Daughter of Destiny
Page 7
Jonah watched Leah leave the group, and he noticed the perplexed expressions on the faces of those around him. Suni said something in Fénuan, and everyone laughed. Jonah felt his face grow warm, but he smiled and shrugged. Over these past ten months, he had found a good sense of humor an important asset in winning the people’s friendship. Learning their language was another essential, and he made many mistakes. To his credit, Chief Fénua had forbidden anyone to laugh at Jonah’s errors, for the chief could see how hard he tried.
He gazed around the circle of people whom he had come to love. Without Leah, he never could have come so far in such a short time. She had suggested, or rather, had warned him not to condemn the islanders’ customs, but to speak to them only of God’s love. Because he had heeded her advice, the chief already showed great interest in the gospel. Once he accepted its saving message, all his subjects would know that they could too.
A surge of love swept through him as he considered his beautiful wife and infant daughter. He peered at the chief, who was busy talking with another man. Surely he would not mind. . .
He stood and walked toward the fine thatched hut that was now their home. Behind him, he heard his name mentioned, with laughter following. Nothing escaped the notice of these people, but unlike polite society back home, they commented freely. . .and loudly, on actions that amused them.
In the dim abode, Leah sat cross-legged on their pallet bed while the baby dined with eagerness. Leah looked up and smiled, and Jonah’s heart felt near to bursting. Mother and child—gifts of God’s amazing grace. He knelt beside her, released a long sigh of contentment, and brushed her unbound hair back from her face. “I’ve never seen such a beautiful sight.”
She leaned her cheek into his open palm. “Are you truly happy, my love?”
“Oh, so very happy, and so grateful to God for all He has given us.”
The baby finished her meal and gurgled her satisfaction.
“We should return,” Leah handed the infant to Jonah, rose, and readjusted her dress. “They cannot begin without us.”
“I suppose not.” Jonah chuckled, but then grew sober. “My dear, are you certain there are no hidden meanings to this ceremony? I mean, we’re not dedicating our child to some demon, are we?” He held his daughter close, aching to protect her from all harm, both physical and spiritual.
Leah shook her head. “I believe with all my heart we can take it for what it is. The chief has the right and responsibility to name every child born among his people. You can see how highly he regards us, and I know he will choose a name with special meaning. It’s the islanders’ way of wishing a happy future for the child. You and I have already written Joanna Maureen in our Bible, so no matter what Chief Fénua calls her, she will always be our ’gracious gift from God.’”
Jonah placed Joanna back in Leah’s arms, then wrapped his own arms around them both. “Dear Lord, what blessings You have bestowed upon us. Help us show these dear people how much You love them.”
“Amen,” Leah whispered. “Now let’s go.”
The feast was lavish, with roasted pig, several species of fowl, and a variety of fish, along with breadfruit, nuts, and other delicacies of the island. Toward the end of the meal, Chief Fénua stood and beckoned to the honored family. Still filled with misgivings, Jonah placed his daughter into the man’s outstretched hands.
Everyone ceased their chatter and stood in respectful silence as Fénua lifted Joanna up toward the sky. Leah whispered a translation of his words—words that sent a chill of awe and amazement down Jonah’s spine.
“Oh, great God of the sky, we have received this child from You, and now we give her back that she may live before You always. Child of Jonah and Leah, whom You sent to tell us of You, may she ever be a symbol of Your gracious gift. I name her Oa Oa Nana, and Oa Oa Nana shall she be called.”
The people crooned their approval and began to laugh and chatter. Fénua cradled the baby in his arms as if she were his own and placed a kiss on her forehead. Then he surrendered her into her anxious father’s arms. “May your God grant you a future of joy.”
“Thank you.” Jonah swallowed his threatening tears and looked to Leah for what he should do in response.
Before she could answer, the chief clapped his hands. Men played music on bamboo pipes and log drums, and everyone began to sing in beautiful harmony.
Leah tugged at Jonah’s arm, and he gazed down into her shining eyes. “Did you understand what he named her?”
“I’m not certain,” he said, “but it sounded so much like Joanna, I could hardly believe it.”
“Oa Oa means happy, and nana is a greeting that means have a good day.” Laughing, Leah took Joanna, who had begun to fuss. “I think our Happy Greeting needs a nap.”
“My dear, if I understand what you were saying while the chief spoke, he was acknowledging God, the one true God. Can this be right?”
“I was so busy trying to grasp all his words, I didn’t have time to think of their significance. Oh, Jonah, do you suppose he has come to believe already?”
Jonah shook his head. “I don’t know. We haven’t really found the words to explain the gospel yet, and no one can be saved without understanding.”
Leah gasped. “Ah, but do you see? By naming Joanna as he did, Fénua was saying he accepts us and our message. He might not understand yet but. . .”
“Yes, yes, I think you’re right. It’s a beginning.”
“Just like us.”
Her eyes shone with love, which made her more beautiful than he thought possible. A great wave of devotion swept through him. “Hmm? Ah, yes. Just like us, my beloved.” And without waiting for the privacy of their little house, Jonah bent forward and kissed Leah’s lovely lips.
The End