It sounds as though everyone was able to enjoy the classic Ohio holiday to commence the Season of joy and tidings; I have to say a bit of me sighs....how nice. The lack of snow muffles my excitement and awareness of the ensuing holiday season, yet people's continued correspondence and my wonderful Bolivian celebrations breathe in the holiday hope and giddiness which is always ignited this time of year. It is as though I can hear the faint whispers of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" in the distance and think Aunt Pat must be in the next room. (Or maybe just it's my itunes! )
As I reminisce through the updates of others, I was able to spend the long weekend resting in a quaint hotel in Sucre, Bolivia's historical and judicial capital. The colonial town has a heavy Spanish feel from its roots, ornait in its archetecture and its entirety garnished in a soft white...beautiful-- Peaceful. On our second day, Jessica and I went into Potosi, a mining town and the "center of it all" in its origin....Quite a different feel as this, the old backbone of Bolivia and come to find out to some extent Spain, surviving on the fortune of the "Red, Silver Mountain" mines and the over 7 million lives that have been lost in it as well as others. Our taxi driver´s father being one of the many lives lost when our driver, now 23, was only 2. He left behind 7 children. Our tour guide's father also lost his life to the complications of 30 working years within the heart of the "Red, Silver Mountain" which holds its presence within the seal of the country.
With a guide, we entered into one of the mines...an active one at that....There was an explosion only 6 meters from where we were. In all reality we were headed straight for the explosion. Thanks to the fact that God gave me the courage of a lame bird we were spared...if I were to have found my bravery I would have been stuck and mamed...I was on my belly trying to slither through a hole 2 and a half feet in width and not much more in height, only a mere 22 plus meters down into the mt. Death was a bit too close for comfort. (Don't worry mom....We're A-O.K. no fears) An experience I am sure will never be fleeting; impressive and enlightening. What life is like for people born into different cultures. As this was not enough, did I mention that as we slowly but surely ventured into the mountain some refer to as "hell" we were surrounded by, touching and breathing in Arsenic and Aspestis.
We were within the mine only one hour-- others do this everyday, all day, 6 days a week with hope for fortune... During the three centuries of Spanish rule the royalty brought in African slaves after the indigenous workforce was depleted! And again I dare ask: "Why are we so blessed...and who is to say that others are not? But again....why us?"
I am thankful, for my life and this eye-opening experience shedding light upon the many blessings which I begrudgingly take for granted each day.
As my eyes were continually opened to new information of life throughout time and geography, I felt the Lord leading me to the decision to stay yet another year to experience the vast culture of this 'quiet' nation. I simply find myself feeling as though there is so much more here for me, and a need to expereience it, not leave with unfinished business. Only He knows. And with the clarity he sent me, I am sure he will lead me onward.
No matter the country or the culture though there is always time to ring in the season with an apropos viewing of the one and only family favorite, "The Christmas Story...." Tis the Season...and it is. Happy and Merry to you all as we are so blessed. And my father would say or sing...."Hide it under a bushel? NO! I'm gonna let it shine!" Let the joy of your life shine this season, shine into the lives of others and brighten their days and evenings to come. For the single ray of a miner's helmet will forever guide me back to path of gratitude.
