I Am

Ipojuca—Arcoverde

With the help of her new friends, Rafaela finalises things and then the group leaves the house. Outside, the seer hires a car with destination to the first place that comes to mind. The chosen place is Ipojuca, in the municipality of Arcoverde. They get in the car and depart to the mentioned place.

They pass the neighbourhood of St. Cristopher, reach the centre, pass “Boa Vista” and at the end of the main avenue they make a detour towards the village. At this point everyone is attentive and expectant. “The destiny lines are being drawn even without them being aware of it. Surely success was awaiting them”.

On the way, they try to amuse themselves the best way possible with laughs, jokes, gossip and disorder. Only the seer was very serious and pensive. At least on the surface.

And so, the fifteen kilometres separating them from the village, were quickly covered without much stress. They arrive at the village, with only a main road with houses here and there. They ask to stop in front of the local small church, take the driver’s telephone number, say goodbye, pay the hire, and alight. They watch the car disappear in the horizon and decide to walk at random a few metres. It is a this point that the seer speaks:

– I feel that everything is changing. I will finally find my destiny, I will enchant the public and will solve many conflicts. Do you believe, brothers? (The seer)

25

– Yes, you are the man— Praised Renato.

– Thank you. (The seer)

– Everybody has the capability of attaining success. However, many are carried away by the destiny’s occurrences and give up. I know that this is not your case and I admire you for it. (Rafael)

– Rafael, I am not superman. I am human, and I am very proud of it. I am like any other normal person, with fears, frustrations, deceptions, anxieties, worries and many problems. Everything conspires to failure, but I don’t accept defeat. I have decided to fight until the end and I call my brothers to my father’s midst, “I am “loves you and through me he can heal your wounds. It is enough to believe in Yahweh, in my name and of that of my superior brother. Have faith! (The seer)

– Teach me! I have lost hope and I don’t know where to find it. (Rafaela Ferreira)

The seer gets emotional. There, by his side, it was a suffering sister, fighter, full of scratches from the ungrateful life. He understood well her situation and her pains, and by his own experience knew that it was not going to be easy handle them or even heal them. Full of compassion, he approaches the lass gives a strong hug, kisses her on the face and murmurs something in her ear. The message calms her down.

After, with a signal ask the other to accompany him. The group crosses the village on foot, enters the woods and soon after stops in front of a fig tree. The seer then speaks again:

– As once a tree like this saved my life, I want save you from darkness and sin. Make a circle holding hands.

They obey. The seer approaches and touch his newest friend. The forces of two hearts meets as “Take one” from the presentation starts:

“It was January 1 ^st , 1990. A new day begins, tranquil and moderate sun, at the beloved Arcoverde. More exactly at the neighbourhood St. Cristopher, near the local faculty, the couple of Gildete and Antonio Ferreira have just arrived from the hospital where the first has given birth to a beautiful baby. As it was the first and probably the last daughter, because of complications during the birth, she was being spoilt by both. It was the concretization of the couple mutual love, after 5 years of comings and goings.

The little girl was an enchanting creature and it seemed smiling, despite probably not being able to see them. After hugging her tightly, the mother makes a prophecy:

– My daughter will be happy even if she suffers the vagaries of life. I feel that something special will happen in her life.

The atheist father did give importance to the message, but the catholic mother, faced it as a road to destiny. She piously believed that she was special. Of common agreement, they chose the name Rafaela, and thus she was baptised the week after at the neighbourhood’s church. Afterwards, life continued normally.

Little by little, Rafaela grew up, gaining body size, crawling and then walking at about her first year of life. On the way, she tripped, fell, hurt herself and finally won. These stages would accompany her in any project and with a little dedication, guts and faith, had won. “Every human being is predisposed to succeed. However, most give up at the first difficulty. For those, “I am” says: You are capable, and nothing is impossible to those who believe in God. Therefore, persist in your dreams that at some time or another the miracle will happen.

After the first anniversary, little by little, the little girl conquered her space and being conscientious of her existence. It is at the time, the phase of the why begins and the parents must bend back to satisfy her or at least calm her down. The world was not like an exact subject but an infinity of unknowns that not even the adults understood well. Therefore, there was no answer for everything.

From this stage to eight years of age, the most difficult was the indefinite parting with a school friend, who had moved to Sao Paulo. Rafaela passed days and nights mourning and became so sad that they had to consult a doctor. Her salvation came from her paternal grandfather, Gracinha, who was very good in explaining the situation. There were several sessions until she would partially recover. She managed to restart her life, but the scars remained. We could say that fact has caused her first depression crisis and the illness remained well manifested. Just as well that it wasn’t the end.”

The first flash ended. The seer takes the hand away from his friend, stays pensive as if analysing the situation and only some time later he speaks.

– I understand you Rafaela. You let your pains take control of you, and at times you feel lost, confused and desperate. However, I guarantee you that it is not the end. We must give ourselves to the infinite power of the father and go ahead. As the old saying goes, “There isn’t a single hair that falls without his consent”.

– Who are you? I never had anyone talking to me so profoundly. (Rafaela)

– He is the son of God, Rafa. In him the father finds his pleasure. (Renato)

– Aldivan is one of the few beings in the universe to emit pure light. Not even the angels compare to him. (Rafael)

– I am his special protector. I was specially created together with him. (Uriel)

– I am the one who people rejected and humiliated centuries ago. I am also the light of the sun, the cool breeze of the morning, the most profound wish of the dreamer. This one talking to you is known as “I am”, he who frees, heals, guide those who wish to know the father. (The seer)

– Caramba! I am lost for words! At a certain point, I was in contrition and pain before the Almighty at the cathedral of deliverance. Then I met you and now I am here at the village of Ipojuca with a man who knows my life, my future and who calls himself the son of God, with an intelligent and wise young man and two beings that seem to be from another world. Could it be a dream, a delirium or as last hypothesis a fantastic reality that is hard to believe? (Rafaela)

– Then touch me and confirm what your faith does not allow— Said the seer stretching his hands.

Rafaela Ferreira hesitates. Should she do it? Well, it was the only option to take away the doubt that corroded her heart. It was then that armed with the rest of her remaining courage advanced three steps and with her delicate and fine hands touched the son of God’s arm. As retribution for the gesture of kindness, he pinched her what made her shout with pain. Yes! She was completely sure now that he was real and the way he has spoken could lead her to paths she didn’t know yet.

At the end of touch, they separate and then the seer speaks:

– Let’s go back to the village urban area. The time presses.

The group agrees in total and they then depart from where they were (the beginning of the woods) and go back by the same way. At the time there was complete communion of feelings among them. May what come, they would face it together in search for the greater objective. The world awaited them.

In twenty frenetic minutes, facing the heat, the stones, the lacerating thorns, the inner solitude and the unforeseeable they arrive at the village. In a quick get together, they decided to look for a restaurant or snack bar for they were thirsty and hungry. Looking here and there and asking the locals they find a simple snack bar named enchantment bar.

The establishment comprises a single area, counter and shelves, and area were tables and chairs were laid out. Besides ready to eat food, they sell drinks, food stuff and domestic utensils. At the week end, it offers barbecue and regional dish by order.

As it was not yet lunch time, they find empty tables and chairs, sit down and choose some of the dishes available on the menu on the table. They choose manioc with dry meat, something cheap, good taste and regional.

They order and while they wait they chat.

– Where are you from? (Rafaela Ferreira)

– I'm from Arcoverde. I am a chap who believes in work, in people and mainly in the benign forces that accompany me. (The son of God)

– I am from the mountain of Ororubá, in Mimoso region. There, I and my adoptive mother— the guardian of the sacred mountain— live with dignity, kindness and in complete communion with nature. (Renato)

– I am one of the seven archangels who are always in God’s presence, However, I have got a special mission here on earth together with you and I hope to match the expectations of the creative force. (Rafael)

– I am also an angel with the sole objective to take care of my master and lord, the son of God. I thank the father for it. (Uriel)

– I was born and raised in Arcoverde. Despite being strangers, something tells me to trust you. Thank you very much for taking an interest in me. (Rafaela Ferreira)

– Be at ease, friend. We are here to help you. (The seer)

– Thank you. (Rafaela)

– And what do you do in life, Rafaela? (Renato)

– Now, I am only studying. But, I must admit that now I don’t feel like doing anything. (Rafaela)

– Must be the illness. (Renato)

– What illness? I am only depressed. (Rafaela)

– This, that you have got is called depression. If is not treated properly, may lead the person to madness or even to suicide. (Rafael)

– It was exactly what I was thinking about when you appeared: Jump off at the first bridge. I don’t want to suffer anymore. (Rafaela)

– God would not allow it, nor I for we love you, Rafaela. The solution to your problems is in my father and in my name. Do you believe it? (The seer)

– Oh, very well! Make a miracle so I can believe it! (Rafaela)

– If it was allowed, I would do it, Rafaela, for the love of you. But think well: Just being here is it not a miracle? How long haven’t you talked honestly to a circle of friends? (The son of God)

– Seen from that angle, you are right. (Rafaela)

– The time for great miracles has already passed. We are at the apostasy era, where the materialism and selfishness of the human being is preponderant. Be happy for the opportunity that you are having now. (Uriel)

– Ok. Pardon my lack of manners and the temptation. (Rafaela)

– Do not worry. I am ready to understand you. (The seer)

The food arrives. From then on, silence prevails only broken by the locals who start arriving. The group spends about thirty minutes in total harmony, enjoying the lunch and at the end, ask for something to drink. After, they ask they ask for bill, leave the place and phone again the driver who has bought them there. They wait twenty minutes more, and with the arrival of the taxi, they depart destined to the beloved Arcoverde. Destiny awaits them.

Riacho do meio— Arcoverde

During the short trip between Ipojuca and Arcoverde, nothing abnormal happens. They kept themselves busy most of the time with interactions and visualizations. Didn’t even seem that each one lived a private drama: The seer, who had not established himself as the artist that he deserved to be, Rafael and Uriel because they have not yet completed their mission, Renato for not being efficient yet and finally, Rafaela Ferreira, who was facing a severe depression crisis. At least, none of them has lost faith completely. There was still hope, and this was something Aldivan used to emphasize.

In this tranquil atmosphere, they return to the capital of Pernambuco, being dropped in the vicinity of the Bela Vista neighbourhood. It was 12H30 and they stay waiting for the bus in one of the roads.

While they wait, they take the chance of catching a bit of sun and listen to music coming from nearby. Everything was perfect. The music stops, the bus arrives, they board it, a blue beast, and then the journey restarts.

At a normal speed, they arrive at the highway which now is very busy. There would be sixteen kilometres more until the village of Riacho do Meio, where the seer and his friends where going to pay a visit to friend.

As usual, they take the chance in the vehicle to make friends with other passengers and the driver. All of them were well known in the area for often doing that trip.

From general news to politics and religion, the topics are well discussed, and everyone laughs. How good was to live, have friends, to chat and forget the worries for a while. This is extremely important for everyone’s mental health.

And thus, they advance on the road, going down the mountain, pass Site Fifteen and sometime later arrive at the village which is located on the border between Arcoverde and Pesqueira. They alight near a cashew nut orchard, pay the fare, say goodbye, take the path and go in the small village.

With a few more steps, they reach the only street and advance on the right until reaching the fifty building, in house style, 8x4 m, cedar door and window, with a small area in front of it. The seer then starts knocking and shouting:

– Lady Eulalia! I am here!

At the same time the sound of footsteps is heard and from inside the modest house, comes a middle—age white lady, thin, with a suntan, 1.65 m tall. She comes out with a smile on her face recognizing the boy who she had met a certain time at the bus station and who made her believe she was important. How good that is there, she thinks to herself. Then she speaks:

– Aldivan, are you here? And who are these people with you?

– Yes, it is me, lady Eulalia. These are my adventure companions. They are Renato, Rafael, Uriel and Rafaela— Said the son of God pointed each one out.

– Oh, pleased to meet you. Welcome. Please come-in!

– Thank you. (Everyone)

Accepting the invitation, one by one go in the small masonry house. The house is comprised of a sole lounge, bedroom, service area, kitchen and bathroom. In the lounge they made themselves at home on a five-seater settee and one chair.

He hostess is the first one to speak:

– Very well, I was just thinking of you, my son. When we met for the first time, your words did a lot of good to me. Nowadays, I am tranquil, living off my pension. Now and again, my grandchildren pay me a visit and when that happens it is that party.

– How nice that I could help you in some way. I brought this young lady here (pointed to Rafaela) for you two to have a chat. She suffers from depression. (The seer)

– It will be my pleasure. How are you Rafaela? (Eulalia)

– I am surviving. Thank you. (Rafaela)

– We met her at the church of deliverance, in Arcoverde. She arose our attention. (Rafael)

– Why?

– Explain to her, brother. (Rafael)

– She was crying and totally lost. (Uriel)

– So, we decided to help her. (Added Renato)

– That shows the greatness of your heart. I admire you. But could you explain the reason for all this? (Eulalia)

– It is what I also ask. (Restated Rafaela)

– My father called me to the mission. In some way, I am linked to Rafaela and her to me. We are sister souls from the beginning and I will spare any effort to help her. In any way, I always do that whether the person deserves it or not—Explained the son of God.

– Thank you. (Rafaela)

– It is indeed honourable. Congratulations! Tell me colleague, how long have you felt like that? (Eulalia)

– I am not too sure. I have already gone through many crisis, apparently for banal things. I must admit that if weren’t for the son of God having rescued me, I would be dead, probably jumping off a bridge. (Rafaela)

– Don’t talk like that. You are young, have many reasons to live and you are very lucky. So, smile! (Eulalia)

– It is what we are always emphasizing to her. (Rafael)

– “Indeed, it is not the end. I see good times, of spiritual self-communion, discoveries and happiness. Word of Yahweh”. (Uriel)

– Amen. Help me Lord! (Rafaela)

– He is helping, my friend. Have faith! (The son of God)

– I believe it! (Renato)

– I also believe it. Teach me! (Rafaela)

The seer stands up, approaches the young woman and gives her a great warm hug. Resting her head on her lord’s chest, brother and friend, she was conscious that no evil would come to her. This belief calms her down and commotion of the moment made her cry.

The son of God then bent down and delicately wiped her tears. At this point, he promises himself, his father and the whole of the universe, that in his future kingdom there would be no place for suffering, pain or even death. In it, the humans would be completely happy and would adore his father at the mount Sian. Unlike the human kingdoms, there would be equal rights and people would not be prejudged by the colour of their skin, race, religion, sexual choice or any other reason. Everyone would be children of the same father.

When he realized that Rafaela had calmed down, he ends the embrace and returns to his seat. The hostess speaks again:

–Would you like something to drink or eat?

– Thank you, lady Eulalia. We are leaving. Aren’t we going, guys? (The seer)

– Yes. (The others agree)

– Thank you very much for the chat and the hospitality. (The seer)

– Nothing at all, pay me a visit whenever you want. Good luck, Rafaela. God bless you. (Eulalia)

– Thank you, lady, for your words of comfort. (Rafaela)

They all mutually embrace and finally say goodbye. They head to the door, exit and go to the street. After walking a few metres, Rafaela went close to her beloved and says:

– I am ready! Touch me!

The son of God smiles. He had been waiting a long time for it. Delicately, he gets closer and stretches his arm touching her dress. Immediately, she feels a mysterious force which simultaneously heals her and discovers her most private secrets. “Take two”:

“Rafaela continues to grow rapidly: From a sweet little girl, clever and inquisitive, she became a lass with the same qualities. On the family life she maintained a good relationship with her parents, and on the social life she was active, attended the main events being respected by her nature and values. On the intellectual side, she stood out in her class, passing the primary and high school with honours.

However, that bad feeling remained inside her only waiting for the right moment to explode again. It is a recently discovered phenomenon, but which existed from the beginning of times, having recently got the status of disease. Its most common symptoms are: Deep sadness, feeling of guilt, difficulty in sleeping and concentrate, low self-esteem and suicidal ideas. Rafaela Ferreira felt most of those in her crisis.

The second event to initiate again the illness, was at the time of the college admission exam. After a year of intense preparation, Rafaela took several tests at public universities in the Capital. A month later, the results came out simultaneously, and she had failed them all. This gave her a great shock even despite the few chances. Let me explain. For being poor, Rafaela had always attended basic governmental schools, where the teaching was of a lower standard than at private schools. Despite being intelligent, that fact was undisputable. The other important factor was the lack of studying material during the preparation. However, with everything against her, she was expecting something good or a miracle, and the total failure it was a shock, although it was the most probable thing to happen.

From then on, she spent two weeks at home, in isolation and suffering until a school mate paid her a visit, who had also failed the same exams. In an honest talk, they consoled each other and promised to carry on. In the end, they were young and failing the exams, was not going to mark them forever as inefficient. “There is no indefinite failure nor success. Life was made of ups and downs, and the secret of happiness consisted of always believe in a way out.”

“Both then restarted their lives”

The seer takes the hand away. How much has this young girl suffered! It was not fair to her or anyone else to live with so many failures and pain. It was then that with a penetrating look he faced her and the group, declaring:

– I know better than anybody else what is suffering. In my childhood, I have lived with poverty daily, lack of understanding, subjection and human injustice. In my adolescence, in order not to hurt my relatives, I lived a personality and consequently I didn’t live life in full. A while later, I reached the extreme of darkness and criminality. It was at this point that the father acted and rescued me. Today I am a reborn man, honest and happy. Is there any secret? It is easy. Take your crosses, renege the world, give yourselves to the live force of the universe, that we usually call God. He is the only one who understand us completely. He is calling you now to enter his kingdom. In it, there will be no misery, pain, suffering or injustice. This kingdom will not end.

– Yes. The way is open for everyone, righteous or sinners. (Rafael)

– Big and small will gather at the mount Sian and will worship the father and the sons. It will a time of peace and happiness. (Uriel)

– When will that be? (Renato)

– The date is marked from the beginning of times but belongs to the Almighty. The day will come like the thief and, however, it is necessary to be ready— recommended the son of God.

– What must I do to enter the father’s kingdom? (Rafaela Ferreira)

– A few things are necessary. Work, faith, humbleness, charity, tolerance, patience, forgiveness and above all love. Who does not know the latter, has not got the essence of God. (The son of God)

– Thank you for sharing this with us, friend Aldivan. (Said Rafaela ending the talk)

The group then went ahead towards the road, beside of BR 232. Without much ado, they cover the distance in about eight minutes. They waited for the bus to come, what took about forty minutes.

There is only six kilometres to get to the beginning of Caraíbas and it was so quick that there was no time to get to know other passengers. They climb down, say goodbye to the remaining people, pay the fare, cross the road, starting the ascent in the shape of a curve.

At this point everything seems to change.