Attending a vigil where 2 boys were killed by a wild puma: San Ignacio, Bolivia 1977

On a trip one time to Trinidad, Bolivia I went on a cargo plane over the Andes Mountains from LaPaz, Bolivia to land in San Borja not knowing what to expect. I had not looked at a map and I did not know I would need to ride in the back of a pickup on dirt roads an additional 10 more hours to get there! I was in the middle of the jungle, and it was quite beautiful with many exotic birds and wildlife. However, not all wildlife is beautiful but dangerous. After travelling all day from San Borja to San Ignacio I arrived just after the sun went down and I went downtown looking for a place to spend the night. There was a city hall office on the corner of the main Plaza, and about 100 people were gathered inside of a crowded room, many of them crying. I asked someone there, “Why are the people here, what’s going on? That person replied that everyone was there to support a certain family in a vigil as 2 of their young boys had been killed by a wild puma. What, a wild puma?! I was shocked and overwhelmed by the grieving and heavy spirit there, so I decided to stay for an hour to pray with them, accompanying them in their extreme sadness. Another person mentioned that some hunters had already gone to scout the land and hopefully kill the wild cat that had caused so much pain. Most of us live in large cities and the dangers there are quite district from what is in the jungles deep inside the provinces. What I experienced there was sobering. It was a reminder of how weak we are as human beings and how we must be sober and vigilant as our adversary is as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. It was inspiring to witness an entire town supporting this poor family in their grief. Everyone of us must support others in pain, even unknown strangers, when they are at their most despairing and sad moments.