Orchid House (41 page)

As the hours passed, Julia lost track of her mother. Eventually she found her sitting with Lola Gloria on the upper veranda. Julia had never seen such peace in her mother's face.

“Hello, dear,” she said. “I was about to hear a story.” She took a scoop from her tall glass of halo-halo.

Markus called up to Julia just then, motioning for her to join him on the courtyard where couples danced to the strains of guitar.

She smiled. She would put aside her duties as doña of the hacienda and dance within her husband's protective arms, or perhaps walk beyond the hacienda gates with him. Markus said he wished to walk the grounds soon, and ask for God's continued blessings and protection upon Hacienda Esperanza. Perhaps, he'd suggested, they should leave orchid blossoms as a token of remembrance.

“I'll be right down,” Julia called to him with a wide smile. She then said to her mother, “You may be there awhile; Lola Gloria has a never ending supply of stories.”

“This one sounds very intriguing,” her mother said. “It's about Doña Julia, the Red Bolos, and the bravery of the young fighter Emman.”

Julia stopped a moment, shaking her head at the older woman.“I don't think my mother wants to hear that story. It might make her worry.”

“I want to hear all the hacienda stories. And this will be the perfect one to start with.”

As Julia walked down the stairway to where Markus waited at the bottom step, she heard Lola Gloria speak in her storyteller voice.

“Doña Julia came from a country far away, a wealthy nation full of power and prestige. She made the long journey across the great ocean on the back of a giant bird until she reached Hacienda Esperanza to bury her grandfather, as was his request. It is important to know that she did not plan to stay. But no one knows the great changes that come when a person walks bravely into her destiny.”

The night was filled with music, food, and laughter. And as she joined the fiesta again, Julia thought of all the stories, people, and deeds that had created Hacienda Esperanza. They were the past, and now she walked with them as well.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

W
hen this story began several years ago, I was in a state similar to Hacienda Esperanza. The hardships were evident even as God was always there with hope and grace to lead me forward. And through these years, the dark season has turned again to renewal. And so, I wish to thank some people and more than those here.

My parents, Richard and Gail McCormick, from broken sinks to broken hearts, your support and advice for me and the kids is more than I can write. Thank you both. Cody Martinusen—for admirable strength, a warrior soul, but tender heart and a humor that always make me laugh. Madelyn Martinusen–you're always my sparkly girl. I admire how you care, laugh, and seek to express the beauty within you. Weston Martinusen—what an abundance of love and depth of thought exists in your young/old soul. And by the way, I love you infinity times infinity (top that).

I could write much in expressing my gratitude to the following. Know my words within the writing of your name: my sister Jennifer Harman, Shawn Harman, Alanna Ramsey, Jenna Benton, Amanda Darrah, Tom Carlson, the Carlson/Namihas Family, One Heart prayer group, Michelle Ower, Laura Jensen Walker, Katie Martinusen, Tricia Goyer, Quills of Faith Writers Group, which would not be without my partners and dear friends: Maxine Cambra and Cathy Elliott.

To my editors at Thomas Nelson: Ami McConnell and Natalie Hanemann, whose belief, support, and guidance in writing push me to greater heights. You both are amazing! To LB Norton—you put more than a polish on this book, and it was such fun working with you. And to Allen Arnold—for guidance, incredible support, and enduring wisdom.

Thanks to my mentors/friends/kindred writer souls: Robin Jones Gunn, Paul McCusker, Travis Thrasher, Kimberly Carlson, Anne de Graaf. The journey would be much lonelier, and I'd make more mistakes or have given up, without the five of you. Janet Kobobel Grant—you are more than my agent, you are mentor and friend.

To the Coloma family—for a warm and wonderful Filipino welcome. And Pratibha Manaen, my Nepalese friend. Someday we will see each other again.

To the Filipino hero in my own story, Nieldon Coloma. You displayed God's love in my darkest hour. Who could guess we'd travel a long and difficult road that would not end but take us to the start of a new journey from individuals, to best friends to one life together. I am so grateful to be your wife.

And I give unending gratitude and devotion to my God whose love and redemption saves me again and again.

READING GROUP GUIDE

1.Redemption is a steady thread throughout the story of
Orchid House
. How do you see each of the main characters seeking some form of redemption? In what ways do you see Hacienda Esperanza experiencing stages of redemption?

2. What does Emman want most in his young life—both on the surface and subconsciously?

3. Manalo becomes jaded in the cause that he leads and longs only for his family. Have you ever experienced belief dissolving and disillusionment? What helped you through such a time?

4. Julia has spent her years trying to satisfy herself and create a comfortable existence. How do small steps of faith beyond herself change Julia's life into the one God planned for her?

5. What cultural discoveries did you make about the Philippines in
Orchid House
? Have you experienced a culture that has been shaped by the dominance of foreign rule or a dictatorship? Discuss the impact of such a society, and in what ways freedom in a nation can have both good and bad outcomes.

6.
Orchid House
is filled with unique characters from the past and present. Name some of your favorites and what traits drew you to them?

7. Who or what are the antagonists in
Orchid House
?

8. The near-mythical family stories are the foundation of Hacienda Esperanza. How can our family or cultural histories shape our modern lives?

9. The Hacienda Esperanza can be considered a character itself. What life stages do you see it going through?

10. In the opening of
Orchid House
, the elderly couple prays, asking God to bless and continually redeem the land and their descendents. Do you believe God hears the prayers for future generations? If so, does that change anything in your own prayer life?

11. Did you experience any moments of revelation or a cultural discovery that gave you new insight, or perhaps will shape your life journey or purpose?