mama would be with us."

   Rhasha remained silent. She appeared very distraught. She reminded Jim of a whipped puppy dog. Shanha was deep in thought, probably wondering what her mother was like. She must have forgotten almost everything about her, and had only a vague memory of her mother's appearance.

   "Papa," she said, "could you see what my mama looks like, in your dream?"

   Jim smiled as he pictured Shanha's mother in his head. "Your mama is very pretty, just like you. She has curly black hair. Your mama loves you very much. You'll be very happy when you see her."