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felt reassured. Surely if the Lord had watched over His rebellious people in the wilderness, He would watch over Naomi now. Ruth believed that the Lord would bring them both safely home to Bethlehem.
    The next day they walked as far as the oasis and spent the night beneath the palms. The jagged silhouette of Jericho stood out against the base of the mountains, the once-great city now blackened rubble inhabited only by lizards and snakes. However, there was a small but thriving community not far away, encamped around the spring. They earned a prosperous living from travelers using the Jericho road across the mountains to Jerusalem.
    As they began the arduous journey up the Jericho road, Ruth prayed continuously, while keeping watch for dangers along the way. God, protect us. Watch over us and guide our steps.
    A caravan came up behind them. Ruth spoke with the overseer and was given permission to camp near them the first night. She made no effort to hurry Naomi the next morning, but set her pace by her mother-in-law, even though the caravan went ahead and disappeared from sight.
    “Lord, please help us get over these mountains,” she whispered each night before she closed her eyes.
    And each day the road was steeper and more difficult, the days hotter and their supplies shorter. Naomi weakened, so Ruth took her load. When her mother-in-law became despondent, Ruth asked her questions about Bethlehem and her childhood, hoping to revive her determination to reach their destination. “Each day we’re closer, Mother.”
    “And what awaits us? Everyone I knew may be gone by now.”
    “Perhaps there will be friends you’ve forgotten.”
    “And who have forgotten me.” She wept as she often did when she was close to complete exhaustion. “I’m bringing you home to poverty. There will be no one to welcome us.” She covered her face and sobbed.
    “Look back and see how far we’ve come,” Ruth said, breathing hard beneath her burdens.
    “Look how far we’ve yet to go. Up, up, forever up.”
    Ruth looked around. There was no place to camp where they were. They had no choice but to go on. She was close to crying along with Naomi. Her back ached from carrying the full load all day, her eyes were gritty and her throat parched. She clasped the small bottle she wore on a cord around her neck. It was filled with tears she had shed for Mahlon, a sign of her respect and love. Letting go of it, she shut her eyes tightly. “The Lord sees our sorrow, Mother. He knows our needs.”
    “Then where is He?”
    Ruth pressed her lips together to keep from crying out in frustration and despair. She couldn’t allow herself to give in to it. If she did, where would they be?
    “I can’t go on, Ruth. It’s too hard. I can’t. Just leave me here to die. I don’t care anymore. I’m too tired to care!”
    Ruth shifted the packs and looped her arm around Naomi, giving her support. “You have to go on. Just a little way. We’ll find a place and rest for the night.”
    “I’ll be just as tired in the morning. I’m sick and tired.”
    “We’ll make it, Mother.”
    “And what will be there if we do?” Naomi said bitterly, feet dragging as she leaned heavily upon Ruth. “I have no land. I have no house. I have no husband, no sons. What will be there for us?”
    Fighting tears, Ruth said, “I don’t know, but whatever it is, God will help us.”
    After that, she could speak no more. She had only strength enough to keep them moving until they found a place of rest. Oh, please, God, please help us!
    As they came around a bend in the road, Ruth noticed a large crack in the stone mountainside. “Just a few more feet,” she said, urging Naomi on. The crevice was large enough to shelter both women for the night.
    Naomi sank down with a groan and leaned back against a boulder. Ruth winced as she shrugged off her bundles and sat beside her. She rolled her shoulders to ease her aching muscles. “We’re almost to the summit,” she said,