Stella learns how to fast

Stella learns how to fast

Saturday, September 1, 12

Hi my name is Estella Montgomery but you can call me Stella. I used to live in Philadelphia but now I live in Dusty, North Dakota. I know what kind of name for a town is Dusty. But we had to move because my dad found a job in this strange place.

He wasn’t able to find work for over a year in the entire state of Pennsylvania after he was laid off. Even though my mom worked at the hospital and the nursing home they said it was not enough.

I do miss my friends, my old school, the internet and cable television. Dusty seems to be literally in the middle of no where: no malls, no amusement parks, and did I say not cable television! What I really miss is my oldest brother, Harold. He is a soldier and is fighting the war in Afghanistan. Whenever he would come home he would take me, my brother and sisters to so many places: the museum, zoo, to listen musicians in the park and sometimes we would go to a nearby trail that had a zip-line. Now he is in back in Afghanistan. He says this should be his last tour. I pray every morning and night that God keeps my big brother safe; so he will come back home.

Praying for Harold is the one thing everyone in my family agrees to do willingly. I do love my brothers and sisters but its hard living with two sets of twins. Joshua and Jeanette are almost 13 and they are brainiacs.

Saturday, September 1, 12

They love anything that deals with math, science or technology. Joshua likes to walk backwards in the house because he says it makes him think better and Jeanette holds her waist and rocks back and forth hard whenever she sits. She hums and snaps her fingers when she is reading, writing, working on math problems and walking around.

Now Angela and Annette are 3 years old and we call them the A-team. I think the A should stand for awful or amazing acts of badness. They like to unravel things: rugs, pillows, sofa cushions, sweaters, jeans, and table cloths. They are now in a twirling phase. They spin in circles over and over again; if they are not spinning they are jumping on the couches like bouncing balls or standing on their heads or literally running in circles. So I am stuck in the middle between the brainiacs and the A-team. Harold said we were twins because we were the only ones that were not crazy. So I am stuck with the looney tune group in the middle of no where. In fact the only time I am not in a whirlwind of crazy is on the Sabbath day.

We worshipped in our 3 bedroom townhouse in Philadelphia. Sure there are large churches that worshipped on Sunday and there are some people that worship on Saturday but no one really worshipped like we did. I thought for the longest time we were the only people in the world that believed in the entire bible. That is until we moved to Dusty. Our neighbors the Lopez family, our only neighbor for miles actually keeps the Sabbath Day Holy. The Lopez family has four boys and one little girl.

Saturday, September 1, 12

I knew something was different about them because I heard them reciting lines of a play outside and it was based on the parable of the prodigal son. The next week they were quizzing each other on the food laws. Joshua and Jennette were curious and asked them about it. Martin the oldest boy said they believed in the old and the new testament. He also said they worship on Saturday because that was one of the commandments of God. Joshua told them that our family believed in the entire bible too and we also worship on Saturday. Well then their parents started to talk to our parents and now we go to church with them on Saturday too!

I did not know that so many other people believed like we did. My cousins said my parents were so mean to not let us celebrate Halloween or get Christmas presents.

Mom always said that God has children all over the world. I was just surprised to meet some in the middle of nowhere. Now Joshua said technically our church is in the town of Vigil which is several miles form Minot; the 4th largest city in North Dakota. So it cannot be technically called the middle of nowhere. Also Mr. Smarty Pants said it should not be so shocking to find others that believe like us since there is an air force base right next to Minot. He is such a nerd!

Saturday, September 1, 12

I still think its amazing. To be in an actual church! Even if there are just 40 of us together I now have friends that believe like I do. Also we have so much fun at church.

Not only do we sing songs, listen to the sermon or hear some of the adults testify but we have 3 classes one class for the babies to 6 years old so I do not have to deal with the A-Team. Another for teenagers and one for those of us 7-13. Today we get to practice a dance and what we will do for the feast of Trumpets and then after our rehearsal we will work on an art project for atonement.

I do not remember doing so much for the feast days in Philadelphia. We would have communion, sing songs and our parents would go over scriptures in the bible but we didn’t have plays, song rehearsal, or create posters for the feast days. And I am learning so much about the people in the bible. I have a reading assignment with questions I have to turn in, I also have a vocabulary list that I have to define and I have already learned three new songs already.

Today I am excited that we are going to have art class. Before we can start on our project, Auntie Dede is going to talk to us about the Atonement. Auntie Dede, she isn’t anyone’s aunt but we all call her Auntie. She is kinda of short and she has skin like a hershey’s bar and her hair is curly with silver accents. The adults call her the church artist and she teaches us art to us once a month.

Saturday, September 1, 12

Auntie Dede is originally from Georgia. She came with her husband Uncle Bud forty years ago. Uncle Bud used to fix jets at the Air Base. Now he repairs furnaces and air conditioners in his spare time. I like Aunti Dede and Uncle Bud; Auntie Dede teaches with art and Uncle Bud creates computer games to help us understand our lessons.

“Now class this year we are going to make a mosaic for the atonement. Each of you will make a portion of it that will fit together like a large puzzle. The picture will have a cross and the background will be white to symbolize snow. In between some of the white tiles used for the background we will use the ruby pieces to symbolizes blood. A little green will symbolize hyssop. Now can anyone tell me what the blood, snow, hyssop and cross symbolize. All around me hands raised up and you know what? So was mine.

“Anthony, go ahead dear.” Anthony’s family was originally from Chicago. He was skinny with blond hair and freckles. “The blood represents the blood Christ shed when he died for our sins. That blood will clean our record books.”

“Excellent, I can tell you have been studying. Hannah go ahead.” Hannah was 7 years old and she had large hazel eyes and two golden brown afro puffs on the side of her head. “Snow symbolizes purity, in order to be pure you must be free from sin.”

Saturday, September 1, 12

“Well done! we all need to be free from sin so that we are acceptable to God. Your turn Ginger.” Ginger had skin like licorice and curly hair the color of night. “Hyssop is a plant that was used in cleansing rituals during the Levitical Priesthood.”

“Correct! Now what did King David say about hyssop and righteousness...Stella.”

“He said it would purge and in Psalms 51 he said..He said purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean..”

“Good job Stella.” Auntie Dede looked for someone else. “Daniel what does the cross symbolize.” Daniel had milk chocolate skin like me and wore glasses. “Lord Jesus was crucified on the cross. The cross is also a symbol of the sacrifice he made for his children.”

Daniel looked nervous but he was right.

It took me weeks to learn what those symbols meant and to be able to recite the scriptures that went with them. My Dad had quizzed me during Friday night and now I could tell him I was able to answer my question correctly.

Antie Dede turned on her ipod and connected to speakers. My favorite church songs started playing. She then gave us safety glasses, thick gloves, hammers and cloth bags. My partner was Anthony and we were both excited about the art project.

Saturday, September 1, 12

We were both excited about the art project because we were actually being allowed to break glass tiles. For the next hour the classroom was filled with laughter, cracking sounds, muffled banging and church music.

“How long are you going to fast this year?” Anthony asked me.

“Fast. I have never fasted before” I scrunched my face. “How long do you to plan fast?”

I asked Anthony.

“This year,” Anthony said, “my mom says I can fast for 8 hours. She said I will be able to fast for the entire day when I turn 12.” Now, Anthony was a year older than me and he is nine.

Auntie Dede came to our desk. “That is very good you two.” She looked at our project and continued, “I see you have ground some of the tiles and mixed a little of the red pieces with it.” We both smiled but I was still thinking about fasting. After art class we cleaned the classroom and joined the rest of the church.

Saturday, September 1, 12

Uncle Bud had just started his testimony. He was tall and didn’t have much hair on his head but he had thick grey bushy eyebrows. He had a very low voice that rumbled a little when he spoke, “I give honor to the full Throne of God and today I would like to talk about fasting. Fasting is important because it increases our faith and we become spiritually stronger. Now the day of Atonement will be here soon and it is on that day we fast for 24 hours. during this time we will not eat or drink anything...”

Did he just say twenty four hours! I looked at my parents and they were were too busy listening to pay attention to me. I looked at Uncle Bud again, “ Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights...this was a preparation period before his great works.” I could feel my eyes get larger. Forty days and Forty nights...I started to think about not eating for days. I could not imagine it. Right now my belly was growling and I could not wait to eat dinner and that was an hour away. I looked around me...no one seemed shocked by what he was saying and then I heard him continue, “Just like the Lord Jesus, many saints prayed and fasted before a great work that had to be done. They also fasted if they had a special request. An example of this can be found in Ester. Queen Ester fasted that God would give her strength to go before the King of the Medes and Persians. She asked God if he would give her favor in the sight of the king so that she would be able to plead the cause of her people. “

Saturday, September 1, 12

Jeannette was now gently swaying side to side and bumping into me. On the other side of me Joshua was literally gnawing a pencil away as he tapped his left foot over and over again. My parents each held a member of the A-team in their laps and seemed to be completely enthralled with Uncle Bud’s testimony. It seemed like everyone in the room understood everything but me. What did Queen Esther have to do with the Atonement and what about fasting? What great work was I suppose to do?

After service we all piled in the van. My mother place the A-team in car seats and I was once again sandwiched between the brainiacs. Josh started furiously writing in his note book and this time jeannette started rocking back and forth quickly in her seat. Meanwhile behind me Angela and Annette started singing B-Y-B-L-E, B-Y-B-LE book for me B-Y-B-LE. My parents seemed to be completely unaware of how the B-I-B-L-E song was being butchered and I waved goodbye to my friends as we left the church.

We were nearly halfway home when the singing twins finally fell asleep. This was my only chance. “Mom am I going to fast for the Atonement. Anthony said he was fasting for 8 hours?” Jeannette stopped midway in her rocking and her head perked up and Joshua put his pen down. Josh then said, “Eight hours!”

“He said he was going to fast all day when he was 12,” I continued. The brainiacs looked at each other. They were just 12 and I don’t remember them fasting. My mother turned around and looked at us. “Last year you all had strep throat so you didn’t fast.” That explains why I didn’t when I was 7.

Saturday, September 1, 12

What about now I wondered? My mom continued, “My parents did not have me fast until I was 12...but your father and I have talked about it...and we do plan to have you fast this year.”

“Uncle Bud said fasting was done to prepare you for a great work...” I continued, “What work am I going to do?” I asked.

“That is not the only reason Stellabella,” my dad said, “It helps you fight against Satan.”

“How?” I asked.

“Stelly,” my mom said, “Fasting symbolizes our ability to not commit sinful acts in our everyday life. When you fast it is important to think about what God has done for you and for you to think about what you must do for God. Satan will try to make you forget what God has done for you and for you to for get why and how you must obey him. He knows if can get you to forget it is much easier to get you to sin. If you remember what God has done for you and what you must do for God that will help face any challenge Satan may send your way.”

So if fasting so important why wasn’t I doing it, “Okay...so why haven’t I been fasting mom?”

“We thought you guys were too young,” she said. My father added, “But the way things are going...any extra strength will help you. So thats why we were going to have you, Jeannette and Joshua do a practice fast. Your mother and I want you all to know how to fast properly.”

Saturday, September 1, 12

“B-Y-B-L-E!” “I think the munchkins are up,” my dad said with a smile.

“Its B-I-B-L-E” Joshua said with a groan to Angela.

“B-Y-B-L-E! B-Y-B-L-E!” she then began to laugh and Annette joined her. Jeannette started rocking back and forth. I just shook my head and waited until we got home.

Another good thing about living in the middle of no where we had a house. An actual house with a yard and we all have bedrooms. In Philly I was in a bedroom with all my sisters. Harold and Joshua were in one bedroom and my parents had their own. So when Harold went to the army; Joshua had a room to himself! Now I have my own room and I love escaping to it. Especially when the A-team is jumping and attacking people as they try to watch the cable free TV. When we were finally inside our father brought in the mail. He handed Jeannette a brown package. “Its here!” she jumped, Jeannette never jumps; she rocks back and forth whenever she sits, she mumbles to herself, she hums while writing strange math problems on large sheets of paper that she has covered her bedroom walls with but jumping is a new thing. Even the A-team knew something was up because they stood quiet and stared at her when she leapt in the air.

Saturday, September 1, 12

“Honey what is that?” Mom asked.

“Its a Yagi antenna with a 802.11 x standard.” I have no idea what my older sister said.

“Where did you get that?” Joshua said as he whipped around after she said that. He looked like someone told him he won the lottery.”

“Its a yogi antenna with a standard...” my father foolishly tries to understand the brainiacs.

I keep trying to tell him that it was hopeless.

“Its a hot spot Dad!” Jeannette and Joshua were already using twin talk to discussing increasing the range of the Yagi or Yogi antenna.

“Okay what is a hot spot?” Now she is not speaking nerd but my parents still look confused.

“Its a device that enables you to get on the 3g/4g network.” Josh said smiling.

“Okay guys we don’t have good coverage for that out here,” Mom answered.

“Where did you get the money for that, Jeannette?” Dad asked.

“I saved all the money I made helping Uncle Bud with HVAC systems. I also made extra by getting rid of the viruses on people’s computers at school.” I had no idea that Jeannette had a nerdy side hustle. I was kind of proud of my big sister. “At school I learned about a contest on how to expand internet coverage for rural areas. It was being ran by one of the engineers at the Air Force base.” Then Jeannette started speaking about binary code, waves, radios and frequencies. All I know is I might be able to get on the internet and actually talk to my friends again. I may even be able to watch Youtube again.

Saturday, September 1, 12

“Come on Daddy can she try!” I pleaded with him.

“Lets see if this works,” Dad relented.

Jeannette unpacked the hot spot modem and a device that had a long antenna on it.

She connected multiple wires to it and the modem. Joshua then brought in his lap top and asked for the passcode. He turned on the computer and like magic we were connected.

The A-Team shouted, “Dora, Dora the Explorer!”

“Youtube, youtube,” I shouted.

We were overruled by mom, “Honey go to CNN!” We were all excited until we saw the screen. On a large yellow banner in black print it said 5 American Soldiers were killed in an attack in Afghanistan. Harold...he is in Afghanistan. My Dad went to make a call on the phone. The only phones that work out here are land lines. At least that is what Joshua says. I heard my Dad in the living room calling the military. I started rocking back and forth like Jeannette normally does. Jeannette grabbed her computer and started to look for information.

“Harold, are you okay son?” We all ran into the living room. “You are on your lunch break...its 2 am there. You are working the third shift...can’t say...I understand...you are in our prayers son. hold on your mama wants to speak to you.” He is okay, he is safe--I thought I hope my brother leaves Afghanistan soon.

Saturday, September 1, 12

That Sunday morning we checked CNN for updates on what was going in Afghanistan.

During worship service we prayed that Harold would come back safe and God would protect. Then I remember what Uncle Bud said that Queen Ester petitioned God during her fast to help her. I wanted to know if I could fast and ask God to keep Harold safe.

“Mom, do you think...would it be okay if I asked God to keep Harold safe during my fast?”

“Of course,” my mom answered, “that is an excellent reason to fast.” She reached down and hugged me tight. “We can look up some good scriptures to read and choose songs that will help you during your fast.”

Later on that day my mom had already started working on our fasting reading list. She had at least 10 scriptures in one column and in the next she had songs and question in the next column.

“Mama, what is that?” I asked.

“I always find its easier for me to focus y thoughts if I have a list of scriptures and songs and questions to think about when I fast.” I looked at one of the questions on the list: ow do you dwell in the secret place of the most high? I never though about it. I read further how do you hold on to God when you are scared? “Mom how do we hold onto God when we are scared?”

Saturday, September 1, 12

“Well,” Mom bit her lip and then she said, “Its a lot easier said than done but you have to remember being scared happens in this life. Jesus was scared before he was crucified.”

She took my hands and then looked right into my eyes, “But that never stopped him from obeying his father. He trusted God the father completely and believed and knew he knew what was best! That is what we have to do. I hate the act that your brothers is in the army Stella. I hate the fact that he could not find work after high school and so many of his friends got in so much trouble and some aren’t even...” she put her hans on my shoulders and said, “I know God watches his children and I know the most important thing is we serve God completely and trust in his will.” I nodded and she hugged me.

Later that day I though about what my mother said, what y father said and even what Uncle Bud said about fasting. I thought about the colors in our art project: red for the blood of Christ, white so we were as pure as snow, green for hyssop and the cross that Lord jesus died on. I mis my brother and I went outside and cried a little where no one could see me.

The next morning I went to school and what can I say it was school. I talked to friends on lunch hour and I tried my best to listen to my teachers and do my assignments. When I got home I was greeted by Angela the brains of the A-Team. “Harold on computer for you!” She said and then giggled and started to twirl. I ran to the living room. There was my big brother on the laptop screen. “Hey Harold did you get more muscles?” Harold is a pretty big guy he is over six feet tall and he loves working out with weights.

Saturday, September 1, 12

“They keep us strong out here Stella, how is my twin doing,” he grinned. He used to say we were twins because we were the only two of the kids that were not nutty. “I ‘m fine Josh actually help me build a lock to the A-team out of my dresser.”

“He’s a good man! Now you don’t worry about me.” I saw a large guy with blue eyes, red hair and lots of freckles sneak behind my brother. He then put him in a head lock. “Get off me man I am talking to my fam! You see are family isn’t the only people who are looney bunch out there. Stelly there are tons of nut jobs in my squad as well.” I heard laughter and guys shouting in the background. I then saw my brother duck as nerf balls were hurled in his direction. We talked for 30 minutes but it seemed like 5 minutes. “I have to go Stellabella.” He was gone before I could say goodbye. during evening worship service my father talked about what we were going to do during our first fast before Atonement. He said we would not eat or drink anything during it. First we would have worship service and the we would work on our Sabbath day assignments.

My mom told us we could not play outside during the fast and we should try to keep our thoughts focused on why were fasting. It was decided that everyone would fast for Harold’s safety and mom had a list of scriptures, questions and songs to help us.

Saturday, September 1, 12

The next morning I woke up and I was so happy. No school today and I smelled oatmeal with cinnamon. i shuffled out of my room and went downstairs to the kitchen. I was thirsty and orange juice would be perfect. I was just about to pour the juice and my mom said, “Stella what are you doing?” her left eyebrow was raised, “we are fasting today.” She smiled and I quickly put the juice away. I looked at the A-team and their cheeks were filled with oatmeal, butter, brown sugar and raisins. My stomach started to rumble and I ran out of the kitchen.

After the A-Team ate we had worship service. My stomach started growling so loutd that Annette and Angela pointed and laughed at me. Today I would be fasting for six hours; which meant I would end at 1230 today. I worked on my projects for Trumpets and the Atonement. I checked the clock and it was 8:15 am. I felt a little dizzy and my parents told me to lay down.

When I went back to my room; I turned on my ipod and listened to a shelter in a time of storm. I thought about how we have to follow God even if we wee scared and don’t know exactly what was happening. I didn’t know why my brother had to fight in Afghanistan. I didn’t even know where the place was until Harold showed me on a map. I just remember visiting my friend Shonda’s brother in the hospital after he came back. He was missing a hand and one of his legs. They said his squad was attacked by some IED.

Saturday, September 1, 12

I don’t even know what that means I just know they are awful. I try not to think about that because its hard for me to not cry when I think about Harold being in the war. He joined the army because he could not find work after he finished High school. I remember him telling my parents college wasn’t for him and that he was not smart enough to go. I remember my mom crying at night after he told them he had joined.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Almighty will abide in the shadow of the most high,” I said quitely. I though about what I needed to do to have protection no mater where I am. I know Jesus said that faith could move mountains and I learned he told us that prayer and fating could heal diseases. I was just so scared--what if I didn’t believe enough. Now whenever I am scared I begin to rock side to side. I didn’t know I was rocking so hard because Jeannette had come into my room. She climbed into my bed and gave me a hug.

“Hey Stella, are you okay?” I shook my head. She turned on her ipod and I heard a song play. I never heard this song before. I heard a deep voice sing...Don’t fear for God is always with you when even when things become bleak and sorrow seems to be everywhere God has not left...joy comes in the morning and he will guide you.

“I never heard that before?” The song was soothing and if felt like my fear was being erased. “I got it off a church website they are in Arkansas.

“What type of church?” I asked.

“Josh says they are a possible contender,’” she did air quotes. “He said an investigation and inquiry is required to make sure their doctrine is appropriate.” We both giggled.

Saturday, September 1, 12

“Speak of the devil,” Jeannette said. Joshua was moonwalking at least that is what Harold called his backward walking. He had his earbuds in had he was humming a hymn.

We started giggling again. “Come on lets start working on our presentation for Atonement.” The time seemed to fly by because suddenly it was 1:30pm and I really wasn’t hungry. My mom came to my room and said, “You guys have an extra hour, come on its time to break the fast.”

The next week was as normal as normal was at home. I would be waked up by the Ateam. Fortunately Josh had created a lock to prevent them from digging in my dresser and throwing my clothes out on the floor. Now they just come in my room, twirl around and sing to the sun. The little devils have figured out how to pick my lock to my bedroom door and after they sing they pounce on my bed. It is not fun having three year olds shout, “Stelly wake up, wake up, Stelly wake!” as they jump on my bed. After being waken up my rotten little sister I would get showered and get ready for school. I would walk with the brainiacs to school. Well Jeannette and I would walk because Joh would moonwalk to the bus stop. I would go to school and I would come home and be a double teamed by the A-team. One will jump on one leg while the other would hit you with a plastic skillet. I really hate that movie where the character uses a frying pan as weapon!

After being besieged by the twins I would talk to Harold for 30 minutes with the brainiacs before dinner. What is nice is Josh and Jeannette have figured out how to make sure all of our computers can use the hot spot. So I can get on Facebook to find out what my friends are up to.

Saturday, September 1, 12

“Twumpet! Twumpet!” I heard the A-team shout. I woke up to see my little sisters in my room. They were hopping on their right legs and blowing into their plastic toy trumpets. I don’t know how they figured how to fasten plastic frying pans on their belts but they did. They had also tied their favorite blankets around their necks so it looked like they were wearing capes. I just got up and looked to see the sun was just rising. When I went into the hallway I saw Joshua hanging upside down in his room. He had created some type of harness from sheets and cords. “Morning, Stella,” he said. “Hi Josh,” I walked slowly towards him,”Why are you hanging upside down?” He tilted his head and replied, “It helps me to think clearly.” “Oh, oh okay,” you another day in the Montgomery house. I remembered asking my mom well I complained to her that I think Josh was crazy. She said he wasn’t crazy and I heard teachers called Josh and Jeannette brilliant minds. I don’t care I still think he is a little off.

Breakfast was good and we were soon ready for church. This would be the first time we celebrated a major feast day at our new church. The entire building inside was changed: there were wall hangings made with silver, white and blue everywhere. There was a silver candlestick holder that white candles in it, even the table cloths were now a deep sapphire blue. In the corner the fireplace was filled with burning logs and Uncle Bud was placing more on the fire.

Saturday, September 1, 12

Service started with Uncle Bud blowing into a trumpet. The first song was Holy, Holy, Holy.

Some of people in church had excellent voices whereas some did not. But my mom said what really matters is that you sing from the heart and do your best for God. She also said the music is purified or changed when it goes up before God. My voice isn’t really good so I am glad it is changed. i wonder how many people are celebrating Trumpets today. I never expected to be around so many people who keep the sabbath day or the feast days. My dad told us God has people everywhere. He said there is a group, no he said a multitude without number. Until we moved here that was difficult to believe because the only people and knew who didn’t celebrate Christmas or don’t eat pork and called themselves christians was in my family.

But now I am in a place where there are 11 other families who came from all over...that believe like I do. What makes this day even better is Harold is going to join us on the computer I know is late in Afghanistan but he said the captain of his squad gave him some time off. He said his friend Eric would be joining us as well. Eric wast he same read headed guy that likes to put Harold head locks. Harold said he is a seventh day adventist and he said he was not satisfied. I don’t know what that means but Harold said he had questions and was interested in our service. Eric sounds funny when he talks but Harold says people from Boston sound like that.

Saturday, September 1, 12

Joshua has been doing a primary investigation and review over Sabbath day churches. At least that is what he calls it. He finds a website and he begins reviewing over there lessons. If he thinks they have “potential” he shows it to my parents. Josh has always been like that. He has always looked for people like us. He goes to his thinking spot, which is the roof and takes his computer to review “potential candidates”. Now my parents don’t know he is on the roof because I don’t think they would like him on it at night. Even though Josh is different he is still okay.

Service seemed to fly by: song service lasted for 50 minutes, the sermon was given and five presentations later and we will soon end worship. I can tell Harold and Eric look tired but they are smiling.This was definitely the best feast of Trumpets I have ever had.

Even though I had to go to school the next day it did not matter. I had two tests and a pop quiz and I did not care. When I came home from school Joshua was excited about a church website he had found. “I knew we weren’t alone! We couldn’t be..we just couldn’t be.” He was actually hopping like the A-team. Josh never hops. He walks backwards and sits on the roof but he never hops. This must be a big deal. He grabbed my hand and dragged me to his laptop. “They are from Florida,” he said with a grin. “They believe like we do and I called them and left a couple of questions for them on their voice mail.” I wondered if my parents would be okay with that. “Hey Josh you called people you don’t know...shouldn’t you have asked mom and dad first?”

Saturday, September 1, 12

He looked annoyed. “A critical analysis was required first,” he started using more weird nerd words and Jeannette came in the room and I slowly backed out of the room. I decided to go twirl with the A-team instead. My mom was making dinner while watching CNN on her computer. If it was not for Jeannette we would all be forced to watch cable free TV. Jeannette is smart like Joshua but she focuses on computers and techy things only. Yes there was usefulness to the brainiacs. The A-team and I heard footsteps and looked to see Joshua moonwalking down the hallway. We decided okay I decided to join the A-team in waiting for the right moment to attack him. We waited on either side of the doorway and as he walked backwards, “Ouch, get off, get off of me!” He shouted.

Angela was on his left leg and Annette had latched on to his right leg. I had smacked him with a pillow on his head, “Quit it!” he yelled. It was then we heard something heavy fall unto the floor of the kitchen. We heard our mom run to the phone.

Joshua and I went into the kitchen and saw on the computer it said major earthquake near Kabul. Oh no Kabul is in Afghanistan! It said the earthquake was a 7.5. I don’t know what that means. “What does that mean Josh?” He looked a little shocked, “ It means a lot of damage can occur,” he said.

Saturday, September 1, 12

Time seemed slow down after that. I got up in the morning and we had worship. I went to stupid school and came home hoping to find out Harold was okay. Instead we had dinner, I did homework and prayed before I went to bed that Harold was safe. My parents tried to look brave but I know the truth..I heard my mom crying in the bathroom.

I also heard my father calling the army everyday asking and sometimes begging about Harold.

Days like this I wish I was like the A-team, they were too little to be worried. Instead they kept twirling, jumping and pouncing on people as they walked by. Josh says that walking backwards makes him feel better as well as it helps him think. I tried it twice but I tripped and fell both times so I decide to walk like normal people instead. instead I take my dad’s guitar and play it on the balcony outside of my room. I don’t know why but that makes me feel better.

Today is the day of the Atonement I have to admit I am sorrowful but determined to fast.

I want God to help my brother and keep him safe. i also want God to accept me and teach me how to be strong. I don’t want to be scared or sad anymore. Today I would wear a white dress. Jeannette wanted wear her black dress but mom said black is for funerals and nobody is wearing that in our house. Mom looked so upset when she said it that Jeannette did not even fight her about it.

Saturday, September 1, 12

When we got church the mood seemed quieter. People kept hugging me and the brainiacs. I heard people tell my parents we have been praying for you...we pray for Harold everyday. I just cannot wait to sit down and I feel my stomach grumble. It was more difficult to sing because my mouth was really drie but I tried hard anyway. When the commandments were were being read I felt a little dizzy but I didn’t care. I am fasting so I am not so scared anymore and i am fasting so my big brother comes home again. When the minister starts to preach I feel really tired and my eyelids felt like giant weights but I try my best to keep them open. I look at the clock and it is 3pm and I have been fasting for 8 hours but I am not going to eat. I need to get all the strength I can get. I think about how Jesus fasted for forty days and everything he did for us. I think about Queen Ester and how God gave her the courage to come before the king. She saved her people even though she was scared. If she fasted for three days i can fast a couple of more hours I thought. During a play I hear the computer ring. It only does that if someone is trying to join the service because they could not make it to church. But I look around and everyone is here today. Atonement is the holiest day of the year; who would want to miss that? Jeannette got up and answered the call on the computer. Suddenly on the screen I saw my brother Harold and his friend Eric. The play was done and everyone was watching the TV screen that my brother was on.

Saturday, September 1, 12

“Son, how...they said communications were cut off!” My mom shouted.

“Yes they were. Oh let me do this right...I give honor to the full throne of God. I am so happy to join you during the fast of the Atonement. Right now I am in Germany and I thank God for all of his blessings. I should be back home in another week.” He had a cast on his arm but he said it was just broken. It was not chopped off and he was not burned up. My brother is coming home. Now my face was wet with tears but I was smiling and I didn’t care who saw me cry. During his testimony he talked about what he saw during the earthquake and how God helped him. He thanked us for all of our prayers. Even though he spoke for over 50 minutes it did not matter. He could not stay with service much longer after he spoke.

When service ended at sundown I did not realize I had fasted for 12 hours. The water tasted so good and the food was delicious but that wasn’t why I was happy. I was happy because God kept my brother safe. Even though I was scared during this time God never left me or my family. I have to remember what God did for us for Harold and for me. For bringing us to a strange place where there were people like us. My mom was right fasting does bring you closer to God and I want to stay close to him always.

Saturday, September 1, 12

The End Saturday, September 1, 12