I wrote this song in 1990 at a time when Peru was in submission to terrorist
activities. The government was corrupt, the
Shining Path terrorist group
ran the internal workings of the country, the people in rural areas lived in
much fear, and it seemed the hope of a return to order was far from reality.
Here in the US, little news made its way to our television sets and newspapers,
but word from home (those of us who call Peru home) gave insight to the chaos
that reigned in the country. We dared not return for casual visit.
I was born and raised on the mission field. My parents have been members of
Wycliffe Bible Translators for over
50 years. Up until May 14, 2004, I had three sisters. All of us were raised
in Peru and neighboring countries, and reveled in the languages and cultures
of Peru. On said date, my oldest sister, Donna, succumbed to cancer and
passed away.
Donna's husband requested that I sing this song at her memorial, knowing that
although she had spent her entire adult life as a dedicated wife, mother and
grandmother in the US, her connection to the land and music of Peru was at the
core of her person.
Donna's daughter, my niece, Heidi added a beautiful mix when accompanying me on
her flute as we sang the song for the attending congregation. I wrote a final
verse, which has little to do with the original intent of the song, but was
written for rememberance of mi hermana, my sister.
These versions are here:
