Guatemala has been pounded by heavy rains this rainy season, and although it should be coming to an end, a number of hurricanes and tropical storms have led to nationwide disasters as heavy rains, winds, landslides and floods devastate communities across the country. Many villages are in crisis, including one in particular that we hold dear.

Instead of writing again what’s already been shared, I though I would pull pieces from the observations of others. Included are links to read more of what each author wrote. To be honest, this is in part because I am still unwinding and processing the overwhelming scene we encountered when we pulled up to this town that we love.

Assistant director Jeremiah shared:

Diego dropped everything and brought the second truck in our convoy Thursday night.
He writes:

Taryn, director of Aliento feeding program, shares a tiny glimpse into some very long days. Thursday the river in her town overflowed it’s banks in a flash flood about 90 minutes after all had been well and their group celebrated a birthday by swimming in the previously calm river.

What is not evident in these is how physically and emotionally exhausted she is after coordinating so much in the community she loves.

Sucely, Taryn’s head employee who lives in the town shares as well. (translated)

Sucely and the other members of Taryn’s team who live in the town worked long hours to try and provide food and hot coffee for the families in the shelters, and who had returned to their unlivable homes to prevent further loss through looting.

Director of Hope for Home Daryl writes:

As a final story I would share the first family I spoke to the night we arrived. A family welcomed us into what was left of their home. They had not yet headed to the shelters.

Please continue to pray for this community as homes were destroyed, drinking water contaminated by overcome wells, and confidence greatly shaken.