Milagros

I can't help but have tears and happiness brimming in my eyes and heart after sharing in the joy of the rescue of the thirty-three miners trapped in the collapsed mine in Chile. As I saw the videos of many of the miners emerging from the darkness of the mine my heart just swelled with gratitude for family, friends, hope, prayer, and the pure love of Christ. While we tend to call victims heroes, heroes villains, and villains victims in this chaotic and topsy-turvy world, I see these men as true heroes for their courage, perseverance, and bravery. Rather than fight for rations, hoard supplies, turn bitter or selfish with fear, or even destroy their chance at survival with foolish actions, they calmly and even cheerfully weathered their captivity in an awe-inspiring way. It was so delightful to hear of Mario Sepulveda and his enthusiastic and positive antics (I laughed out loud when he presented his rescuers and family with souvenirs and led the miners in a raucous cheer). It was sweet and poignant to hear of José Enriquez leading the men in studying the scriptures and keeping their faith in the Lord vibrant. Mario Gomez pledged to marry his wife in a church ceremony and take the honeymoon they never had. Ariel Ticona Yanez emerged to welcome his baby daughter, Esperanza, born while he awaited rescue. And, perhaps the most stunning story of all, foreman Luis Urzua preserved his men's lives by diligently and strictly enforcing a ration of supplies, handing out a spoonful of tuna fish a day to make 48 hours' worth of food last 17 days. When I read of his leadership among the men, my thoughts immediately turned to the Savior Jesus Christ and the miracle of the loaves and fishes. The wonderful and triumphant rescue of these miners was due to the courage and fortitude of the trapped men, the support and assistance of their community (and the world), the faith and hope of their loving families and friends, and the blessings of our Heavenly Father, through whom mountains truly may be moved.