Arrived to the city late in the evening and Doctor Kenny picked me up and dropped me off at the Caprizzio Hotel. Arose early and headed for Escuintla. This town is pretty much ground zero for Fuego relief work and the base of our operation. I am with a young man named Makko and he will be with me today. We went to Alotenango where some new homes have been built for some of the Fuego victims. This town is on the back side of the volcano. We passed through Los Lotes, ground zero, and drove around the base of the mountain. I wanted to see what other NGO’s were doing Shelter wise. After the look see, we went to another camp where many people still are living. Several days ago the government moved all out of the camps and sent them back to their land and home remnants. In less than 24 hours the volcano erupted again and they moved everyone back to the camps. There is no dignity or privacy in these camps. And know one really seems to know what direction CONRED is going. I think the situation is worse now than before. From there we went back through Escuintla and headed north to the property we are considering. We now have a legal survey and that will allow me to walk the property but I first must gain permission before entering the land. I like the land and I hope we can negotiate a fair price. There is much work that will have to be done before anything can be done. I met a Cuban doctor here today. He is a surgeon that specializes in neck, throat and abdomen surgeries. For now I won’t mention his name. He is seeking citizenship here in Guatemala. He made $20.00 a day in Cuba and was allotted rice and beans each month just like everyone. If you want meat,sugar, milk etc. you have to buy it. When I get back I’m gonna suggest our family doctor cut his rates down to $20.00 a day…… yeah right. He is very humble and is a new believer. Not sure yet what happens tomorrow but I will push hard to enter the property. Things are moving in a good way but it’s hard to be patient. I must always remember that it’s His work not mine. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Kenny
