Chapter 22 - Page 319 - Shanha Talks To Jesus

   "I know you do, angel," Jim replied, "and I pray for you and Mama every day."

   Shanha rested her hand on top of Francis's hand. "Mama, from now on, I'll pray for you every day, too."

   Francis exploded into tears. Shanha quickly threw her arms around her mother's neck, dropping Honeycup on the floor. "What's the matter, Mama? Did I say something wrong?"

   Francis wiped the tears from her eyes and pulled Shanha into her lap. "No, I just thought about all the times I was worried sick about you. I prayed continually that God would take good care of you." She hugged Shanha and smiled.

   Shanha kissed her mother and reached down to pick up Honeycup. She cradled her teddy bear in her arm and tickled his tummy. "Honeycup," she said, "I'm going to pray for you, too."

   Jim could see the love Francis had for Shanha. She watched Shanha's every move.

   Everyone finished eating, and Rhasha cleared the table, then returned to her seat and listened to Jim and Francis talking about how far it was to Zimbabwe. Finally Rhasha rubbed her eyes and yawned. Shanha yawned at the same time. Jim laughed as they both stretched, then covered their open mouths with their hands, elbows akimbo.

   "Angel," Jim said to Shanha, "if you want, tomorrow we'll go to The Factory and you can get some new dresses to take home with you." She still wore clothes that matched Rhasha's-cut-off shorts and an oversized shirt knotted at the waist. Francis wore a dress.

   Shanha was still playing with Honeycup. "No thank you, Papa, "she said, "I like my clothes." She never even looked up when she spoke.

   Jim looked at Francis. Even Francis had started calling Jim "Papa." She said, "It's okay, Papa. I'll take it slow and let her adjust as time goes on."

   Jim winked at Francis. "She does have a dress," he said. "She wears it to church every Sunday."