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Unfortunately, while we were gone the community was hit hard by winds from a recent cold front that downed power lines, billboards, and homes across the country. Here in the community several buildings were damaged. The new community center lost its entire roof which now sits on the ground next to the building. The suspension bridge (built with disaster relief money after Hurricane Stan in 2005) that connects the two sides of the community was destroyed. The cables held but the bridge spun around several times snapping most of the boards that made up the walk way. Several houses were partially destroyed loosing the entire roof and walls for the kitchen/ dinning areas. Most houses lost at least a few pieces of corrugated roof. Finally, much has been lost in terms of this years coffee harvest. With the picking season about half over significant damage has been done on many parcels especially susceptible to wind. In those areas the coffee plants have been ripped of all their leaves and fruit. Talks of moving the community have started up again and a new commission has been appointed to lead the search. (Similar talks happened after the community was devastated by Hurricane Stan in 2005 as the land is especially susceptible to high winds and rising rivers)
We are glad to be back but fell a little disillusioned by all the talk of the community moving, not really sure where that leaves our projects or how much effort we want to put into anything if its all going to be abandoned in 6 months. Although today we did have a good conversation with our neighbor Sinforoso that helped put things into perspective. There is much work to be done because most likely the community will stay and waiting around with the hope that better land will be available would be foolish.
Hope all is well back home we are glad we were able to spend at least a little time with some of you over the holidays.
2 comments:
It was so GOOD to see you all when you were home! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
So sorry to hear of the community's devastation... our prayers are with you and them as they discern many questions about their future. What a devastating set back. Keep us posted!
Peace!
Re projects. You have worked so hard and I hear about the damage with sorrow. Please remember that it's relationships that are more important than projects.
I've been reading psalm 103 this morning and was struck by this part:
15 As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-
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