A Cultural Moment
Technically, while it may only be a moment for you, the reader, the cultural moment here is now nearly two days and still running.
One thing which is common in foreign countries and uncommon in the United States is the "strike". Here it is called a "paro" or "huelga" and usually they are carried out on a local basis. The cause is often the increase of prices on a common-commodity such as guinea pigs, but can also be related to something less important like gasoline.
This particular strike is going on because a group of people on the other side of the country are being denied their pensions. Can you imagine the implications for Detroit and the airlines if these ideas catch on in the U.S.? While few people here in Cusco know anyone directly affected by the retirement problems in Lima, they are striking with the best of them.
What exactly does a Peruvian strike involve, you may ask? Well, it usually means that people pile rocks and trees across the roads to paralyze all traffic. However, sometimes it is more severe.
Yesterday, I tried twice to take my pregnant little wife home where she could rest. After weaving through rocks, tires, trees, stumps, and car parts for about 20 minutes, we arrived at a point where a number of drunken men where physically enforcing the roadblock: not allowing anyone to pass, and throwing small stones at anyone who attempted to get by. We heard about cars with broken windshields, and they were even rumors of an overturned vehicle. We were forced to return to the seminary, or face the wrath of Huayllabamba.
Yesterday our co-worker, Ken Loveall, picked up some guests from the airport in the morning, but was unable to travel all day. They decided to make a run for it at night, but were accosted by an angry rock-wielding mob. When the mob realized that he would not be easily deterred, they began hefting large rocks at the vehicle, and succeeded in breaking out the rear window of the truck. All we could say to our visitors was "welcome to Peru".
Oh, by the way, if the violent village of Huayllabamba sounds familiar, it's because that is the totally unevangelized town where we are trying to start a Bible-study.
One thing which is common in foreign countries and uncommon in the United States is the "strike". Here it is called a "paro" or "huelga" and usually they are carried out on a local basis. The cause is often the increase of prices on a common-commodity such as guinea pigs, but can also be related to something less important like gasoline.
This particular strike is going on because a group of people on the other side of the country are being denied their pensions. Can you imagine the implications for Detroit and the airlines if these ideas catch on in the U.S.? While few people here in Cusco know anyone directly affected by the retirement problems in Lima, they are striking with the best of them.
What exactly does a Peruvian strike involve, you may ask? Well, it usually means that people pile rocks and trees across the roads to paralyze all traffic. However, sometimes it is more severe.
Yesterday, I tried twice to take my pregnant little wife home where she could rest. After weaving through rocks, tires, trees, stumps, and car parts for about 20 minutes, we arrived at a point where a number of drunken men where physically enforcing the roadblock: not allowing anyone to pass, and throwing small stones at anyone who attempted to get by. We heard about cars with broken windshields, and they were even rumors of an overturned vehicle. We were forced to return to the seminary, or face the wrath of Huayllabamba.
Yesterday our co-worker, Ken Loveall, picked up some guests from the airport in the morning, but was unable to travel all day. They decided to make a run for it at night, but were accosted by an angry rock-wielding mob. When the mob realized that he would not be easily deterred, they began hefting large rocks at the vehicle, and succeeded in breaking out the rear window of the truck. All we could say to our visitors was "welcome to Peru".
Oh, by the way, if the violent village of Huayllabamba sounds familiar, it's because that is the totally unevangelized town where we are trying to start a Bible-study.
I applaud what you all are doing so much! I had no idea about any of this going on in Peru.
ReplyDeleteLet me know if there is anything that I or some of my friends can do back here in the States. I live in Oklahoma City. You can go to my blog and leave any messages, and I'll spread the word and do what I can to help you all. Take care of your beautiful, pregnant wife!
May God Bless You! Hope to hear from you!
Kelly