El Camino...: Maria Llena de Gracia

El Camino...

Es largo y profundo, pero voy a caminar el camino...

Monday, April 11, 2005

Maria Llena de Gracia

This weekend I watched a movie called Maria Llena de Gracia (Maria full of Grace). Watching this movie while in Colombia was (I think) a lot more impacting than if I had watched it in Canada, where I first heard about it. The storyline is basically about this girl, Maria, who becomes a drug mule - it is set in Colombia (although with exception to one scene, is filmed in Ecuador) - and brought with it the crashing reality of the situation that some people here in Colombia find themselves in. The reigning emotion I feel right now is this deep sadness and a weird sense of shock. I have been really sheltered to that reality of Colombia - and I am left wondering who is there to help, or who is even ABLE to help in that situation... This is the second 'event' while I have been here that has had a deeper effect/meaning to me than if I had been in Canada when they happened. The second event was the death of the Pope. On the Saturday that we learned he had died, I was with Angelica in el barrio la Candelaria - the Catholic churches all sounded their bells, there was a choir singing in one of them, and we went in to one of the churches and just stood listening to the priest. Observing the people in this time was interesting - I think in Canada, to me, sure I would see on the news that he had died and perhaps give it some thought, but here as Colombia is a Catholic country, the effect was much felt and the story much much muchly covered on the news.

All in all, I continue to learn about this country called Colombia. Some days are "better" than others... some days I love what I learn, and others I wish what I am learning wasn't true and feel this weird sense of loss as to what to do or say. What I do know is that this is a very diverse country - full of extremes and similarities, much like any other - and that I will continue to put myself out there: allowing myself (pushing myself is perhaps a better term) to keep an open mind and experience this life that is before me.

posted by Erica @ 8:18 a.m.

3 Comments:

At 3:38 p.m., Anonymous said…

Hey there Scams,
It was interesting to hear about your experience around the Pope's death. I was wondering how that would be being in a strong Roman Catholic country. I am glad that you are learning a lot even though it is hard sometimes. Life is winding down here at Bethany. It is crazy but I am not so grief-stricken this year...oh my, last year's ending is rather humourous in retrospect! Love you lots,
Rachel
At 8:09 a.m., Anonymous said…

Hello Erika! It so interesting to read about your experiences in Colombia! I find it most fascinated to see how others can experience this country of mine where I grew up and where now I can see I took so many things for granted! When Allan was there for our wedding we went to La Plaza de Bolivar as well to Museo del Oro, he was just as impressed! Isn't the Gold Musuem quite something??

Take Care and May God continue to bless your life and experience there!!

Abrazos!!
At 9:03 p.m., Drew said…

Hey Scams,
It's good to hear about your experience. I've never seen that movie, but I've heard that it's worth seeing, even though it's not "good". I understand the catholic country thing, we were just in the Philippines and it was really intense to hear from the people we met what was going on around the popes death. Also being in China hearing how they have been angry politically at Taiwan for going and stuff. One man's death having so much effect is pretty crazy... Later dayz.
Drew~