Edwardo ran to the nearest building and called to his friend. Soon Toku emerged from the large tent in the center of the village and whistled loudly. He wore purple and teal robes that tied at the waist. Some children came running. Kris assumed the village was small, until he saw people coming from the hills, laughing with their friends. Everyone knew it was Edwardo’s party. A child did continuous cartwheels all the way down the hill.
Edwardo, Kris and Toku unpacked the car into an open-air shelter. Two other villagers cleaned the tables and took the large pots out. They built a bonfire for their stove, and Edwardo placed a large grill over the fire.
“My favorite experience in the whole world,” Edwardo said.
“How can I help?” Kris said.
“Have you cooked on a fire like this?”
“Never, but I’m happy to learn.”
A small boy came up to Edwardo.
“What would you like today?” Edwardo said.
“Edwardo’s party,” Sammy said. “I must get my grandfather.”
“Of course. This is my friend Kris. Kris, Sammy. The boy nodded, then ran across the village.
The pots and pans were organized. Three elder women were chopping vegetables and waiting for the fire to become hot enough to cook on.
“Thank you for coming and interfering with our lives,” Toku said to Kris and Edwardo. “For giving us a reason to celebrate.” He turned to Kris. “If it weren’t for Edwardo, every day would seem like the day before.”
Sounds of vegetables hitting the hot pan brought everyone’s attention to the fire. It was large and hot, too big to cook on, Kris thought. Apparently not.
“We cook the vegetables first, as an appetizer,” Edwardo explained. “When the coals settle down, we bring out the delicacies. Always a surprise,” he smiled. “Foods they would not have without our trek out here.”
“No doubt,” Kris said as he looked at the dry hills.
“Please, have a seat,” Toku said.
Kris sat on a bench facing the fire. Villagers arrived with stringed instruments, thumb pianos, and drums. An impromptu orchestra played. People drummed while others danced traditional dances. A woman sang a haunting melody. Kris was taken by the whole experience. How am I so lucky to be here?
He tried to remember everyone’s name, although he could barely pronounce them.
An elderly man, Jonea, wore a deep blue robe over his white pants and top. He arrived with his grandson Sammy, and Kris nodded an invitation to sit down. They sat next to Kris. Jonea began a story using large hand gestures. Kris was trying to follow just as Edwardo arrived.
“He says that his grandson would like to offer you good luck. He made these small totems with straw,” Edwardo translated.
The boy laid four animals on the table. They were exquisitely braided, with detail in the face and eyes. A wolf, an eagle, a cobra, and a lion.
Kris was stunned. “May I?” Kris asked. They were well crafted and strong.
Gently he handled each one, turning them over to see the intricate weave all around.
“You must pick one,” Sammy said.
“You made these? They are magnificent. Thank you.” He handled the eagle one more time. The straw of the wings was woven to look like feathers. The feet and the beak shone in the light as if they’d been polished. “If I may choose, I’d love this eagle. Thank you.” Kris bowed his head formally.
“Then we shall bless you with the eagle totem,” Edwardo again translated for Jonea. Kris looked down at the eagle and saw a blinding flash.
Kris stood and walked around the fire as instructed. Toku picked up a large rain stick and held it over his head. A deep bass sound filled the village from a single stringed instrument being played.
“The hallmark of the eagle is wisdom,” Jonea said in English, winking at Kris. “You must pay close attention. This gift allows you one more way to know the world.” He bowed deeply before Kris and stood. “You have been granted the eyes and heart of an eagle. You will remain safe and never be hunted. This is now your totem.”
Jonea knelt again and sprinkled dry dust on the woven eagle’s feathers. “So you may always fly,” he said to Kris, then smiled at Edwardo.
He stood and wrapped Kris’s hands around the eagle. Then he held Kris’s gaze. “You are ready for your new calling,” he said. “Your energy field tells a story. You knew you needed the strength of an eagle, and it has been granted. Our people are guides in the desert, as we have lived here for many centuries. We are the ones who know where the water lives and how to find the spirit of humanity even in darkness. Be worthy of your totem, and it will serve your highest good.” He met Kris’s eyes.
“Thank you so much for your kind offering and wisdom. You have a wonderful life here,” Kris said.
Kris took the small woven eagle and placed it gently in his shirt pocket, so it was safe.
Edwardo turned to Kris and smiled. “Now you are a villager. You will acquire the wisdom of this ancient civilization. Jonea is a good man. He is wise, and he knows what’s coming. He reads the energy waves in the universe. It’s an ancient art that is not passed down. Do you notice who is missing? The parents are in the cities, making a living but they are unable to make a life for their families. If it were not for the elders, these children would be orphans. It’s a terrible time they are going through. They don’t need much. Their stories and traditions have kept them alive for centuries.”
“Am I different as a villager than I was when we first
