Hidden: The End....

Something miraculous happened. We barely slept due to starvation. This morning when my dad stood by the opening of the cavern to view the outside world, he saw loaves of bread laying there right by his feet. Oh, we were so hungry that we took at least 30minutes to eat. The most amazing thing is that there still are leftovers after at least the ten (or more) of us feed ourselves. God provided us. This experience made us wonder a little. I was thinking if God is keeping us alive when we could've died, what does that mean? Are there more obstacles to bear until he comes? Is it to test our persistence, trust, hope, faith (etc.) in Him? I don't know. Random thoughts just come across my mind every moment of the day. 

There is nothing much to do in our hiding place, except discussing about the Word of God. Ofcourse, we are very glad to have valuable, precious moments like these because we knew we could've been in a worse situation. As to what the rest of world is up to, we don't have the slightest clue. Though, you can tell by common sense that things are getting worse. Sometimes, the dark smokes fill up the clouds, and it's very depressing. There might be some wars and rage going on out there. In moments like these, I feel thankful to God for guiding us throughout our journey. Looking back at my life in city a few months before, things are really displaced now. Despite the lack of food, the physical pain, and the anxiety I had to suffer now and then,  I'm extremely grateful for the quiet and peaceful moment amid the crazy events occurring in this current world. Who knows when I will live through times like this will ever again? 

———

 

I'm afraid... I won't be able to write again. There's was a huge explosion near our place yesterday after I wrote to you. The heat of the wave and maybe the radiation, or worse, the chemicals affected us. These agonizing boils, rash, and blood pouring from our bodies. My hands are really painful right now as I'm writing to you. But I don't want to abandon you. I might as well write while the pain is in its lowest stage. With all these burdens, we can't manage to escape again. Our conditions are much worse in reality, so you won't completely understand.

Oh! NO! My body is experiencing new symptoms. Our cave is like a hospital full of traumatic patients. My heart is convinced that Jesus is here with us. I want to believe so. Crying and wailing won't help our pain. That would only worsen it. I received help from my sister to write to you, but as her illness is worse than mine, I'm off on my own. I won't be able to write again. My hands are aching in pain. I want to write my last words and feelings to you. Hope is the only thing that motivated us to live our life without giving up. My family and I, are patiently waiting for Jesus' arrival — our ONLY hope. We might still be alive, or we might decease. But what does that matter as long as we are ready for Him? Already living in Him. 

Hidden: Lacking Food

The rest of my family and the hunting group returned to the cave with a decent amount of food for today. They were fairly shocked, and glad to find me fully awake. It's unnecessary to trade conversations right now. We automatically get that everyone has been fighting against some kind of hunger. For me, I realize how hungry I was until I catch a glimpse of the miraculous source of food they have gathered. Foods that were only available to us in the city (pre-hiding time): plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and meat for the non-vegetarians. Little time was wasted, and more time was spent on feeding our empty stomaches. With a great relief, we had a long conversation after the meal.

~ It won't be long before we either survive or die from starvation. This cave secured us inside the confinement of its walls. It doesn't provide food, or safety outside. Because of the lack of food resources near our area, different groups must risk their life to search for edible things farther into the woods. If only this is possible. We had food for today, but what about tomorrow? You see, one of the younger guys in out group reported that most of the woods were in fire, leaving the ground with ashes. Less food. If they could've seen it beforehand, more foods could've been collected. But they didn't. We have no clue if it's the act of nature or humanity. We don't know, therefore, we are stuck in here for protection. 

Is this the end? Dying from starvation? O God, only You know everything. I — everyone of us long to be with you in heaven. The wages of sin is death, but are there any spark of hope for us to live in you forever? 

Hidden: The Martial Law

I regain my consciousness of reality in the middle of nowhere. I am sitting against a tree bark. How long was I asleep? The trees block my sight in every direction. Does my family survived? Am I really alone here? My vision is still blurred. Tears sprinkle down my face without my command; tears that are irrevocable. This once beautiful place is surely damaged by the menacing storm. As my vision cleared, I  began to look for my family and the rest of our group. 

The chilly wind is blowing my face as I find my way through the fallen trees. I spot something rare with my peripheral vision. It looks white — like a paper. This is a newsletter used for communication, so I pick it up and read the letters on the page. This particular page includes news such as the beginning of executing rebels, the unity the government successfully brought among the major population of the earth, and some other entertainment news. I am very grateful for the update until something attract my attention. The headline reads 'Mission To Hunt Rebels Outside The City [Martial law]'. This is self-explanatory. 

Before the storm hits, the government must have started their mission. Seems like they weren't too far behind us for this paper to get here. I sense right away that God is providing me some vital information. All of a sudden, I feel numb as my mind is urging my body to find my parents. My body is weakening — ....

I hear my mom and dad calling my name. Moments later, my brother and sister joined. They are safe, aren't they? But why am I not seeing their faces? 

My eyes finally open. I'm in a small, dark cave. There was a fire, and there is my sister beside me. I sit up from my lying position as my sister's eyes meet mine. Without hesitating, I asked "What happened? Where were you guys? Where in the world are we? Where's mom and dad and our brother?". The questions that didn't enter my mind filter. Surprisingly, my sister calmly explain to me what has happened. 

It's been four days since they found me lying on the ground with the newsletter in my hand. When my parents found out about the martial law, they made the decision to run toward the river they had located earlier. They carried me along with them. Some people that followed us observed traps, but it's too late for them to warn my father before he stepped on one of them. That's when he dropped me, and the net enclosed me instead of him. Fortunately, one guy brought a pocket knife with him. After that incident, the group rushed towards the river, crossed it, and found a cave for temporary shelter — that's where we are now. 

No one is sure if the traps have some kind of detecting device. Why would it matter? God can do anything beyond human's abilities. He has the authority and power to protect us as long as we believe in Him. Currently, the rest of my family and a couple of guys are going out to look for food, while some stayed with us. Ironically, my mind is in the most peaceful stage right now ever since the beginning of this hiding thing. I guess it's a sign of assurance from God. I can see it in everyone's faces. 

Hidden: A Storm

It has been several days since we settled in this location. My body was filled with goosebumps whenever my sister made the statement, "We have foods and clothes to wear. But we don't know much about this place, yet. What if this place is vulnerable to storms and disasters?". I know she cared much about safety more than any of us, but I had the feeling that some disastrous storm might attack us whenever I hear the statement. Looking back, it's like I secretly possess a sixth sense. It sounds nonsense, but it's partly true.

After sunset, we formed a fire and beddings on the grass. The weather had gotten colder as the night arrived. The clouds of darkness spread over the sky. No one knows what might be coming. Suddenly, a blast of wind blowed through the trees and reached our hiding place. Our bonfire was extinguished. Screams, shouts, and painful tears cried out amidst the chaos. Someone bravely shouted, "Do not be afraid for God is with us. Everybody come this way, and let's stay close to one another." Everyone head towards the familiar voice. Momentarily, the rain began to pour down on us. I shiver like a wild dog. This is a horrific nightmare. I couldn't hear the sound effects of lightning and thunders clashing down the trees. This place is mostly dangerous for thunderstorms.

I don't understand which is worse — being executed by the government, or suffering and dying from natural disasters. I push the thought away as I held onto my mom and sister's hands tightly. The world is fading away in my head. The space is empty with blackness instead of brightness. At least it's quiet and peaceful here. I don't want to wake up and see my loved ones dying or hurting. I wish I could stay.