Lessons to learn from The Lost Children: A Netflix documentary

The Lost Children is a powerful Netflix documentary about a plane crash in Colombia, deep within a jungle near an indigenous community. This community had long struggled with government oppression and claimed mistreatment by the military. When the crash first occurred, the military couldn’t locate the wreckage. In response, members of the indigenous community took it upon themselves to search for the plane.

A 14-year-old boy, who had seen a small blue object in the jungle, guided the group to the wreckage. Despite using advanced technology, the military had been unable to find the plane, but this teenager led them straight to it. Upon examining the wreckage, they found no children’s bodies. Some boxes were opened, and signs suggested that the children might still be alive—including a 14-month-old baby.

The military continued their search with no progress, while people around the world anxiously awaited news. However, the indigenous people, not initially asked to help, remained patient, allowing the military to continue. Eventually, the military acknowledged their expertise and requested their assistance, and that’s when the true search began.

The indigenous people have a profound connection to the jungle, understanding it in ways the military could never. They also believe that not all powers are physical. So, they prayed and performed a ritual involving herbs, while others stayed behind and prayed for success. The military had to use helicopters to navigate the treacherous jungle, filled with wild animals. The first man to attempt the ritual was the father of the children, but he was immediately rejected. Instead, an elderly man was asked to drink the herbs and sit in a particular spot to receive guidance. In a trance-like state, he said he transformed into a tiger, saw lights, and found the children.

The next morning, he predicted they would find the children by 3 p.m. that day—the last day of the search. And they did. The children were found weak and emaciated, but alive. Their survival was a miracle, guided by nature and protected by God. The children shared that they had seen their mother die in the crash, but they had left the wreckage in search of help.

The military was stunned. This story was a humbling reminder that no one knows everything, and we all have something to learn from one another. It demonstrated the importance of collaboration, humility, and recognizing the value in everyone, regardless of their background or education. The indigenous community’s knowledge, rooted in centuries of tradition, was vital to finding these children. All the military had to do was ask for help.

This incredible story of survival—a journey that took these children through 40 days in the jungle—reminds us that the human spirit is vast, and our minds are capable of incredible feats when we allow them to connect with the world around us. It teaches us that no race, tribe, or person should ever be looked down upon. We are all connected, and together, we can achieve extraordinary things.