
Greetings from Canoa, Ecuador! I have just passed the one month mark of earthquake relief down here with All Hands Volunteers. As I left New York one month ago, I was filled with many emotions. Excitement, anxiety, wonderment. I had no idea what I was really about to embark upon, but somehow, deep inside, I knew I had to come help and I knew no matter what, it would be epic.
In the month I have been here “on Project,” I survived two large earthquakes. The night I arrived, we were shaken awake by a huge 6.7 quake at 3am. “Welcome to Project,” everyone said. People were very sweet and comforting, but I was still scared. It was quite a reality check. I said to myself on the journey here, “at least we’ll be safe if a quake hits. We are living in tents.” And boy, did that ring true my very first night. Another quake, a 6.8, hit 9 hours later while we were out working on building tents at a temporary camp for earthquake survivors.
Within 24 hours, I was in the thick of it, and scared. But, all was ok. A few more buildings came down in Canoa, the town we are living in that was rocked by the huge quake on April 16 and lost 50 residents and about 75% of its buildings.
In one month, I have helped build tents at the camp and put my construction skills to the test by helping to build a temporary bamboo home for a displaced family.
Let me just say that bamboo is very different than working with straight, square lumber. I am amazed with how strong and versatile it is. I’ve also been working on the demo team, helping to carefully pull down and deconstruct buildings damaged by the quakes. I’ve even been working as a team leader leading teams in demo & rubble. We pulled down a large brick & concrete school building last week, and I led the team in rubble (think shovels and sledgehammers & many trips with wheelbarrows).
The work this team is doing here is incredibly hard, physical, and is all done in the hot equatorial Ecuador sun. But, everyday, the team gets out there with smiles and gives it their all.
I have learned so much on this project. I have met incredible people from around the globe that I met as strangers but who’ve now become lifelong friends. Family. This is an incredible thing we get to do. To be a part of a team so giving, so smart, so hardworking. It inspires me more every minute.
I’ve just spent 4 days here in Canoa on a mandatory break. The staff want people to get a few days off from project to relax and recharge. I decided to stay local because I’m already on a beautiful beach. I figured why travel a day each way on a bus when I am living in quite a special spot right here? I’ve realized just how much this town needs us. How much good we are doing. And what an incredible opportunity we all have here to help.
I can’t wait to get back to work tomorrow!
I grew up in Ecuador, thank you for helping to put it back together after those earthquakes!
No matter how hard you are doing right now, despite of danger that might happen to you and your team, you stick on the fact that other people needs you. I hope you’ll help not only in Ecuador but also in other places whom crushed with those unexpected happenings. You just did a very good job. keep it up.
Earthquake relief is always a tragedy for those who live there 🙁
great experience and article..you and other member in team have done such a noble thing for Equador. nice to read it and keep up the good word
Hi. Could you make some improvements to your plugin “Map My Posts”?
Please add clustering!!
I think is easy
https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/javascript/examples/map-simple
What amazing work you’re doing! I enjoyed your post very much.
Sorry about what happened in ecuador also i’m so glad that still some good hearts like you exists in the world. Thank you so much for what you have done and also thank you for sharing this article. regards,
John
Thanks so.kuch, John. 7 months of earthquake relief in Ecuador was some of the best times of my life.
Thanks so much, John. 7 months of earthquake relief in Ecuador was some of the best times of my life.
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Hello friends:
For years we have exchanged links and followed you. Unfortunately, we have to inform you that we have decided to put an end to our blog. The reason? The change in Google search criteria that is killing blogs: Bloggers are creators of free content that helps you increase your benefits, but instead of thanking you, we are marginalized.
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We appreciate the friendship and interest you have shown in these 11 years. We wish you the best.
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