Hurricane Assistance Needed in Majahual ASAP from Playa Folks

[jlsl]

Some photos of today's (August 25, 2007) trip to Mahahual:

[maestranba]

Originally Posted by Heather

We are back, just got in the door. I have more photos, but really, I am just too tired to post them. Tony the Eloquent will most likely write up the report, but he might be too tired as well, as he drove the entire way back (4 hours). Plus he had to put up with Cheri and me giggling together like we were at a slumber party.

Still mind-boggling to witness the desolate landscape that was once a vibrant and beautiful little Caribbean town. It's also really amazing to witness the people of that town pulling up their bootstraps and getting to work, without sitting around and waiting for assistance that may never come.

We had 7 vans/trucks/cars and two trailers today, all packed to the rooftops with donated goods and things bought new with your and others' donations. It was a beautiful sight to behold and I felt incredibly proud to be a part of our "rainbow" community.

I promise I will post the pics tomorrow, when I am not so bone tired.

You guys are THE BEST!!!

[gingele]

:c lap:

what amazing work you are all doing down there. Get a good night's sleep - you all deserve it.

[Heather]

Here are some pics from us loading in at the meeting point at the Red Cross of Playa del Carmen.

Soraya is so crabby in the morning (JUST kidding, she is always cheerful)



Jimi!


The lovely Dutch girls, Jessica and Soraya:

Tony and Willem:

[Misty1LT]

I will be staying at the Barcelo Maya on Sept. 6-13th. I would like to bring a suitcase of baby clothes for donation. How do I get them to you? I don't think we will be traveling off of the resort....

got the link to this site from the unofficial barcelo maya site.

[Cosmo]

I hope that all you down there feel the love and admiration from those who witness your good deeds through this forum. Gather some strenth from us...Thanks

[jlsl]

Originally Posted by Heather

Well, if Luis can do it...

It was easier for me because I didn't do it as nicely as you, Heather

[Heather]

At the rest/gas stop just outside of Felipe Carillo Puerto, we were kinda tickled to see this:


This vehicle gave us a laugh, as we quickly sped around it before it fell totally apart:

On the long road from the Highway to Majahual, we were absolutely shocked to find out that CFE had already removed all the twisted huge electrical towers and had already replaced all the broken towers with temporary electrical poles. No power yet obviously, but WOW, in just 2 days they got all that work done.

Meeting of all the volunteers after we arrived in Majahual. YEP the lighthouse is still standing and perfect!

[Heather]

We divided into 4 groups and headed to different areas. Tony, Cheri and I headed over to the school in town, where the Army has set up a kitchen that's feeding everyone. This is also acting as a distribution point, so we took a lot of stuff there so they can make sure it gets to those who need it. When we pulled up, the Army guys quickly jumped up to help us unload the van.


Here is some of the stock in the kitchen, where Chef Francisco is feeding hundreds of people every day, working unpaid, 24 hour shifts:


This Army Lieutenant started playing with a little girl who was around the kitchen/distribution point area. He was really cute and I developed a big crush.

[james]

What's with Michael's gay hat?

[Heather]

A small fraction of what has been collected:

Cheri with Chef Francisco and Jonathan, the chef's helper:


All these folks were sorting through the bags and boxes that came in to the distribution center. Remember, much of the stuff we brought went directly out to the community residential areas, but some was collected here and whatever was "left" at the end of the day wound up here for distribution.
I love this beautiful Army girl in the center: she's sleeping in a tent and yet still has a full face of makeup and looks just lovely. When I was in the service, I NEVER looked that pretty in uniform.


The road was a bit more cleared today, so after we dropped off most of the stuff at the distribution center, we rode through town giving water and gloves to those who needed them and also informed them that there was a lot of food, water, and clothing at the distribution center if they needed it.
Sadly, we saw yet more horror. When I looked around at the landscape, I felt absolutely overwhelmed and disheartened by the magnitude of the destruction. I can't imagine how it must feel for those who live there.




People are living under this roof:

[lolabella]

WOW! Wow wow wow!!

That is all I can muster up...but I'm just so damned proud to be a part of this online community!! Way to go Playa Peeps for raising those donations.

And a big THANK YOU to Cheri, Tony, Heather, Michael, Claudia, and Luis (and Iman more that I know I'm forgetting ), for being our eyes, ears, legs, and hands!!

The pictures speak a thousand words. Thanks for posting and sharing the day with us.

[Tony&Cheri]

Originally Posted by james

What's with Michael's gay hat?

Some men are secure enough in their masculinity that what they wear doesn't matter. AND, for the record, we believe Michael retrieved that hat from a bag of your clothes that we picked up from Anna this morning.

[Tony&Cheri]

Originally Posted by Misty1LT

I will be staying at the Barcelo Maya on Sept. 6-13th. I would like to bring a suitcase of baby clothes for donation. How do I get them to you? I don't think we will be traveling off of the resort....

got the link to this site from the unofficial barcelo maya site.

Call us, email us or PM us once you're in town. We'll come down and pick them up. Thank you so much. There are so many babies and small children and very little clothing for them. Small toys would also be nice, if you have any. The kids were quite thrilled with the toys Anna and Laurab from the Tortuga donated and a couple of soccer balls we bought yesterday. Must be pretty tough to be a small child living in all of that destruction. Thank you for helping.

[Doggiemom]

Originally Posted by lolabella

WOW! Wow wow wow!!

That is all I can muster up...but I'm just so damned proud to be a part of this online community!! Way to go Playa Peeps for raising those donations.

And a big THANK YOU to Cheri, Tony, Heather, Michael, Claudia, and Luis (and Iman more that I know I'm forgetting ), for being our eyes, ears, legs, and hands!!

The pictures speak a thousand words. Thanks for posting and sharing the day with us.

My thoughts exactly!!!!!