Chapter 25 - Page 353 - Jim And Rhasha's Big Event

   Oblivious to what Rhasha was seeing, the people continued to sing. "Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home . . . "

   "Mama," she cried, "they're taking him up into the sky to meet Jesus. He's kissing Jesus' feet, Papa. Can't you see it?"

   Finally Rhasha fell quiet, but tears continued to run down her cheeks. She watched the window into heaven close, and once again she could see the back of the chapel. The roof reappeared, blocking her view of the sky.

   "Mama," she said, "Jim's not here now. He's in heaven." Rhasha was content, now that she had seen him with Jesus. Thasha cried and held Rhasha. She knew that what Rhasha had seen was real.

   After a few seconds, Rhasha gently pulled away from her mother. "Simbatu," she said, her voice quavering and weak, "I need to be alone now. I have no strength. Could you help me to the jeep?"

   "Sure, Rhasha," Simbatu replied, "but can we go with you?"

   Before Rhasha could answer, Thamish interrupted. "Why don't you come home with us? You shouldn't be alone right now."

   "Thank you Papa, but right now, I want to be with Jim and I need to speak with God."

   "Are you sure you'll be okay?" Jackie asked her.

   "I'll be fine," Rhasha replied, fighting tears. "I've seen Jim, and I know where he is." Her expression grew stern and she insisted, "If you could help me to the jeep . . . I need to be alone."