text:
The Pietist Schoolman
The website and blog of historian Chris Gehrz
Pietism?
Why Churches Like Mine Need to Recover an Immigrant Memory
Posted on February 2, 2017 by Chris Gehrz
So how can Christians and churches protect themselves from the spiritual dangers that I wrote about earlier this week?
You won't be surprised to learn that I think it's got to start with looking to the past. But if it's too self-serving for me to say that, then take it from a non-historian:
The inner lives of many have been thrown into spiritual disequilibrium. Even while we search for political responses, and may find encouragement in the unprecedented mobilization of the millions marching on every continent, we need to discover the roots for resistance and creative public engagement that can be spiritually sustained for the long run.
That's author and activist Wes Granberg-Michaelson, introducing "5 Spiritual Survival Strategies" for readers of Sojourners. #1 is to recover the importance of memory in Christian faith and community.
Memory is tied to the identity of the people of God. Continually, the people of God are reminded of who they are by recounting the sweep of salvation history. And our memory becomes attached to this version of history because our lives find their value and purpose there.
Thinking historically is already an "unnatural act," but Granberg-Michaelson points out that technological change has made remembering even more difficult "The flow of news, information, and communication in our society combats the power and purpose of memory. We are riveted to the present, where news cycles saturated with fresh content create historical amnesia, daily. Headlines, whether in tweets, from blogs, or established news sites, attempt to define the current and most important story." (And no one understands this better than our media-savvy commander-in-chief.)
Not just "riveted to the present," we're also tempted to think too much of the future, which (as C.S. Lewis' Screwtape advised Wormwood) "is unknown to [humans]… in making them think about it we make them think of unrealities." So in part because the past is known to us, however imperfectly, thinking of it helps combat our tendency towards the emotions Lewis attached to the future: "fear, avarice, lust, and ambition."
But Granberg-Michaelson points to a larger significance of remembering:
…memory — specifically our religious memory — is what keeps us grounded in our story in the face of other competing narratives. Every administration in this town tries to drive a narrative explaining both social reality and the salvific nature of the president's leadership. With the Trump administration, this has begun in particularly stark ways, telling a story of national carnage that can be salvaged only by asserting defiantly our superiority and self-righteousness, defending ourselves at home and abroad against any who present a different vision.
In the face of that particular narrative, for example, a congregation like my own should remind itself that it was founded by people not all that different from the refugees and other immigrants most threatened by this administration.
A group of Swedish Mission Covenant pastors, ca. 1889 – Covenant Archives and Historical Library
As Glen Wiberg wrote in his centennial history, "Those few and poor" Swedish immigrants whose humble Bible study in a Minneapolis home eventually grew into Salem Covenant Church "had been carried to this country on the greatest tide of migration the world has ever known…. seeking a better life economically while also looking for a place of opportunity where they could exercise values of work, home and—in many cases—church with a greater sense of freedom."
But even long after Salem's people ceased to be the "few and poor" and became "the many and rich—at least by immigrant standards," they exhibited a continuing concern for new populations carried to America by new tides. In 1975, Salem agreed to sponsor a Vietnamese family fleeing the end of their country's long civil war, "to provide for such things as shelter, clothing, food, employment, transportation, and above all else, Christian friendship and understanding." The first family of Salem-sponsored refugees arrived that December, with another coming a year later and a third in 1980. "As with so many Swedish immigrants," Glen concluded, "the stories of new immigrants from Southeast Asia are stories of hard work, ambition to succeed, the overcoming of obstacles, and, for nearly all, remarkable achievements in both personal and familial fulfillment of the American dream."
As Glen so eloquently puts it, such "odd bits and pieces of memory are the fragments which make ordinary places sacred. It is what makes history so important in knowing who we are as people of God and as persons in search of our identity." But if we lacked this memory, we would be tempted to lose sight of who we were and are still.
Without fragments like those in Glen's book to ground the people of my congregation, our Christian identity as "aliens and exiles" could easily disappear, swept away by that amnesia-inducing flow of information or overwhelmed by a powerful counter-narrative of fear and exclusion. Without a living memory of its origins in one wave of migration, a congregation that was then still primarily Swedish-American could not have responded to the plight of Southeast Asian refugees. And Glen could not have written this remarkably insightful, inspiring assessment of that effort:
A church of immigrants, who from its beginnings knew first-hand the struggle for survival and the ways of caretaking, could not forget, pass by, nor make invisible the new immigrants entering the American scene.
May it be so again. May our memory as a church of immigrants make us again a church for immigrants.
Posted in Christianity, HistoryTagged Covenant Church, Glen Wiberg, Immigration, Memory, Sweden, U.S. History, Vietnam War
The Best Books to Read for Reformation 500
The Face of Christian Higher Education Is Not Jerry Falwell, Jr.
Categories Select Category Anxious Bench (34) Art (49) Blogs (5) Blogs, Podcasts & Webisodes (205) Books (336) Christian Collins Winn (2) Christianity (1,091) Current Events (146) Education (505) Films (62) Food (7) G.W. Carlson (13) Guest Posts & Interviews (82) History (836) Jared Burkholder (27) Less Serious (95) Mark Pattie (4) Most Popular (66) Museums (39) Music (95) Nothing Rhymes with Gehrz (8) Pandemics and the Liberal Arts (5) Pietist Schoolman Podcast (47) Podcasting (3) Podcasts & Webisodes (1) Poetry (12) Politics (137) Previews (13) Sports (105) Talks & Sermons (86) Television (40) The 252 (38) Theatre (11) Travel (32) Uncategorized (38) Week in Review (391)
Archives Select Month January 2021 (12) December 2020 (14) November 2020 (9) October 2020 (25) September 2020 (6) August 2020 (8) July 2020 (11) June 2020 (6) May 2020 (14) April 2020 (26) March 2020 (24) February 2020 (8) January 2020 (7) December 2019 (10) November 2019 (11) October 2019 (10) September 2019 (12) August 2019 (6) July 2019 (13) June 2019 (9) May 2019 (5) April 2019 (16) March 2019 (8) February 2019 (12) January 2019 (6) December 2018 (13) November 2018 (10) October 2018 (11) September 2018 (13) August 2018 (9) July 2018 (6) June 2018 (15) May 2018 (13) April 2018 (14) March 2018 (8) February 2018 (5) January 2018 (15) December 2017 (13) November 2017 (15) October 2017 (19) September 2017 (14) August 2017 (11) July 2017 (20) June 2017 (13) May 2017 (19) April 2017 (10) March 2017 (23) February 2017 (19) January 2017 (8) December 2016 (25) November 2016 (27) October 2016 (22) September 2016 (18) August 2016 (6) July 2016 (15) June 2016 (24) May 2016 (23) April 2016 (21) March 2016 (16) February 2016 (14) January 2016 (24) December 2015 (21) November 2015 (19) October 2015 (24) September 2015 (21) August 2015 (26) July 2015 (24) June 2015 (24) May 2015 (22) April 2015 (23) March 2015 (22) February 2015 (20) January 2015 (11) December 2014 (26) November 2014 (15) October 2014 (23) September 2014 (6) August 2014 (15) July 2014 (16) June 2014 (18) May 2014 (28) April 2014 (28) March 2014 (16) February 2014 (24) January 2014 (23) December 2013 (25) November 2013 (26) October 2013 (27) September 2013 (30) August 2013 (27) July 2013 (30) June 2013 (23) May 2013 (15) April 2013 (25) March 2013 (29) February 2013 (25) January 2013 (10) December 2012 (25) November 2012 (28) October 2012 (35) September 2012 (26) August 2012 (31) July 2012 (31) June 2012 (28) May 2012 (29) April 2012 (33) March 2012 (28) February 2012 (33) January 2012 (18) December 2011 (32) November 2011 (33) October 2011 (40) September 2011 (47) August 2011 (42) July 2011 (48) June 2011 (14)
Some Popular Topics
Baptists Bethel British History Catholicism Christian Colleges Commemoration Covenant Church Donald Trump Evangelicalism Higher Education Jesus Christ Liberal Arts Pietism Sexuality Teaching The Bible The Church U.S. History World War I World War II
A Few of the Blogs, Publications, and Writers I Follow
Lincoln Mullen
Perspectives Journal
OnFaith
Teaching United States History
CNN Belief
Adam Laats
Pietisten
Ross Douthat
Paul Putz
Christian Scholar's Review
CC 4th
© Christopher Gehrz, 2011-2020. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this website's author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Chris Gehrz or "The Pietist Schoolman," with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
This website is not affiliated with any of the organizations or institutions at which Dr. Gehrz is employed and/or with which he is affiliated. Links to any sites are not endorsements of the contents of those sites.
View PietistSchoolman's profile on Facebook
View cgehrz's profile on Twitter
View cgehrz's profile on LinkedIn
View UC40DD-ewKJU6R7fzy4771HQ's profile on YouTube


text:
Edward Luck
Edward J. Luck, 86, of Swiftwater, died Sunday, August 31 at Pocono Medical Center in East Stroudsburg. He was the husband of Elizabeth (Borelli) Luck, to whom he was married for 58 years. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Joseph and Charlotte (Michael) Luck. Before his retirement, Edward was employed as an upholsterer at Pocono Manor Resort. He was a member of Saint Mary of the Mount Church in Mt. Pocono. In addition to his wife, Elizabeth, he is survived by three sons, Joseph Luck of Pocono Pines, Steven and John Luck, both of Swiftwater; a daughter, Barbara Collier and her husband, Paul of Swiftwater; three grandchildren, Christopher Luck, and Sarah and Lisa Collier. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Charlotte and Camille; a brother, Camille Luck; a sister, Marie Abraham; and daughter-in-law, Ruth Ann Luck. The Reverend Father Joseph Kopacz will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 4 at Saint Mary of the Mount Church in Mt. Pocono. Interment will follow at Laurelwood Cemetery in Stroudsburg. There will be a viewing on Wednesday, September 3 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bolock Funeral Home, corner of routes 940 & 390 in Paradise Valley. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life of Parkland, 3893 Adler Place, Suite 170, Bethlehem, Pa. 18017
Edward J. Luck, 86, of Swiftwater, died Sunday, August 31 at Pocono Medical Center in East Stroudsburg. He was the husband of Elizabeth (Borelli) Luck, to whom he was married for 58 years. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Joseph... View Obituary & Service Information
The family of Edward Luck created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories.
Edward J. Luck, 86, of Swiftwater, died Sunday, August 31 at...
Send flowers to the Luck family.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Surgery for IBD
Stomas
Colostomy surgery for IBD
Colostomy - How a colostomy is performed
There are several different ways a colostomy can be performed. The specific technique used will depend on your circumstances.
The two main surgical techniques are:
open surgery (laparotomy) – where the surgeon makes a long incision in the abdomen to access the colon
laparoscopic (or keyhole) surgery – where the surgeon makes several smaller incisions and uses a miniature video camera and special surgical instruments to access the colon
Where possible, keyhole surgery is the preferred choice. This is because research has shown that patients recover quicker and have a reduced risk of complications.
However, in emergency situations, such as a bowel obstruction, the staff and equipment needed for a keyhole operation may not be available, so an open operation needs to be performed.
All colostomy procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you're asleep during surgery.
Types of colostomy
There are two main ways a colostomy can be formed:
a loop colostomy
an end colostomy
Loop colostomy
To form a loop colostomy, a loop of colon is pulled out through an incision in your abdomen. This section of colon is opened up and stitched to the skin to form an opening called a stoma. The stoma will have two openings, but they will be close together and you may not be able to see both.
One of the openings is connected to the functioning part of your bowel. This is where waste products leave your body after the operation. The other opening is connected to the "inactive" part of your bowel, leading to your rectum. This opening only produces small amounts of mucus.
The position of the stoma depends on which section of the colon is diverted, although it's usually on the left-hand side of your abdomen, below your belt line. If the operation is planned in advance, you'll meet a specialist stoma nurse before the operation to discuss possible locations for the stoma. This may not be possible if the operation is performed as an emergency.
The stoma will appear large at first, as the effects of surgery cause it to swell. It usually shrinks during the weeks after surgery, reaching its final size after about eight weeks. The stoma will be red and moist. It has no nerve endings, so it isn't painful to touch. It may bleed when touched, but this is entirely normal and no cause for concern.
In some cases, a support device (called a rod or bridge) may be used to hold the loop of colon in place while it heals. This will usually be removed after a few days.
A loop colostomy is usually formed temporarily to treat conditions such as diverticulitis, Crohn's disease and bowel cancer.
End colostomy
To form an end colostomy, one end of the colon is pulled out through an incision in your abdomen and stitched to the skin to create a stoma.
Like when a loop colostomy is formed, the position of the stoma depends on which section of the colon is diverted. However, it's usually on the left-hand side of your abdomen, below your belt line.
If the operation is planned in advance, you'll meet a specialist stoma nurse before the operation to discuss possible locations for the stoma. This may not be possible if the operation is performed as an emergency.
The stoma will have one opening, through which waste products pass. The other end of the colon, which goes down to your rectum, is sealed and left inside your abdomen.
End colostomies are often permanent, although temporary end colostomies are sometimes formed as an emergency to treat bowel obstructions, colon injuries or bowel cancer.
Read more about recovering from a colostomy.
Alternative to colostomy
In some cases, it may be possible to have an alternative procedure called an ileostomy.
This is formed in a similar way to a colostomy, but it involves diverting the small intestine instead of the large intestine.
An ileostomy may sometimes be preferable to a colostomy, because an internal pouch for waste products can be created that's connected to your anus. This can allow you to control your bowel actions in a more normal way.
Colostomy - Living with a colostomy
Colostomy - Introduction
Colostomy - Recovering from a colostomy
Colostomy - Possible complications of a colostomy
Colostomy - Colostomy reversal
Article Colostomy - Living with a colostomy
Article Colostomy - Introduction
Article Colostomy - Recovering from a colostomy
Article Colostomy - Possible complications of a colostomy
Article Colostomy - Colostomy reversal
Article Stomas
Article Colostomy surgery for IBD
Article Living with a stoma
Get IBD info delivered to your inbox
Sign up to our mailing list and receive regular articles and tips about IBD.


text:
Juan Bautista Stories
Books, Stories, Blogs & Merchandise
Kuwerdas
Venus ng Bright Lights
Sa Kabila ng Pader
Ang Lalaking nakapula
Iskoran
Mga Tutubing Karayom sa ibabaw ng baha
Ang Mangkukulam ng baryo Pulang Kahoy
Ang pagbabalik ni Sancho
Ang mahiwagang Kambal ni Divina
Nuisance
The Bitin Cave
Tenderness (Fiction)
The Novelist
The Lensman
Creak in the woods
Desaparesidos ni Lualhati Bautista
Ang Kapangyarihang Higit Sa Ating Lahat ni Ronaldo S. Vivo Jr.
Ang Autobiografia ng Ibang Lady Gaga ni Jack Alvarez
Gerilya ni Norman Wilwayco
Mondomanila ni Norman Wilwayco
Responde ni Norman Wilwayco
Macarthur ni Bob Ong
Dreamseller by Brandon Novak & Joe Frantz
Manila Noir by Jessica Hagedorn
The Mythology Class by Arnold Arre
Dagli
Showdown Comics
Wicked Punk Class
infamousjb1983 Short Stories August 9, 2021 15 Minutes
The Philippines. Thousands of tourists from all over the world travel every year to experience numerous destinations way beyond the imaginable. Beaches, lakes, mountains, food, events. As the tourism motto says, It's more fun in the Philippines.
Albert Blackstone, an English-American Anthropologist based in California had just arrived in the country. Not to experience a luxurious holiday on the beach, but to study. He put back the Travel Magazine in the seat pouch and went to the washroom. It's been a long-tiring travel aboard Philippine Airlines.
The 37 year old was about to go north to visit a local town named Constancia. A place known for its tourist destinations as well. Often visited by both local and foreigners alike, visiting the town is a 'must' for people going to the north for the first time. The cab ride from the airport to Cagayan took about twelve hours. And from the provincial capital, another two-hour on a tricycle. He closed his eyes and breathe as deep as he could as the wind brings the pleasant smell of the green rice fields on the way to the town center. And when he reached the place, he was marveled by the ancestral houses and the panorama as a whole filled with colors due to the street stands selling food, garments, souvenirs and other varieties. The city was full of welcoming smiles for sure.
Man. This is awesome. Thought Albert before he reached the municipal hall that mirrors the rich history of Constancia. The hall was not big compare to other municipalities but its built was as great as the ancestral houses surrounding it. The first floor was full concrete and the top floor was wholly made of wood. Most of the windows were wide open. And he could tell to himself that it could be a great time to ask permission regarding his purpose of visit since the hall doesn't seem busy. He walked towards the entrance of the beautiful, antiquated establishment. And he was hoping to the heavens that there will be neither issues nor hindering on visiting the site.
"The Cave's forbidden. Sorry. Not possible. Littering, vandalism, just go at the façade, take a couple of pictures then go – that's all you can do."
Albert's face swiftly went from beaming to the exact opposite. "With all due respect, Sir, I didn't travel all the way from the United States just to vandalize. I'm an Anthropologist. And I dropped by here to ask for your permission to go inside and explore the cave. I really need this."
"And what do you want to prove?" Roland smirked.
"I don't want anything to prove either, I just, I need you to give me a chance to study an unexplored cave. I'm writing a book, and this is my last destination. I am actually begging you." Albert said in desperation.
"Sorry to say this Mr. Blackstone, but, as the Head of the Municipality's Tourism Office for seven years, I can recite the cave's history to you in less than twenty minutes. It's called the 'Bitin Cave' from the local word Bitin, meaning hang or hanged. The cave served as the execution spot back in the Japanese occupation. And most of the captured Filipino guerillas were terminated by hanging. That's it. There's also a story concerning treasures. Gold bars and jewelry were left by the Japanese inside but that story came from some old folks and they can't even prove its credibility. All hear-says. Alright? And as I knew, a group of hunters stealed-in a couple of decades ago or more, and didn't managed to come back. Hence, it's closed."
"The cave, is unexplored." The unconvinced, importunate American answered emphatically.
Roland can't hide his annoyance to the visitor and told the latter to finish his coffee and leave. The tourism officer was hesitant to let anyone to explore the place for only God knows how long, how deep and what lies inside it aside from bats and piles of skeletons. As the elders were saying for decades.
"By the way, before I leave, I need a place to stay." Said Albert.
"We don't have hotels here, but there's a place accepting transients nearby." Roland wrote the address on a piece of paper. "Have a nice day, Mr. Blackstone."
Albert sighed in frustration and left the office.
Albert reached the address, he didn't had a hard time finding the house. He got down the public tricycle and took a photo. The house was old but not messed up, he suppose it stand for over decades, or rather, generations. He looked around and compared the other households and realized, the house that he's about to stay in seems to be one of the cultural heritages of the town.
Martina, the accompanying lady in the house seems nice and hospitable. And he was right, the house has been inherited by her husband after her in-laws died. And the ancestral house was over two hundred years old. Albert opened up about his planned expedition to the Bitin Cave, and he was marveled by Martina's stories about the place. She told the American that the place has been forbidden due to unexplained events hidden inside. "Those were events Mr. Albert, not just stories." Martina said.
Albert and Martina's conversation over dinner got interrupted by the arrival of Martina's husband, for the visitor's surprise, it was Roland.
"Yes, Mr. Blackstone." Roland lit a cigarette. "I presumed you'll turn down my offer after my hindering earlier. I'm sorry." Roland winked.
Confused. Albert resumed eating.
After a fine meal with the couple, Roland and Albert sat at the veranda for some beer.
"So. How'd you find the place? Man, I've been married to this house even before I met Martina. This is all we got. And now, well – " Said Roland.
Roland was in huge debt. He got gambling issues without his wife's knowledge. And he could lose the house in the following months. Albert felt it. Roland was troubled. And he got thrilled when he suddenly realized, he could take advantage of the situation.
"I can help you." Albert said.
"How? Are you a Magician who can manipulate Black Jack?" Roland lit another ciggy.
"Just give me permission to go inside the Bitin Cave, please." Albert said desperately.
"Look, aside from my personal problems, your interest on the cave really bothers me since this afternoon. What do you want exactly? Forget about the damn cave, man. It won't happen. I told you that." Roland gulped his beer empty.
"I will pay you ten thousand dollars. I swear to my father's grave, Roland. Ten thousand US dollars. Say yes tonight and I will pay half before the start of the expedition." Albert said.
Roland snorted. "Ten thousand, a hundred or a million. How the hell would it matter to a non-breathing person."
"So you believe the stories?" Albert put his beer bottle on the bin.
"Only those damn hunters know if the stories are true. Unfortunately, they could never tell."
"Thirty-two thousand." Albert said while reaching the beer from Roland's hand. "I know, it's a weird amount. It should be thirty-five or forty, but that's all I got left from my account."
Roland sighed. "Your room's ready. With new beddings and pillow cases. And the most essential – mosquito net."
Albert was confused.
"Take a rest. You need it." Roland said.
The next morning, Roland and Albert went to the Mayor's Office to ask permission to work on to form an expedition team to the Bitin Cave. At first, the Municipal Mayor was hesitant. No one in the town of Constancia was unaware of the mystery the cave holds. But the government official got convinced that exploring the cave could be the answer to whether open it for locals and tourists or stay to be restricted. For Roland and Albert's relief, the Mayor gave them a 'go'.
"God. Please keep them safe." Thought the Mayor.
Japanese occupation,1943. Jose along with his fellow guerillas were getting lined up to march for their death, to the Bitin Cave. The Japanese escorted rebels has been captured after a bloody battle at the dense mountains of Constancia.
"We are going to die right?" A rebel asked Jose to which he replied, "Yes. All of us. But if God will give me a chance, I will take as many of these Japanese soldiers with me to hell."
After almost an hour, the fleet finally reached the mouth of the cave. And one Japanese soldier yelled to go on with the march. No food and water had been given. The Filipino soldiers seem like a helpless fleet of black ants walking forward to a blazing fire. Every step they make was a step closer to their dark fate.
"Lord. The first time I came here with my father was when I'm nine years old. I told to myself I would never go back to this ghastly place again. And now I'm here. Waiting to get terminated by this wicked subjugators who can't even utter a single word of ours." Said Pedro as they were approaching the largest part of the cave.
"Pedro. Look." Jose whispered. He eyed a box of dynamites a couple of meters away. And motioned Pedro to take the small knife hidden inside his ragged boots.
"This is our chance. Untie me, quick."
Pedro was unaware that whether Jose will make it or fail, it will not matter. For Jose knew, with their enemies holding guns and bayonets, they will all die anyway. "Done done. Go!" Said Pedro.
Jose swiftly pushed the nearby soldier and grab the torch. He managed to take the box of explosives. But before he yelled 'Long live the Philippines!' before dropping the torch, everyone turned to the front of the line due to gun shots and constant storming from the Japanese soldiers and the guerillas.
"What is happening there? What is that?" Pedro, as he heard a loud growling as the soldiers and guerillas at the front squalls for dear life.
Jose, along with the remaining breathers inside the cave paused as they hear the sound of growling and crawling creatures louder and louder as it approach from the darkness.
Jose, who was still holding the torch did not have a chance to yell the Filipino 'battle cry' when he saw what was coming. "Merciful God!" He uttered before his hand let go of the torch followed by a deafening explosion that rocked the cave. The Bitin Cave's entrance has been shut down by huge rock debris that caused the whole place to get swallowed by total darkness.
God knows what happened inside after the bombing incident, but one thing's definite, no one got out alive. And just barely a couple of years after it was reopened in 1977, four desperate treasure hunters guided by a local villager secretly sneaked in for a selfish mission. No one got out alive.
Only the dead knows. Hence, the cave's secret – stays.
So. We're ready or we're ready? Albert asked Roland in thrill as the latter was talking to his wife before they part. Roland took his Bolo Knife which he inherited from his late grandfather and off they went. Along with four more comrades to assist them with the mission.
April, 1997. After two decades since the last time someone has entered the Bitin Cave, Albert Blackstone along with his team went inside the cave through a small opening from a slab of rock which they had managed to pull out. It was enough for a single person to crawl since the front of the cave was still shut down due to the large rocks covering it. Baldo, a stout middle-aged man – was the only one left outside to wait and to make sure that the ropes would stay on line so the team could go back out easily or make signals to the outside if necessary.
Albert, Roland and three others were walking through the dark, narrow path for about ten minutes before they start to realize that they were gradually descending. Only flashlights and torch lamps were the source of light. And the place was so silent that Roland could hear the beating of his own heart. He was scared, for a part in him believes that the stories which the cave holds for decades could be true. Albert, on the other hand was the exact opposite. He was beaming in excitement since they got inside the cave. Turning left and right with his camera on hand hoping to see something of important note. The Bitin Cave – did not disappoint.
Carvings of ancient wordings and images were seen on the wall as they continue to descend in the narrow path. "Mr. Albert, look!" Christopher said as he was looking up to the strangest cave markings they had seen so far. For the locals, they find the drawing freakish. But not for Albert Blackstone as he continues to take photographs. His mind was clouded with thoughts of what the cave could bring for his young, promising career after the publishing of his book. The flash from the camera was blinding due to darkness. The huge collection of markings and drawings were organized as well as if it was telling a story. Or an account on either what happened or what could happen. No one could say for the images and texts were all unknown to everyone. Even the five locals. And instead of frustration, the young anthropologist started to take photos as many as he could. "Man. This seems unending." Dante said as he points his flashlight to the pathway. "Hey. Make sure you don't lose the damn rope!" Roland, after he realized they were getting far from the cave's entrance.
"We lose it already." Christopher said.
"What the hell do you mean? Is it gone?"
"Yes, man. The rope isn't that long. And besides, who's going to get lost with a narrow path like this?" said Arman.
"Yeah man. Calm down. We can close our eyes and the walls side by side will guide us back. We haven't turn once since we walked in here." Dante followed.
"Shit!" Roland exclaimed when he realized Albert was gone; walking forward.
A moment later, the group were standing at the middle of a massive dome. "My God." Roland uttered. "Yeah. Look at this." Albert, as he was staring at the greatest discovery in his career. The dome was filled with cave paintings unknown to modern human eyes. Then suddenly, the men were surprised by Arman's yelling. "What the hell was that?"
"I swear I saw someone there!" Arman continued while pointing east.
"Someone? Are you high?"
"Okay. We need to calm down." Albert said.
"Calm down? The stories could be true my friend. That's why I got this." Dante took out his caliber .38 revolver from his waist. Roland followed with his Bolo knife when the group suddenly heard a sound. The sound was like a stone thrown from afar. "Alright. This is not good. Take your damn photographs and let's get the hell out of here."
"Hey. Easy there." Said Albert.
"Mr. Albert, I'm about to crap in my pants. Please, take some photos now and let's go."
"I'm with him. Shits getting real out here." Dante agrees with Christopher.
"Oh c'mon now. We haven't seen a single bone since we got here. What if – "
The group turned silent after they heard a deafening growl not far from where they stand.
"Turn off the lights!"
No one was moving a muscle as they were hiding at the back of a large rock as the sound of approaching creatures goes louder and louder until it was so close that they were able to hear its breathing. It could be stray dogs, or wolves but one thing they were certain. Those creatures were huge. And then, silence. Total silence.
"I think they're gone." Roland whispered.
Christopher turned on his lamp and everyone were astonished to see the creatures were right in front of them. Albert was speechless. As the creature taller than a stallion with a face like that of a bat with longer snout, baring its long fangs and flaming red eyes stands a couple of feet away from him. And when it growled, dozens followed.
"Run!" Roland yelled. But they were surrounded. The dome was filled with the Bitin creatures and everyone knew, no one was going out alive. Gunshot reverberated, the men turned to Dante lying face down to the ground. Arman, picked up the gun. Albert took a photo of the creature and to their surprise, the creatures took two steps back. They fear the sudden bright flash from the camera. "We need to move. Keep on clicking that thing." Roland said.
"Roland." Arman whispered as they turn. They realized that there were four different pathways leading outside. The creatures, growled. And Roland, started laughing. Mad laughing
Albert Blackstone, in extreme fear, kept hitting the shutter as the snarling creatures kept coming forward. He knows the camera will die eventually, he knows that that will be his last moments before turning to a wandering soul, but he was hoping the camera will soon be discovered; along with his legacy. To him, that was all that matters.
And the cave was deafened with growls, after the last hit on the shutter.
bitin cave
fiction free online
horror short story
horror story
Published by infamousjb1983
View all posts by infamousjb1983
Previous Post MARGA
Next Post THOMAS, ANAK NG LUMIKHA
Follow Juan Bautista Stories on WordPress.com
Mga Dagli
Ang DAGLI
Book Review: Ang Autobiografia ng Ibang Lady Gaga by Jack Alvarez
Ang Bagong Krusada (Novella)
ANG LALAKING NAKAPULA (Maikling Kuwento)
BIYAHENG BAKAL (Dagli)
Best Rock Songs To Start The Day
Book Review: Ang Kapangyarihang Higit Sa Ating Lahat ni Ronaldo S. Vivo Jr.
Rockstar Visits
Archives Select Month January 2022 August 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 January 2021 December 2020 October 2020 August 2020 June 2020 April 2020 January 2020 December 2019 October 2019 September 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 August 2017 July 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014


SKU: KFJ.6432/NO925790. Availability: 1077 in stock Size: N/A Categories: Roxy Clothing, Tops & Shirts. Tags: White, Womens.
ROXY Womens Taffy Crab Patches T Shirt – T-shirt for women. Features include: short sleeves, round high neck, slim fit, cut snug but not too tight, heavyweight fabric, nep jersey and yarn-dyed stripes.


1. A person convicted of a Class A crime may be placed on probation for a period not to exceed 4 years; for a Class B crime, for a period of probation not to exceed 3 years; for a Class C crime, for a period of probation not to exceed 2 years; and for Class D and Class E crimes, for a period not to exceed one year.
(2) Four years for a Class B or Class C crime.
1-B. Notwithstanding subsection 1, if the State pleads and proves that the enumerated Class D or Class E crime was committed by the person against a family or household member, and if the court orders the person to complete a certified batterers' intervention program as defined in Title 19-A, section 4014, the person may be placed on probation for a period not to exceed 2 years, except that, on motion by the probation officer, the person on probation or the court, the term of probation must be terminated by the court when the probationer has served at least one year of probation, has completed the certified batterers' intervention program, has paid in full any victim restitution ordered and, from the time the period of probation commenced until the motion for termination is heard, has met all other conditions of probation.
A. As used in this subsection, the following definitions apply.
(1) "Enumerated Class D or Class E crime" means any Class D crime in chapter 9, any Class D or Class E crime in chapter 11, the Class D crimes described in sections 302 and 506-B and the Class D crimes described in sections 554, 555 and 758.
2. During the period of probation specified in the sentence made pursuant to subsection 1, and upon application of a person on probation or the person's probation officer, or upon its own motion, the court may, after a hearing upon notice to the probation officer and the person on probation, modify the requirements imposed by the court or a community reparations board, add further requirements authorized by section 1204 or relieve the person on probation of any requirement imposed by the court or a community reparations board that, in its opinion, imposes on the person an unreasonable burden. If the person on probation cannot meet a requirement imposed by the court or a community reparations board, the person shall bring a motion under this subsection.
Notwithstanding this subsection, the court may grant, ex parte, a motion brought by the probation officer to add further requirements if the requirements are immediately necessary to protect the safety of an individual or the public and if all reasonable efforts have been made to give written or oral notice to the person on probation. Any requirements added pursuant to an ex parte motion do not take effect until written notice of the requirements, along with written notice of the scheduled date, time and place when the court shall hold a hearing on the added requirements, is given to the person on probation.
2-A. Once the period of probation has commenced, on motion of the probation officer, or of the person on probation, or on the court's own motion, the court may convert at any time a period of probation for a Class D or Class E crime or a Class C crime under Title 29-A, section 2557-A to a period of administrative release. A conversion to administrative release may not be ordered unless notice of the motion is given to the probation officer and the attorney for the State. The provisions of chapter 54-G apply when probation is converted to administrative release. Conversion to administrative release serves to relieve the person on probation of any obligations imposed by the probation conditions.
3. Once the period of probation has commenced, on motion of the probation officer, or of the person on probation, or on its own motion, the court may terminate at any time a period of probation and discharge the convicted person at any time earlier than that provided in the sentence made pursuant to subsection 1, if warranted by the conduct of such person. A termination and discharge may not be ordered unless notice of the motion is given to the probation officer and the attorney for the State. Such termination and discharge serves to relieve the person on probation of any obligations imposed by the sentence of probation.
3-A. A motion and hearing pursuant to subsection 2, 2-A or 3 need not be before the justice or judge who originally imposed probation. Any justice or judge may initiate and hear a motion and any justice or judge may hear a motion brought by the probation officer or by the person on probation.
4. Any justice, in order to comply with section 1256, subsection 8, may terminate a period of probation that would delay commencement of a consecutive unsuspended term of imprisonment. Any judge may also do so if that judge has jurisdiction over each of the sentences involved.
1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW). 1985, c. 821, §5 (AMD). 1989, c. 393, (AMD). 1989, c. 739, §1 (AMD). 1991, c. 258, (AMD). 1997, c. 395, §M1 (AMD). 1997, c. 421, §B1 (AMD). 1999, c. 492, §1 (AMD). 1999, c. 788, §2 (AMD). 2001, c. 386, §3 (AMD). 2003, c. 154, §1 (AMD). 2003, c. 657, §8 (AMD). 2003, c. 711, §§A11-14,B14 -16 (AMD). 2005, c. 265, §§8-10 (AMD). 2005, c. 673, §1 (AMD). 2007, c. 475, §§15, 16 (AMD). 2009, c. 142, §6 (AMD). 2009, c. 336, §14 (AMD). 2009, c. 608, §8 (AMD). 2011, c. 420, Pt. C, §3 (AMD). 2013, c. 133, §12 (AMD).