After many years, I was finally able to come here for a few weeks: to Cajamarca, to the wonderful project of Bibliotecas Rurales. And it feels a bit like always and at the same time completely different. The streets, the sounds, the smells, the blue sky, the Andean sun and the dear friends - a home.
Then the headquarters of Bibliotecas Rurales: the numerous shelves and display cases with books from their own publishing house, the volunteer offices, the creaking wooden staircase leading to the common rooms. Every step tells a story.
One of the most important places in the project is the Hatun Wasi, the main hall, for all the meetings and gatherings. That is where I go first, because I feel the change very strongly: Alfredo is missed a lot and yet he is there. I stand in front of the lovingly designed ‘altar’ that now houses not only Juan's urn, but also Alfredo's. Behind me, on the opposite wall, there is a large photo of him, next to an older photo of Juan. There are the two founders, friends, apus of Rural Libraries, looking at us with a smile. I stand in front of them and greet them. The loss is heavy, heavy and hurts so much. I am crying. But suddenly I hear something familiar and look out: the clicking and buzzing of hummingbirds. They are still there: comforting, soothing, fascinating and uniquely beautiful. They walk between worlds and times. The buzzing of their wings signifies resurgence, confidence, courage, future, and I clearly feel that, after the serious loss, the first steps towards this future in the project have already been taken. The other layers of grief will be taken care of by life, little by little. Together, in community. As it is written in this room: In dark times we are helped by those who have been able to walk in the night.
Thank you for being able to be here with you again!
Kyra Grewe
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