When the Storm Passed, Help Arrived

Teresa and her family live in the small community of El Ranchito, Mexico.  Life was simple there, until Hurricane Erick hit. The near CAT 4 storm struck them hard, tearing off roofs, and in some cases destroying entire homes. “We all huddled together. Every minute the wind and rain got stronger and stronger until it ripped the metal sheets one by one from our roof!” Teresa said.  

With no roof overhead, Teresa’s 10-year-old son Elías grew more terrified by the moment. “I was scared that a branch or a sheet might fly in and hurt us,” he said. “I worrie a lot.  When the water came in, we did not have anywhere to hide. And now when it rains, my baby sister gets we and could get sick. I wish this had never happened!”

“We didn’t know what else to do except pray that God would protect us,” added the anxious Teresa. 

After the storm, they started to rebuild.  Teresa’s husband, Julio, showed us how he  repaired the walls using scraps of wood.

But there weren’t enough metal sheets to replace the roof. 

Then thanks to YOU, Operation Blessing’s disaster relief team arrived with more than 800 metal sheets to fix roofs in the community.  Working with volunteers, teams soon repaired or installed new roofs for 52 families, including Teresa’s!   

“I felt so happy seeing people from so many places come to help. Thank you for giving us the sheets to repair our roof!” said ELÍAS.  
 
Now Teresa and her family are able to move forward with their lives knowing they are safe from the elements. 

“It’s tremendous!” she declared. “I never thought I’d see my little house standing again. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped! I thank all those who felt moved in their hearts to give. Thank you!