Limenians: Whole-hearted, sympathetic and decisive

Limenians: Whole-hearted, sympathetic and decisive

One can survive in Lima when you’re in a good neighbourhood. I don’t necessarily mean “affluent” as  much as I do “heartfelt,” a community that cares /watches out for one another. From 2000 to 2002 we lived in a neighbourhood of Magdalena del Mar (Calle 4, just west of Av. Salaverry and off Av. El Ejército). I miss the beautiful oasis of relationships there (superficial perhaps but always engaging!). It helped us adjust to being dislodged from the mountains due to Tim, my youngest son’s health in the altitude. Polemics and political discussions abounded, for example, while our neighbour Sandro watered his patch of grass in the front, or while we walked (was dragged, more like it, by) our alpha-male black-and-white husky called “Oso” (bear). Christmases, New Years and Fiestas Patrias (Peru’s Independence Day is July 28) were particularly festive and full of setting off fireworks from most flat roofed-homes in the area. Our boys have fond memories of that 3 bedroom home we rented for $450/month!

I distinctly remember one Christmas when the mayor of San Isidro put up a huge poster with: “May the Spirit of Jesus be with you during this season.” Imagine your own mayor in the U.S. or Canada doing the same thing!! People knew their country was struggling and many tried to do ‘something’ though perhaps very meager. I call that heart!

There were two incidences, however, which forever bonded me to that metropolis.  The first was when the terrorist group MRTA (Movimiento Revolucionario Tupac Amaru) invaded the residence of the Japanese Ambassador during the high society’s Christmas Gala on December 17, 1996. Over 700 high level government officials, military and families were taken hostage, one of whom was the mother of Peru’s president (apparently MRTA had no idea, when they let go of the women, children, and the elderly/infirm). All but 70 were released after fierce negotiations. But it wasn’t until April 22, 1997 that a special military force re-took the embassy killing all 14 terrorists, only one hostage and two commandos. 126 days of terror gripping the city and nation in an incredible way—the lives of those nearest never the same again.

During that crucial time, Lima , indeed most cities in Perú, valiantly responded in solidarity by marching on the streets in prayerful and vociferous commitment to the hostages. My wife, children and I also walked those streets. Some walking, in courteous jest, declared, “Look! Even the “gringos” are marching for peace! (unbelievable! Ha-ha!)” My retort to the man carrying the banner “Surquillo por la Paz” (a district of Lima), was, “Hey! My sons were born in the Surquillo clinic!” (Ha-ha!) Then we ALL would point to the next banner, even more surprised at its inscription: “Lawyers for Peace!” (!!)

The second incidence was after Sept. 11, 2001. All of Perú seemed to show-up in major parks in solidarity for those who died in the attack on the Two Towers in New York. Parque Kennedy (in Lima’s Financial district of Miraflores) was packed with people wielding candles lit-up as a sign of prayer on behalf of the fallen and their families. I had the immense privilege of being interviewed by Peru’s national TV and confessed, “My family marched on behalf of the hostages in 1997. Now Perú responds to the U.S. in its solidarity and concern. I just am honoured to be a part.”