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Begin forwarded message:
From: Jane boyce <janeboyce@live.com>
Date: February 4, 2018 at 9:53:08 AM AST
To: Jane boyce <janeboyce@live.com>
Subject: Update 11
From Roger
Puerto Rico Strong
I see strong comradarie here that is likely the result of enduring a traumatic event with others. The hurricane was not the only traumatic event...poverty is also traumatic and a shared experience here. Certainly not all are suffering from poverty but everyone here is aware of those who have great needs and many share what they have with their neighbors. We have seen local volunteers who are going out daily to help others while their own home is still in need of repair. Their willingness to serve others is admirable.
There is great respect for and also some fear of the ocean
which is just a short distance away. We have walked along the shore and have seldom seen anyone on the beach or even in boats on the water.
Alissa, Marielli's neighbor, told us about fearing the water. She thought that she would die when Hurricane Maria roared in destroying a huge barrier of trees between her house and the sea. When the eye of the hurricane arrived, she went outside during the brief calm and saw the great destruction and also the churning water. She ran for her life to a safer place in her Uncle's house nearby.
Evelyn, a lay leader preaching her first sermon, focused on Peace. She said that we need to encourage peace in all those around us but peace must begin within our own hearts. She was talking about the uncertainty of the future here because so many people have lost confidence that they will have what they need...water, food, fuel, shelter, communication, etc. They are walking a tightrope and are not feeling balanced.
Her words made me realize that the U.S. is also in need of peace. Our polarized political system and news media has driven a wedge between us that keeps us from reaching out to find peace with one another. This needs repair before it leads to further deterioration or destruction. Will the repair begin in our hearts?
There is a necessary patience here that is evident when passing through a busy intersection that has non-functioning traffic lights. Cars proceed slowly across as approaching cars slow or stop to avoid a collision. I don't recall hearing a horn sounded in anger or frustration. Road rage does not appear to exist now.
In many ways the clock seems have been turned back...cars lined up for gas, slow or nonexistent internet service, power that works for awhile then goes dark....but along with the challenges there is also hope for the future as humanity shines through and efforts for improvement are aided by neighbors and passersby.
