Our vacation turned into a nightmare. But the people of Puerto Rico protected us.

The Washington Post ^ | 10/10/2017 | Joseph Ragsdale

[cll]

Vacations are not supposed to go like this. Never did I imagine that instead of swimming in the Caribbean, we would be trudging through sewage-contaminated water in a desperate attempt to reach the airport. The airport, like everything else in Puerto Rico, was crippled. No electricity, no flights. This was the reality that my wife and I, along with six of our closest friends, were facing days after Maria paid visit to Puerto Rico.

It was at the airport hotel that our fate would change. A member of our group, desperately searching for answers, located someone from FEMA. We were directed to a person who would take us to a shelter in the nearby town of Carolina. The uncertainty of the days ahead filled us all with anxiety, fear and helplessness. But soon we learned how fortunate and blessed we really were: We were about to see the selflessness and compassion of the Puerto Rican community.

Maria Teresa Serrano Elementary school was our home the next five days. We slept on military-style cots in the school cafeteria and showered with a hose. There was no power. But we were lucky: We were about to come under the compassionate care of the Puerto Rican people. Despite everything they themselves had suffered, volunteers and government officials spent their days protecting us, providing for us, caring for us and working tirelessly to help us find our way home.

[packrat35]

I was just wondering about you and glad to see you are doing OK.

[scottteng]

Glad you are doing ok following the storm. I am still awaiting news of my father’s home in Guayanilla. I am glad he is back in the states living in an ALF.

[cll]

Thanks.