The sky started getting dark, it was noon, I thought a storm was approaching; and it was, but instead of rain, this storm carried lava, ash, rocks, tragedy and pain.
As soon as I saw the news, I knew that I needed to do something; my husband, a couple of friends and I went to the nearest market to buy supplies (water, incaparina, canned beans). We drove in a 4×4 pick-up to Alotenango. It was night, all the ash in the air wouldn’t let you see or breath normally. The roads were really dangerous, we saw a lot of police, ambulances, soldiers; you could feel chaos in the environment.
With a lot of difficulties we got to the improvised collection center in the catholic church of the town. It was near 10 at night and a lot of people were running with masks covering their mouth and nose. When we got off the pick-up there was a little table with a couple of instant soup packages and bottle water. We gave the things we bought and the people there, with fear, confusion and hope; said to us: we need clothes, sugar and coffee. All the way back, the four of us were in silence. We felt the sadness coming from that volcano eruption, hitting us in the heart.
The next day, I knew that we needed to do more; so I started to ask for help and a lot of kind, noble people opened their hands and trusted me with their donations. I started receiving food, water, medicines, clothing, shoes, diapers, wipes; you name it. We sent the first filled pick-up to the shelter at Escuintla. In the middle of the night a friend and my cousin drove all the way there. The people received the help with great gratitude. And we kept on going. We sent a total of five pick-ups. Every time they got to the different shelters in Escuintla, more things were needed it there.
A doctor volunteering in the shelter at Alotenango (who belongs to a Facebook Group of Moms in Antigua with me) started asking for specific needs. And we got to help with everything. I was amazed by all the good-hearted people who never stopped helping.
After four days buying, collecting, sending help and praying; I got time to go back to the shelter at Alotenango. Hundreds of people were there (volunteers, hostel people, donors). In the main square of the town there was a memorial service, two natives of the town were killed by the pyroclastic flow. And even with all the people there, cars, soldiers, policemen; everything was so quiet and sad. A lot of hopeless eyes, staring at us.
Guatemalans stood up, all together and helped; people from all economic status brought their help to the nearest collection center, to the rescuers working, to the soldiers helping. I imagined all this action as a huge, warm hug that you get from someone you love, after a really tough day.
With tears in my eyes I want to thank all of the people who took a step and helped. I am deeply appreciated with the soldiers, rescuers, policemen and all volunteers that risk their lives everyday to help others.
To all the affected people, you are going to stand up stronger that ever after all this storm; never loose faith.
How to help the victims of the Volcanic Eruption.
