My Eager Expectation

A determined group of indigenous people have shut down a major highway and are fighting to reposess land taken from them by the whites. The strife has created a tense atmosphere and the newspapers can't get enough of the story. The stand-off has endured for months and has been the cause of concern for many local residents in the Caledonia, Ontario area.

Conflict reminiscent of Bolivia is taking place in a town twenty minutes from where I grew up . Rich, persuasive people, usually of European descent, taking advantage of a poor, disadvantaged sector of persons, usually of native origin. My mom told me of this showdown between some of the reserve Indians and a landowner who is building on their property. I laughed loudly, immediately recognizing the irony that the "dangers" of living in Bolivia are the same ones that exist in Canada. It might have something to do with a universal sinful nature that has no regard for skin colour or ancestral background.

It seems as if the trend of trampling Latin countries by world super powers is slowly coming to a halt. The red light to foreign input and influence is blazing bright as a force labelled the Pink Tide crashes over South America. The Pink Tide is the wave of leftist leaders that are sweeping across the continent and gaining momentum as they join forces against foreign influence, particularly the United States. This tsunami is breaking over Bolivia as well.

This past week, President Evo did the unthinkable and actually followed through with a campaign promise. No one thought he would do it, but he came into Bolivia's gas reserves backed by the army and with much fanfare declared that his country's gas fields would be nationalized. The atmosphere was that of a national holiday. There have also been rumours of an announcement which will initiate the removal of all land owned by foreigners so that it can be given rightfully back to the Bolivian people.

Land is the source of endless contention. A person will forfeit his life for the sake of tierra that by rights is theirs. As we complain and holler about who owns what piece of the property pie, the land itself renders it's own petition. The whole of creation groans as in the pains of childbirth, yearning to be liberated from it's bondage to decay. This world was made subject to frustration by landowners who pursued their own will instead of God's. (Romans 8:20-22, Genisis 3:17-19)

In Canada and Bolivia, Caledonia and Santa Cruz, you will find discontent and the potential for disruption in the ranks, especially amongst those who feel demoralized. Roadblocks and uproars come with the territory. The future is opaque except for one clear circle in the middle. Take a peek. It's the glory to come, the redemption of our bodies, and the freedom attached to being a child of God. For this I wait in eager expectation!