During a recent silent retreat that I was taking part in, I was staring out at the mountains in the distance in the early morning hours where life seems a little bit simpler, the hustle and bustle has yet to begin, and a pleasant quietness has yet to be interrupted when a common Spanish phrase came to my mind...¡qué rico! This phrase directly translates as "How rich!" I realized that I really love this saying. It´s used ofen to describe food that you like, but also other things. For example, a cool breeze on a hot day may prompt someone to exclaim...¡qué rico! or when you tell someone that you´re going on vacation they might respond with the same comment. I really love this usage of the word "rich" that in this sense has absolutely nothing to do with money or material value. It is used to describe the richness of experiences or beauty, which certainly represent a wealth of sorts, but one that can so often be overlooked.
Here in Peru there is a lot of pride, and also a lot of recognition of richness in other facets of life outside of material wealth. I have heard many times over comments about economic struggles, but how despite that they still are incredibly grateful for the blessings that they have. Despite hardships, the people here remain proud and incredibly generous. At the same retreat we sang a beautiful song that really verbalized this facet of life here. There may be poverty, but the people are wealthy in other ways. Regardless of hardships or problems, many people remain joyful and it´s true that they just keep on dancing.
Danza a mi pais
Vivo en un pais maravilloso, lleno de riqueza y voluntad. Dios pintó mi alma blanco y rojo, y por nada cambio este lugar. Mi pueblo es valiente y generoso, pobre pero rico, en dignidad y ni el sufrimiento ni el enojo, le han hecho que deje de danzar
Coro: Y así, danza, danza, danza, con sus penas, con sus alegrías, con su caminar. Danza, danza, danza porque espera que el Dios de la vida lo liberara.
Si vas a vivir en otros tierras, diles lo que pasa aquí en verdad, cuéntales que el odio y la miseria no nos han podido doblegar. Habla de toda la gente buena que ha dado su vida por la paz, y que tras su muerte los que quedan se han unido para continuar.
Here´s my English translation of the song...(not perfect-sorry!)
Dance of my country
I live in a marvelous country, full of richness and willpower. God painted my soul white and red, and I wouldn´t change this place for anything. The people are valient and genorous; poor but rich in dignity, and not suffering or anger has made us stop dancing.
Chorus: And like that dance, dance, dance with your sadness, with your happiness, on your journey. Dance, dance, dance because there´s hope that the God of life will liberate.
If you go live in other lands tell them what actually happens here, tell them the hate and misery has not broken us. Speak of the all the good people that have given their lives for peace and through their death those that remain have united to continue.
