Santiago arts and human rights

Another great week, dividing my time between service in the temple, visits to museums and other Santiago places of interest, reading, receiving news from home, lots of walking, meeting and helping and learning from people from all over, working with English learners, reconnecting with people, such as seeing a young Elder who also served in Guayaquil, Ecuador, when I did, here at the temple from northern Chile. (events like this happen often). 

 There are about 300 Haitians arriving in Chile every day. I am impressed that there are educational centers to help these new immigrants learn Spanish and adapt to the Chilean culture. Many have visited the Fine Arts Museum and chosen paintings that inspire them in their new country. At the temple we have many Haitian gardeners who do a wonderful job and work very hard in the hot sun.

I appreciate Chile's apparent love of art and culture, their work ethic, pride in the gorgeous natural beauty, and desire to preserve democracy, and acceptance today of various religious persuasions. All of these exhibits called to mind the following......

In our church, we have 13 "Articles of Faith" to briefly explain our doctrine. #13 is as follows:
"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent,virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul---we believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
 

Violeta Parra's self portrait (on left) and other figures promoting peace (and war with gun) which she did through visual arts, music and poetry. She was first Hispanic American to exhibit individual works in the Louvre (1964)

The national dance "Cueca" and other works in "the Common Good" exhibit

Chillan Andes painting is one of many lovely landscapes in Fine Arts Museum

fisherman

Huaso (cowboy)

I enjoyed many wonderful exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts and learned much about the Mapuche people, and various Chilean sculptors, painters and photographers. I also came to appreciate Violeta Parra, visual artist, musician and composer, folklorist (1917-1967), known and loved throughout Chile and internationally.

 

Unlike China with no term limits, and Putin just elected for a 4th term, another 6 years, Chile has a 2-term limit like in the U.S.. New President Pinera is back again this week for a second term (having had to alternate with Bachelet who has termed out). He is a Catholic conservative, (she a socialist) so there was an elaborate ecumenical ceremony at the cathedral.

 Monday lunch at the Hurleys with missionary Sister Whitaker (who just got a new companion from Australia, fresh from the MTC) and Sister Cordova (transferred to a Santiago suburb) with the Hurleys, Sister Umber, and a nice investigator Ricardo Gonzalez, who has an MBA from Tulane University in New Orleans.

That day I got a smaller bed and recliner and more space to pull out my table to invite guests, so at my place next time, I think. I love my comfortable room now, though I would love a real oven! 

The Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos keeps alive the violent coup d'etat of Pinochet who led the Chilean military forces in bombing the presidential palace La Moneda on Sept. 11, 1973, leading to the death of Salvador Allende and the detention, torture and death of 1000's of people. The Junta regime lasted until 1990 when a plebiscite called for his removal. He lived in exile and was not brought to trial in Chile. (no photos allowed inside)
In front is a typical Ruka, or Mapuche indigenous model house with central fire circle and wonderful examples of weavings and tapestries.

Also outside the museum is a display of the 30 international human rights and examples of many of the amazing proponents of these rights. The Mapuche were defeated and put onto "reservations" much as the north American native peoples, but they are still persistently fighting for their rights. I enjoyed their great exhibit at the Museo de Bellas Artes.
see many more photos with descriptions:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/SVwDYKMANgy0IaC03

These weavings and tapestries illustrate the Mapuche culture. Likewise all the threads of our individual lives, the gold and silver (the joys and successes) as well as the dark strands (our mistakes, disappointments, failures) make us who we are. We may not see the big picture from our limited perspective while we live day to day, but I believe we will, eventually. I believe God allows us opportunities to be our best, if we have a positive attitude, are hopeful, and see the potential in ourselves and others.
May we all choose well how we spend our time and use our talents, that we may have many happy moments this week.
I miss you and think of you all often.
Love,
                     Hermana Miriam