Day One Thousand Two Hundred Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Sy has re-evaluated our food stocks. Enough has been damaged or spoiled by the earthquake that we soon will be forced to make some decisions.

Half of us will need to be sent back to the hiding place. But no one wants to go. Or more importantly everyone senses the call to be with Elijah and myself.

Thankfully the others will be obedient to whatever Elijah decides. He has drawn apart to seek answers.

Sy and I looked into hitherto untouched chambers on the chance we come up with something salvageable. The Captain followed behind and kept a tally.

Tomas and Reuben again trekked beyond the stone bridge to gauge the activity of the contending armies, with Mawuli tagging along.

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Day One Thousand Two Hundred Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

As things turned out, the earthquake was a mixed blessing. It routed the wild dogs. For good. Tomas saw a good bunch of them gobbled up by a closing fissure. But it also damaged some of the interior rooms of the redoubt.

At this discovery we had the added realization that the reappearance of the wild dogs and our response by exiting the redoubt when we did, had kept us all safe from serious injury.

We were each struck with gratitude. For the power seeking and planning our destruction was brought to naught when it became the instrument of our rescue. Praise be to Hamashiach.

Sy and Reuben directed our efforts today to put things to right in the redoubt.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Ninety Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Sy and two of his people have joined us thanks to the skills of our intrepid Tomas. But they brought with them an even greater tale of deliverance.

One day behind us, they were also caught in the region of the earthquake. They had been spotted and pursued by an army patrol. Cornered in a dead end canyon they had given up all hope – when the earthquake struck. Before their eyes the ground split and swallowed their adversaries. Closing over them with a crash.

After a brief rest Sy and Tomas went down to our observation lookout.

They brought back the news that a truck had arrived with a huge crate strapped to its bed. And an automobile carrying Mawuli.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Ninety Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have left behind the area affected by the earthquake and passed the village at the edge of the wilderness, which we note had been severely damaged. We should arrive above Sy’s old redoubt tomorrow.

I had to remind Tomas we needed to select a pathway just outside the village to obtain the heights above our destination. He had another in mind farther along, but agreed that this selection best met the intentions behind our plan.

I asked him if fatigue was overtaking him and if so suggested a halt.

He protested that we had not the time. That’s when Elijah broke in and ordered a halt.

We set him down and laid hands on him, praying for his strengthening.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Ninety Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The terrain we have traversed is deserted. So Tomas’s job has been easy with not much to warn about or shield us from.

His focus, therefore has changed.  With yesterday’s earthquake there have been changes to the landmarks we have used in the past to direct our steps. Whole sections of rock have uplifted obliterating entire pathways.

The course of the sun is his best indication of direction.

I am left wondering how much this will slow our passage. And what it means to those who are and will be following us.

Tomas says I worry too much. And Elijah agrees.

Most likely so. I prefer to describe it as caring. But that’s not to say my companions care less.

Day Seven Hundred Thirty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We were feeling abandoned. And losing track of the time since we last saw our captors.

Then something happened that interrupted the passage of time. The sameness we had been locked into. The ground beneath our feet shuddered and heaved.

Was it an earthquake? Or something manmade and more sinister?

When the chamber quit shaking, the door fell open. It had sprung free from its frame.

We lost no time in exiting. Nothing and no one impeded our scramble up and out from the bottom of the dam.

All the sentry points in the area were deserted and a pungent odor pervaded everywhere.

We made one attempt to reach the city, but turned back at the sight of bodies everywhere.

Day Five Hundred Sixty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We arrived in port in the heat of the day, the harbor completely empty. Before we tied up, however, we were sent packing. And warned to remain at sea until the danger of a tsunami had passed.

An earthquake had struck the island yesterday, centered on their opposite coast. The lone ship we had seen was out there to warn other ships.

When we attained a safe distance, the Captain called us together for a conference.

The Captain felt it necessary that we switch back to the other port, arguing that some of the cargo consigned there may well meet some crucial needs. We all concurred.

And Elijah advised that we remain off the other coast yet one more day.

Day Five Hundred Sixty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Another day drenched in darkness. But I sought the remedy early on. At least earlier than on that past occasion.

However, the troubling of my soul continued. Visions of wholesale disaster claimed my attention at every turn. I would recoil from one scene of slaughter only to run headlong onto ground heaving under the force of a mighty earthquake.

I cried out and was immediately lifted up out of the chaos and tumult.

And there I spent the remainder of my time in an enveloping peace. I could see our ship sailing along unimpeded though challenged on every side.

Upon emerging from the special cabin I sought Elijah and shared with him my vision.

He had the same experience yesterday.