Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Very Sad Time

I did not come to Ecuador to experience an earthquake.I did that in California. But this time, here in my adopted country of Ecuador an earthquake of this magnitude is a very real tragedy. Ecuador is a poor country and Ecuador does not have the resources to support the victims as does the United States.  However it is heartwarming to see the outpouring of assistance from all the people here.
There are people and trucks lined up here in Cuenca to bring what they can to the many, many donation centers located throughout the city, and to know that the same is going on throughout the country.
 I visited our local shopping center, where there is an store called Coral. This store is the Ecuadorian Wal-Mart. There were long lines at all the cash registers with carts loaded with supplies ,water, diapers, huge bags of rice and other foodstuffs . Then after paying, everyone carried their purchases to the areas where the Red Cross, and other humanitarian agencies where waiting to accept their donations. Such a wonderful and heartwarming display of solidarity and support for their fellow citizens, who are in absolute dire need of help.
Sharyl and I went to our local church, where they also were setting up a collection space. It was already almost full. We were not sure what we should do, provide money, actual items and/or a physical presence to help. They asked for money. So money the got. We have also offered our home , perhaps for a homeless family. Right now the country is hoping to be able to create shelter of some kind in the near-by areas, rather than relocate further away.
We are also aware that any number of E-pats have been living in the areas effected. We are looking to notify the powers that be that we do offer temporary shelter if required.
It also came to my attention that the President of Ecuador initially was refusing any aid from the US. He was espousing political issues. Might they be Trump related? At any rate, President Obama has apparently called him to allay any fears he had and now more help is on the way.
I am extremely sadden by this tragic event. I have so enjoyed getting to know  and associate with these wonderful, kind and generous people. It breaks my heart to see the suffering they are dealing with. Who knows how long it will take to bring the area back to normal as the devastation is so complete. Our thoughts and prayers go out to ALL those innocent  people and families  who have lost loved ones  and have had there lives so destroyed.