Chapter 25 - Page 358 - Jim And Rhasha's Big Event

   Glimpsing something in front of the plane, she wiped the tears from her eyes, but too late. A mountain cliff rose in front of her, no more than thirty yards away-too close for her to turn the plane.

   "Thank you, Father," she whispered.

   The plane crashed and burst into flames. It tumbled down the mountainside.

   Angel Town residents heard about the plane crash and knew Rhasha was dead. Everyone, including, Thamish, Thasha, and Robbie, met at the church. No one felt the pain like Rhasha's mother, though everyone wept. Gloom hung over Angel Town.

   Jackie sat in the park, looking upward as he prayed. Finally he rose and began walking toward the church. He stopped, and looked around the village.

   He remembered when he'd sold the land to Jim. Then it had been nothing but a large clear area-no buildings, and very few trees. He'd watched Jim kneel and pray near his car. He remembered seeing the words going to heaven on a beam of light. Jackie's mother was healed that same day. Tears filled Jackie's eyes. Two of the people he loved most were gone.

   Good memories replaced the sadness-walking in on Jim and Rhasha's water fight, seeing both soaked from their heads to their waists. Jackie smiled. Jim had started the water fight when he jokingly called Rhasha stinky. Jackie laughed out loud.

   "I wonder if Jim and Rhasha are now angels and can see me crying. If you can hear me," he whimpered, "I want you both to know I love you." It was the first time he'd ever said openly that he loved Jim and Rhasha.

   Jackie looked toward the church. The walls had been pushed out and braced up with poles, leaving the church open on all four sides. As Jackie drew closer, he noted that it was full of Africans. Some were crying and some were praying.