On August 4 of this year, the San Jose Mine in Copiapo,Chile collapsed. For 17 days no one knew if the miners were dead or alive until an 8 inch hole with a prob from the top made it down to them and they sent up a note letting rescue workers know that all 33 of them were alive and well. Amazing! It was first thought that they would not be able to reach the miners for a rescue until Christmas time, but with help from all over the world and their own resourcefullness all 33 men made it out alive. Last night they sent down a rescue worker and a medic and some paramedics to get the men ready and help them strap into pressure stockings. a vitals sensor to go around their abdomens and sunglasses to protect their eyes. Also a drink provided by NASA to prevent nausea and vomiting on their way up the 2400 feet (1/2 mile) in the missle like looking capsule. It was 21 inches wide. Some of the men had to lose 22 pounds in order to fit into it.
These are just a few pictures to record briefly what happened. I think this is quite a historical event and I was alive during it. I have been glued to the tv all last night and today. I found myself emotional when each man came up. I was a little surprised at that, because I thought it might get a little boring. Not one bit! Each time that capsule came up with one of the miners I was cheering along with those on the scene.
Some of my thoughts: 33 lives brought together for 69-70 days underground. Each with their own strengths and weaknesses. For one, it was his third time to be be in a mine collapse. I think it was providence that he was among them. They would have needed his optimism and experience of being rescued to keep them hopeful. They each brought something to the experience to help the other. They had to work together to survive. They worked to ration their emergency food, get organized. One wrote poetry for them to capture their feelings. A couple had therapy/counseling skills and helped the men battle depression and hopelessness. Some were in charge of communication; the food; sanitation. The last one up was the man who took over the leadership role. He seems to be beloved among them all. How does one summon that kind of strength? I think I would have gone crazy. He rationed the lights and created daytime and nighttime so there would be some kind of schedule and time management. Another was in charge of exercising so they could stay fit. Pretty incredible. There is no question in my mind that God was watching over them and all those who participated in any way in the rescue.
I just wanted to be sure and write this down.
