This morning we went down to the river and boarded João’s boat to visit the indian village. Upon our arrival at the village, we were introduced to the witch doctor. His name is Raimundo.
I had a good talk with him about their understanding of god and creation. He told me that generations ago, the fish and animals of the sea were enchanted by the creator god. When the creator god disenchanted them, the spirits of the fish went into humans who were formed and came from a hole in the ground (he said the hole is near São Gabriel dos Cachoeiros – near the Venezuelan border). From those first indians came 22 different tribes. Raimundo is a witch doctor of the Samo tribe. His job is to communicate with the spirits of nature – in trees, water, rocks, etc. He talks about the land being given to them by creator god.
Jauê is 9 and in the third grade. He plays the drum and other instruments in the ritual dances. He greeted us at the boat when we arrived. His favorite subject in school is Portuguese. His mother told me he struggles in his studies, which is understandable since he is a first generation student. Jauê is quiet with a wonderfully contagious smile.
Milene is 3. She danced with her grandfather in almost all of the rituals today. Her hair is a mess of brown curls. She is a tickler! She sat in Tia’s lap for a long time, tickling her and getting tickled back.
Diogo is 1 year old. He is timid, with beautiful dark brown locks of hair. He holds on to his mother – letting go only when Jauê comes for him. Miriã carried Diogo on her hip in some of the dances.
LORD, reveal Yourself fully to these wonderful people.
