Page 51 - Faraway Frieds

FARAWAY FRIENDS 45
well, time just got away,” Daya explained when they were back at the hotel. “Your papa found me. You see, I now go to a believers group in another part of the city. My mama comes, too. It began when I first came here for a visit. I saw how you knew God better than I did. Then I found three students at my school who believe in Jesus. They met in secret to share their new faith. So I joined them. There are now twelve of us. We must be careful. The govern- ment doesn’t want children to learn about Jesus. But we’re not really children, you know,” Daya finished.
Time passed quickly that afternoon. Dad took them for the last time to their favorite Nepalese restaurant down the street from the hotel. Daya pre- sented MaryCatherine with a lovely rose-red piece of silk cloth and matching set of bangles like her mother had worn when they first met. Tabby’s food and toys were bundled up until finally Tabby him- self was coaxed into the animal carrier. Daya would take Tabby home with her.
All too soon, Daya’s visit came to an end. The three of them piled into the jeep provided for Dad’s use and drove across the city to Daya’s home. This time, goodbyes were tearful with promises to keep in touch. An internet center at Daya’s school would allow her to “friend” MaryCatherine on Facebook. Before they left, MaryCatherine drew her small New Testament out of her pocket. She slipped it