Today is just one more day in this gray, chaotic and crowded Lima. It’s the same old story: study, work, eat and sleep. Just like you, I was sick of my monotonous life, my routine had stifled my drive. I wanted a change and so I took the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful places in Peru: Huaraz.
A close friend of mine, who is also a priest, invited me to Ushno, a very small and poor village in Huaraz for his annual spiritual mission. I didn’t know what to expect and I was really scared of going out of my comfort zone to meet teenagers that I had never seen before. Nevertheless, I took my leap of faith and left my worries behind. After a few days of interacting with the other member of the group, I concluded that we all had the same objective: to give everything we could for those suffering in poverty. However, during our second day in Huaraz, I realized that instead of giving we were receiving! The poor villagers of Usho were rich in many aspects and they were sharing their treasures with us, spontaneously, selflessly. The children filled my heart with joy, the women fed us, their humbleness and simplicity enlightened my spirit. During that week I lived in extremely austere conditions; since there were no showers, we bathed only once in four days, we slept on the floor, and I was often hungry and thirsty. Paradoxically, during those days, and for the first time in a long while, I was capable of being myself. There was no time for appearances because we were all so busy getting on with chores and having fun. Living in poverty, made me value everything I have. It was impossible to ignore the truth –as I had always done – because I was actually experiencing it. Ironically, I felt awesome. Instead of owning things, I had the love of the children, the incomparable humility of the locals, the fun vibes of the group, and as such, I was able to embrace true happiness. When I interacted with the children of the village – who had their faces peeled due to the heavy sun and strong winds, and their hands frozen because of the cold weather – I noticed something peculiar in their sight. Their eyes were pure, their smiles were authentic, and they walked at a peaceful pace that everyone who came from Lima envied. I realized that such look could not be found in Lima, the happiness in it was natural. Although the people of Ushno had no commodities (there was no potable water, the bathroom consisted of a hole in the ground, and, in the three days I was with them, they didn’t change their clothes) they were satisfied with what they had. It is amazing how in Lima we lack that sense of authenticity. Our smiles have become forced and rigid, constantly judged by social networks; it is as if we smile for obligation and not for joy. Generally, in our daily routine, week after week, what motivates us to keep on going are our weekend plans. But our world has much more to offer, and we will find it only if we are decided to look for a change. So take a break from this tedious city; pack a bag, grab some of your savings, and go to Huaraz. |
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