(click to see photos)
SWGSM has survived Hurricane Dolly!
However, we had extensive damage to four buildings---Main Office, Annex Office, Kitchen/Dining Hall, and the Casa Compassion home. We were blessed that no one was injured as three people stayed on campus during the storm—Les, Connie, and David, SWGSM support volunteers and staff.
As of Saturday afternoon, July 26, SWGSM was still waiting, after 4 days, on electricity and internet to be restored. Cell phones do work, and the campus does have water. Clean up began on Thursday, July 24, with assistance from volunteers who came to pick up shingles, remove broken fences, and assist with getting the roofs covered with tarps in case of further weather. Shingles were ordered for the roofs. On Friday, July 25, the refugees, who are living at the church, came out with Feliberto and helped clean up the area by picking up limbs, shingles, and taking down the hurricane window boards. In addition, Feliberto’s office was completely destroyed, and all helped to remove the debris from the ceiling and attic.
As you drive down San Ramon towards the Bayview campus, it looks like
you are driving through a war zone. Trees and palms line the road and
still more are being piled on the sides of the road. The soft dirt road
ruts are being packed down and dried as the breezes have returned. Twisted
and splintered 2 foot diameter trunk trees are everywhere on the road.
It is humbling to view what the strength of Category 2 hurricane winds
can do while carrying 15+ inches of rain.
An assessment of the damage has been taken and many photos can explain
the damage for the insurance company. Roofs on the office, kitchen, and
house will need to be replaced. All the other buildings lost some shingles
which can be replaced and tarred into place. In the office, kitchen, and
house, there was also interior damage. Feliberto’s office ceiling completely
collapsed and damaged his furniture. The ceiling in Miriam’s office fell
down on her computer, printer, and desk which will need to be replaced.
The house had significant water damage. Some of the house furniture will
need to be replaced. The kitchen had the screen doors blown off. There
was also major roof and bathroom sheetrock ceiling damage in the kitchen
and shower areas. Minor damage was found on the other buildings. The new
storage/education building did have the ceiling area above the rice blown
down due to the winds coming through the side vents. There was also damage
in the education building. And the rain was blown under the doors into
both sections with about an inch of rain covering the floors. Trees and
bushes will need to be cut down and removed from the Prayer Garden as
the trees are lying on the fences. The plants and trees look twisted and
pulled up by their roots.
As of Sunday, July 27, early evening, the electrical crews connected SWGSM buildings to the world of light. What a joy for the survivors! The air conditioning, hot water, and all the appliances worked to finish the clean up job toward Monday’s continuation of repair.
The shingles were delivered, July 28, Monday, mid-morning, and we’ll begin repairs to the office. The office is open with one phone line, no working internet. Time, donations, volunteers, and prayers would help SWGSM repair and continue as a mission station.
God bless you all for the love, prayers, and assistance in advance!
