January 27, 2010

It continues to rain in Cusco, but where I am (in Kcauri-Quispicanchi) we had hardly any rain all last night and this morning...so we are praying that the rain continues to calm down here and throughout this region of Peru.

Most of the news I read online is about the situation at Aguas Calientas, where many of the estimated 2000 tourists are still stranded because the railroad is still damaged from the mudslides.

There has been talk of the governement sending tents, food, and other supplies from Lima for those whose homes have been destroyed. However, people I talk to and whose families have lost their homes don´t seem to think this will happen any time soon. A common frustration I hear is that the wealthy and tourists are being helped first. Travelling back to Kcauri yesterday I passed through Oroesa, Huacarpay, and other small poor towns close-by where many homes have been washed away by the Huatanay River. I saw a van and people lined up to receive food. Aside from this, I didn´t see very much help for the people. In the Plaza de Armas in Cusco there is a big donation tent set up where people can bring clothes, food, and supplies for those left homeless.

Sacsayhuman (in Cusco) and other historical sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas have been affected. All major roads in and out of Cusco have been closed off.

It´s hard to find out what´s going on. I see what is going on right here close by where I live, but the rest is what I hear on the radio, read online, or what people say. Not sure if the situation here has really hit the news stateside, but I live in a pretty isolated community...so if any of you hear anything and can pass me a quick email with any more recent info on what´s going on, I would really appreciate it.

I´d also like to ask you to please join with me in prayer for all of those affected by the heavy rains...those who have lost loved ones, lost their homes, crops, animals, for the governement here, and those stranded in Aguas Calientes.

I miss you all very much. Can´t wait to see you. Thank you so much for all the prayers, encouragement, and support. Through each of you, I have felt in a very real way God´s love. Thank you.

Much love,
Tasi