Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: PATIENT (11/25/21)
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TITLE: They That Wait | Previous Challenge Entry
By Patricia Turner
12/01/21 -
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Yascov thought endlessly of the small, black leather book someone slipped into his hand as he walked past a building off the main thoroughfares of Keyev. Glancing through it as he made his way to the market he was unaware of being observed. He had no reason to believe that anyone would even be interested in him.
Now as he trudged in line, chained to others like himself, he understood.
Even under fur hats and parkas icicles hung from the mustaches and beards of the men. Women sobbed softly, paticularly those with children, many of whom perished along the grueling trek to Siberia. Thirst was ever present, while starvation took many.
Some managed to scoop snow to drink. Yascov, managing to line his fur hat with any feathers or dry vegetation he could locate created a vessel into which he scooped snow as opportunity presented itself, which was more and more often as comrades fell in the line ahead. As he filled it he took a few sips, passing the hat to his closest comerades in line. The idea quickly took hold and smiles, though wan, greeted Yascov as the hat was returned to him, lined with additional feathers woven in a certain pattern by a young woman named Alexandra, who smiled in his direction.
Day after dreary colorless day and for most of the nights they trudged onward. Prayers were breathed silently and hymns hummed softly as long as no guards were near. One older man called Osif, quietly recited encouraging Bible verses softly as opportunity was provided.
Such times as the few minutes a night of respite when they might have such time undisturbed.
Yascov savored a favorite of his that Osif quoted. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, but to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).
“Osif,” grumbled a husky voice. “I see no hope or future of any kind in what lies ahead.”
“Olaf, my friend. Longsuffering is a virtue. Our Lord walked a road that appeared in the end to have no hope and no future. Yet, we know differently. He gives us the same hope and future that He denied himself. Pray, Olaf, and wait on the Lord.”
“Wait,” spat Olaf. “What have we to do but wait! And pray? For what? He’s abandoned us Osif. Stop filling everyone’s heads with your nonsense.”
Olaf lowered his head as if having dropped off to sleep, which was in fact likely.
The sudden outcry came from their Communist captors. The crack of rifles came from the anti-communist opponents, men who sheltered in what habitation they could find. Shouts and screams sounded in the dark, as machine guns answered.
“It may be that God has heard our prayers,” said Osif.
“Prayers, what in the name of God is happening?” exclaimed Olaf.
Quite possibly our deliverance,” answered Osif.
The sounds subsided. Osif prayed desparately for the outcome of the fighting.
Male voices were heard through the frozen midnight air as Osif and their few remaining members huddled together, continuing silently to pray.
Four men appeared, guns unholsered.
“Why are you in chains, friends?” asked one of the four.
“We have only run afoul of the communist regime because of our beliefs,” Olaf answered for the group of remaining twenty or so souls.
The four were joined by three others.
The spokesman smiled, “We too have only avarice for the communist regime.”
Two of the men worked on the chains, releasing the captives who immediately began scooping snow to slake their burning thirst.
“We seek wives,” ventured one fellow, shyly appraising the young women among the others.
The young spokesman smiled at Alexandra, then shrank back in horror, seeing instead a wrinkled old hag.
It was the same with the other women.
The men backed away with a look of confusion and obvious disappointment.
“Friends, please go in peace. A town about three kilometers that direction will take you in.”
The men left.
Osif lifted his hands.
“Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will rise up like Eagles! They will walk and will not faint. He hides his beloved beneath his wings."
Yascov and Alexandra held hands as the group walked with renewed faith, strength and joy toward the promise of new life.
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