Update on Guatmala City

It has been pretty crazy around here the past few days. I posted the pictures of the sand storm in my last blog. I think I still have some sand in my hair and there is definitely sand all over still. After the sand rained down it began to rain actual water. We were glad at first because we thought that we wouldn't have to clean much sand up since the water would wash it away. Then it kept raining and raining and raining. It rained for at least 2 days without stopping. We are not talking a little bit of rain here and a sprinkle there, either. I went outside on Saturday night and began looking for Noah and the ark because the streets were just flooded.

As a result of the sand and the rain there have been many people in need. We went out to a village on the outside of Guatemala City and walked around looking for problems and ways we could help. We found a woman named Leslie who lost her husband about a year ago. After he died she took over his work as a carpenter to support her young family. The problem was their business and home were built on a hill that was not sturdy to say the least. When the sand came down and the water flooded it caused the building where she does her carpentry work to collapse completely and she lost all of her tools. Her house that was build next to the building survived but has part of it hanging very precariously off the side of the hill. The problem is that she doesn't want to move too far away from the area because that is where all of her business comes from and it is also where her family lives. We are going to do our best to help her out in whatever way we can as she tries to get back on her feet again.

Another tragedy that happened because of the storm actually happened to one of our own Youth with a Mission staff families. They live in a house off the base and as the sand feel it put extra weight on their roof. Then the water began to flood in and the roof could not handle all the weight so their house began to flood. Thankfully we have extra room here on the base and they were able to stay with us until the roof was fixed. There are so many other families, though, who are dealing with problems like these. It is overwhelming to see and to just imagine losing your loved ones and house to rain and floods.

Thankfully it is sunny and warm now so the process of restoration can begin but it is still rainy season- and just the beginning at that- here in Guatemala. I know that God is in control so we just have to trust in Him. Please keep everyone who was affected in your prayers. Thank you!!!