On Wednesday, November 7th, a powerful earthquake struck the southwest region of Guatemala, affecting over 1.2 million people. The earthquake was of 7.4 magnitude on the Richter scale. It killed dozens of individuals (including an entire family of 10), and has injured scores of others. The effect was felt from El Salvador to Mexico City.

11:39AM EST November 8. 2012 -

“Guatemalans fearing aftershocks huddled in the dark and frigid streets of this mountain town wrapped in blankets early Thursday, while others crowded inside its hospital, the only building left with electricity after a powerful earthquake killed at least 48 people and left dozens more missing. 

In the town of San Cristobal Cochu, firefighters picked at a collapsed house trying to dig out 10 members of one family, including a 4-year-old child, who were buried…” - USA Today -

At the time the earthquake struck, twenty-three students from the University of Mary were volunteering with The GOD’S CHILD Project and assembling wheelchairs in Guatemala. “The walls began to shake,” said one volunteer. “The ground rolled and roof tiles began to fall.  Some people screamed. Everyone ran outside.”

The quake struck at 10:57am and damaged or destroyed 2.3 million    homes.  It displaced thousands; the number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

“It is likely The GOD’S CHILD Project will reassign us for the rest of our time here,” said another U of M volunteer. “I wish Read More→