10th Anniversary Oaxaca Style

If you had asked me 10 years ago, what I would be doing on my wedding anniversary, I would not have guessed correctly.  Sam's parents were here for a visit and we booked a few days of vacation in a hotel in Oaxaca with them.  We left early on the day of our anniversary, expecting to arrive at the hotel in the afternoon, enjoy some time at the pool, and have a lovely dinner together in the evening.

Well, less than an hour into the drive, we came upon some backed up traffic.  The kids and I got out to stretch our legs.  We walked to the front to see what was the problem.  There were two transport trucks across the road and some people standing around with machetes and sticks.  They were pleasant and greeted us.  Hmmm, nothing looked serious.  Oh, the naive Canadians that we are!

It was a protest.  That was all we knew.  We didn't know who was protesting, why they were protesting, or how long they would protest.  All we could do was wait. 

We sat there for 7.5 hours while the traffic built up around and behind us.  No one passed through except those on motorcycles, horses, and foot.  We checked and double checked the map but, there was no other road around.  Thankfully we had pulled under a tree for shade and we had plenty of food along for the drive.  The kids played at the side of the road and made friends with those around us. 

Often we struggle to keep our patience when we are tired and grumpy at the end of the day.   So often we fail and snap at our children or are overly severe.  So often I pray that we will be a better example to them of grace and patience.  Well, that day we were rich with opportunities to practice!  Answering again and again, "Why would the mean people do this to us?"  Consoling the child who cries, "But, it's not fair!"  Stating repeatedly, "No, we don't know why they are blocking the road."  "No, we can't just take another road."  "No, we don't know when we can go."  Sam and I were proud of our children and how they coped with the day, and perhaps a bit amazed at ourselves too.

Driving past 5 km of backed up traffic.

When we finally got going, we were so thankful and joyful!  The delight of moving forward towards our destination!  We still had a long drive ahead and got to the hotel at 11:30 pm.  No, I would not have guessed this was how our 10th anniversary would be spent.