Chapter 22 - Page 321 - Shanha Talks To Jesus

   When they finished the second song, Jim saw Shanha yawning again. Knowing she had a big day ahead of her, he stepped out onto the front porch and, when everyone gathered around, announced, "I'm happy you all came tonight, but we're tired, and it's time for us to go to sleep."

   The crowd was disappointed, but slowly began to leave the yard as Jim, Rhasha, Francis, and Shanha, waved and said good-bye. They went back into the house, and everyone made their final preparations for bed. After a few seconds, Rhasha walked over to Jim's guitar, hanging on its hook on the wall, and lifted it off the hook. and Placing the strap around her neck, Rhasha began picking the guitar strings with her fingers. She didn't know how to play the guitar, but it was clear that she had something on her mind.

   Jim knew what Rhasha was thinking about, but didn't say anything. It didn't take long before she did. "Jim, could you teach me how to play the guitar?"

   Jim smiled and put his arm around Rhasha's shoulders. "Sure. I'll teach you, but not tonight."

   Rhasha smiled. She looked down at the guitar strings, then she looked up at Jim. "Great, then you and I can both play guitars when we sing."

   When Francis and Shanha came in to say good night, Francis was wearing a set of Jim's pajamas and Shanha was wearing one of his pajama tops. Jim smiled when he saw what Francis was wearing.

   "Shanha told me you wouldn't mind if I wore your pajamas," Francis said.

   "Sure," he said, "I don't mind. You all look beautiful wearing my pajamas."

   Shanha eased over toward Jim and put her arms around his neck. "Papa," she said, "can I take my gown home with me?

   "It's your gown," Jim replied, "so you can do whatever you want with it."

   "I'll wear it every night," Shanha whispered.