I am not sure if this photograph has been depicted in the States, but this image has been plastered all over the news and commercials down here for the past week. I love this picture. I love it. In the middle of the turmoil and destruction, yet standing strong with the torn and tattered flag of his beloved country. Beautiful. ¡Fuerza Chile!
The mindset of the Chilean people, post-earthquake, is very much that they are going to help themselves. Chile ayuda Chile. Chile helps Chile. This weekend a huge telethon was hosted, and twice as much money as the goal was raised. Incredible. The people here really do understand solidarity, of needing to come together in a time of need, a time of utter devastation.
Its going to be interesting to see how this catastrophe does effect the rest of my time here, and years to come for this country. I read in an article this morning, that it will take Chile at least 5 years to recover and rebuild the infrastructure that was destroyed. It also stated, quite bluntly, that Chile will experience aftershocks for months, if not years, because of the tremendous energy of the quake. Not exactly what I wanted to read or the people of Chile want to hear, but I guess its good to be prepared.
Devastation, or any other sorrow, puts life into perspective though. Life is so unpredictable, so fragile. I am trying everyday to be more open to life, to the ordinary miracles. Like simply slowing down while walking home instead of constantly racing myself, or savoring the goodness of delicious food instead of inhaling it… I know it sounds stupid, but if I change in little ways like these, life might just seem different… maybe even better.
And life here in Chile? Though aftershocks will continue to tremble the earth here, they are not shaking the spirits and hearts of the people, that much is certain.
