by Courtney, 11
South Carolina

August 12, 1860
Dear Diary,
We’ve been traveling for three weeks. We have met many different people who have helped us on our journey to freedom. Last night we almost didn’t make it to the river to hide. Our food is running out quickly. John has been complaining that we are never going to make it, but Mama always replies, "The Lord will protect us."

Mama keeps on reminding us of the story of Moses and Pharaoh. My favorite part of the story is when the Israelites cross the Red Sea. John doesn’t understand how that can relate to us, but I know God can do anything. Papa reads his Bible to us every night. Sometimes I stay awake at night and hear Papa praying for protection.

August 14, 1860
Dear Diary,
Tonight we are to stay in the home of a Quaker. The Quakers have been a great help to us. They believe that all slaves have the right to be free. I must admit that I am ready to get to Canada. I am really getting tired. We have to travel through thick woods that are full of thorns. I’ll tell you a secret—the woods are not only full of thorns. The woods are also full of the sound of praises to Jesus. I thought I heard angels singing today, but Papa told me the voices were other slaves trusting Jesus for safety. I still think some of the voices were angels singing.

It is getting to be nightfall, and we still haven’t reached the home of the Quaker. I hope we don’t run into some slave hunters. Whenever I get scared, I just think of my favorite Bible verse, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you."

If we do make it, I hope the place where we sleep is warm and dry. I’m praying there will be plenty of food. John is complaining again. This time it’s about his feet. Usually when we complain, Mama makes us think of something we are grateful for. This time she told John, "At least you still have two feet!" When John heard that, he stopped complaining.

Looks like we have to sleep in the forest . . . again.

August 15, 1860
Dear Diary,
In the morning, Papa spied the house of the Quaker. Papa went to the home first to make sure it was safe. We were soon led into the house. The lady of the house was very generous. She gave us food and new clothing.

After we ate, she led us to her living room. She stopped at a rug and pulled it up. There in the floor was a hidden door. She led us down to a cellar where there were two beds set up for us to sleep. Mama told us to say our prayers. John prayed first. He prayed: "Dear Jesus, Thank You for protecting us. Thank You for my two feet! Amen."

Then it was my turn. I prayed: "Dear Jesus, Thank You for all the nice people we have met. Thank you for my family. Amen."

August 16, 1860
Dear Diary,
Last night I had a good night’s rest. For I knew that whatever happens to me, God is always with me. I always think of every day as being one day closer to freedom. Who knows? Maybe that day will be tomorrow.

Like Papa read to us from the Bible, "Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Let my people go.’ "

	Q: What is the best way to groom a pet rodent? A: Mouse-wash. Brennan P., 10, Florida Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe