San Lucas Toliman
Hello everyone from San Lucas. Tropical storm watch day 3. Yesterday we finally got a chance to get dirty as we helped some locals clear their road from all the mud. After 3 hours of intense shoveling we escaped with a only few blisters, hardly comparable to what the people who live here have had to deal with.
This morning we learned that a small community of homes right outside San Lucas was hit badly by mudslides. Over 20 families lost their homes and for sure one family of six has lost their lives. There is the possibility that many more have died as well. We’re not sure how much you all are hearing about this in the States but for us it’s an entirely real experience and we are right here in the middle of it. Still, it seems that by Providence alone we have been spared on numerous accounts from really being affected by it. Even now, as other volunteer groups struggle to make travel plans, we are continuing our journey to Guatemala City, leaving in about a half an hour. The airport is planned to be open by this afternoon.
In the coming weeks San Lucas and its residents will struggle to get back to normal and maybe even to survive. The price of food and supplies has already doubled, and all but one road to the city is entirely wiped out. The one road that is passable is dangerous; last night people were robbed and assaulted while using it. A huge truck transporting water to the town is now half buried in the mud, a fitting symbol of how difficult it is for resources to reach the community. Chris, the volunteer coordinator here, has taken our e-mails and will keep us updated. The danger for these people is far from over so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. By God’s grace we will be in the capital later today.
Thanks for everything,
Cullen
Am I right, or is this the first time that I see people working?
just kidding.
I’m glad to hear that after the tropical storm all of you guys are doing great.
Cuidense mucho y espero que estos ultimos dias a pesar de la aventura hayan sido tan buenos como los primeros.
Gus
I was so glad to get an email from my brother this morning and to read this blog and hear that you are all safe. I am concerned about your drive back to the airport after reading about the attacks along the way. Stay safe. I’m not sure I could have eaten the chicken, egg and liver. Bravo. Glad to hear one of you survived the Gecko attack.
Bro Pat’s “favorite” sister…..and one who actually does have a WSI.
Lots of Montana/Blackfeet prayers directed your way, and to the people of Guatemala!
Gentlemen, What a job you have done writing and maintaining this blog!!! Each of you have contributed such a well-written, factual, yet personal account, documenting your experience in Guatemala. I can’t wait to use excerpts and photos in the fall magazine. I only wish that I had directed our entire magazine readership to the website to follow your journey as it was happening live. It has been both educational and inspiring. I have no doubt that you have “touched hearts and changed lives” with your ongoing account of your time there. I wish you safe travel home. I have to admit I will miss logging onto the website each morning to see what has been going on during the previous 24 hours. This has been such a worthwhile contribution to our website. I hope it is going to remain on the site for the summer. Perhaps Br. Gus has an idea for permanently storing it like we do with past issues of “Partners.” Many thanks for all your efforts! Cheryl