A Peaceful Light, My Life Building Bridges of Understanding

The idea for this book’s theme began to form in my mind a little over a year ago when, in a rather rare moment of solitude, I stood on a high bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean contemplating a lovely Southern California sunset. As I gazed to the horizon at the vivid red and orange hues of the sky, a gentle sea breeze carried to my ears the faint whispers of my ancestors, imploring me from across the ages to pen the words that would chronicle their struggles. It seemed significant to me that their efforts, which had most certainly influenced and shaped my life, would now provide me with the inspiration to write this book. Thus, I made the decision to embark upon this story, which I hope will serve not only as an enduring testimonial to the trials and tribulations of my forbearers, but also as a guide to inspire others to share their life experiences through the written word.

My story should encourage and motivate those who choose to follow the difficult path, a path that leads to understanding cultural differences that divide the myriad peoples of this planet. It is my fervent desire to encourage those who seek this journey to attain the compassion and multicultural knowledge necessary to become “bridge builders” who transform the human face of the Earth as they pursue the challenge of Building Bridges of Understanding.

I was born the fifth of 11 siblings in the northern part of the South American continent, in the Andean Mountains––the longest mountain range in the world. My given name is Lucía Fabiola Giraldo Estrada Botero Vega Restrepo Londoño, a cultural tradition in Latin America designed to instill in us a sense of heritage so we will never forget our roots going back at least three generations.

There is much I want to share with you, the people I have met in my tireless and frequent journeys across hemispheres, who have transformed my life: world leaders in politics, religion, business, community and the arts.

I want to share events that have deeply moved me in sacred places I have visited to pay homage alongside believers, including Cistercian monks, Shamans, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Jews––all of whom have contributed to and nourished my spiritual being.

As a woman, an immigrant, a minority by public definition, a Latina or Hispanic, married to a Latino and a mother of two, I faced many challenges in finding the courage to venture into the international business arena and to travel across the world, mostly alone, to follow my vision. I’ve confronted these challenges over the years and I finally overcame them. It is far better to explore problems rather than to be paralyzed by them.

While writing this book, the two languages collided at times as I journeyed to the depths of my heart to dig into my feelings and describe my life experiences. Spanish is my mother language and I learned English later in life. This narrative contains both humorous and serious anecdotes. It is a reflection of everlasting family and friends’ experiences that have always influenced the course of my life. It includes ancient wisdom, poetry, and songs in Spanish and English that still resonate in my heart, chart the course of my life, and sustain me.

Discovering a new world is an adventure worthy of the many challenges. Some of us think of pursuing our dreams but never make the effort. The reasons are obvious: it requires money, time, and determination. It is not an easy step to take. The uncertainty of a new destination, different culture and tradition, the strangers you will meet along the way and the unexpected outcomes are part of what you will encounter. These mysterious elements have driven me to embark upon “the road less traveled” and to discover new worlds.

It is a part of my legacy and life’s mission to contribute to humanity, to build understanding among people in the hope that they will respect each other’s differences and value their shared humanity. This is what people of all cultures must do to reach unity and peace for all.

My multifaceted life has given me the courage I needed to undertake this storytelling mission and it has infused my spiritual walk with guidance, inspiration, and the strength to complete this book.

I am grateful to those who believed in my dreams––my mentors. Those who tried to discourage me I call my tor––mentors. Finally, to those I met along the way and contributed immensely to my quest, I say ¡Gracias, muchas gracias!

By Lucia De García