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Showing posts from September 6, 2009

Relief Efforts

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Because of generous donations received, our group provided enough food to feed a family of 5 for a week to 1000 familes over 2 days; 2 kilos of rice and beans, 1/2 kilo of corn tortillas, 2 cans of evaporated milk, 4 cans of tuna, and 1/2 liter of clorox. It was exhausting work but very well worth it. The thankful faces on those receiving the packages was amazing. We handed out candy to the kids and had sweet moments with a baby goat. The 3 areas we visited we the hardest hit with water levels reaching 6' and entire homes and their contents being either washed away or water and mud logged. Many families have resorted to stringing tarps in tree branches and have set up their 'home' in the open under this tarp. We are now beginning to receive donated material items from many organizations and individuals in the States like mattresses, blankets, hygiene products, clothing, shoes, etc. and we will begin distributing these items next week. We plan to continue our efforts for 5 m

Please Help

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We are beginning the clean up process and it will be long and difficult. But everyone (even those who lost everything and we mean EVERYTHING) are in good spirits. This is the bridge that we walk over every morning with Hunter. This is in the Ranchitos just a few blocks from where we live. We are part of a group who are spearheading getting relief aid to those areas hit the hardest. These areas had a wall of water over 10' high go through their communities resulting in several feet of mud being distributed into their modest homes. The loss of their mattresses, all furniture, clothing, linens, food, etc. In addition these areas do not have drinking water easily available. They are resorting to collecting water from the still flowing creeks that more than likely have dead animals in them contaminating the water....but what other options do they have? NONE. This is an old folks home where the residents had to climb a rickety ladder and spend the night on the roof to escape the rushing