Imagine being stuck underneath the ground at a depth of 2,050 feet  for over 2 months, at a sweltering 90° degrees, with 32 other people who are also waiting patiently for their rescue. That is what 33 Chilean miners endured for 69 days in a gold and copper mine in Chile’s northern Atacama desert, a world record for time spent trapped underground. The first sign of life came from the miners on August 22 when a note was found that said ” The 33 of us in the shelter are well.” Once the rescuers on the surface discovered the men, they drilled a hole into the ground and set up a way of communication, an “umbilical cord” so to say, that transported hydration gel, soup and medication. In order to stay sane and in order to entertain themselves, they were sent notes and letters from family and friends, videos of football games and also small music players as well as Bibles and rosaries blessed by Pope Benedict. Rescuers thought that this rescue would take about four months to get all of the miners out but it only took about 69 days and 8 hours. The rescue began at midnight on Tuesday, the men were transported though specially made steel cages that would pluck them from the great depths into the arms of waiting family members, friends and thousands of people waiting patiently for the well-being of the men. All the men were rescued today, but they spend two days in observation at the hospital and will continue six months of counseling. We all wish good luck to the brave miners and their families.