WARRIORS (MVManalo)

Family

Papa was born on 1951 and Mama, 1950. Grandma was born on 1911 and Grandpa, 1917. It was a simple life back then and we were colonized by the Spaniards that our language consist of Spanish and English. Tagalog was not used since "Indios" were the only ones who speak it and they were called uneducated and were enslaved by the Spanish Friars. Well, even if I am posted here in Favela, Rio De Janiero, I know a little bit of Spanish, but whole lot of English, so it doesn't matter anyway! I am not here to talk or do way about the past but the present. And since I am about to venture becoming the head mistress of this community I better act like one the soonest possible time. Haaa....but how, I haven following orders most of the time and I am so obedient I even did some things that I shouldn't have due to my stupidity and innocence.

Anyway, I have not fallen in love too, so it wouldn't be an issue moreover since we are all girls here. Ahh......, I thought while opening the windows in my room at about five in the morning, And wow, the wind is so strong I can't help but check on the sunrise. Our community unit is at the center of Favela. The city's poorest area or slums since the 18th century. Canudo war started in that year when the Brazilian Republic and the Canudo residents had misunderstandings with their views about politics and the welfare of the citizens, that the conflict between them grew. In the 19th century the working class, soldiers of Brazil in this part of town lived in Favela Trees in Bahia, which was the hardest times the people had gone through. The city were most of the poor families lived were called Barrios Africanos which is not really true entirely for when I was a little girl I walked with my father here in the same streets of this shanty yet peaceful, friendly town.

Father was a business man and had contacts everywhere in the world. During the 1970's he and some men to protect people in our country. And now as his daughter I want to do the same thing. But for now I want to be the one to make a change with these girls God has given me. There were telephones and emails that we can already use to send information or messages from afar. Now we have cell phones called Motorola Dyna Tac 8000X ( a box type like a toy phone) which we can carry with us in case we need to contact someone in case of emergencies and all. But we need to charge it and or have batteries to use it, if not it'll be useless bringing it in house visits or catechisms. Hmmm...but is a beautiful tool for progress and I have used one when I needed to call Sister Lucille about my orders to resume a post here in St. Clare's Favela Community. It is a good life and even if the town I was posted in is a poor one, it is still a place where I can make a big change or maybe vice versa.

As I was walking down the stairs of our building there were military jeeps headed towards us and I can hear the thugs and rumbles of the tires moving fast leaving tracks maybe on the wet muddy grounds of St. Clare's since it rained yesterday night.

Who are you, stop?, Sister Teresa, yelled and ran towards the first jeep to ride and thus stopped in front of our door steps. Sister Teresa, it's alright!, Sister Jona said calmly but she has a small bread knife inside her skirt pocket that if in case things get rough ans crazy she can defend herself and her sisters abruptly. What can I do you for, sirs?

We need food and wine. If you have some, share them with us, ah...no...we insist you give them to them to us, now!, a native Canudo militant group member said and then went out of the jeep, not waiting for his superior to tell the sisters what they really wanted in the first place.

And you are?, Sister Jona added and moved a step closer, putting her hands and arms to her waist to let the soldiers know she isn't afraid of them. Even if they shoot me and die here I don't care as long as defend my sisters and the kids we take care inside the this infrastructure.

We are not interested in you. We are interested in food and wine. Stop yapping and hand them over, now?....

Lucas!, Have you hadn't any manners? These are sisters from St. Clare's and you're treating them with no respect, now!, A man wearing a military garrison and fatigue walked from behind and pushed Lucas to the side.

I am Commander Fonci and we just ask for food and wine or water if you have some since we have been traveling for days without nourishment and my men, about ten of them are really dead hungry. Could you please help us! My mother was once helped by your superiors and we are indebted to you and your community. It's just that we really need nourishment immediately!, Commander Fonic said with his lips pale and his eye bags dark which means he is indeed telling the truth.

I am Sister Beatrice, just call me Beca, this is my community and I am not the new head of the organization working for the poor in this town, Yes, we can help you but my sisters will bring the food and wine you need. But after that you can go and you wouldn't bother us anymore unless it's necessary!, Sister Beca said with conviction but her legs are shaking and almost wanting to fall if not for Sister Jona who stood beside her and held her waist to pacify her shaking knees.

In the olden days Canudos are well known for their support and bravery for the cause that is to alleviate poverty among the Brazilian citizens and communities. But when corrupt and lewd leaders took over the militant group, soldiers from the faction kidnap and take young girls as hostage, raped and killed for their selfish and carnal desires. This Commander Fonci is somewhat new to his post that he thinks highly of the sisters, maybe. But still, there's nothing wrong in deciding to give them what they need and leave. It's not polite to do that since we are helping strangers too when they need one but this dangerous groups is different and feared by many in Brazil. So, I won't risk my sisters and staffs lives for their food and other needs.

Okay, in that case, thank you sister, ah...., Commander Fonci asked again.

Sister Beatrice, and yes that is okay. Sisters please give them what they need and leave the stuff for their companions to get it from there, she added pointing to the small wooden table that is seating in front of the community hall's front porch.