A devastating time

As most of you are well aware, Guatemala has had a difficult couple of weeks between the Pacaya Volcano eruption and the wrath from tropical storm Agatha. The Peace Corps approach is not to jump into everything "go, go, go," but rather hold back to see what long term assistance can be given. Most of the Peace Corps staff has been helping with one of our language teachers, Edwardo, as his house was completely destroyed, and I've only been able to personally help in small ways, such as making bandages at the local health post. I've recently received a letter from one of my always amazing and philanthropic aunts who passed this organization along. Help where you can, and please keep these people in your thoughts.

This is part of the e-mail:

Chandra Sherin (La Crosse, WI).
""This comes from Melinda Van Slyke, my good friend, who supports indigenous survivors of genocide in Guatemala in solidarity. She just found out that the main group of weavers she does fair trade business with was hard hit by the tropical storm. See her note and request for help below, thank you."

Supporting the Guatemalan Weavers in the Aftermath of Tropical Storm Agatha
If you've been following the news you know that Guatemala has had a horrific week. A violent volcanic eruption, coupled with torrential rains from Tropical Storm Agatha, have left hundreds of thousands of people displaced. Currently, as of June 1st, the death toll is at 152. This will undoubtedly rise as the outlying communities dig out from the landslides and count their dead. Tragically, the main weaving collective that I work with in Guatemala, Trama Textiles in Xela, has been devastated. Members of their weaving groups lost their lives in raging rivers, children were buried alive in mudslides. Crop damage is extensive. Needless to say their looms and their materials have been destroyed. Here's how you can help: You can donate to Trama online at https://guatepay.com/donate-asotrama.htm . You can also help by ordering from my website. http://www.HeartOfTheSkyFairTrade.com/ Through June 8th I'll be donating all of the profits from web sales (every last cent) to Trama Textiles. This will help by a) sending them money right away so they can begin to rebuild their lives and by b) depleting my inventory so I can place another order ASAP, ensuring a steady flow of income for the weavers. THANK YOU! Please spread the word far and wide. The need is urgent. The need is great. "