Guatemala 2009

The containers were released on Saturday 9/26/09. All seven left from port in a convoy. I was able to send the two containers for Fr. Bernies project directly to Coban. We unloaded five here in the city from 1am to 11am Sunday. We had 55 firefighters show up to help unload them all at once, thank God because we were up to the doors of the warehouse. There was NO space to begin unpacking. It was such a relief after we were all done, it hit me hard as I broke down in front of a small group of firefighters that were waiting for their ride. I can't express to you how hard the fight was but in the end it really was worth it, there are soooo many people that truly need the aid. Everyone was so anxious to begin distribution. I am also amazed at the support that we received from some good people down here. Really it was a lot more then I expected, but with the country in a tailspin there are few other options.

A realtor in Guatemala City named Yoly de Soch generously donated us the use of her warehouse in Zone 14. It was a three story building so coordinating the unloading was a challenge, rice bags packed full of clothing, shoes, linens, and scrubs went all the way up to the top floor, crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and loose boxes up to the second floor. All pallets, gurneys, and heavy equipment stayed on ground level. A local businessman donated us use of his forklift and an extra pallet jack.

What an advertisement for McDonalds! We had to feed our volunteers twice, they worked so long, hard, it was incredibly humbling to see, even concrete made a comfortable seat.