As the world continues with its uncompromising wars in Ukraine/Russia, Israel/Palestine, Sudan, and more, I’ve realized embedded in my recent travels to Bolivia and Columbia that: Time doesn’t heal but allows the heart to open wider and reveal the secrets hidden within assumptions.
Every war has its reasons, most fall apart along the way. Sides are taken, dire needs provoke drastic behavior. The wars in Columbia are no different. I remember in the 1990s when I raised my three young children, struggled with building a home with running water and electricity, and working, I heard about the horrors of the FARC, the horrors of the Paramilitary, and the corrupt government of Bolivar. I didn’t feel the pain of the people in towns and villages, and barely understood the dilemma.
Always on my travels, I blessed with life history lessons. On this trip we had a conversation with a woman whose mother died and the father unable to cope, let her as a child of twelve wander booted from one house to another, not finding her way in school. On the streets, the paramilitary offered her a home, a purpose, trained her to use her youth and sex to gain information. She served, became pregnant, and had to give up her baby. Part of the conversation was with a man who joined the FARC when all his attempts to aid his suffering village failed because of the corrupt government. He felt he had no choice but to provide food and protection no matter what the means and FARC had taken on this role. Both individuals lost their way as did the guerilla groups overtaken by greed and drug trafficking.
With the tentative peace accord between the factions, they readjusted. Each worked to make their homes and villages better until one day they were thrown together on a project of reconciliation for the community. At first hostile feelings prevailed. Eventually they came together, fell in love, created a family. Their story is one of hope where ideas change, soften, and various assumptions clarified. The goal was always the same, but along the way other pulls took over.
I found the people of Bolivia and Columbia welcoming, filled with joy, troubled about the environment and corruption, resilient, and more than anything hopeful. This is seen in their art, displayed on walls, in their dance, in their smiles and in the way they have modernized their infrastructure.
Here is a link to a video our OAT Trip leader created. https://youtu.be/IFZyVJSb2DY?si=6moXmfhrhNixTXku
This was 10th trip with Overseas Adventure Travel. Great for single or double travelers. Check them out and let them know I referred you.
For those of you interested in my newest book, The Underpainting, my new cover design is ready. I’ll keep you posted on the release date.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, contact me at http://www.abberolnick.com
