A Quick Reflection on Our TravelsBy Edgar BearAfter driving through nine countries in four months, we finally arrived at middle of the world.
After driving through mountains, forests, rain, fog, the coast, at night, tired, during the day, full of energy, and after meeting and conversing with great people, we arrived at the middle of world in Ecuador: the equator; latitude 0 0' 0.” How does it feel? It is as though we have achieved a goal. Yet, at the same time, we have a lot of road to cover. As I reflect, yes, the middle of the world is something to be in awe about. It is a place of beauty where north, south, east, and west meet. It is a location that can be surprisingly chilly. Surprising, because my entire life I was told the equator (near Quito Ecuador) was hot. Nah. It’s chilly, and at night, it can get cold. Yet, as to our drive, it can be seen as a representation of our halfway point. During our first half of our drive, we experienced much. We have had long conversation with locals from eight countries about all sorts of topics from politics, to religion, relationships, travel, work, nature, science, and family. We have also had great times in laughter from laughing nonstop to laughing about ourselves, our differences, our expressions, laughing about jokes, and about life. We have felt the love of the people by way of hospitality where we are received with kisses, kind words, a place to sleep, and with food. As to food, we have tried all sorts of vegetables, meat, candy, fruit, drinks, types of rice, and bread; the names are hard to remember. Yet, each plate of food is unique. As I reflect, I have learned much. I began this trip with my own prejudices and thoughts of an area. Yet, as I meet people and get to know them; as I laugh and joke with them; as I share my thoughts and beliefs and they share theirs; and as I see the impressive ever-changing looks that nature presents as one moves about, I am left longing, in awe, and with a desire to continue. I am left longing because I desire for my friends, my family, immigrants, the people that I grew up with that have said and continue to say racist things; basically I desire that all people from all backgrounds get to know the different cultures of the people and land that I have come to love and appreciate. I desire for them to know the goodness of the people despite the disagreements in politics and religious beliefs. One person does not represent a people as a whole. I am left in awe for two reasons: the first reason is nature and the second the misrepresentation of the people from Latin-American countries. In regards to nature, yes, I can understand why Latinoamérica can seem so, “the same,” but that is the furthest thing from the truth. By simply travelling a few miles in any country, there is increasing difference in nature. Countries that I thought nothing of, I have come to find out are rich in beauty ranging from mountains, trees, ocean, lakes, rivers, and sky. I am of the people who believe that God reveals who He is in nature. And as I travel, I have been left in awe of the goodness of His creation. Regarding the misrepresentation of the people, I don’t know how many times I’ve been told to not go to Mexico, yet it was safe. I have heard people believe all Latinos are Mexican and believe that all Latinos look the same; far from true. There are those of African descent, those who are whiter than Carrot Top, there are Asians, indigenous and there are all sorts of mixed races. But don’t get me wrong, I am not one of those people who lives in a false reality who doesn’t know how to go about cites and thinks everything is perfect. Not at all. But the things we often hear and believe about Latin-Americans are often far wrong. A great example would be Colombia. There is a tremendous fear of entering that country to the point that some have come to believe that there is cocaine on every corner. Not true. The largest majority of the population happens to be good people, but like in all places, there are those who cause harm. So, I am in awe of the misrepresentation. However, at the same time, I need say, I am in awe of the goodness of the people. Lastly, there is a desire to continue the journey. The drive is not over as of yet. We have eight countries to cover, each one having its own type of diversity in regards to nature and people. I am looking forward to the new sights, knowledge, music, family practices, and different forms of hospitality and love. But going back to the halfway point, as I reflect, as of yet, I am ultimately left with a thank you. I would like to thank the people who have helped us along the way. And I thank God for having given me the opportunity to experience His beauty in nature and the diversity of the people created. |
DavidMuchacho simpatico EdgarEdgar is Christian. He loves soccer, traveling, and meeting new people. Archives
July 2016
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