Books of Short Stories prieta

Repeated clash of cultures leaves a young girl lost and lonely and at the mercy of new friends in a new country, but the news friends are also adjusting to new ways thrust upon them in a culture war of their own. Solid footing seems evasive and the trek over a slippery slope is hazardous to all. The inevitable misunderstandings occur followed by repeated readjustments. Old ways, both good and ill, must be examined and also new ideas. How do young people navigate the labyrinth of diversity as powerful forces push and pull to gain the victory of the day? Does human nature change with more information? Do human relationships need a new foundation in the face of scientific discoveries? How does one reconcile old religious beliefs, modern cultural norms and glimpses into the future? Do deep currents of social change affect the basic boy meets girl drama? Do reason and desire replace faith?

Excerpt from the book;

Monday evening found Bret relaxing comfortably on the couch with Norma while her family conducted their weekly family home evening. It felt good just to sit. A deep muscle bruise would limit his mobility for many days to come. Sincere but not a bit subtle, Bishop Black always invited Bret over on Monday nights for the little gospel he received since he no longer attended seminary or church.

"Tonight is going to be a business meeting in a sense," the bishop announced right after the prayer. "I have discussed this with your mother but we thought that it would be appropriate to discuss this with you two," he indicated Norma and Randy.

"I think you would get the picture quicker if I read this letter I received from one of my old missionary companions. We've remained friends for many years. I'll skip the first part and get right to the matter at hand."

'As you may have heard on the news, the airbase here in the Philippines is going to be closed. Torrential rains have caused mudslides devastating much of the housing in the area. Things are a real mess. For this and other reasons I will be transferred out. Fran and I have become very fond of our little maid whom we would like take with us but regulations will not allow it.

We would like to ask you to help us out with this situation, but first I would like to tell you something of her background and what you might expect. Here in the Philippines there are around seven thousand islands of which nine hundred were thought to be inhabited. Not many years ago there was discovered a small island that had a small group of people that were the most primitive to have survived into the twentieth century. They cultivated no plants, wove no cloth, made no pottery, and made no tools but lived a Stone Age existence.

The government, in an effort to help these people, began to provide homes and schooling. One of the church members here, seeing their condition, took some clothes to one of the families. The next morning he found our little maid on his front porch. She was filthy and naked. He tried to take her back to her people but she wouldn't go. Finally her took her in as his own.

This particular family spoke Spanish and called her "Prieta" which means "dark one" referring to her complexion. Unfortunately over time their financial conditions deteriorated until they could no longer take care of her. They came to us for help and we agreed to let her live with us and work as a maid. At this time Prieta spoke Spanish fluently and was clean and well mannered. She has been with us now for eleven months. She is gifted in languages and now speaks English with a soft Spanish accent. She is gifted in music. She reads well and does well in school except in math which seems to be a total mystery to her.

She is now a bright, pretty teenager that we would guess to be about sixteen. Her primitive innocence we fear would make her vulnerable. The government here is talking of sending her back to her people. If this should happen it would break our hearts to see her go back to such deprivation.

We have been told that our alternative is to have her adopted by someone in the states. I know this is a lot to ask on the strength of our friendship but Fran and I would bear the costs, support her in any way that we can and provide for her education. Once I am out of the service we could return and make any kind of arrangements you wish.

In the meantime we have been working feverishly and praying constantly. The paper work is almost done on our end. As we thought of a possible home for Prieta we repeatedly thought of you. We know this would be a great added responsibility and will understand if you decide against it.'

That is what we are to decide tonight. As you can see they need to know soon," Bishop Black finished.

"What do you and Mom want to do?" Randy asked.

"I would like to help out," the bishop replied.

"It would be hard to refuse," Flora added, "but we must understand that there would be changes. All of us would have to be willing to make sacrifices to make this work. Maybe more than we realize."

"Go for it," Randy agreed.

"I guess," Norma acquiesced.

"I'm not a member of the family but may I speak?" Bret asked.

"Sure," the bishop gave his permission.

"I read once that when a new baby is brought into the home the sibling that had been the baby sometimes resents it. She will hit the new baby or not share or say nasty things and try to maintain her position in the family. This is just a natural thing. It is especially hard if the old baby has been the baby for seventeen years," Bret expounded solemnly.

"The only person I'm going to hit is you!" Norma cried and she did.

"Hey, I'm on your side," Bret protested. "I thought I detected a lack of enthusiasm on your part and was only sticking up for you."

"I know what you were doing. I'd like to do it as much as anybody."

"I'm pleased with your decision," the bishop smiled.