...Angels encircle the little ones..

The scriptures witness of Jesus taking each child in his arms and blessing them. Oh, what a sight to behold as angels surrounded that scene. What would I have felt and seen as a father of one of those little ones on that glorious day? But I now know that same witness in my heart because of the events of this past 10 days. This time of the season is known as "holding hands" in the bush region. The farms are planted and very little harvesting takes place from July to mid Aug. All people seem to know to share with their neighbor and "hold hands" through this period of none. This year was an exception and difficult to endure. It began to rain very hard and did not cease for 4 days. We thought there were herds of horses on our rooftop for the full 4 days. The small rivers flooded most of the communities farms and livelihood. Power was out for 3+ days along with phone service, and internet. And on top of that, all roads were flooded with as much as 18 ft. of running water so no travel into or out of the villages in the region. It was a shock to the residents here for they had never witnessed such devastation with no hope for relief. This is a society of farmers who live from hand to mouth, day to day. And the children, they are dependent on mother and father to survive. Confused and bewildered, I saw the little ones suffer the most. Father did not bring home Cassava or Plantain for Fofo. No firewood from the farm for fires to cook or clean, and food still is very scarce. Play areas were under water in some places and snakes and scorpions were becoming a common sighting. Fresh water was not at the outlets because of the loss of power. With the river still flooding, many families were displaced and took refuse in the village homes. It is a time for reflection and hope is the only solaces.
Babies still need to be fed, children still need to be held and comforted, and siblings still tend to their little brothers or sisters no matter where they are housed. It is the way of the Lord that keeps these little ones. I am amazed at the protection of the children, surely by angels. They seem to be lifted above the challenges that are at hand, and why should that be any different in our own lives as adults? I marvel at the desire of the children to embrace the Saviour when He appeared to the Nephites, yet they had not seen him here on earth. Is it a way for Father in Heaven to shelter his precious spirits from the evil one, even when confronted by life threatening circumstances?
I have witnessed the rescue of a mother and her baby daughter who clung to a tree for 36 hours until help came. All the time wrapped on her mothers back and only breast feeding twice during the duration. Only a mother with the help from God can explain that miracle. A child so close to dangerous snakes and yet no strike from the predator. Scorpions running from the water and no child stung. Trees full of snakes and scorpions with children in the tree all holding their position for survival. It is a true modern miracle to me and the villagers.
With nothing but hope these children love life and hold dear the truths their mothers and fathers have taught them. The dry ground will once again appear and father will go to the farm and bring back Cassava and Plantain for Fofo and soup. Mother will still her little ones close to her breast for protection, and Jesus will bless the little ones and they will all be encircled by angels. To that end I testify of Fathers love for all of his sons and daughters here on his footstool.
(It has been and emotional time for Sister Dalton and I these past several days and I testify of the protecting hands of angels in our life and others we love and pray for. This posting has been the most difficult for me and yet sacred to my soul. I shall never forget these feelings or events)