Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Beautiful (11/07/05)
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TITLE: Beautiful Feet (v) | Previous Challenge Entry
By Suzanne Shepard
11/14/05 -
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The air was heavy with the moisture of the soon coming rains. Clouds rolled in over the mountain heights. The sun’s rays slowly disappeared as the gray masses blanketed the afternoon sky.
Jolio picked up his pace as he labored under the weight of the bags of food he carried on his back. The indigents of the mountainside village waited anxiously for the man of God to bring them much needed supplies. His pack-mule also was laden with many ‘bags of life’ but didn’t seem to mind the load.
The children of Malayla watched tirelessly for Mr. Julio to come. Their keen, black eyes searched the hillside path; they knew today was going to be a very special day.
“I think I hear him coming.” Jesse called out. At that, a sea of dark-skinned, bare-footed, children came running from every direction and gathered at the top of the hill.
“Julio! Julio! Julio!” They chanted in unison. Squeals of delight rang out loudly, then quieted when Julio did not appear.
Jesse was one of the older boys who had taken on the role of being the village watchman. He spent many hours each day searching the hillside for signs of intruders. He wasn’t a big boy, but his brave heart and courageous spirit won him the confidence of his people. Jesse had developed a heightened sense of hearing and even now he was certain he could hear the crackling of breaking twigs and the shuffle of boots on the hardened path around the bend.
Suddenly the silence was broken. Wild cheers broke out as the familiar pair rounded the tree-laden path. Mr. Julio and his mule, Titos, appeared carrying the ‘bread of life’ for these anxious Mayan people.
The children went crazy with laughter and high-pitched squeals as they ran with all their might to greet the man on the road.
“Bring him some water!” Jesse called out. And an eager young girl quickly primed the well pump and filled a weather-worn cup to over-flowing with crystal liquid for the thirsty man.
The children had Mr. Julio surrounded so tightly he could not take another step forward. Their slight hands reached out to grab his bags and soon he was left standing burdenless with his arms free to hug the little people clinging to his legs.
“Ahhh, gracious, Bambinos.” Julio sighed as he refreshed his dust-parched throat with the crisp mountain water.
“Muchos gracious.” The trek up the mountain side had been a long and arduous one and he was exhausted.
“Come, Mr. Julio,” Jesse invited, “Come, we have prepared a bed for you.”
Jesse’s family knew how hard it was for him to make the trip up to their village. They made him feel welcome and drew up a mattress on which he could rest.
The ensuing rain clouds brought on the appearance of night fall long before the usual time, so the lanterns were lit and after a short rest, Julio asked to have the children gather around him for story time.
Next to the food, this was their favorite part of Mr. Julio’s visits. He carried with him a well-used Bible story book, with lots of colorful pictures to share with the eager-hearted children. He read stories about the Son of the Living God. a man they call, Jesus.
A man who loved little children and enjoyed telling stories just like Julio did.
Each month when the food supplies arrived, the children knew that they would be filled in more ways than one. They would receive food for their hungry tummies, and special food to satisfy the deep hunger in their souls.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news...” Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)
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