12 de octubre de 2017
To say this has been one of the most challenging days of modern day Puerto Rico is truly an understatement. Everything that we have been warned for years, has now exploded in our faces. From our weak infrastructure, electricity, flood zones and our dreaded territorial status. But before I get all fired up and political, I just want to be clear that I want to make this blog post as positive as possible, due the circumstances. Because we need it. People ARE dying in my Island because of the lack of food and no access to potable water, while that crazy dude in the White House tweets that FEMA can't be in Puerto Rico for much longer.
Everyday feels like I'm about to break down, but I cope. I keep walking and trying to find collateral beauty. Because I am fortunate to have the basics: food, water and a roof over my head. Because if I don't go out with a positive mind and ready to do what needs to be done, I know I could go nuts. But for those who aren't as fortunate as you who is reading this post possibly from a functioning cellphone or me, stick through the end of this post for ways you can help Hurricane María's Relief in Puerto Rico.
Hurricane María Lessons:
Natural disasters can happen any time and any place, so you should always be aware. There's no such thing as being too prepared.- Invest in hurricane proof windows and/or protect them before the hurricane hits.
- Always keep at least 3 months worth of food and water stored in your home - There is nothing scarier than knowing that you could be without food and water even for a day. Also, it is very humbling!
- Keep flashlights in hand.
- External battery packs for your phones are a must. Tip: Charge your laptops so you have an extra battery pack before the power goes out.
- Always keep an extra stack of cash safely stored in your home. - The lines for ATM in Puerto Rico have been crazy due to the collapse of credit card systems.
- Never go less than 1/4 of gas in your car tank. - Or better yet, use alternate ways of transportation like a bike or walk where you need to go. And if you don't need to go outside, stay and let the proper authorities take care of the disaster.
- Practice patience every day - That way, when shit hits the fan and people around are losing it, you will have the right tools to manage it. Practicing yoga has helped me a lot with this! (Here's the Yoga Series I've been following)
- The elderly need triple the care in case of emergency. Be prepared! - This was particular difficult for my family. My grandmother needs an oxygen tank delivered every other day. So since the delivery trucks where attending other emergencies, we ended up looking for ways to turn her electricity-charged oxygen machine by making 8 hour long gas lines in order to turn on the generator for her home. Every. Day. For a week.
- Emergency situations bring out the best and the worst in people.
- Mother Nature is alive and we should respect her by being kind. It's all about harmony; live and let live.
- I never knew how much I loved Puerto Rico until I saw it broken down into pieces. I took for granted the fact that I live in a paradise filled with beautiful nature.
- Robbers make a feast in national emergencies. - Be extra cautious of your belongings and specially the security of your home!
- Puerto Rico's political status is plain sad. - Let's leave it there.
- Actions speak louder than words. - Get your hands dirty or get out of the way!
- Nothing will change a human being as much as surviving a natural disaster. - Like for example, you learn that you actually don't need to sleep in air conditioning every day, have a water heater (I mean, Puerto Rico is in the middle of the Caribbean! or even eat three times a day to survive.
- I have a roof, I have access to water and I have food, therefore I am rich.
How to Help Puerto Rico Recover from Hurricane María
American Red Cross - Make sure you're in fact donating for Hurricane María relief.Ricky Martin Foundation - The donation will be made via You Caring Crowdfunding.
Bethenny - We should all be grateful for this Real Housewife, who went above and beyond helping our little Island and raising awareness about the crisis we're living through.
Molusco - The most influential person in Puerto Rico is using his voice to collect donations and raise awareness of the situation.
Banco de Alimentos de Puerto Rico - This foundation works hand in hand with Feeding America.
Bloom Box - Fellow Puertorrican Blogger, Natasha Bonet is fundraising to purchase first necessity items for women in the Island. For things like sanitary napkins and tampons, which is something that gets neglected in many donations. Thanks Natasha!
One last thing...
Watching Trump tweet and engage in his crazy politics is hard. But watching him personally insult and mistreat your people is truly heart breaking. So I couldn't end this blog post without saying this: Trump, eres un pendejo. #PuertoRicoSeLevantaUntil next time,
María Elena
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Visita el blog personal de la autora en el siguiente enlace: www.ambinityblog.com
Para acceso directo a este post visita el siguiente enlace: Hurricane María Lessons + How to Help Puerto Rico
[Fotografías y texto - María Elena Rodríguez © 2017]
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Gracias por el amor que sientes por Puerto Rico.