Hiding chapter 9: An Affection, an Escape, a Sacrifice

I have my diary back now, so I can finish writing the story the Miles told Brooke and I while I was in the hospital. If you remember Miles was kidnapped while Brooke and mom were at the library. After a car accident, Miles escaped, went home, and found his family gone. Miles was recaptured and taken to Turkey, where he met several other captured people, including a girl his age name Ella.

Over the next few days, Miles got to know everyone better. They would talk about their families, friends, things they like to do. “So Ella, is it nice in Wisconsin?” asked Miles one day. “Oh yes. In the winter, my family and I would all go sledding together. We would bring hot cocoa for when it got very cold.” Miles saw tears in Ella’s eyes and wanted to comfort her. He put his arm around her nervously and said, “I miss my family too.” Ella appreciated his sympathy. “God has helped me be strong, but sometimes I just feel like I will burst with sadness.” Miles told Ella about his dream the other night. Ella was comforted by the dream just as much as he was. Some of the other people moved as far away from them as possible. They didn’t want to hear all that talk about God.

As time went on (and on and on and on) Miles began to appreciate Ella’s company.  He began to find more and more ways that they were similar. It was very nice to have someone to talk to. She looked like she enjoyed hanging out with him as well, but one could never be sure about these things. Miles started feeling strange, It happened when he hung out with Ella. She was becoming more than good company. Miles loved her. He knew that it was silly, because it wasn’t very likely that she loved him back. He tried to deny it, thinking that it was just a passing crush. The longer they stayed in that room, the more he felt affection for Ella.

That night, Miles was thinking about Ella. He was dreaming of the day that Ella and Miles were free, and they could be together. He thought about Ella more and more. Miles then started thinking of what his parents taught him about courting, staying pure, and waiting for the right woman. Back then, Miles told his parents that he would never have a crush or fall in love with anybody until he was a grown up. Now, Miles realized that he wasn’t waiting. Even if Ella was the right one, they were both much too young. That didn’t stop him from loving Ella, but he did pray for a long time about God helping him to resist the temptation to be or even have thoughts about being unpure. After a while, Mile felt more confident and started to drift off to sleep. “Besides,” he thought. “There’s no point in pursuing someone who probably doesn’t love him back.”

Of course, Ella wasn’t the only one he talked to. Henry, a sixteen year old boy, was also one of his friends there. Eventually, Miles noticed that Henry began to look rather thin. This was strange, because their captors always gave them plenty of food. “Henry,” Miles asked him one day. “Why have you been eating less food? You’re getting thinner and thinner.” “Because,” Henry answered mysteriously, “The smaller the person, the easier the escape.”    

We couldn’t believe it. Henry was going to escape? Henry showed us a map of the building. “Where did you get this?” asked Miles. “I’ve got my connections.” He answered. Ella leaned over and whispered “He had kitchen duty last week. He must’ve drawn the map then.” “But you’ll be caught!” said Ella. “Not if I’m careful.” Said Henry, “But even if I do get caught, it will be worth it.” When Miles asked Henry when he would escape, he said it would be that night.  

Just as he said, that night, Henry stood up and went to the door. With all his might, he gave the door a kick. Surprisingly, the door gave way and Henry dashed toward the exit. Ella and Miles sat, waiting to see if he would make it. We didn’t dare make a brake for it, for fear we would be caught. Only an hour later, a man came in and put a door in the looked much stronger than the previous one. “That fellow was a fool, to try to escape. He just made it worse for you guys.” Miles got a bad feeling. “What did you do to him?” asked Ella. The looked as if he might slap her, and Miles got ready to defend. “They took care of him, as an example.” Miles gulped. He didn’t think that they would see Henry ever again.

After Henry’s attempted escape, everyone was chained up for the night. Miles was getting restless. He had to escape. Henry’s words came to him: “The smaller the person, the easier the escape.” Miles looked around and spotted the keys hanging on a hook on the other side of the room. Being chained to the bed. Miles thought about how to get over there. After a while, he got an idea. Slowly and quietly, Miles eased out of bed. He could just barely stand up. Miles reached to the headboard, and lifted up the bed. He tipped it over so that the bed was about ten inches from where it had been before. “And ten inches closer to the keys.” Thought Miles as he reached for the headboard again.

With the room having a width of about eighteen feet, he would have to flip the bed twenty-one times. It was truly a hard and grueling tasked, for Miles had to ease the bed slowly to the floor to keep from making a noise. After about three hours of flipping the bed. Miles could just barely reach the keys. He stretched his hand as far as could. Miles touch the keys with his fingertips, pushed the keys off the hook, and caught them just before they hit the ground. 

Miles first unlocked his chains, and then went over to Ella, who was awake, and freed her as well. “Come on, were getting out of here.” He said. Miles and Ella crept to the door. When Miles unlocked the door and opened it, however. An alarm sounded. Miles and Ella looked at each other and ran as fast as they could. They through the building (only knowing what was on Henry’s map) and were able to make it out of the building and searched for a place to hide, since their captors were behind them. “There!” Miles shouted, pointing to a helicopter. Ella and Miles run to the helicopter, which is getting ready to take off, and try to climb inside. Miles goes in, but then realizes that there is only enough room for one person: Miles or Ella.

            Miles begins to crawl out, but Ella stops him “Miles, you go. I’ll escape eventually now that you’ve showed me that there is a way.” She said. “No, you’ve been here a lot longer than I have.” Said Miles. “Look,” said Ella, “I just know that you are supposed to escape today, and not me. I’ll escape someday and find you. Then we can see each other again.” Ella started to close the door, but Miles stopped her. “Ella wait, I love you.” Ella smiled. “I love you too.” With that, Ella closed the door, and Miles was enveloped in blackness. Miles waited a few minutes, waited for something, anything, to happen. Suddenly, Miles heard voices. “Come on, we have to go get another one.” Said one. “Who is it?” “Someone who’s gotten away from us too many times. Her name is Vivian.” Some time later, the helicopter took off. As Miles shifted to a position where he was comfortable. He prayed for Ella, and that wherever he was being taken, it would bring him closer to his family.

Well, you know the rest. The helicopter landed in the woods behind my house, and Miles got out and walked until he came to the creek, where he saved me from drowning. God was watching over Miles the whole time he was away from the Tills, and undoubtedly, he’ll watch over Ella as well.  

  

She's Here!

The girl from Europe is finally here. She is staying with us until July 31. It has just been wonderful. She knows a lot of English and is so sweet. We will go bowling, biking, roller skating, to a baseball game, Bucsh Gardens, to the beach, water country, camping, and more. She said that coming to America has been a dream come true for her. Hopefully, we can teach her about God's love and give her an experience she will never forget. She's only been here a few days and she has already changed our lives and has made everything worth it.

Hiding chapter 8: A Story, a Kidnapping, a Dream

I am out of the hospital now. We are all going out to dinner to celebrate Miles’ homecoming and my recovery. Speaking of Miles, while I was still in the hospital, my mom and dad had to go fill out a bunch of forms since I was injured. Miles and Brooke stayed behind to keep me company. Little did I know that Miles would soon tell us a story that would give me a new, deeper outlook on God’s protection.

            Brooke and I were talking about various things like church, summer activities, and what school would be like in the fall. When Miles walked in, Brooke jumped up and gave him a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re home, Miles.” To be honest, I felt a little left out, since I never knew Miles. “Well, how are you feeling?” asked Miles. “Good.” I said. “A little restless though.” Well, I think I can fix that; you want to hear what happened to me when I was kidnapped?” he said. My eyes lit up with excitement, as did Brooke’s. “YEAH!” we both said together. “It all started with a knock on our door…”

            “Mommy, can you take me to the library?” asked eight-year-old Brooke. “There is a book there that I really want to read.” “But honey, your birthday is only a week away. What if you get it for a present?” reasoned mom. “Well, then I can read it over and over again. Besides, my friend Mary is going to be there.” Finally, mom agreed to take Brooke to the library. Mom told Miles that they would be back in about an hour, and then left. It was only twenty minutes later, when Miles was playing his favorite video game, that he heard a knock on the door. He went to his room and looked out the window. Seeing people he didn’t recognize, he decided not to open the door. “They must be selling something.” He thought. When he went back to play his video game, he saw the men outside the back door. Miles stood up and headed for the phone. He never got to dial 911, however, because the men ran in through the unlocked back door and kidnapped Miles.

            Miles woke up in the back of someone’s car. He felt groggy, and assumed that they had knocked him out. Seeing this in spy movies, Miles tried to punch out the taillight, but it just wouldn’t budge. He looked around for his cell phone and, not surprisingly, the men had taken it. Miles stared to pray. He prayed that God would help him find a way out. Suddenly, Miles heard the screeching of brakes and tires. A thud came, and he was banged against the trunk. Because of the force, the trunk flew open, and Miles nearly fell out. Slowly crawling out, Miles went to the front of the car and peered in. Both men were unconscious Miles looked around and saw the car that had hit them. Before he could even try to flag them down, the car took off. Miles was a little disappointed, but at least he was free for now. Miles decided to leave before his captors came to. He took off running towed home, no matter how far.

            After running for quite some time, Miles slowed to a walk. Eventually, he came to a rest stop. He went to the bathroom and asked for directions. Miles was delighted to find out that his neighborhood was only thirty miles away. Miles slept at a bench, and hitched a ride the next morning. Miles was let out on his street. He ran the last few yards, but when he got to his house, he stopped. In his front yard, he saw a for sale sign. Miles got a feeling of dread as he rushed to the door, which was unlocked. He opened it, only to find that the house was completely empty, not just of people, but of furniture as well. Miles recalled how quickly his family moved out of their house that time they were in the witness protection program. With a gasp, he realized that his family had probably moved again. Miles sank to his knees and sobbed. His family could be anywhere in the world.

            Wiping away his tears, Miles stood up and slowly walked out of the house. Miles knew what he had to do “I’ll contact the FBI and tell them my situation. They’ll pick me up and get me to my family. Nothing to worry about.” Miles went back to the car. “Um, could you take me back to where you picked me up, please?” Miles realized too late that it was not the same car. Miles looked at the driver and, just as he recognized him as the guy who was in the passenger seat of the car of the men who kidnapped him, everything went black.

            When Miles came to, it was very different from the first time. For one thing, instead of a trunk, he was in a small room, and that room was moving. Spotting a window, Miles peaked out. To his shock and horror, he was in the air over an ocean. Miles was in a plane! In a plane flying over the ocean!” Just then, a man came in, and he did not look happy. “Well, you’re a hard one to find Miles. We thought we had you until the car accident. By the way, I blame you for my brother’s death. If we hadn’t had to kidnap you, we would not have been driving that day. I’ll be able to avenge him when we land in Turkey.” Miles could hardly believe. They were going to Turkey? Before he could respond, Miles suddenly felt very tired, and he fell asleep.

            “Hey, kid, wake up.” Miles awoke to the sound of a voice. The voice didn’t sound angry, so Miles opened his eyes. He was staring into the face of a man. Miles sat up and looked around. There were several other people in the room: Adults, teens, kids, and even a baby. “What’s going on?”  Miles asked. “Well, we were all kidnapped and brought here. Probably for ransom or something.” Some of the people introduced themselves. One of the girls, who was about his age, looked very pretty. “My name is Ella.” She said quietly. “I was brought here two years ago from Wisconsin.”  The room they were in was dimly lit. There were some books, a row of beds, a table, and a television. “They gave us TV?” I asked. “Not really, they send us messages through that. Tell us what to do and such.” Said Ella. Miles read books for a while, but then got bored. “I’ve read all of them.” Said Ella. “My favorite book isn’t here, though, it’s Treasure Island.” Miles’ smiled a little. “That’s my favorite book too. I didn’t know girls liked that type of thing.” “You treasure and pirates? Well, I’m not really like other girls.” Said Ella with a little laugh. “Yeah, I guess not.” Mile said shyly. It was good to be around other people. If he were all alone in a place like this, Miles knew that he would go crazy. That night, as Miles lay in a bed, which was very uncomfortable, Miles thought about his family. It made him sad to think of them so far away. “Did they think I was dead?” thought Miles. He didn’t even know if he would ever see them again. After all, he was kidnapped, and stuck in a room somewhere in Turkey. He wanted to see his family again, but it didn’t look as if he ever would. I looked as if he would remain without them forever.

            In a dream, Miles was in heaven. He was looking around, and he saw his family. As Miles ran to them, he realized that even if he never saw his family again on Earth, someday, in heaven they would be reunited and spend eternity together. When Miles woke up, he guessed that God had sent him that dream to comfort him. Miles smiled slightly, thanked God for his comfort, and fell asleep.

            Well, I want to finish the story of Miles’ adventure, but I wrote in this diary instead of doing my chores, so mom told me I could have it back next week. I’m a little disappointed that I haven’t finished the story yet, but I will as soon as I can.

I will post part two in one week. 

A Camping I Will Go!

Today, I am leaving for Ranch hand camp for a week. I don't know a single person, but I'm confident that God will help me make friends. The only other time I've been to camp is when my mom was a counselor. It is a big step, no, leap, in my maturity. I will write a blog post after camp to let y'all know how it went. Hopefully, I'll survive. :) Please pray that everything goes well.

Hiding chapter 7: A Thief, a Shock, a Rescue

Sometimes, things happen that are scary and dangerous. During those times one has literally nothing that can save them except God’s mercy. Let me tell you, a situation like that can be very humbling. I recently experienced such a situation, and diary, I am going to tell you all about it.

            I couldn’t believe that the school year had already ended. It seemed like just yesterday I was on the bus sitting next to Rose, on our way to our first day of school. So many things have happened this school year. Like when I went to a sleepover and learned that I can always trust my sister, or when I figured out the true meaning of a birthday party, or when Wendy became a Christian, and the miracle of my baby sister, who will be born in November. Yes, God had blessed my family, my friends, and I with many lessons that we will hopefully never forget.

            I woke up that first summer morning completely rested. It felt really nice to be able to sleep in. I walked downstairs to the kitchen to find Brooke already eating breakfast. “Well, you seem excited.” I told her. “Yeah, and in a few minutes you’ll see why.” Replied Brooke with a smile. While I was pouring milk in my cereal, mom came down the stairs with a smile on her face. “Good morning girls.” She said. “Roxanne, at the beginning of the summer, we give Brooke one hundred dollars to spend. This summer your father and I have decided to continue and give each of you fifty dollars.” I gasped. “Really? Fifty dollars?” Mom answered by handing each of us one twenty, two tens, one five, and five ones. “Wow! Thanks mom” I said with delight. I gave her a big hug and so did Brooke. With fifty dollar, I felt like I was on top of the world.

            After breakfast, we asked dad if we could have our friends over. “Sure, he said, but stay out of the woods. All the rain we’ve been having might make the creek have a fast current.” We called Wendy, Katie, and Noel (who will be leaving next month) and invited them over. Once we were all outside in our backyard, we got the sprinkler out and were soon having lots of fun. That afternoon, we went to the ice cream parlor and got some sweet treats. “Where did you get enough money to treat all of us?” asked Noel curiously. “Our parents gave each of us fifty dollars.” Said Brooke. “Really? Wow, that’s so cool!” said Katie. We heard a snicker behind us and turned to look, Sitting at the table behind us was Hillary, Lindsey, and Rose. “They’re probably gossiping about someone.” Said Wendy, clearly annoyed. As I looked at them, I saw Rose look in our direction with an interested look on her face. I quickly turned around. We soon forgot about them and enjoyed the first day of summer.

            That night, as I lay in bed, I heard a noise. It came from downstairs and it sounded as if someone was sneaking around. I wanted to go check it out, but I was so tired that I just fell asleep. When I woke up the next morning, I went downstairs to eat. “Hey!” said Brooke. “The money is gone!” “What! Are you sure?” I asked jumping up and looking in the jar where the money used to be. I told Brooke about the noise last night, and she told mom, who called the police. The police said that it was very strange that only the money was missing and not anything that was super valuable. One of them called a call, and told his partner that he had to go. “Apparently, some girl named Rose is missing.” He said before leaving. I looked out the window to see him leave and I thought I saw Rose head into the woods.

            I went outside and ran into the woods. After walking around a bit, I noticed that the creek did indeed have a swift current. I then saw Rose walk away. I followed her until I was at the edge of a clearing. I peeking out from behind the tree and spotting Rose almost at the end of the clearing. I was about to call out to her when two men jumped out and grabbed Rose. I gasped and ran over to where I last saw her. I spotted Rose struggling to get away from the two men. What one of them said nearly made me faint. “So, Vivian, thought the witness protection program would keep your family safe from us, well, guess you thought wrong.”

            I was stunned. Rose was in the witness protection program? Her whole family was? I was shocked. “Well,” I thought. “If that’s the case, then I guess I had better help her. I followed the men until they came to a helicopter. As I walked, I stepped on a twig. The men whirled around and saw me, so I ran. The men quickly caught up to me, however, and took me to the helicopter. They tied us up and went to the front. I quickly wiggled out of the ropes and started to untie Rose. “How did you do that? She whispered. “When they tied me up, I stuck out my stomach so I could wiggle out. I saw it in a movie once.” I whispered back. Rose and I quietly climbed out of the helicopter just as it took off and hid in some bushes. “They’re bound to notice that we’re missing eventually.” Said Rose. Just as she said that the helicopter turned around and started to land. “You run back to my house and tell them what happened. I’ll distract them.” I said “But…” she started to say. “Just go!” I interrupted. We went in opposite directions and I saw the men started to chase after me. I ran faster and faster until I came to the creek. I was trapped.

            I turned around and saw the men catching up. As I looked around, I spotted a log going across the creek. I went to it and started to cross. I went slowly. Step by step. I felt it wobble and I turned around The men were trying to climb on the log. I started to go faster. I slipped, and with a scream, I fell into the fast-moving water.

            I was shocked at how fast I moved. In only five seconds, the men were out of sight. I knew that, even though I was a fairly good swimmer, I would never be able to survive this. I went under and came up, gasping for breath.  I prayed to God as I had never done before. I begged him to save me. As I went under again, I held my breath. I looked up and saw a figure standing there. The last thing I saw before slipping into unconsciousness was the figure reaching towed me. The last thing I felt was warmth.

            “Roxanne? Can you hear me?” I heard a voice. I felt so weak. “Roxanne?” there was that voice again. I finally recognized it as Brooke’s “Eliza!” The urgency in her voice combined with the fact that she used my real name caused me to open my eyes. I was in a hospital, surrounded by mom, dad, Brooke, Rose (or Vivian, I suppose), and a boy I did not recognize. Hi sweetie, I’m glad you’re awake. You’ve been out for nearly a day. I widened my eyes and tried to sit up. I winced from pain and fell back. Careful honey, you’ve got some bruises on your head and your lungs are still a little weak. “What happened?” I asked in a whisper. “You nearly drowned.” Said the boy. “I pulled you out just after you hit your head on a rock.” “You saved my life, Roxanne.” Said Rose, with tears in her eyes. “Thank you.” “Who are you?” I asked, motioning to the boy.” He looked around fifteen and I had no idea who he was. “Roxanne,” said Brooke. “This is my brother, Miles.”

            It turned out that Miles eventually escaped and stowed away on the helicopter, having no idea who was on it or where it was going. Rose and her family were in the WPP because Rose’s grandfather was in the mafia and had hidden lots of money somewhere. Rose had taken mine and Brooke’s money to try to get away. Now that the bad guys were arrested, Rose’s family was free. They are going to move in with her aunt in Maryland. Rose told Brooke and I that she was really sorry for all she had done. She was very grateful that I had saved her despite everything. I told her that God said to love my enemies; she said she might have to check out that church stuff in Maryland. With Miles back, I think this summer is only going to get better. For now, everyone is safe, and we have God to thank for it.      

             

Bringing the Mission Field to Us

This summer, my family and I are hosting an Eastern European orphan for five weeks. Although she is no longer adoptable, we can show her the love of Christ while she is here. She will arrive at the end of June with only the clothes she will be wearing. We will provide her with clothes, toiletries, and anything she needs, which she will be able to take back with her. We plan to do many fun things with her, like swimming, camping, going to Butch Gardens and much more. Before we decided to host this teenager, there was another girl we were considering, but God led us to the other. Recently, the other girl we were praying about got chosen and will come to, out of the whole United States, Williamsburg, VA! We will be able to get together several times. That was definitely God working. We had a garage sale on May 9-10 to raise money. People from our church donated things for us to sell. We raised over one thousand dollars, which was our goal. Also, a buyer told us that she has a neighbor who from the same place that the orphan we are hosting is from. We will talk to her before she gets here and while she's here. God is so good!

Camping

On May 2, we went to a campground for my brother's fifth birthday. We had strawberry shortcake instead of birthday cake. My sister and I slept in a tent all by ourselves, though we have bruises on our legs from sleeping on the ground. The next day after a softball game, we all went canoeing on the lake in the campground. We tried fishing but we didn't catch anything. We roasted marshmallows on a fire both evenings. The next morning, our dad woke us up really early to try fishing again. After fishing for a little bit, I caught a croppy, while looks like a sunfish, except larger. I looked up in the tree and spotted a hawk. A few minutes later, I heard a giant splash. At first, I thought the hawk had died and fallen into the water, but I looked and realized it was trying to catch a fish. It suddenly flew out with a trout in its talons. It flew around three times and then flew away. everybody was amazed. I thought two things. One: that bird was a lot better at fishing than we were. And two: I don't think he was planning to do a catch and release. Anyway, we had a great time last weekend. We also made sure all our equipment was ready for when we go camping more this summer. It was really fun.