Jan. 1, 2009 – The title above is a translation of an article in El Charal, the weekly Lake Chapala newspaper. In this article, a dozen people were asked about “las esperanzas de un año nuevo.” I enjoyed reading their comments.
Several men were here in Mexico for the holidays and would be returning soon to their work in the US. One said he’s lived in the US for 21 years, another said since 1972, while others didn’t specify. All of them hoped that work in the US would improve in 2009.
Practically everyone had the same wish for Mexico, that the economic situation would improve. A local gardener wished that this new year would be “lleno de salud y trabajo, que es lo mas importante.” – full of health and work, which are the most important things.
An engineer at the University of Guadalajara commented on both the recession and on “calentamiento global,” or global warming. A middle school teacher spoke of his wishes for children who lack basic necessities.
I was telling my husband about the article when I realized I’d like to share it more fully, so here you are. And whatever happens in our world, I wish you, reader, a year full of health and meaningful activity, whether it’s technically “work” or not!