Thursday, October 14, 2010

The World is One with Chile

Chi chi chi, Le le le!!! I love these cheering line of the Chileans as it encourages the spirit while the operation to rescue the miners was ongoing. I even caught myself repeating those lines as I also wait for the update. Felt like I was one of the rest of the world waiting expectantly, praying, hoping and almost holding my breath for the first miner to come up. It entailed a big courage for the first one to take the risk. And when Florencio Avalos emerged from that deep hole, I could almost shed a tear with the rest of the expectants, especially when he broke in tears while hugging his 7-year old son. It was a sign of success, of a new life, of greater hope, of gratefulness, of countless emotions... That was only in the internet as I follow on the news.

Watching the live coverage seemed to bring me to San Jose Mine as I am moved by the spirit of the Chileans present there. And with the last person surfacing from that hole, it was also for me a great feeling of achievement! I do rejoice in the success of the operation. I am one with the rest of the world in jubilation.

Just like what other countries had said, Chile taught us many lessons -- in unity, faith, nationalism and courage. With all the tragedies that they went through, they were able to stand up as a nation, they worked as one. I can only hope for such spirit to run through our veins not only during calamities but to work most of the time as one nation, proud of its country, in all circumstance. The presence of their president Sebastian Pinera is something admirable and his speech was also moving. The wholehearted singing of Chile's national anthem led by President Pinera and Luis Urzua froze the world with great essence of pride and dedication. "Today, we are all Chileans." Yes, I really admire the Chilean spirit!

To quote one thing that struck me with Mario Gomez as the oldest of the trapped miners at the age of 63, "Gomez's wife, Lilianett Ramirez, pulled him up from the ground and embraced him. The couple had talked by video once a week, and she said that he had repeated the promise he made to her in his initial letter from inside the mine: He would marry her properly in a church wedding, followed by the honeymoon they never had." Oh, so sweet! When love speaks... Wishing the best for this couple.

And among others, I am touched by their stories of faith... As the camera rolled, I was trying to look into their faces, to their eyes as every miner made his way to his loved ones. There is so much to see, to feel and to know about each of them... Now I'm wishing to have a personal interview with any of them. ^_^

Most importantly, thank God for all of these. All praises be His...

God bless Chile, God bless us all!
(",)

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