I Am

– Life for me and my father is sacred, whatever the situation is. But I was sent here to say that I don’t condemn. I am here to call you to my midst and to cover the darkness of your sin with my light and my father’s, do you accept? (The seer)

– Yes, I don’t know how but I need you, you person. Your words fill me with hope and expectations. What must I do? (Bernadete)

– Join Rafaela and become also my apostle. Soon, we will make an interesting enriching journey through this world. Is it alright with you? (The seer)

Bernadete thinks for a few moments. Lately, her life was summed up, working as municipal servant and her private pain. Everything seemed lost up to this moment. Would it be wrong to accept the proposal? She didn’t know, but for the little she knew about Aldivan he was trustworthy, a symbol of persistence, guts and fight. There were no more doubts.

– I want it! It seems madness, but I think it is my only chance. When do we leave? (Bernadete)

– Right now. (The son of God)

– Wait a moment. Just need time to have a bath and pack the suitcases. (Bernadete)

– Ok. (Aldivan)

Bernadete goes away to get ready for the journey. While this happens, the conversation continues lively in the lounge about other subjects. Sometime later, the hostess returns to the lounge and everything being ready, they depart. They go through the door, lock it and return to the streets.

Outside, they go through the centre, turn the corner again and head to the small chapel of Saint Sabastian. There, they make a stop. The seer takes advantage to speak:

– Renato, do you remember? It was here that our adventures started, a mad journey through time. I had an experience in the desert, faced ghosts and demonic men, fought the final battle and survived. See! Nothing is impossible to those who believe in God.

– Yes, I remember, partner. I was only a child then and with my help, we balanced the opposing forces, solved injustices and helped someone to find himself. It was incredible! (Renato)

– And now I remember our encounter in Arcoverde. How good it was to have accepted your invitation. Every minute, I feel better and more hopeful. (Rafaela Ferreira)

– I was before God begging for the success of both— Revealed Rafael.

– And I was the angel who helped you in the final battle. (Uriel Ikiriri)

– Goodness! I never suspected! (The seer)

– Yes. At that time, everything ought to be a secret, for your own good. (Uriel)

– Mysteries of the universe! (Exclaimed Renato)

– It is so! (The seer)

– I also want to be part of your life! I am afflicted by the circumstances and I only have you to turn to. Help me son of God! (Pleaded Bernadete)

Aldivan became emotional again. In front of him, was another suffering woman, affected by the circumstances and the human evil. He knew very well what that was. Numerous times, he had been violated corporally and spiritually by the human scum. Despite everything, he forgave the infamies and offences, even if they did not deserve it. As their brother and father, he loved all, friends and foes. For if he loves only your friends, what award would he get? Don’t the pagans also do it? Be perfect like his father and sons, who give sun and rain for the righteous and the evil, indistinctly”.

Armed with this sentiment, he approaches the lass, gives a smile, stretches the arm and softly touch her face with the tip of his fingers. In those fragile and well-made curves, he can see a little of the inside of that creature, in a quick vision:

“It was a clear night, peaceful and with little movement in the village of Mimoso, in middle November of 2014. Bernadete had just come from mass and being the only catholic in the family walked alone. Initially heading home was intercepted by a stranger asking for directions how to reach the cousin’s home at the back the road. Trying to be polite, she explained in detail to him how to get there, but the stranger appeared very confused. At the end of the explanation, he asked her if she could go with him and personally show him the way. Very naïve and full of pity, Bernadete accepted the proposal and went with him to the back street. They passed the centre, turn towards south, and at the first time they were alone, the man grabbed her, gagged her with tape so she didn’t shout, and finally took her to an empty plot. There, using violence, he had sex with her. In the end, he beat her up and threatened to kill her if she reported him. After, disappeared towards the road so wouldn’t be caught and identified. There started Bernadete’s despair. Now, she was dishonoured and marked forever by a strange, who in her opinion, was sent by the devil. However, the worse was still to come”.

The seer, in shock, takes his hand away. What a thing! This was one more example of how far human evil has gone. If it weren’t for his constant prayers, surely the world and mankind would no longer exist.

Full of compassion, he embraces the apostle, comes away a little and says:

– I can see! All I can say is that by my side nothing will happen to you. My father has promised me and my followers happiness, success and safety.

– And what must I do? How to reach this level of safety? (Bernadete Sousa)

Aldivan turns to her and the others. Full of the holy spirit, he speaks:

– You pray like this: “Eternal father, lord of the spiritual and carnal armies, I beg of you, peace, tranquillity, joy, happiness and your protection on earth. I beg of you that wherever I go, my feet walk to success, bliss and sanctity. Free me from evildoers, slanders, kidnappers, hired assassins, the stray bullets, swindlers and any criminal type. Free me from the spiritual forces opposing mine, for example, demons, spiritual beasts, spiritual powers and all their tricks, such as black magic, works, spells and witchcraft. That the infernal gates do not approach, do not defeat me, nor prevail in my life.Finally, that nothing bad happens to me, my family and all who accompany me. I beg you for the mercies of the cross, of the seven thousand virgins, the pure spirits, the angels, the chosen ones and all the benign forces. God of mine, do not ever abandon me. Amen.”

– How often should we pray? (Rafaela Ferreira)

– Everyday, for the enemies await looking for only a slip of ours. When you go praying, go to your room, and affectionately talk to the father. I promise that to those reciting this prayer with convict faith, will be lacking nothing and in the spiritual aspect will obtain protection and predilection by God’s side. Do not give up, brothers. Our strength is in praying. (The son of God)

– Thank you. (Bernadete Sousa)

– Nothing at all. Are we going, Rafael? (The seer)

– Yes, let’s go— He answered.

The group continues to walk in a northern direction, towards the road giving access to the highway BR 232. Next destination: Pesqueira, the land of grace and lace.

On the way, they meet acquaintances and strangers and out of politeness, they greet everyone. At that point, everything conspired in favour and was necessary that they continue to follow their own values.

As everything in Mimoso is near, in ten minutes, the group gets to the road and as a coincidence, an empty bus pass exactly at that time. They get in the vehicle, a grey coloured beast of fifteen seats.

When everything is ready, the journey restarts. Along the road, they have the chance to admire the wild nature, passing through the villages of Novo Cajueiro, Riacho Fundo and Ipanema. After this point, there were fourteen kilometres to cover.

As they go along, they try to entertain themselves the best way possible. Arriving at Pesqueira, there are dropped in the centre, opposite the cathedral of Santa Agueda. From there, they head in the direction of the bus to Cimbres, that is a few blocks away, and near the local bus station.

Going from side to side in the streets, making strategic stops, the seer’s team stood out wherever they passed. Together, they gave the impression of being a sole body in search of a mutual realization, apart from being protected against eventual attacks. What bandit would risk confront them? Even unarmed, they knew too well how to defend themselves.

The weather gets hotter. They step up the pace, making shorter the distance separating them from the destination. Every second was important in the life of those who were in a hurry to win and be happy.

It was thus, that with no major setbacks, they arrive at the bus stop. It was exactly 10H00 and they must wait a while until making up the numbers, with seven more passengers. When it is completed, they get in the transport, a green combi, with the side windows broken, and start the trip.

They cross he centre, climb up the neighbourhood of Water tank, and take an asphalt road, but in bad condition. Going up a steep incline, narrow road and sinuous bends, the combi reaches the mountain top and takes the flat part. This was a relief to everyone.

Now it was only a short distance. The remaining thirteen kilometres are covered on a road almost without traffic, because it was the beginning of the year 2015, the month of January. Suddenly, gets dark, dark clouds fill the sky, but it is a false alarm. The drought lasting already three years promised to perpetuate itself for some more time, what a pity for everyone.

A little further ahead, more bends that are negotiated easily by the experienced driver called Toledo. Nothing seemed to scare them now apart from their own internal fears.

Fifteen minutes later, the trip is completed, and the vehicle leaves them in the centre of the village, on the edges of the square and just opposite the church of Our Lady of the Mountains. Alighting, they pay the fare, say goodbye and begin to walk. Consequently, new perspectives appear.

The village of Cimbres was an historic place, one of the first to be discovered by the Portuguese in their forays to the interior of the state of Pernambuco. It didn’t develop because of the transport difficulties imposed by the mountain, but has already been the seat of the senate of the Municipality, which influence extended over the whole of the interior, part of Bahia, Paraiba and Alagoas.

What was the reason the seer had brought them there. A place that now is an indigenous area, belonging to the Xucuru nation, after long years of fighting and blood with the local landlords. The answer: Nobody knew it.

The seer goes along the main street of the village and his friends accompany him without questions. They do it for respect to him and by the assurance he transmits with his words, affection, treatment and his presence. It seemed that the man knew the right moment for everything, adjusting them perfectly. In it resided his wisdom, intelligence, dignity, tenderness and his value as son of God. Something undisputable, indeed.

They cross the entire village and approach the local cemetery. With each step the son of God seemed nervous and uncomfortable. What did he intend? Whatever it was it was something important indeed, to have had the trouble to come there, an inhospitable and frightening place.

They arrive in front of the place and as it was daytime, it is open to visitors. They go in the dead precinct, walk in between the graves and stop in front of one. At this moment, stubborn tears roll down the son of God’s face and everyone got emotional. He then spoke:

– I brought you here for a reason: To show my glory and my humanity. Before being son of God, I was human and like any other one I carried my pains and sufferings. We are in front of my father’s grave, who died when I was only fifteen years old. Despite the fact, he had been a distant father, strict, and sometimes insensible, I must recognise that he was hard worker, honest and conscious of his obligations. I was the only son that he allowed to study and through my efforts I regard myself as a great man. I am sure that he has seen my success and therefore did not want me to become a farmer. Just as well! Let him rest at a good place. (The son of God)

– He is because of your help. Your constant prayers and your day of vote soften his pain and suffering. (Rafael)

– Yahweh God loves you a lot and can do anything for you. (Added Uriel)

– Yes, I know it. His grace is always with me. (The son of God)

– I have also suffered, master. The separation with the one I regarded as my love was like dying. (Rafaela Ferreira)

– My greatest pain was the loss of my son. I was forced by the circumstances to withdraw him. But, it was not easy. (Bernadete Sousa)

– My pain was to lose my mother and to find out that my father was a boozer. Nowadays my family is God the father, the guardian and you. (Renato)

– I know it, my brothers! What I offer through the power of Yahweh, is protection, relief and the expectation of a new life. I am not offering utopia, I know that you have sufferings that cannot be forgotten even as time passes. (Aldivan)

– Then touch me, son of God! Travel though my story —Asked Bernadete Sousa.

The son of God smiles and dries the tears. It was the invitation he was waiting for to act. With a signal, he calls the apostle, she comes beside him and resting against her father’s tombstone, he touches her near her breasts, a second time. Then the vision appears instantly in his pure and sacred mind: “Bernadete returned to her normal life at her work as municipal public servant, in her social and family relationships. However, about a month later she began to suspect that something in her body was not well: Her menstrual period was late, and she began to feel indisposed and nauseated. Her mother, with some acquired experience, suspects pregnancy and asked the daughter to buy a pregnancy kit. They then chose a day free of obligations and went to town to buy it, for in the village there was no pharmacy. There, they bought the kit, took care of other things in town and later returned home. At home, Bernadete went to her bedroom and following the instructions, did the test and the result was positive. The young woman almost falls on her back! In a mixture of revolt and nonconformity, she cursed the man who had raped her for putting her in such bad situation. And now? What was she going to do with her life? She left the room, told her mother who although initially understanding demanded explanations. Afraid, the young woman decided to open and related the occurrence. After, her mother’s reaction was not the best. She called her naïve for listening to a stranger and now she was the shame of the family. She concludes by saying that she would keep it secret for a while and the best solution would be an abortion. Replying, Bernadete kicked up a fuss, but the mother closed her ears. It was beyond reason to accept the dishonour of having a single mother in the family. She had no option but to accept it.

A month later, she had an abortion at a private clinic. Just before this, left her parents’ home and decided to live on her own. Now, she was looking for answers for her endless pain. Could it be that she had the right to a new chance and God’s pardon?”

For the little that she knew of Aldivan, the son of God, she piously believed it. She was one more victim of the circumstances, of destiny and of the stereotypes that support the false moral. For the names of the good costumes, the poor, the blacks, the homosexual, the Indians, the prostitutes, the single mothers and other minorities were disdained and pre-judged, even by the closest persons. Indeed, what they all wanted, even the most conservative ones, was to have the courage of coming out of the closet and for that they preferred to criticize instead of understanding the others’ reasons.”

At the end of the touch, Aldivan moves away and appearing to be reading her mind, says:

– It is gone, sister, mine and your pain! Let’s go back to the walk!

– Yes, master! (Bernadete Sousa)

With a signal, the seer calls everyone, and together they leave the morbid cemetery. At that time, they feel hungry and proceed to the centre to look for a place that served ready food. With the help of some locals, they were told of a place, and in a few steps, they find it.

It was a small snack bar, with some tables and chairs. It was not busy, they found an empty table and sat down. They look at the menu on the table, studied it for a while all in agreement give the order to the waiter: Chicken couscous. Now, it was only waiting.

While they wait for the food to be prepared, the small talk begins.

– What do you think of the journey so far, guys? I am loving it. (The seer)

– It is doing me good to leave my little world and breath fresh air. My illness requires it. Thank you very much for inviting me, Aldivan! (Rafaela Ferreira)

– Don’t mention it, dear! (The seer)

– I want to say thank you too. The experience with you is being excellent. (Bernadete Sousa)

– Nothing at all! We thank you for your presence. (The seer)

– I am learning more all the time, partner. Soon, I will be completely enlightened by your great soul. (Renato)

– You also teach me, Renato! I can see in you the youngster I was a few years ago. Believe me, I can see glorious future for you. (Aldivan)

– I wish it! (Renato)

– The cycle is continuing inexorably. In the end, the wish of many hearts will be realised. (Rafael)

– On this path, we will face obstacles, losses, inner fights, the destiny links and our own fragile mind. But if we follow the right conductor cable, we have great chances of success. (Uriel Ikiriri)

– I believe it, friends. I have already been in worse situations and won. Together, we have the force of Yahweh the father, which is a legion, and surely, we have conditions to triumph. Trust me! (The son of God)

Everyone seems to agree. The waitress arrives with the order and everyone starts filling their plates. Immediately, they start eating, and the conversation goes a bit cold. With good manners they concentrate on the meal.

Thirty minutes later, they finish, ask for something to drink, and drink quickly. At a signal, they get up, pay the bill and leave the snack bar. Outside, in the streets of the centre, while walking, the seer speaks again.

– I have just had an idea. What about pay a visit to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces, at the guard’s place, not far?

– It sounds good to me. What do you think guys? (Renato)

– I will go to wherever you go, my lord and master. (Rafaela Ferreira)

– Like the old saying goes, if we are in the rain we will get wet. Yes, let’s go. (Bernadete Sousa)

– Excellent idea! Are we going, brother? (Rafael)

– Yes. It is written! (Uriel)

– Very well. Let’s try to find a car to hire. (The seer)

And so, they do. Talking to some locals, they were informed of a taxi driver at the back street. They then cross the street towards south, pass ten houses on the right and arrive at his residence. Knocking twice on the main door, they are attended by the said person looking potbellied, intruded and perturbed, wearing a pair of beach sandals, torn Bermuda shorts and shirtless.

Being surrounded by strangers, he speaks:

– What do you want, gentlemen?

– We understand that you are a taxi driver. Could you take us to guard’s place? (The seer)

– Of course. How much can you pay? (Taxi driver)

– Fifty bucks. Is it alright with you? (The seer)

– It is alright. Wait a moment. I am getting the car. (Taxi driver)

– Ok. (The seer)

Heading to the side garage, the taxi driver whose name is Klebson Barbosa, gets there in a few paces. In the garage, he gets in his powerful, a black combi model 2015, took off, and stopped at the exit, closed the garage and called his clients. One by one they get in the car and when everyone is in, they depart.

The distance to the sanctuary was approximately three kilometres, was quickly covered because of the vehicle high speed. In a blink of the eyes, they leave the village, catch the main dirt road and heading straight ahead in a westerly direction, they arrived at sanctuary imbedded in the mountain. The driver stops the car at the edges of the great path, they alight and arrange with Klebson Barbosa to wait for them for it would be a quick visit. After, they begin climbing up the stairs leading to the top.Barbosa waits for them for the visit would be quick. After, they start climbing the stairs leading to top.

Step by step, the visitors go on climbing and at each step, the emotion is greater. It was there, that in the previous century, the virgin appeared to two innocent children. The same lady who had appeared several times in the special life of the seer.

Something inside is telling him that it would be one more great experience to be lived in a truly important moment. There were six people moved by their own anxieties living a delicate situation. Everything boiled down to the hope promised by the son of God and this makes them advance even more. They cover quarter, half-way and they approach the end of the way.

A while later they complete it and placed themselves in front of the sanctuary. While some pray, others admire the beauty of the mountain. Emotional, the seer speaks:

– My brothers, we are at a sacred place. Here reside the graces of Mary, Jesus mother. Through this blessed woman, I can say I was healed and blessed by God. Mary, is the example of courage, determination and faith for the Christians and all other denominations. How good is having you as friend, Mary. (The seer)

– How is Mary? (Renato)

– A sweet person. Understanding, polite and respectful. Apart it, very humble despite her greatness. (The seer)

– Cool! I would like to know her too. (Renato)

– Me too. (Rafaela Ferreira)

– Ditto. (Bernadete Sousa)

– You know her, brothers. Mary is represented by any simple and suffering woman of this immense northeast through the phenomenon of communion. (Aldivan)

– Exactly. For any good deed, she is more present in the women’s private life. (Rafael)

– Despite not being a Goddess, she is an example of behaviour for everyone. (Added Uriel)

The seer drops his head and says a private prayer. A while later, stretches his arm and touch the icon placed in the mountain’s cave. He then has a light private vision. After, he takes away his arm and speaks again:

– How great is God, our father! He raises the humble, the poor and the discriminated. He prefers looking for the sinner for they are the ones who need rescue. In our kingdom, there will be no pain, no suffering, injustices or any inequality. Everyone will adore the father and the sons at Mount Sian. (The son of God)

– Amen! (Bernadete Sousa)

– Glory! (Uriel)

– What shall we do now, master? (Rafaela Ferreira)

– We return to the village. Time presses. (Aldivan)

– Ok. (Renato)

– Let’s go! (Rafael)

The members of the group start going down the sanctuary stairs. At this point, the atmosphere is peaceful and tranquil, despite all the expectations involved in the adventure. What was awaiting them? Would they reach the final objective? The answers would be found as the events unfold and it was something not to worry about at present. As Jesus taught, to every day its own worry. What will be, will be.On the way they take advantage of admiring the local beauty, an unknown Europe, located in the interior of the Brazilian northeast. With its cacti, stones, steep mountains, rare vegetation typical of caatinga, thorns, and its welcoming people made a unique union of elements, worthy of admiration. A little of Brazil, gigantic by its nature.

At the bottom of the stairs, they rest for a while. When they are ready one by one gets in the car parked on the side. When everyone is in, they depart at a good speed.

Passing through the already known places, among mountains, trees on the road side and traffic of people and vehicles, they arrive safe at the village. As it was almost two o’clock in the afternoon, they talk to the driver and hired him to take them to Pesqueira, where they would spend the night.

Thus, they leave the village, catch the asphalt road and start he dangerous descent down the mountain. While Klebson tries to negotiate the sinuous road, the passengers try to amuse themselves in the best way possible, chatting, reading books, listening to music and even learning from the silence. The group composed of two women, two angels and two men, has already strengthen enough to understand one another despite each one being a specific world.