The renowned scientist arrived at the school in the municipality. Her arrival attracted reporters, politicians and the curious parents. Dr. Brown, with masters degrees and PhDs, mastering several languages, gave a lecture to the fifth grade. 

Her purpose was to demonstrate the most efficient and modern in terms of technology, in the world. To attend the curious people, the class was transmitted by video-conference for the town square. She spoke about the most advanced technological inventions and fascinated the children with devices that she brought in a large suitcase.

She wound up by saying that each student should bring, on the following day, a text describing what they had of most modern and efficient in their own home. The best report would win a relevant financial support. 

In the next day, there were even more people at the town square wishing to know who would be the winner. Dr. Brown read all the texts and after some time, thrilled, she announced the winner.

It was a 10-year-old boy who had written: You asked me to write about the most modern and efficient thing I had in my house.

Well, I live far from school. I get up really soon because I come by my feet. My mom gives me a cup of coffee with warm milk. She is very fast to light the wood stove.   

Of the devices that you mentioned in the class there isn't any of them at my home. We do not have electric power. My mom illuminates the whole house with a lamp powered by kerosene. I think she is also a scientist, just like you.

The little clothing that we have is washed in the river, with grey soap.

When I come home from school, lunch is ready. Mommy and I take care of the planting around the house: rice, beans, some vegetables.

The meals are always delicious, even with some eggs, because we have chickens. And an orchard, which I visit every day.

I liked the machine that filters water, that you showed us. At home, mom also gives us good water. She boils water of the river, lets it cool and puts it in sterilized glasses.

You should meet my mom. She is beautiful. Her biggest dream is to learn to read. But she counts very well. She even helps me with my homework.  

At night, she tells me stories of a man called Jesus and we pray before we sleep.

Sometimes, I hear my friends talking about what went on television. In those days, I will having one in my house, but after later the will goes away.

Because I am very happy helping my mom, talking to her, being loved by her. Then, I am sure that my house does not lack anything.

I remembered the super powerful fruit squeezer that you showed. I thought it is interesting. But, there in my house, we eat the fruit directly from the tree, every day.

Well, I think my text is irrelevant to what you have asked. I wrote it because my mom taught me to meet in day everything that is requested. 

I thank you for your visit to my school and the opportunity to meet the second most important woman in the world. The first one, without a doubt, is my mother. 

I finish my writing sure and right that: the most modern and efficient in my house meets by the name of mom.

Finished reading, Dr. Brown concluded: Today I discovered, in this countryside town, a lesson that no university in the world has been able to teach me.

I bother myself too much to have, to invent, to draw attention. I forgot to see what is really worth in this life: the extraordinary task of being a mother. The great treasure of love.

Spiritist Moment Team, based on the chronicle
O que há de mais moderno e eficiente em sua casa?,
by Ângela Aparecida Gonçalves Reis Ferreira,
from the newspaper A voz da cidade, Paraguaçu,
in May 4 of 2013.
October 8.2014.