memorial concert: music is the universal language

On Saturday, October 4th, after an amazing pilgrimage experience, we headed into Queretaro Centro for a memorial concert in honor of a dear friend of the community who recently passed away.  He was a musician who spent time (along with his wife) sharing his musical gifts with the community. This was an opportunity for his family and friends to celebrate his life- by creating some beautiful music together.  The concert was held at a museum in the heart of the old historic district of Queretaro.

We were delayed arriving due to the heavy traffic.  It was a beautiful Saturday evening- and it happened to be the feast of St. Francis, so folks were out and about celebrating with all kinds of fun, festive activities.

The twelve of us filed into the beautiful room where the concert was...and they were just about to begin.  We received a warm welcome and Moises, Jose, and Evan headed straight to the front of the hall with Mireille.  Later, Bertha and Doug would join them as El Arca was honored and celebrated throughout the concert.  The friendship between Daniel and the community was clearly felt and experienced that evening.  I had arrived to the concert a bit fatigued and unsure about what would lie ahead.  Shortly after the music began, I could feel my spirit begin to lift and I began to come alive again through the music.  While I did not know this man and I could not understand all that was being said about him and his life, I felt connected to him (and everyone in that room) through the music.  

Music is the universal language...what a gift!