When people ask me how I’ve felt during the time working working with the victims of Fuego Volcano in the aftermath, with the different aspects of their tragedy, the truth is, for me, it’s just not possible to identify one sentiment alone. This tragedy has so many faces that trying to separate one feeling from the other and say which one is more important is difficult, and, of course, identifying what you feel is complicated.

Where to start?

We knew that donations from people wanting to help with the Fuego volcano  would diminish. What most perceive as “the time of emergency” has passed so the supplies are less, fortunately the medicines are not. There is a special interest in helping with health and that is good. That has allowed us, like Antigua al Rescate, to have several medical missions in places where access to health is difficult – if not impossible. It is so satisfying to see smiling faces when they know that they will feel better, as time goes by, you become addicted to being of service.

There are groups on Facebook where people get organized to do things, from taking food to families, collecting goods to even building houses or renting small places so families can have their own space. Unlike the homes built by the government, these small rentals give the family members space to get used again to their individuality. Not having to share the bathroom with a lot of strangers is something they definitely appreciate.

The food taken to several non-official shelters is still being prepared in the kitchen in Ciudad Vieja. The chefs and volunteers are tireless and even when the high season in La Antigua leaves them exhausted, they continue working, they are truly amazing. Take a look at chef Felix Pailliez, who cooks most of the day and then takes the time to go grocery shopping and then goes off to distribute them to the people in need throughout Yepocapa.

Food from the Ciudad Vieja shelter is also served in San Miguel Los Lotes, close to volcano Fuego. It is easier and faster now (especially now that the highway has reopened – even though it’s pretty dangerous).

Guess what is also faster now?

The arrival of the police. I could rant here against the agents they send to try to control the situation in Los Lotes but they are really simply sent by the authorities (who do not finish admitting that they send them).

Until a few days ago the situation was so tense that they sent riot police to control the people of the community (yep, the victims looking for their loved ones) under the ground. The neighbors of the community were desperate to return to look for their relatives with something more than shovels. Until recently they had not managed to obtain an official permit to be able to let machines in to make the search a lot easier, so they stopped asking for permission and just brought them in.

They have done what they can to be heard, including boycotting the inauguration of the RN14 road, carrying the bodies of the relatives they found that day all the way up to where there would be a big inauguration ceremony. It was horrible and at the same time courageous. Under the rain, they faced whoever got in front of them demanding attention.

This community so close to volcano Fuego that has lived the unthinkable finally got together, united and claimed their rights with an act of rebellion. After this and other things (which I can’t really cover here because Scott does not want me – and him – to get in trouble) they finally got permission to search for bodies for 20 more days. This means that groups of rescuers will once again be organized in order to find as many bodies as possible.

Nobody says so but almost all of us have the certainty that after 20 days the search will end and maybe, community will have accepted the search needs to come to an end. Or maybe not. I can’t really say.

At this point, what counts is for the ones who want to help to be in Los Lotes, every day, very early, to take advantage of the day and search. It is vital that during these 20 days everything be done, everything.