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Chapter 11: Responding to Trouble Jake quickly grabbed Benjie and everyone ran for cover as the lighting and thunder continued. The loud crashing “BOOM!” and the bright flash scared everyone. Marissa and Keiko started crying as they ran toward the school. Eventually a group of them took cover under the school entrance.
Manuel took a long sigh of relief and said, “Wow, that was so close.” Everyone appeared nervous so Jake explained to the group his decision, “After praying, I have decided that I would like to remain as a member of the Explorers, but I think the group needs a new leader.”
Ellie responded, “Jake, we respect your decision and are glad that you want to remain part of the group.” Jake smiled, and then curiously looked around.
As the group stood with their arms around each other, the rain continued to pour. “We need a head count” said Manuel. Tobi called off Page 2 of 5 © RCL Benziger
everyone’s name and they realized that Rodrigo was missing!
“Oh no, Rodrigo isn’t here.” shouted Ellie. Marissa ran into the school hall to find Mr. Duncan. “There has been a terrible lightening strike. All of us are safe, but Rodrigo is missing,” she said while tears ran down her cheeks. Quickly, Mr. Duncan walked toward the group by the school entrance, “All of you stay right here. I will go outside and look for Rodrigo,” Mr. Duncan sternly instructed them. Just as Mr. Duncan made his way outside, a police car arrived with sirens blaring. Officer Dias and Mr. Duncan noticed a huge tree limb on the ground. They ran to the tree and saw Rodrigo trapped under a big limb. They lifted the heavy branch off Rodrigo. He was scared, but very relieved that they had found him.
“Are you okay?” asked Officer Dias. “I think so,” Rodrigo said. As Mr. Duncan got closer, he noticed that Rodrigo’s leg was bent in a strange way. “Don’t move, son. I think Page 3 of 5 © RCL Benziger
your leg is injured. That big tree limb must have landed right on your leg,” explained Mr. Duncan.
A few minutes went by, the rain stopped, and an ambulance arrived at the scene. The other Explorers watched as Rodrigo was carried away to the hospital. Tobi then said, “My Grandma tells me that when times are tough you are to turn to the Good Shepherd in prayer.” So the Explorers gathered in a circle and prayed for Rodrigo’s comfort and healing. They then stood together in silence as storm quickly passed and the sun peaked out behind a cloud.
That evening the Explorers visited Rodrigo at his home to see how he was doing. Rodrigo was so happy to see his closest friends. Yet he was confined to rest because his right leg was in a bright red cast. Rodrigo told the group that his leg was broken it will heal in about six weeks. After a brief discussion, Rodrigo’s mom provided a marker and invited each of the Explorers to sign Rodrigo’s cast. Each Explorer signed his or her name and then gave Rodrigo a hug. Page 4 of 5 © RCL Benziger
Ellie and Keiko brought a pan of brownies that they had made for Rodrigo. So his mom passed out one to each with a glass of milk. Tobi shouted out, “Here’s to the bravest Explorer in our bunch!” The group then took a bite of their brownies and toasted their glasses of milk. Benjie noticed Rodrigo was upset. He asked, “Rodrigo, what’s wrong?” Rodrigo with a frown said, “Why did this happen to me? I was planning on an awesome soccer season. Our first practice is next Thursday. Now, I can’t play. God sure has a terrible way of treating his friends.” --------------TIME TO VOTE
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