Briefly...

Hola amigos,
I've elected not to do a full blog post this week in light of the weather-related craziness currently assaulting Guatemala.

Tropical Storm Agatha, though short-lived, nevertheless managed to dump a ton of rain across the country and hundreds of families have lost their homes to flooding and/or rain-induced mudslides. As of this evening, almost 75 deaths have been confirmed nationwide, and dozens more citizens remain unaccounted for. Xela itself has fared relatively well, but the city's outskirts are still experiencing flooding and water damage, and since yesterday, it's been impossible to leave the city.

Scott and I have just been staying inside all weekend, trying to keep warm and dry. Though the rain stopped early this morning, the forecasts call for wet weather through Tuesday. Schools will be closed for the rest of the week, and it remains to be seen whether the clinic will be open or not. The plan now is to meet at the bus stop as usual Monday morning and see a) if the bus route is open and b) if the clinic personnel will be able to reach Primeros Pasos and work a full day.

On top of the tropical storm and flooding, Pacaya volcano has been erupting and showering Guatemala City with volcanic ash. Combined with the rain, the ash has been forming a sort of cement in the streets of the capital. It's a big ole mess.

Please keep Guatemala in your thoughts and prayers, and I'll post an update once more details emerge.