Terremoto

Terremoto is how to say "earthquake" in Spanish. I have finally heard from all of my friends in Chile, and I'm glad to report that they are ok. Thank you to everyone who has been asking after them. The majority of my friends in the Santiago area had minor damages to their homes, and some were without water or electricity for several days. The water and electricity have since returned and most have gone back to work.

That said, the aftershocks continue. STILL. Most are registering a 5 and even 6 on the Richter scale. After seeing the CNN guy point to the Galapagos Islands and call them Hawaii, I felt like I needed better information. I'm getting updates everyday from at least someone. Here is what my friends in Chile are saying:

Diego: "In the Coastal Region, Caitlyn, it's terrible, the sea washed away everything. The good thing is that today the government aid began to arrive. Things begin to improve little by little. In Concepcion, the military arrived the day before yesterday to restore order to the city. Yesterday I talked to my friend who told me that the government began to distribute food and supplies to people in this region--this is good becuase this is where all the chaos is. The other good news is that today I finally could speak to my grandmother in Concepcion!! SHE IS ALIVE! Scared, but well. We are still having aftershocks."

Angela: "Everything is in chaos, my friend. My parents are here in Santiago with me because the coast is very dangerous right now. We are all well, but still feeling the aftershocks. They scare me!"

Luis: "Little by little things are returning to "normal" here in Santiago. I'm already getting my feet back on the ground again.. but many friends in Concepcion and all the most affected region are not. Caitlyn, they practically lost everything. It's so sad. Just remembering the moment of the earthquake makes me feel sick.. but thank God we are ok."

Melania: "My family, thank God is fine. Where my mom lives was the worst affected because one of her walls crashed to the floor, but the material doesn't matter. It can be fixed."

Arturo and Mary (my host parents): "We are all fine. Aunt Pepa and Uncle Horacio in Concepcion are fine too, although Pepa suffered an epileptic seizure from the shock. Do you remember when we took you to the beach and the restaurant in Concepcion? It disappeared with the tsunami after the earthquake. Such is life, I suppose.."

Here is a link with some photos.

I made a donation to UMCOR today, but I believe the Red Cross, World Vision, and Habitat for Humanity are all accepting donations for Chile. Please give what you can.

They have a long road to recovery. I understand there's a national campaign going on this weekend to provide opportunity for Chileans in lesser-affected regions to help in various ways. Please keep my friends and their families in your prayers as they work to rebuild their country.