Shannon has to adjust to the idea of her sister marrying Stan. If it can't be her, she'd want it to be Leah. She wants the best for her sister. Maybe it's best that it's Leah.

    

Shannon doesn't have much time to think out her emotions.  The very next morning, her beloved Apaloosa, Malachi, dies.

For whatever reasons, many that they can be, Shannon decides she is going to go back to the mission field to finish out the second year with Moriah.

This is a shock for everyone, but Shannon is certain this is what she wants to do.  She assures Leah that she will be back in plenty of time for her wedding.

Leah hands Shannon her well-preserved Cody Komodo, "Here, take this with you and think of me.  I'll be praying for you.  I hear there are Komodo dragons on some of those islands.  I pray you'll be safe.  Take care of Cody ---and remember, I'm praying for you."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         *******                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
Shannon's departure is much sooner than expected.  They are all surprised at the news of her return to Indonesia, though Rebekkah had a surprise that she's confident would change Shannon's mind …but it arrives a day too late.                                                                                                                                                                                                              

They all agree that Shannon had made the decision abruptly.  And they suspect they know why.     

Cindy inquires, "Leah, is there anything Shannon shared with you that would indicate why she would so quickly change her mind and want  to go back to the mission field?"                                                                                 

Leah sadly admits, "No, Mom. She didn't tell me anything, really."

The story must be told…the entire story.                                                                 

Some of the story is through the aid of a diary Ruth had left in her care.  Some of the story had been told to her by Ruth.  But most of it is being told through Rebekkah's own painful memories.

The title, So Loved, is Rebekkah's attempt at salvaging the good amongst the bad.  But the story refused to end, as tragedy often visits contentment ---birthing confusion in The Curious Whether and How.  Beyond this book, Rebekkah outlines the third phase of her trilogy, before even penning a line in the second story.  Yes, to endure and find meaning in life, where others have failed ---to stop and smell the roses, not to cower over past experiences of having the thorns lodged up your nose.

Rebekkah smiles as she picks out the title of the third book she plans  to write.  The title comes to mind as she recalls a line from a favorite poem.  It speaks for those who endure and those who endear, Do the Birds in the Wilderness Not Heard, Stop Singing Their Songs?.

Okay, so much for titles and outlines.  Real life has to emerge out of pages of sketchy notes.   She will slow down a little ---and begin to relive that which she feels she truly never really lived. 

    

 The old emotions race back with a resurgence.   Finally the call comes, "We haven't found Shannon yet, but we have a couple witnesses that say they last saw her, Moriah, and one of the Rahayu brothers out fishing.  The three of them appear to be missing.  But everyone is instructed not stay out past nightfall.   I will be sure to call you when they wander back."                                                                                                                  

They find no comfort at all in the fact that anyone would wander about ---they can't imagine anyone wandering about in those remote and uncivilized islands.   Whether they wandered off or wandered back, wandering is wandering.   And their imaginations wander ---wondering if Shannon and Moriah are okay.

Cindy and the children are gathered around, waiting to hear any bit of good news.  Fernye emerges from prayer, giving her vote of confidence,   "I have this unbelievable feeling of relief ---like something wonderful or terrible is going to happen, depending upon your perspective.   I don't know if my time is near ---or if it's something else."   

This serves as no relief.  Rebekkah thinks about what Fernye had said.  She could be in agreement ---that if her own time is near, it would be wonderful to finally enter eternity through the ushered hand of Jesus.  But Rebekkah fears how terrible it could be ---being left behind to face the conditions that she most recently had learned more about.  Being Fernye's age, or even her own, you could anticipate that your own 'End time' to be quickly approaching.  Though who could be certain of what tribulations need be endured before Jesus' return.                                                                           

Rebekkah fears for those she loves.  And she struggles against trusting God and trying to put it all in His hands ---instead of her hands.

 

Lorvin and Aleah must also be worried sick, as their own daughter is reported missing with Shannon.   But they are there ...and they are able to do something about it.   That gives Rebekkah some comfort, knowing they will do their best.   Nevertheless, Rebekkah's frustration continues to build.  She is not used to sitting back, with nothing she can do about it.   She is used to being in control ---of others, not of herself.

Somehow Fernye's words always seem to penetrate the mind and lodge themselves in the memory.  Rebekkah recalls Fernye's words, "It's when you feel the most helpless that you are the most help."

She knows Fernye is right ---and she sits down to pray.

Back in Indonesia, things were being organized as quickly as possible. Feleti Rahayu said that his brother Hola had been mumbling lately about how he can be as effective as his older brother Feleti. Feleti had been Stephen and Maggie's main guide and translator for the past dozen years.

Hola had seemed to take a fondness to Moriah.  Feleti didn't know quite why, but he had an uncomfortable feeling this.  He felt his younger brother might set out to try to prove something.   And though Shannon and Moriah may have initially set out to sea for a relaxing break from the routine, an afternoon of fishing …in Hola's eyes it may have become an intentional drift to another island, to attempt to become a fisher of men.

Feleti fears that may be precisely what had happened and he feels responsible for taking care of it …since his brother is involved.  He prepares to set sail alone, but Sweeney and Murray claim that their ship is faster.  And they also still have that issue of Shannon's gift that they have to deal with. They were expected to personally deliver the gift to Shannon and they'd pledged to stay until that mission is fulfilled.  And of course, Lorvin and Aleah insist on going.                                                                                                

The five person crew quickly boards the ship. Stephen and Maggie had established a base on a small island in the Lesser Sunda Islands.  It is north of Sumbawa and Flores Island.  Feleti focuses in on a small island to the north, as he directs Murray and Sweeney to set sail.  Feleti has a feeling which island Hola would have chosen to sail to.

Lorvin is worried. Every minute that his daughter and Shannon are away, fills him with mounting anxiety.  He considers it just briefly, then appeals, "I'm sorry, but I can't travel to an island guided by just a feeling. Nor do I want to be guided by worry.  Let's pray about this."

Feleti agrees.   Prayer is the better course.  Murray shuts the engine off and lets their craft drift.  Feleti doesn't wait to see who wants to lead in prayer, "Dear Lord, God, please guide us in the way ....."  

A desperate cry penetrates their prayer, "Wait!  Wait!"                                                                                  

The voice is that of a young man, losing ground or taking on more water, as he desperately attempts to swim to the ship.                                                          

Feleti hollers out, "Kakau!"                                                                                     

They turn the ship around to rescue Kakau.   Kakau crawls on board, with their help, bringing the crew to six members now.  Pants and hair dripping, Kakau attempts to explain, "I didn't want to holler from the shore because you might have thought I was just a madman hollering from shore."

Feleti adds, "You're right.  A drowning man certainly draws closer attention."                                                                                                                   

Kakau takes a deep breath, "I ran from the other side of the island when I heard Shannon and Moriah were missing.  I saw which way Hola went with them."

Feleti smiles, "I'm glad we prayed.  Kakau is a good swimmer, but I don't think he would have caught us if we had not stopped the motor to pray."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
It seems to take forever, but soon they circle around to the other side of the island and sail South, which they now assume is the correct direction.

Lorvin stares out across the water.  The island they had left is now  out-of-sight and there is no land to be seen.   The others resume praying again, but Lorvin remains silent, away from the group. He stares out over the waters, for what seems like hours.

Suddenly, Lorvin shouts, "I see something!  It's a boat!"  He wants to shout that it's them, but there is no way of knowing.

Sweeney hands Feleti a telescope.  Feleti quickly identifies, "It's Folau. No one knows these islands like Folau.  He's been the self-proclaimed king of these waters for the past thirty years."

Again, Lorvin is not comforted by any proclamation short of announcing where his daughter and Shannon are.   As they approach Folau's vessel, Lorvin shouts another announcement, "There's land!  I see land!"

Feleti is not king of the islands, but he is familiar enough, "That's Komodo Island."

As they approach Folau's vessel, Feleti begins shouting conversation that only Feleti and those onboard Folau's vessel understand, as they respond in return.

  
There are nearly a dozen, casting nets off Folau's vessel.  Suddenly, a voice that can be understood by Lorvin, brings Aleah to his arms and tears to both, "Hola not go Komodo Island ...Hola go there!"

The young man by the name of Malu, points, but Lorvin does not see anything. Sweeney hands him the telescope.   

Lorvin sees a faint, but certain silhouette of an island.                                                                                        

Malu climbs onboard, numbering their crew at seven.  Malu talks broken English as well as most of the Islanders ---not as well as Feleti or Kakau, but well enough to understand.

Malu describes the people on the island where he said he saw Hola go. But what he says causes great concern, especially to Lorvin and Aleah. Malu says there are two islands.  One island is inhabited by women and children ---the other one, only by men.

Feleti turns to Lorvin to joke, "Kind of like the Bible College you told  me about ---where the men and women are expected to sit arm's length apart.  But here, they sit islands apart."

Lorvin doesn't laugh.  From what Malu says, Hola brought Moriah and Shannon to the men's island where women are forbidden.  Lorvin asks, "What happens if a woman goes to the men's island?"                                                             

Malu's answer is straightforward, "Don't know …never happen."

Malu and Feleti continue to talk. Apparently, whenever a man dies, the chosen one by that man, if he be a cart carrier or less than a chief, takes the dead man to the women's island for burial.  The women begin preparing the grave as soon as they see the boat coming.  Then a huge feast is put on, as a part of a marriage ceremony, of sorts.

Malu is very serious about telling his story.   But he doesn't realize he is switching languages in telling it.  Feleti asks him to continue telling the story in English, so the others can hear the story too.                                                                                                    

Malu obliges, "The women have contest.  Each woman already made chair.  Chair made of whatever they find on island. Each woman put chair on back.  Man climb up on chair on woman's back.  Each woman take  turn carrying man on her back.  Woman who carry man farthest, wins. Woman who carry farthest, get chance to carry child.  Man stay on island until child born.  If woman not have child by 330 settings of sun, then nother contest find nother woman for man."

Aleah tries not to let on how worried she is.   She attempts to show interest, "So, the man returns to his island as soon as the child is born?"

Malu speaks directly to Aleah, "Soon as child born, nother contest.  This time only boys.  Boy who can carry most buckets of water on pole, be 'chosen one' of man.  Boy then go with man back to man island."

Feleti laughs, "Best system of population control I've ever heard of."

 

 Aleah does not laugh.  She asks, "What you mean by 'chosen one'?  What does 'chosen one' mean?"  She catches herself speaking in the same broken English.

Malu looks into her eyes, "If I be 'chosen one' of Feleti, then when Feleti die, I bring him to woman island."

Aleah is thinking more in-depth about this than anyone else, "What if there is a weak boy who never wins a contest?  Wouldn't the frailest boys become frail men and remain on the island?"

Malu begins talking at length in the native language.  Feleti listens, taking great concern for what Malu is saying.

Aleah waits until Malu is done with his lengthy discourse, then addresses Feleti, "Is he aware that he switched back to his language  again?  What did he say just then?"                                                                                    

Feleti translates the unknown portion, "He said, no."                                                   

Aleah insists, "He said more than that!"

                                        
Feleti offers more, "Well, he said that when a boy is born, the mother nurses the boy until the boy can carry a pole with one full bucket of water on each end.  When a girl is born, the mother nurses the girl until the girl can carry a boy on her back.  This is the only training the children must go through.  But to answer your question, any boy who reaches the age of 12, who has not won the bucket carrying contest, must leave the island and promise never to return to either the men's or women's islands.  Those 12-year-olds are considered weak and usually become fisherman on some other island."                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Aleah doesn't know why Malu has turned away, but trusts Feleti can perhaps still answer her question, "So, if their are a lot of girl babies born, combined with the fact that some weak 12-year-olds are banished from the islands, wouldn't that create a dilemma of sorts, if no boys were available to qualify to return to the men's island as a 'chosen one'?"

Malu turns back around, "If girl born, man still return to man island. Then oldest 'chosen one' on man island go to woman island.  If girl born again, then next oldest 'chosen one'.  Next and next …'til boy born."

Malu appears upset.  He turns away again.  Aleah inquires, "What is wrong?   Why does he keep turning away?"

Feleti explains, "Malu feels you are questioning things too much. Each of the islands have their own way of life.  And they just accept things the way they are.   Every country, every people, have their own culture, their customs, their traditions."

     

    

Aleah explains, "It's just that my daughter is lost out here somewhere and I'm a bit tense and concerned about what kind of people she may be running into.   But I already know what kind of people live on these islands.  People that we care about.  That's why we are doing missionary work here.  I thank Malu for refocusing my attention back to the reason we are all here.  And I'll try hard not to let my emotions get in the way."

Feleti offers one last bit of knowledge, "You have to learn the ways of the islands if you want to leave a good impression."

Aleah adds, "I want to leave more than a good impression.  I want to leave them the truth."

Lorvin and Aleah take a private moment by themselves to pray, shedding more tears with their prayers.

Murray and Sweeney, on the other hand, find much interest in this cultural diversity.  They listen as Feleti becomes an open history book to them, "Indonesia consists of between thirteen thousand and eighteen thousand islands, six thousand of which were for a long time uninhabited. But things changed at the beginning of the century, or millennium, as you would say.  And some would say, organized crime began it's influx in a big way at this time.  We would prefer to say ---organized labor, which in and of itself is a crime.  Big business was the reason they terrorized our people and set up labor camps, putting even our young children to work, under the cruelest of conditions.  That's when some of the people felt they had no choice but to move about, and even inhabited some islands previously known to be uninhabited."

While Murray is most fascinated by the description of the people and their beliefs, Sweeney has one main focus, "What about Komodo dragons?" He had heard mention of Komodo Island.  He assumes it was named after the reptilian wonder.                                                                                                     

Feleti continues his history lesson, "No people used to live on Komodo Island, but in the 1800's the King of Indonesia sent criminals to Komodo Island to punish them.  Their descendents continued to live there.  Then in 1980, the entire island was declared a National Park and the Komodo dragons were protected.  That same decade, a large fire on Pador Island destroyed many Komodo dragons and the surviving Komodos swam to neighboring islands.  This greatly dwindled their numbers and also their habitation.   But surprisingly this same thing happened again 25 years later on Komodo Island.  Terrorists were responsible for destroying the National Park." 

This peaks both Murray's and Sweeney's interest, as Feleti continues, " But worse, they terrorized our mission effort.  We were doing great work, especially with the Weyewa, Sumbanese, and Tanimbarese people.  The terrorists destroyed our missionary establishments.  We had to relocate in 2005, to another island.  We had to rebuild our headquarters and our whole strategy.  Some of the islands that we felt had great promise, fell back to their old beliefs.  Some even regressed so far that we have been unable to reach them."

Sweeney is upbeat, "It can't be all that bad, can it?   We all have to rid ourselves of old beliefs sometime or another through out our lives."

Feleti is a bit more serious, "Well, nothing's impossible, but it is often unsuccessful.  These people were also told that a great evil was coming to their island.  They didn't know when, but they were told to heed the warning.  And they were warned that the great evil would come if they heard the name of Jesus.  They were told to guard themselves against any mention of Jesus. They were told they should do whatever is necessary … to flee from any sort of evil and rid themselves of those who would come with such a troublesome message."

Murray inquires, "They made the name of Jesus …as a curse?"

Sweeney confesses, "I have to admit that in a matter of speaking, which I should have in no way spoken, I did the same thing.  My own country makes cursing common place, yet not out of fear, but rather of no account.   Sadly, few so-called civilized people guard themselves against the misuse of the name of Jesus."                                                                                     

Lorvin continues to stand, staring across the waters.  The island is still a good distance away, but it is coming into view.  Malu joins Lorvin, but does not share in Lorvin's silence.  Malu speaks the language in a rather choppy style, he can be understood.   He talks and talks …and talks. But Lorvin isn't listening.

Moriah and Shannon had listened very carefully to Hola.  But what choice did they have?   Hola has them lost.  They are uncertain whether it's intentional or not …whether Hola is lost also.  But at this point it is rather irrelevant.  What is relevant though, is the fact that Hola appears to be less confident than he had been.

Yes, Hola appears to be somewhat fearful himself. The only advantage appears to be that there is a feast of some sort going on. It appears not to be a celebration feast, but rather a feast of atonement. If there is one thing that Hola does know for sure, it is about eating. And he is very confident that he knows the difference between one feast and another.

They had arrived at the island before sunrise.  There'd been no sign of life on the island ---until the earth shook.   Then there was a great awakening, of much activity.  They suddenly focused on gathering up foods and other specific items ---with what appeared to be preparations of an offering, to atone for their wrongdoings ---the apparent connection with the great quaking of the earth.

Hola had said that they might as well witness to the people as long as they are here.  But what Moriah and Shannon are witnessing is perhaps a change of heart by Hola ---as they witness this great scurrying about of people.

Shannon is certain they would otherwise be seen ---if not for the intense focus of gathering together what appears to be preparations for a feast.  The people are simply too distracted in their panicked state.  And Shannon is very glad for the distraction.

At this time, a huge parade or caravan formation is quickly assembled. At the head of the parade is what Hola calls a sedan chair.  Four people carry it on two long poles.  The poles support a chair surrounded by curtains.  Only once do they get a glimpse of a person behind the curtains, as the pole carriers pass too closely to a tree branch, catching the curtain and temporarily pulling it back.                                                                                        

The parade proceeds along a ridge, the sedan chair with pole carriers  in front, followed by the long line of those serving a purpose similar to pack mules …hunched over under the weight of their load.

Hola finds a path within the thicket below, following along the ridge above.  Curiosity moves him, yet fear keeps him concealed within the path below. This path below is not a very frequently followed path, mostly overgrown with brush …yet Hola moves quickly, Shannon and Moriah with no option but to follow.

     

 Hola leads, careful not to allow the snapping of a branch to be heard, and sure not to allow one to snap back in the faces of Moriah and Shannon who follow closely on his heels.

Twice Shannon's hair snags on the thicket.  It not only hurts, but the snapping of a twig draws Hola's attention as he looks back.  She quickly tucks her hair under her baseball cap.

Hola attempts to keep pace with the sedan chair.  He moves with ease through the bush.  Moriah and Shannon are not so accustom to this.  They manage to keep up, but don't know how much longer they'll be able to.

Suddenly the earth shakes again. Instinctively, they all freeze in their tracks.  Hola, Moriah, and Shannon look up.  Hola reacts quickly, stepping aside as a huge rock occupies the spot he once did.

One of the men carrying the pole of the sedan chair is too close to the edge of the ridge.  He stumbles as another rock breaks loose.  He slides over the edge of the ridge, desperately grasping for anything.  He manages to grip a small shrub ---also attempting to hang-on to the rocky soil.

This all brings on a chain of events of earthshaking proportion.  The unbalanced weight at the front of the sedan chair, created by the missing pole carrier, causes the other lead pole carrier to trip.  The front drops, the poles sliding across the rocky path. The two rear pole carriers lift up on their end, attempting to prevent the forward slide …but that effort is in vain as the pole catches the ridge, providing no resistance.  

Without a fulcrum to act as a lever, the lifting up on the pole only causes the sedan chair to tip further over the edge. Then the worst happens!  Everyone on top of the ridge looks down ---now discovering Hola, Moriah, and Shannon ---as their Chief tumbles out of the sedan chair and down the ridge, still caught within the curtains.  The Chief's frightening descent lands him right at Shannon's feet.                                                               

Shannon instinctively kneels beside him, moved by fear of the possible fatality of the event.  Blood is streaked across the Chief's face and matted throughout his long hair and beard.

While Shannon focuses her attention on the condition of the Chief, panic sets in for Hola and Moriah as they witness the natives quickly  descending the ridge to their fallen leader.  The imminent danger poses  an uncertain outcome ---especially for Shannon, as they encircle her.                                                                                                                     

Shannon's eyes are shut, as she prays that the Chief's fall not be fatal.  She is not even aware that the tribal men have now gathered around her.  Hola and Moriah stand speechless, powerless to do anything, except to  also pray …but with eyes as wide open as can be.

                                                                                                                       

                                                        **********

                                        

A much smaller procession, of seven, stroll along the water's edge. Feleti hadn't shared his fears with the others.  He feared how they'd get close to the island.  He didn't fear the earthquake, but he did fear what Malu seems to be holding back.

Feleti's interest is in using Malu's familiarity with the islands to aid  them in befriending the islanders.  He takes Malu to the side to talk privately. He wants to ask Malu how he knows so much about these islands.  If the islanders fear anyone getting near, in fear that any visitor may be the evil one, then how did Malu get near enough to learn all these things?   

Malu had not intended it this way, but he'd says he will be of no help  to Feleti.  He admits to having a great personal fear of the islanders. But his greater fear is that the others will find out why.

Feleti wants to know what it is that Malu is not telling him.  If they are going to work together to find Hola, Moriah, and Shannon, then they can't afford keeping any secrets … as it may jeopardize their chance of a successful rescue effort.

Malu has one request, "You must first agree not to tell anyone."

Feleti honors that request, "Okay, I won't tell anyone.  But you must tell me."

Malu lowers his voice.   No one is in earshot, but he still whispers, "I was one of those twelve-year-olds, banished because of my weakness."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
As they now stroll down the beach, Feleti presents his suggestion to Murray and Sweeney, "We may have to give up Shannon's gift to gain their favor."

Murray has second thoughts, "Maybe I should have stayed with the ship.   What if it isn't a friendly tribe?"

Feleti needs all the support he can get and feels the heavy burden of response, "I don't really know.   We missionaries have to face the fact that there's much we don't know, and we have to believe enough in what we are doing to take that chance."

Sweeney has a different perspective than his brother, "I'd rather take a chance with the natives here than to have to face Rebekkah if we don't find Shannon and deliver her the gift."

Suddenly, a group of natives come out of the thicket.  The seven stand together as the natives walk within a few feet of them ---holding sticks, clubs, and spears.

Murray whispers, "They don't look too friendly!"

     
Natives come out of the thicket at three more spots ---one group closing in from behind and two approaching on each remaining side.  Sweeney reconsiders, "I think Rebekkah would understand."   

He turns to Feleti, "I think we should offer Shannon's gift to their Chief.  I would so much like to make peace with these wonderful people. Feleti, please tell me you can make them happy!"

Feleti hesitates, "I think I understand part of what they are saying, but each island is slightly different.  I'd rather not consider the possibilities of what might happen if I say something wrong.  Give me a little extra time to think about this."

Murray can't contain himself, "We might not have a little extra time. Malu, you like to shoot the breeze ---say something.  Say anything! You're from around these parts, tell them this is a gift for their Chief."

Feleti nods his approval.  Malu isn't quite sure, "Okay, but what if they never seen before?  Maybe they afraid of it.  Could be reason for spears and clubs.  But, you the boss!"                                                                                                                                     

Malu talks so fast that it would be difficult to believe anyone could understand even a word he says. And he says so much that they are wondering what all he's saying.  Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to ask Malu to talk.

The circle suddenly widens, as the natives take a couple steps back. One native speaks what appears to be only five or six words.  Feleti, Kakau, Murray, Sweeney, Lorvin, and Aleah all look at Malu.  But it is Lorvin who seems most eager to know, "Did you ask them if they've had any other recent visitors to the island?"

Malu is either a man of many words or of few words, "No."                                                                         

Feleti clarifies, "Malu told them we are friendly, that we mean no harm, and that we brought this gift for their Chief." 

Lorvin doesn't understand, "Why are we giving them a gift?  We are not certain whether Moriah and Shannon are even here."  

Feleti asserts himself, as he has over the years in leadership, "When things get rough, we have to work with what we have.  Besides, we can't go back on it now ---they've accepted our offer at this point.  The one man said he'd get the Chief."  

Several minutes go by. It seems like forever, but then the natives line up in two rows beside the thicket.  And out of the thicket emerges a makeshift stretcher between two poles. The four men are carrying what appears to be a human body.  They step to the side and set the body down.  It's impossible to tell whether the body is alive or not ---or for how long, in either state.  It is also impossible to predict whether the same outcome will befall them …as did the one left lying on the stretcher. 

    

Then out of the thicket comes a sedan chair covered with curtains and carried by four men between two poles.  The one native who said he'd get the Chief, takes the gift from Sweeney.  Sweeney hesitates to give it over, but Feleti is the one calling the shots, so he lets go. 

   Suddenly Shannon leaps from behind the curtain of the sedan chair. Hola steps out next and says something to Shannon ---at which point she bursts with joy and wonderment, grabbing the reins of the Arabian horse.   

Shannon is yet to see the newly arrived party of seven.  Moriah pulls back the curtain of the sedan chair, standing above the rest, as a look-out from this grand vantage point.                                                                                            

   Upon seeing their daughter above the crowd, Lorvin and Aleah race between the two rows of natives towards the sedan chair.  Moriah doesn't immediately recognize them as they stride past Shannon and the horse.  Suddenly she sees who it is …and leaps from the sedan chair and into her Daddy's arms.    

   The hug then extends itself to Aleah ---whose tears of joy and gratitude stream down her face. 

   Hola expects to be scolded severely by his brother ---who instead hugs him, saying nothing, the hug speaking for itself.    

   Shannon greets everyone with tears of joy, then attention is drawn to the most immediate concern.  The man on the stretcher is in critical condition. He is in need of immediate care.   

   The ship has some medical supplies, but it's best he be treated at the hospital on the mission base island. Aleah is a well-trained nurse and takes charge in that respect.  She joins Murray and Sweeney in taking the injured man to the ship.  Kakau also goes with them to help navigate back, and in case they need a translator along the way.     

   Feleti, Hola, Lorvin, Moriah, Shannon, and Malu all agree to stay on the island to carry out what already appeared to be in motion ---to bring God's Word and the message of Jesus to this island people.  Murray and Sweeney pledge to return with supplies.     

   The natives look on with much interest as their visitors wave after saying goodbye and parting company.  Even the natives pick up on it. They begin waving to the boat as it takes their old chief to the ship. They then turn, and begin waving to each other.   

        

Some of the islanders continue to wave, but most of them turn their attention to Shannon as she rides up and down the beach at the water's edge on her Arabian horse.  She waves too.                                                                       

The warm breeze catches a wisp of her hair, gently whipping it away from her face.  Shannon smiles.  She will name her horse ---Breeze.                                                                                    

Malu agrees that it is a good name.  But the rest agree they are more interested in finding out how Shannon came about being named their new "Chief".                                                                                                                     

Shannon isn't quite sure herself.  But Malu is sure to find out.  He has somehow overcome his fear and he is talking up a storm with the islanders.  It appears certain he will come up with the answer. 

                                                                                                                                                 *******                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
That evening, they gather together to come up with a plan ---a plan to present to these people ---the plan of salvation. 

What Malu had shared with them would aid them in their plan.  Malu had found out from the islanders how Shannon had become Chief.  Apparently, when the Chief's time to die came, it was customary that whoever was closest when he could no longer stand …would become the new Chief.    

Apparently, the Chief was sick and was trying to let on that he wasn't.  But they all knew that he was ...and were letting on too.  They had planned the longer route to the mountain plateau because it was more rocky. They had hopes that the rocky ride would make the Chief sicker. 

The pole bearers had been hopeful the Chief would fall out of the sedan chair at one of their feet.  But as it was, the Chief fell down the ridge and landed at Shannon's feet. And as they had gathered around her, their pathway was clear.    

They had no choice, but to bow to Shannon …as their new Chief.                                                                                                                  

The islanders did not necessarily respect their custom, but they appeared to fear opposing it. That was a form of respect. They'd perhaps wished it another way, but they had no other choice. If they departed from their own customs, they'd be departing from that which they all respected.  And new ideas may bring forth difference of opinion, then eventually the threat of division and lawlessness.  That is what they had fled from, and no one seemed to want to risk returning to that.                                                               

   Feleti suggests to the missionary group that they not attempt to discourage them from their native practice of taking food to the mountains. "Our goal is not to offend their beliefs.  In time, they will replace their beliefs with the truth." 

Feleti tells Hola that he can lead the teaching, since he came here for that purpose.  Feleti anticipates the teaching may go smoother than in many other areas.  The language of this island is not that much different.  And Malu can aid greatly in any translation barriers, since he appears to understand significantly more than anyone else.    

Feleti does not tell why. He will respect Malu's request that no one know. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

The pole bearers had admitted this to Malu ---which was a good sign. Confession of wrongdoing is an integral part in the salvation message.  This seems to hold true for most cultures.  If they are open to admitting they've been tempted to oppose their own rules, then they've indicated they understand the importance of doing what is right. Then if they're told their right is actually wrong, they can continue on with learning to understand what is truly right.                                                                                                       

Feleti cautions the group. They will follow the New Tribes approach of teaching, but they will hold off longer in mentioning the name of Jesus.     

The terrorist groups had taught to guard against anyone who would mention Jesus ---and this island group had probably heeded the warning, even though it appears they had possibly fled the main areas where terrorist activity had gotten a foothold, establishing its strongholds.   

There is hope. The rumor is that this island group and culture had only established itself a little more than a generation ago.  It is believed that these two islands ---this one which the men occupied and the other one which the women occupied ---had been previously uninhabited by humans. But that all had changed when the terrorists destroyed Komodo Island.  The natives and the Komodos had both left for …apparently these two islands.   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
Malu does not like Komodo dragons ---no one he knows does, but his fear of them is way beyond most ---based in a childhood fear.  There is no present evidence of Komodo dragons, but he is certain to ask, "Wh-wh-a-whe-r-e, where are the Komodos?"  He suddenly realizes it, and has to repeat the question in their language.   

They inform Malu that the Komodos are confined to the South half of the men's island.  The women had successfully herded them off their island by using fire, and those Komodos also swam to the South half of the men's island ...where they reportedly flourished.  No doubt, the islanders fed them so well!  Mau also is told that the Komodos are considered the guardians of the mountain, the guardians of the 'Man in the mountain'.    

The men's island is divided in two by a deep canyon.  The older men remember when the two halves of the island split in the mountains.  It would've divided further, but the Chief returned the 'Man in the mountain' to his rightful place in the mountain, and peace was restored.   

So, it is settled.  As their new Chief, Shannon will direct the islanders to listen and learn. They will watch Hola teach, and listen to Malu translate. At Shannon's direction, they will hear and learn the message of salvation.  

Meanwhile, they will join the islanders as they continue to feed the Komodos ---which they refer to as 'guardians of the mountain'.  And they will continue to prepare also for the 'Man in the mountain', who obviously is their god.   

Feleti stresses his point over and over, "We should not set out to offend their belief system, but to guide them in truth.  That will allow them to choose their own readiness to replace each of their beliefs with the truth."  

The others agree.  Establish respect first. That will aid in a greater depth of attentiveness, and a commitment to learning.  

As Shannon joins them at the mountain plateau to feed the Komodos, she makes her announcement, "This will be the area we will do the teaching."  

Malu wishes this would have been one of the things discussed in advance. He whispers to Feleti, "Do we have to teach in the area where all the Komodos are?"      

Feleti whispers back his response, "Announce it to the people as she has requested.  In order to dispel their superstitions, we must stand courageous before their fears.  We must together witness the emptiness of their demigods and their gods.  And you must understand the great opportunity this provides to bond with their people, without caving-in to their beliefs."  

 

 Shannon directs them to take the shortcut, not the rocky ridge.  And she chooses not to ride in the sedan chair.  "No more sedan chair …no wait!"                                                                                                                           

Malu is about to translate that, but Shannon changes her mind.  She will keep the sedan chair, but she will not ride in it.  The Bible and the teaching materials will occupy that sacred and respected place behind the curtains.  

Shannon chooses instead to ride her horse.  It is a rather easy ride from the northwest corner of the island, instead of the rocky route along the ridge at the northeast.   It's an easy and enjoyable ride through the foothills.  Then the elevation changes more significantly. There are challenging spots, yet not unmanageable for Breeze.  It is difficult to appear humble ---riding aloft and not to appear aloof, as she lets her horse gallop ahead at times.                                                                                             

Any horse would amaze a people who had never seen a horse before. But Shannon had seen and read about enough horses to know this one stands above the rest.  This black Arabian is a combination of strength and beauty ---with its muscular lines and unchallenging confidence.  Her horse ascends the mountain like it's nothing ---it's simply a breeze.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
Lorvin is a student of geology ---from a Christian perspective.  The land being the teacher ---and of course, the Bible.  Lorvin judges this island to be very unstable.  By the looks of the land, there had been much volcanic and earthquake activity which brought the island to its present condition.                                                                                                                                                         

At its highest point, the ridge juts out, creating the narrowest point of the canyon.  Breeze stops under a large tree, gracing the point, a plateau stretching out on the other side of the canyon, only fifty feet away at this point.  

When the others finally reach their destination, they join Shannon for the breath-taking view.  It is also a great vantage point.  You can see the entire island from here, and anyone who may be approaching the island by sea.  No one should be able to approach the island without detection. And the women's island can just barely be seen from here also.  Malu points it out, as the islanders point it out to him.  

        

The islanders call to the 'guardians of the mountain'.  They take their turns at the point.  A short rope is tied to the handle of each large basket. The natives begin to twirl the huge basket of food below their waist.  They begin twirling low and extend the circle to over their head.  Then they release the rope from their hand like the hammer throw of track and field events.  This is a true sport.  If they don't release it just right, the food will not leave the basket and the weight of it may propel them into the canyon as extra Komodo treats.   

Malu steps back.  Even from his safe distance, he doesn't want to see the Komodos, as they come for their food. The others step forward to see if they can see the Komodos.  But they step back again as the fourth person begins twirling his basket.  This time the rope is released, basket and all clearing the canyon.  

The missionary group is confused as they watch the fifth, sixth, and seventh baskets clear the canyon and land on the plateau.  Then to their surprise, natives run out from behind some rocks and begin devouring the baskets of food that had landed on the plateau.   

Malu quickly tries to clear up the misunderstanding.  Apparently, there are various levels of 'guardians of the mountain'.  The Komodos are one level …and these natives, seemingly trapped on the plateau and eager for food, are another level of 'guardians'.  At this point, the question curiously becomes, whether the 'Man in the mountain' is actually, 'Men in the mountain'.  But Malu quickly asks and clears that one up too.  There is only one 'Man in the mountain'.                                                                                  

Feleti assumes that the sole 'Man in the mountain' is a chief of sorts. Shannon is the Chief of the lowlands and they probably had a designated 'Man' of the mountains.  

Shannon observes for a moment as the natives devour the food on the plateau.  But she is more interested in the Komodos.  She had never seen a Komodo dragon before.  She grabs a tree branch to steady herself near the edge of the cliff, peering down into the canyon.  She does not look long though. It is not a pretty sight.  She can understand Malu's feelings about it.  

Shannon steps back by Malu. She remembers that she had packed Cody Komodo.  She takes him out of the small purse attached to her belt.  She thinks of Leah.  Her sister certainly wouldn't have had such kindly affection to Cody if she had first seen the real Komodos.     

Shannon thinks of Mom, Josiah, and Samuel too.   She misses them all.                       

                                                                                                    

Suddenly, Shannon is overcome by such a foul smell. Malu laughs at seeing her facial expression.    

Malu explains that the baskets hold two different types of food. Half of the baskets were prepared for the natives on the plateau. The other half, Malu very descriptively explains, "That's Komodo food. They gather together whatever rotting carcasses they find along the shore."   

Shannon interrupts, "Okay, you can stop now. Or my lunch will have to be added to their menu."   

Malu is prompted to ask his next question, "How did these islanders, these guardians, get on the plateau?"   

The one man in charge of the food baskets, Siaosi, laughs.  Then Siaosi speaks to the others ---and they laugh together.                                                                       

Siaosi then calls out several times, "Tevita, Tevita, Tevita."   

A young man with the brightest smile and near perfect teeth, steps from the back of the group. Siaosi and the young man converse privately by the large tree, then the young man begins to climb the tree.   

The young man, Tevita, climbs three-quarters of the way up the tree, then crawls out on a limb.  He appears to have a rope in his hands. Suddenly, he springs from the branch like a frog off a log. The rope carries him swinging beyond the cliff, out over the canyon.  At its furthest point, he lets go of the rope, does a backward flip through the air and lands on a heap of something.                                                                                                              

Malu translates, "Pile of dried grass."  

The question then becomes ---how does the young man, Tevita, or any of the others get back if they choose to do so?                                                         

As Malu prepares to speak, the natives begin to laugh again.  Lorvin smiles, "It appears that smiles and laughter are a universal language, but what one laughs at can vary greatly. What are they laughing at this time?"   

Malu translates, "They think it funny how you think they not know how to do things."   

This time Siaosi climbs up the tree. He pulls the end of the rope back up with him and appears to be fastening it to something.  With a large kick from one of his legs, a large timber moves out away from the tree trunk, falling straight towards the plateau.   

Lorvin is amazed, "I'd have to see it again to see precisely how he did that."   

Feleti joins the inspection, "Two timbers tied together with one end tied down at the base of this tree and the rope tied precisely at the right spot, with just the right firmness of slip-knot to guide the timber out, but not allowing the rope to break and not allowing the timbers to fall too hard onto the plateau.  Seems easy, but I still could not do it and don't know how they did it."   

 Lorvin realizes the island people have engineering skills and athletic abilities that far exceed what anyone might expect.  They are out of his league, yet Lorvin feels compelled to say something, "Two timbers tied together, so it doesn't roll, creating a sturdy little bridge ...simply amazing!"  

Shannon doesn't say anything, though she too is amazed.  She had seen people do some amazing things in gymnastics, and she had seen the expertise of tree trimmers back home in Michigan. But these natives, usually considered uncivilized, had obviously trained themselves in these skills.                                                                                                                      

Tevita walks confidently across the timbers, crossing back over the canyon.  He retrieves the rope, walks about three-quarters of the way back out, ties the rope securely around the timbers, then returns to the tree.  Tevita climbs the tree, joining Siaosi.  Together, the two of them pull the rope back, retrieving the timbers to their original position against the tree.  

Shannon has Malu ask them why the others remain on the plateau?  

Malu reports, "Because they are the 'guardians of the mountain'. They take care of the 'Man in the mountain'."   

Shannon shares her idea with Feleti, Lorvin, Moriah, and Hola, "I was going to teach on this side, under the shade of the tree, but now I want to have the teaching over there on the plateau.  Shouldn't they hear the salvation message too?"  

They all agree.  But will the natives agree?      

Shannon asks Malu to ask, "Am I the Chief of the guardians also?"                                                                             

Malu translates back, "Yes."  

Shannon smiles at Malu, "Well, tell them I want to teach them on that plateau over there.  But tell them I want to cross on a bridge which is strong enough and wide enough for my horse to cross on.  Ask them how long it will take to build such a bridge."   

Malu shares Shannon's request with Siaosi and Tevita.   

Siaosi smiles, saying something to Tevita.      

They each raise their right hands …then they high-five each other.   

Malu asks, then reports back, "Three days to build bridge.  But for Chief Shannon ---two days.   And bridge be strong as a horse."   

       

    

Shannon dismounts her horse as they reach the point.  She sends the sedan chair with the teaching materials over first. Then as soon as the sedan chair crosses the new bridge, safely over to the plateau, she leads her horse over. The others then follow.   

Hola leads the teaching.  Feleti keeps his word, stating that Hola had come to the island to teach and teach he shall.  

Feleti's only caution for them is to not mention the name of Jesus until the end, when they are fully prepared to accept it.   

Hola uses Shannon and Moriah to assist him with the materials and the presentation.  Malu still has the crucial part of translating, so they can understand.   

Hola begins teaching about Adam and Eve. He describes the garden, sort of like an island on land.They are the only two in that garden.  And God gives them everything they need …but they want what God says isn't theirs to have.  

Hola teaches the New Tribes Mission approach, with their guidelines of teaching the Bible in chronological order. And each time, Hola's words are translated by Malu.                                                                                                          

They listen with much interest as Abraham and Isaac go up the mountain.   And they are thankful for the provision of the ram in the thicket. They also feel Esau is not deserving of the blessing that Jacob receives.   And they agree that Jacob's sons do not know how to get along. They feel sorry for Joseph when his brothers sell him into slavery.  And they feel sorry for Jacob when he is told that his son is dead. They really like Joseph's character. They think it is really good how Joseph forgives his brothers.  

The most significant impact though, begins with the teaching of Moses. Hola can tell the tension written across their faces ---the unconfessed guilt they have inside.    

Hola continues to teach how Pharaoh gives the order to kill the babies, but Moses is saved in a basket at the river.       

Hola had consulted with his brother, Feleti, about his strategy.  The natives had already admitted that their hopes to become Chief --had led them to take the long route up the mountain.  Hola plans to show how God chooses who He wants and puts them in place to become the leader.                                                                                

Hola sees the concern build.  He sees the fear move across their faces as he tells of God's plan …how God sent His own Son.     

One of the natives, named Fangatua, seems to have a deep internal struggle going on, as Malu translates, "Why would God want to send His Son?"    

 

 Hola continues the question, "Yes.  Why would God's Son, having all the comforts of being God, give up being with His Father?  Why would God's Son sacrifice all that comfort to come to earth to live within the burden of all that sin ---the sin that each of us who lives here, would put upon Him?"    

Hola listens to the intensified whispering among the natives.  He believes this is good.  Hola continues his point, "The leader at this time is Herod.   When he hears that a baby is born and this baby is to become a leader of the people, Herod wants to kill the baby.  Herod is not living  the way he should be, and he is enjoying life in a way he should not be.  So Herod does not want a new leader to be born to lead them in a different way ---in the correct way.  Herod knows he is guilty the way he lives, but he doesn't want any new leader to show the people how wrong he is."  

Hola has so many things he wants to say, but he tries to stick to the outline which the teaching team had prior agreed upon, "Herod didn't know which baby was to be the new leader, so he has all the babies killed."  

At this, Fangatua speaks out.  Malu translates, "That was really stupid! Why would he think he could get away with killing God's Son?  God would be very angry."   

Hola had waited for this emotion, "Herod was not able to kill God's Son at this time.  But it still made God angry.  God's purpose is for all life to continue for ---forever.  God doesn't like killing."                                                                         

Feleti nods.  It is time to tell them.  Hola continues, "God is not to be looked upon as always being angry.  He is a loving God who wants us to live a good life.  He gets angry when someone tries to take that away. God's anger is towards people like Herod who try to kill anyone who brings the truth.  God's anger is also towards all the people who try to stop the hearing of the message of His truth.  Each of those babies killed when God's Son was born, had they not been killed, could have later heard the message of truth. And each of them could have grown up to share it with others.  God's anger is against anyone who tries to kill the truth."  

Hola is going to tell them right now, but somehow he just can't bring himself to do it.  He wants them to really want to hear the truth.  He wants them to love this person ---the way he loves this person.  He describes a little more about this person ---this Son of God, "I told you that God's Son did not die when all those other babies died. God's Son became a boy.  When he was a boy, he sat just like you are sitting.  He listened and he obeyed.  Then he became a man ---and he told the people the truth on how to live.  Some listened and some didn't.  Some listened and believed.  They found their sadness, turned to joy.  But some who listened didn't believe. They got angry."                                                              

Fangatua is joined by others, expressing much emotion.   Malu translates, "Why did they get angry?"                                                                                

 Hola explains, "They didn't want to hear of God's Son healing the sick and causing the blind to see.  They didn't really see it as a benefit to them. All they could see is that they'd have to change the way they lived.   And they didn't want to change. They didn't want to hear of the joy others had ---the joy of having more than their health, but also joy in their hearts.  They didn't look to what others were gaining, but to what they'd lose.  They looked to get rid of God's Son ---the only way they could see to keep what they had."  

Hola raises his voice to emphasize the point, "They thought if they killed God's Son ---any memory of him could be hidden and forgotten.  So that's what they did.  They killed God's Son. They killed the One who God sent to show them the way to live. They tried to kill the truth of this One ---God's very Son.  And they tried to kill many who had received the truth ---those who stood as a light to the truth ---to give life in a dead world.  But God's Son is the Way, the Truth, and the Life."     

A young man named, Mouk, speaks up with great concern.  His words are translated back with equal emotion, "But they were not able to kill the truth.  You are bringing us the truth today."   

Hola feels the time is now right, "You are right.  They couldn't kill the memory of Him.  The truth could not be hidden.  But they felt they could make the truth as if it were a lie.  And they are still attempting to do that today.  They would tell you that if you ever hear this ---that it is a lie."  

Mouk seems to hold a burden he desperately wants to release.  Others join him and repeat in agreement.  Malu tells of their conviction, "But when we hear their lies about God's Son, we won't believe them."

For the first time, Hola drops his head, looking away from them.  Then he looks right at Mouk. Hola appears to look right through him, "You already have believed their lies about God's Son. The truth is that God's Son was given the name Jesus.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life."  

The group becomes very silent. Hola knows that the people have been told not to listen to anyone who mentions the Name of Jesus.   

Mouk approaches Malu, Feleti, and Hola.  He looks into Hola's eyes, then begins to pace back and forth in front of them, mumbling to himself. He then looks over at Moriah and Shannon.   

Suddenly, Mouk blurts out, translated by Malu with equal emotion, "We told of how we all had hopes of becoming the new Chief, but that's not all.  Our wrong thoughts grew.  We actually welcomed his sickness, we welcomed his death.   But that's not all.  We also welcomed the death of the very ones who were appointed as guardians over us, our very own chosen ones ---because then we could go to the women's island where all the burials take place."   

Hola listens intently. Malu had shared with them of the belief that when the dead were buried, the woman ---chosen through her victory in the contest ---would spend her days near the gravesite, gaining a new life inside her, generated from out of the grave.   

This whole discourse, like every other communication, has to be spoken in fragments, being repeated back from the island language to the language that the teachers can understand. The excitement builds as Mouk talks faster and the translator, Malu, also speaks faster, "That's not all. One more thing …some of us, having found a plant that causes severe stomach pain, gave the leaves of this plant to the woman ---so she'd lose the child."   

How horrible!  The question "why" is on the mind of each of the teachers. They are not quick to recall the island traditions.   

The answer refreshes their memory, "That way we could stay longer  on the women's island.  We had to stay until a child was born."   

Tears gather in Mouk's eyes.  It is difficult for him to speak.  Tears also gather in Malu's eyes, as he translates, "Mouk says he's no better than Herod.  He helped kill babies.  And those same babies, had they lived, could have been here today, hearing the truth."   

Upon hearing the very emotional confessions, Lorvin, Moriah, Shannon, Feleti, Malu ---and even Hola, characteristically very reserved, begin to shed tears ---joining Mouk's freeing moment from the bonds of sin.   

The extent of the tribe's sin had been far from being realized.  Sin has the tendency to heap upon itself ---which is the nature of unchecked sin.  So instead of what we would think would be the natural inclination to confess it, actually does not lend itself towards that direction at all.  Sin that is unconfessed, not only grows outwardly, but also tightens its grip within us ---on every little sin that enjoins its authority upon us.  But confession changes the authority ---freeing us, with a quickness, from the tight grip which we could not free ourselves from.  The young man, Mouk, couldn't have realized this, but he experienced it. It came out all at once.   

God had touched Mouk's heart because of his willingness to listen.  At this moment, the confessions flow out of him.  And it touches the hearts of others ---and they confess also.    

For Lorvin, Moriah, and Shannon ---it means something more.  If tears were to fill an ocean, between these islands and the continent they are accustom to calling 'home' …tears enough cannot be shed.   

Here on the islands, these natives had just acknowledged losing an unborn child ---no different than losing a child.  To them it was unquestionably a child.  There is no hiding the truth.  They were there when the woman hemorrhaged ---pretending to comfort her, when in reality, they had caused it.   

They had seen the graphic details.  Nothing hid the fact that it was a real child.  The only fact that was hidden, was what caused the horrible death of the child ---which the women cried for days over.   

Mouk confesses that the cause was that same spirit that caused Herod to put all those babies to death.  It was the horrible sin of selfishness, not willing to change.  It was the same horrible spirit that brought the people to crucifying Jesus on a cruel cross.   

Lorvin and Moriah hug each other.  This is what they had learned in their brief mission training. It was an experience, unmatched by any other on earth.  Tears of joy and love for these people, mix with the tears of renewed and increased levels of appreciation and gratitude for what God did in sending His Son …what His Son did ---in dying on the cross.   

 As the teachers continue to listen to the natives confessing their horrible practices, it is not a feeling of anger generated against a people        who need to be judged for the horrible things they've done.  It is the wonderful thing that Jesus did ---dying on the cross, sacrificing His life so we can have the truth ---so we can be forgiven and so we can be free.  As Jesus said on the cross, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do."   

You can see their sincerity.  It is quite certain they will stop their horrible practices.  All they have to be told now is the truth of Jesus' death on the cross as a sacrifice for their sins.  And by grasping onto that truth, holding onto the awesome love that grants us forgiveness through Jesus, they can be assured they are forgiven.  And they can experience the joys of living the way God has set as a standard for us.   

Hola shares these last truths with them and they begin hugging each other and dancing up and down in a circle.  The circle grows into a huge group hug.  They no longer fear that God will destroy them for what they've done.  God forgives them.  They now believe and the torment is gone. The freeing of the burden of guilt and sin becomes so real, there is no experience that comes close to describing it.   

Shannon, Moriah, and Lorvin share a big hug with each other.  Why is this so difficult for their own country to grasp?  The most advanced nation on earth, bursting with knowledge, yet not bursting with the joy of Jesus. So simple ---that the most advanced cannot grasp it?   

 Something is still bothering Shannon.  She can definitely grasp all the truth.  She had cried in sorrow when the islanders had confessed about the unborn babies.  She had cried intensely then. She had tears each time there was a vivid description of how Jesus died on the cross for us. But there are no tears now.         

She wants the tears to come ---she begins to cry because the tears won't come. Then more tears come through mere frustration.     

Like the others, Shannon's face is ridden with tears, but not the same kind of tears.  The others have tears of joy for another ---hers are tears of frustration, locked up within herself.   

Shannon gets a glimmer of understanding.   Maybe that's why she had judged Stan for not crying ---because of her own problem. Poor Stan had to endure a worse childhood than she had.  He probably had the same kind of emotions locked inside.   But that did not take away anything from Stan.  The good feelings were still there ---coming out in the most wonderful way. He is gentle, sensitive, and caring ---he just doesn't cry. But his lack of tears never seems to affect his wonderful sensitivity.   

Shannon feels her oversensitivity sometimes gets in the way, blocking her sensitivity.  And she feels guilty because she is crying for herself, not in joy for the others.   

She had been disappointed with her first trip out here to the mission field.  Now, this second time she thought it would be different ---and it is.  Just not the way she wants.   

 She had seen how God used her for His purpose.  She was a vital part of God's plan ---becoming Chief, as the first step in leading the islanders.  But that was all God's doing.  She had done nothing herself.  She still feels she is missing what the others have.  She wants the joy. She wants the inner-driven purpose and focus ---and the intensity of it.   

Shannon feels guilt again.  She should be satisfied with just being used by God, but she wants to do "her thing" ---maybe not so much even her thing, but ---her part.  She definitely had a big part in all of this, at least at the start. But now she feels isolated from the rest …lacking in the joy of celebration.   

That must have been how Hola had felt.  It was wrong what Hola had done ---extremely wrong.  The end does not justify the means.  But even Hola realizes he is justified in another sense ---justified through Christ, his Lord, Jesus.  And Hola has found the joy.  Through this island adventure, he has found the joy Shannon is still looking to experience.    

 Shannon has held back her emotions her whole life.  She doesn't really trust her emotions.  What would it take?  She trusts God ---so why not just act on what she knows is right ---and let the emotions fall into place afterwards?    

Shannon pictures in her mind ---the job of a firefighter.  They put all fear aside and just act like they know they have to.  And when they save a life, no one questions on whether they are crying or not.     

Most of the time we don't know the person who performs the heroics.  And the one who is saved seldom knows the person who saves them ---but they are grateful.  The firefighters seldom sit at the person's table to eat, nor are they invited over for holidays ---but instead, they go back out to risk their lives in saving others.      

And it is doubtful that they sit around talking about the lives they save, any more than they'd talk about the lives lost.  They just do their job.  It's too scary, too painful, and much too unproductive to sit around and dwell on it.  When their moment comes, they know it's their moment.  And they respond, without hesitation …risking their lives.    

Shannon doubts it will ever become her moment. And even now, just thinking about it ---it appears prideful ---wanting to be a hero.  No true firefighter would hope for there to be a fire so they could perform heroics. They would rather there never be any fires.  They would prefer there be no lives to save.   But from Shannon's perspective, there would always be lives that needed saving ---saving a life from eternal death.   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
  There is nothing in life of more significance.  But as the islanders jump up and down for joy, Shannon still feels it is not her joy.  She wants to tell herself differently, but she has to be honest with herself ---she doesn't feel like she is a part of all this.      



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