Chapter 21 - Page 300 - Lost In The Woods

   When they neared the hospital, people ran from every direction to welcome them back. Rhasha finally had to stop in the middle of the road because a crowd had formed around the jeep. Jim, Rhasha, Shanha, Jackie, and Simbatu climbed out of the jeep and everyone began hugging each other. Jim picked Shanha up in his arms so people wouldn't have to bend over to kiss her.

   As everyone kissed and hugged, Jim saw a familiar figure walking toward them-Shanha's mother. Her hands clasped her cheeks; tears glittered in her eyes. When they noticed her approaching, everyone moved out of her path.

   Shanha recognized her mother and started to cry. "Mama," she whimpered as Jim set her on the ground. Shanha and her mother ran to each other and embraced. Shanha's mother lost control of her emotions as she kissed Shanha, and started crying too. Tears filled the eyes of those watching the joyful reunion. Time seemed to stand still. A hush fell over the crowd.

   Jim and Rhasha, tears running down their cheeks, held onto each other for strength. Jim was happy that Shanha and her mother were reunited, but at the same time, he felt like something precious had been taken from him. Rhasha didn't cope with the loss very well; she buried her head in Jim's chest and soaked the front of his shirt with her tears. Jim wanted so much to ease Rhasha's pain, but felt helpless to do so.

   As Jim and Rhasha held each other, Jim felt someone touch his arm, and looked up to find Shanha and her mother standing beside them. Jim released Rhasha, who covered her face with her hands. Tears spilled between her fingers. After a moment Rhasha dropped to her knees and threw her arms around Shanha. Shanha's mother didn't hesitate; she put her arms around Jim's neck and kissed him. She had been in Angel Town long enough to hear about all the love Jim and Rhasha gave her daughter. She didn't say anything, just hugged him.

   When Reverend Morris walked up to introduce them to each other, Shanha's mother interrupted. "I know who Jim and Rhasha are. God showed them to me in a dream. I know how much they love Shanha." She didn't take her eyes off Jim's face as she spoke. "God showed me how you built a village to take care of sick and hungry people." Tears welled up in her eyes again, but she was able to maintain her composure. "He showed me how Shanha almost died and how she was taken to your hospital."