Through Hell and Into Heaven

Chapter 1

     Jim Pirran wiped sweat from his brow as he observed his team's progress. The ancient structure they had uncovered was almost completely excavated. The sun took its wrath out on the tired workers as they continued to shovel and pick at the ruin. Jim jogged over to a bulky man in overalls and a blue cap. The man's jaw was wide and set. Jim tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. "That's enough work today, Jeff." said Jim, "Tomorrow, we open the tomb and see what's inside." The man nodded in response and signaled for the other men to stop their work. Jim grinned and stared at the old building with a fascination of an archeologist. What an awesome structure it was! The sandy columns, the detailed engravings in the walls.... It was incredible! "God gave me such an amazing job!" the archeologist said to himself happily.

     He turned his attention back toward Jeff. "Make sure the men get a meal and a place to sleep, you hear?" Jeff nodded slowly and walked off to do whatever he had in mind doing. Jim shook his head with wonder. Why was Jeff always so gloomy? They had discovered such a wonderful piece of architecture! He adjusted his wide-rimmed hat and set off towards the jeep to drive back to his apartment.

     Fourteen year old Israel ate his food quietly and gave his mother a worried look from across the table. Where was Jim? He should have been home a half an hour ago. Israel hated it when his stepfather ran late. So many things could have happened to him out there. Israel's mother sighed and just shrugged. There was nothing much they could do about Jim's schedule. Just then, the archeologist burst through the door. "Hey, everybody!" he cheered, hanging his hat up on a rack. He approached the table and frowned. "Uh-oh. Am I really that late?" Jim's wife chuckled, "Yes, you definitely are. What took you so long this time?" Jim shrugged and sat down in front of his look-warm meal of chili. "Oh, we almost had the site completely excavated by the time I was due to come home, so I decided to get it done while I had the chance, Rachel." Israel's mother sighed. "Ah, well, we've been worried sick. Please don't do that again unless you have too." Jim laughed. "Okay, okay! So, Israel, how's the school work coming?" Israel frowned. "Good, I guess, but the school here speaks Arabic. I'm not very fluent in that language yet, so I often misunderstand my teachers."

     Jim coughed, "Well, son, you'll have to work on that with your mother." Israel's thick blonde hair barely hung over his eyes. "Jim, when will we leave Saudi Arabia and go back to Texas?" He asked. "Ever since you've married mom, you've been taking us all over the world. I miss home."
Jim looked uncomfortably at his plate. "Tell you what," he said with a sudden grin. "I'll try taking us home after this find is searched and properly taken care of." Israel sighed and poked his food with his fork. "You said that last time and it didn't work." Jim frowned and scratched the back of his neck. "Y-you're right, Israel. I'm very sorry...." Israel looked awkwardly at the floor. "It's okay. Um, can I come with you to the excavation site tomorrow?" Jim smiled and nodded. "You know what, why not?" Rachel frowned nervously. "Oh, but Jim...." Jim looked to his wife. "Rachel, it's okay! Besides, Israel deserves a day off of school. This will be very educational as well!" Rachel sighed, "Fine. But be careful!" Jim laughed. "Oh, don't worry, we will!