Un Gran Susto en el Mundial [ESP/ENG] INICIATIVA HIVE ARGENTINA

Amigos lo que tengo que compartir con ustedes en esta iniciativa lamentablemente no es una anécdota graciosa ni tampoco es longeva, ocurrió precisamente el miércoles de la semana pasada. Por lo general yo no acostumbro a ver los partidos del mundial porque no soy asiduo al futbol, pero mientras se cargaba mi telefono celular prendí el televisor y me puse a ver el partido entre Suiza y Canadá, recuerdo que apoyé a Canadá ya que tengo amigos viviendo allá y todo iba bien, yo estaba super concentrado en el partido cuando de pronto ocurrió algo desconcertante... el televisor parpadeó, y aunque al inicio pensé que era un bajón de energía eléctrica tardé unos segundos en comprender lo que realmente ocurría. Finalmente la energía eléctrica sucumbió, yo salí tambaleándome de la habitación (aparentemente mareando) solo para descubrir que se trataba de un terremoto, que más tarde supimos que en realidad fueron dos, de 7.1 y 7.5 respectivamente en la escala de Richter.

Friends, what I have to share with you regarding this initiative is, unfortunately, neither a funny story nor a tale from the distant past; it happened just last Wednesday. I don't usually watch World Cup matches since I’m not a big soccer fan, but while my phone was charging, I turned on the TV and started watching the game between Switzerland and Canada. I remember rooting for Canada because I have friends living there, and everything was going fine—I was completely engrossed in the match—when suddenly something unsettling happened: the TV flickered. Although I initially thought it was just a power dip, it took me a few seconds to realize what was actually going on. Finally, the power cut out completely; I stumbled out of the room—feeling dizzy—only to discover that an earthquake was underway. We later learned there were actually two quakes, measuring 7.1 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, respectively.

Venezuela isn't a seismically active country, so we aren't used to this; it took us completely by surprise and was absolutely terrifying. Naturally, everyone forgot about the soccer match, and people headed out into the street to calm down after the shock—it was truly intense. To make matters worse, along with the power outage, we lost our internet connection—or rather, it was intermittent. My wife and eldest daughter were trying to get in touch with my youngest daughter, who was at work, but we couldn't reach her, which was very frightening; eventually, however, we managed to speak with her and confirm she was safe, as was the rest of our extended family. Fortunately, there was no major damage in the city where I live, but we are nonetheless devastated by what is happening in other areas like Caracas and La Guaira—which were the hardest hit—as the images are harrowing and heartbreaking to see.

All of this made me reflect on our fragility as human beings. Yesterday was just an ordinary day—people were watching the match, enjoying the World Cup—and then, suddenly, that tragedy struck. One day we might be celebrating, and then, in an instant, everything can change. That is why we must cherish every second of our lives, appreciate what we have, put aside grudges, and simply love one another—regardless of race, creed, politics, or anything else. Today, Venezuela stands united, crying out to the heavens for peace and mercy.

I’m sorry I didn’t share a cheerful, funny anecdote about something that happened during the current World Cup, but well, that’s how things are on this side of the world; I send you blessings and invite you to join the initiative.