God's Rescuing Soldiers

Analine Torda

The flooded river roared as it hurtled toward the ocean. Huge white-capped waves formed where the swollen current forced its way over submerged boulders. The water was rising by the minute, and we knew that if we didn’t get across now, our whole caravan of travelers could be trapped for days.

The first carabao cart, pulled by a strong water buffalo, started through. The river battered the cart mercilessly as the buffalo struggled to keep moving. Even with several people pushing, they barely made it across.

A few moments later I saw several men coming toward us from the other side. They were Aeta tribesmen, but much taller than ordinary Aetas. “Oh, thank God.” I silently thought. “The mayor must have sent soldiers knowing that people from the mountains couldn’t cross the strong current alone.”

Two of the tall Aetas joined each cart, one on either side. Walking through the raging flood seemed effortless to them. A carabao calf faltered and started to be washed down river but one of the rescuers swiftly pulled it back. “It’s amazing how strong those men are!” I thought to myself.

The two Aeta rescuers assisting me were carrying large white containers, and they talked to me as they walked. Their countenances looked so gentle, and they were cheerful and friendly. "Do you always do rescues like this, sir?" I asked one of them. He just nodded and smiled.

After the last cart reached the far bank I climbed down to pat our carabao, named Inaro. Then I turned to thank the men. They were nowhere to be found. “Where are those tall Aeta men that rescued us and helped each cart across?” I asked the others in our caravan.

They gave me a confused look.  “What rescuers are you talking about? No one came to help us.”
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I felt goosebumps on my arms. “Those men were angels sent from God!” I exclaimed. “I talked with angels face to face! That's why they looked so gentle and mild. They were angels in the form of Aeta men! Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes for a moment!”

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