February 20, 1676 In the Year of Our Lord

I am cheered a bit. I have been able to see my remaining children. I came upon Mary who was at an Indian town not far from where I am. She wept incessantly when I came near and told her of my condition and the death of her sister. Her captives did not approve of this, as she was provoked whenever I was near her. I am so afraid. My children are under the rule of these heathens who have no sense of civilization or culture, who seem to be agents of the Devil and bent on torturing us for enjoyment. I long to know how Mary is handling all of this; how she is coping with the disastrous scenes unfolding before her. I long to hold her close and whisper to her that it will be alright and that God is with us. I want to express to her, as the Psalmist says: "He is your helper and your shield..all you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord! He is your helper and shield." (115:9-11)

I was in this state of contemplation and distress when Joseph came to me. The Lord is indeed good and watches over the way of the righteous. He asked, with tearful eyes, if Sarah was dead. I could not speak but nodded that it was so. He looked at me with the strength of his father and said he had been praying for me; that I would not be troubled when thinking of him. He is indeed growing a heart of strength and love for God. I will pray that through all of this, God will teach his faithfulness to my son.