Many years ago I tried to get a newspaper in St. Paul, Minnesota to publish a picture of a bank robbery suspect three days after the bank was robbed. The editor there refused to print the picture even though I told him that we had technical difficulties and this was the first chance we had to bring the pictures to the newspaper. I remember the editor telling me, “Son, news that is three days old is not, “news” it is, “olds!””
Well, to heck with that editor – we have some olds to report and, since it is our blog, we will just do it.
First, some news. Tonight I was coming home from downtown to our new home when I noticed that our across the street neighbors (the Garcia family) were gathered around a table with candles on it. I pulled up to our gate and walked over and asked them if their lights were out. Ramon invited me up to the gathering and explained that they were observing a Catholic tradition of shutting off the lights on Saturday evening for one half hour to join, as a family, in prayer. I was a bit embarrassed and stepped away when Ramon invited me to join in the family circle.
I have been in many solemn assemblies of God-fearing men united in prayer, but I have never been more moved then I was tonight watching little Sol and Luna thank God for their safety and for their family. I was deeply moved when Ramon asked me to offer a Christian prayer in English. And then I listened intently as our good friends Ramon and Nura poured out their hearts to God for their country, family and many friends injured or lost in the recent earthquakes.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the Garcia family for an experience in “true religion, undefiled.” Proving once again that, “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Now for some Olds!
Unless you live under a rock somewhere you have undoubtedly heard that a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit near the city of Pedernales in northern Manabí province last Saturday evening. What you might not have heard is that the initial quake was followed by forty-two other tremors and earthquakes ranging in magnitude up to 6.2 with a reported death toll of now approximately 646 people. Those who have worked in the hardest hit areas fear that the latest death total estimates are woefully low.
As you can imagine there are thousands of stories coming out of a disaster like this. We have many of our own to tell. Unfortunately, at least at the actual time of the initial earthquake Mary’s story differs from mine. That is because early last Saturday morning we heard from a friend in Salinas that she had located and purchased a therapeutic wax warming machine that Mary had been looking to buy. Our friend in Salinas picked one up in Guayaquil and Mary and she were working to figure out a way to ship it to San Clemente and get the money transferred to Salinas.
I had been looking for a chance to take the scenic bus tour down the coast, so I volunteered to ride five hours down to the bus station outside of Salinas and pickup the wax warming unit. It was a beautiful sunny day and I arranged to get a window seat so that I could take pictures all the way down to Salinas. I took off at nine o’clock in the morning expecting to be back by nine that night.
Oh what a beautiful scenic ride it was and I thoroughly enjoyed sitting like a dog half hanging out the window snapping photos of some of the most beautiful scenic coastline I have ever seen. One day I will sort through those pictures and do a post recording that trip.
On the return trip shortly after sunset just north of Puerto Lopez the bus came around the bend into a small town and I noticed that I had bars on my phone and started to call Mary to let her know my progress. Before I could dial, Mary called me. I could hardly understand her voice as Mary sounded like she was having a heart attack and could not breathe. Between gasps for air Mary told me that she had barely made it outside of our home escaping falling glasses and bits of mortar that were falling everywhere. The earthquake she described sounded like it was the end of the world and here I was sitting on a bus approaching Puerto Cayo.
As Mary spoke I noticed people running out of their houses into the roadway and all of the lights on the road and in the houses went out. I was probably fifty miles away and apparently the earthquake that Mary felt in San Clemente was strong enough to knock out the electricity and create panic that far south. I tried to calm Mary and assured her that I would make it home as quickly as I could.
The problem with making it home quickly is that this monster of an earthquake severely damaged the roads. The bus sat parked in the intersection as reports came in from motorists that the mountain roadway up to Jipijapa had many slides and was impassable. The bus driver finally heroically opted to take a back dirt road on a flatter course and set off for Portoviejo.
The bus moved out of cell phone coverage area and the only sound on the bus came from the barely audible tones of people praying for their families.
As we neared Portoviejo and people were able to use their phones we started to hear more and more tales of misery and destruction. With virtually everyone in Ecuador trying to use their cell phones at once, it was frustrating and often impossible to connect as the system was overloaded. So I could only catch Mary briefly and let her know that I was going to make it home that night.
As we entered Portoviejo the scenes from the bus window were not encouraging. Entire buildings had collapsed blocking roadways. Lights were out all over the city and people were walking about in shock. After trying scores of times I got hold of our taxi driving friend, Roberth and learned that he and his family had survived the initial quake and their home still stood. I asked Roberth if he could possibly meet me at the bus terminal and drive me to San Clemente.
Roberth and his family love Mary and me and would do anything to help us, but Roberth said he did not think it was possible to drive to San Clemente and said that he would instead try to get to the terminal and bring me to his house to sleep that night.
Anyway there are lots of videos and newscasts photos showing how badly Portoviejo was damaged by the quake so I won’t go into great detail here describing it. What is amazing is that the bus driver was able to maneuver the bus around many detours and got us to within two blocks of the terminal at about nine o’clock.
I debarked the bus into utter confusion and began walking toward the terminal in the hopes that Roberth had been able to get there. I heard Roberth calling my name and we walked together to where his taxi was parked with his wife and two sons waiting inside. The family did not want to be apart so they all came to pick me up. Roberth insisted that we should return to his house for the night, but he had not heard the panic in my Mary’s voice and I did not want to be apart from my family either. So I asked him to get me out of the main city and as close to San Clemente as possible.
As we drove Roberth told me that when the quake hit he was trying to drive home when he heard a rumble and noticed that the building next to his car was beginning to topple. He hit the gas and just missed being crushed by a multi-storied building which fell on top of the cars just behind his.
After barely living through that horrifying experience less than two hours earlier, my friend loaded up his family into his taxi and ventured back out onto the perilous roadways to pick me up. I am reminded of another scripture that begins, “Greater love has no man than this…”
I had no desire to ask for further sacrifice from Roberth and his family, so when we got to a bridge just outside of Portoviejo and found that the police were blocking traffic and were not allowing any cars to pass. I thanked Roberth and his family and set out on foot to get back home to Mary. At that point I was still about thirty or thirty-five miles from home.
It was pitch black darkness outside as a slight drizzle set in and I made my way without a flashlight along the shoulder of the road toward the bridge. A police officer called out to me to say the bridge was not passable, but I just acted like I did not understand what he was saying and walked on. He was too busy with emergencies and traffic control to be further preoccupied with the crazy gringo walking around without a flashlight and let me pass.
We saw a video of the damage in Portoviejo the other day and it had a picture of the damaged roadway and bridge that I walked over that night. The picture was taken the day after the quake. Luckily it was dark when I was walking so I could not see all of the damage. I concentrated on just putting my foot down carefully on the shifting surface and slowly walked closer to our home. (Perhaps if I had been able to see the extent of the damage I might not have tried to cross.)
God has always watched over me closely and He was with me that night. I made it to the other side of the bridge where cars were being stopped and turned around. I knew that if I got to a point where friends from San Clemente could come and pick me up I would be alright. The trouble with that plan was that it was becoming more and more impossible to get any phone connection. Along the way I met a young lady from Bahia and a man from Charapotó. We joined forces and caught rides in the back of pickups and crowded cars.
After several mini-miracles we made it to Rocafuerte and finally got through to Mary. Then I got through to Ramon who agreed to come pick me up in Rocafuerte. Just after talking to Ramon Mary called me back and told me Wilmer, our caretaker was coming to get me in Pepe’s van. After nearly three hours of stumbling around with no ride we now had two vehicles coming for us! I called Ramon back and advised him he could stay in San Clemente with his family.
At about one thirty in the morning I was reunited with Mary. I walked though our home and saw the walls were cracked and shifted, but seemed to be secure. So we cleaned up a path to the bedroom and prepared to get a little bit of sleep. Just before we stepped into the bedroom another significant quake hit that we later learned was near Canoa. And so, the saga continues…
As I mentioned, Mary has an entirely different tale to tell about falling to the ground in the front room of our home unable to even crawl to the doorway as the quake rumbled on and on for almost a full minute, about tsunami alerts, about many nerve rattling aftershocks and other independent quakes and of sitting alone in front of our damaged home before Wilmer arrived to check on her safety. I will try to get her to record her thoughts and experiences for a future post, but she still gets sick when she recalls the absolute terror that had her in fear that the end of the world had arrived.
We have had a life experience that one would never covet nor wish on an enemy. Still through it all we have come to appreciate the beauty of man’s humanity and the love of a graceful God.
Life is still good in Ecuador!
I can only say “wow”. So glad to finally hear from you and that you are both okay, you’ve been in my prayers.
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Thank you for your comment and concern. We had to move to a new home, but we are well and uninjured. So, life is good. Have a great day!
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Oh John and Mary! I cannot fathom the terror and the destruction. I have no words. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so relieved to hear that you are safe. Thank you for taking the time to report on the earthquake. I feel so helpless. I donated to a Jama relief fund. Is there anything I can do for the people of San Clemente? If you see a donation site, please let us know. Sending thoughts of comfort and peace to your lovely community.
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Thank you so much for your concern and prayers. We are impressed with the outpouring of support that has been given to our community. Our supply lines are opening up. We got power back last Thursday night and internet last Friday night, so our communication lines are opening up too. I think you are wise to direct your donations to the areas of northern Manabí province where many of the communities were almost entirely destroyed and where supplies are dreadfully low. U.S. relief organizations that bring medical supplies and aid are probably the most needed.
The Ecuadorian people are strong and resilient and we will recover!
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Praise the lord that you and Mary are okay. Lisa Brunetti posted on her blog that she had heard through her contacts in San Clemente that you were alright. Even so it is wonderful to finally hear from you and to hear what happened. How frightening that you and Mary were apart that day. You are so blessed to have such good friends who came to your aid in getting you home. Can’t wait to hear more. You and Mary are in my prayers and thoughts. Please if there is anything that we can do to let us know.
Jan in Mississippi
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It was an incredibly scary night, made much more so for Mary with me being gone. But you are right the Lord deserves the praise and He got us back together safely and has continued to sustain us day by day since. Life is good!
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I was wondering what happened to you? I am glad you are both ok. I know about earthquakes and the severity of them having lived in California. God bless you and Mary.
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Thank you, JoAnn. I experienced many earthquakes in California too, but never one as large as this. My son John told me that a 7.8 earthquake is something like ten times as severe as a 7.0 earthquake. I lived through a few 7.0 quakes in California and believe that this was easily ten times worse. Still, life goes on.
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Dear John, thank you for sharing your incredible story, I was very touched by your drive to be with your beloved wife, so beautiful! Please give my love and best wishes to Mary.
Nuestro corazón esta con ustedes,
Andrea & Willem 🌹
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Thank you so much. I really felt like I needed to get home to support Mary and that was my main prayer that first night. God blessed us and all worked out!
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I have followed your blog for several years, for the most part silently. You have a allowed me an intimate glimpse at your life and the lives of others in San Clemente and for that I thank you. I am so glad you and Mary are both alright. I donated to hearts of gold and I hope they help San Clemente. Still praying for Ecuador and its people.
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How nice of you to comment. We are touched by your concern and generosity. Thank you and do feel free to comment often. Keep praying for our neighbors.
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Queridos Mary y Jonh, me alegra saber que están bien. Es triste que hayan estado separados justamente ese día, me imagino su preocupación el uno por el otro. Hay que agradecer tanto a Dios por el milagro de vida que ha resultado San Clemente. Todo el Ecuador está unido por Manabí.
Ahora, más que nunca, he recordado tanto la frase que John repito: SOMOS MANABAS, y los manabas son fuertes, valientes y se pondrán de nuevo de pie pronto. Un abrazo enorme y cariñoso. Pediremos en nuestras oraciones por toda la gente de Manabí y en especial de San Clemente.
Dear Mary and John, I’m glad to know you’re okay. It is sad that have been separated just that day. I imagine your concern for each other.
We must thank God so much for the miracle of life that has resulted San Clemente. Ecuador is joined by Manabí.
Now, more than ever, I remembered the phrase that John repeat: YO SOY MANABA, and MANABAS are strong, brave and will stand up again soon.
A huge and warm hug.
Our prayers for all people in Manabí, especially in San Clemente.
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Sweet Ethela – Thank you for your prayers and continued support of San Clemente. We hope to see you soon in San Clemente again as we return to normal. Much love!
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I am so thankful you and Mary are okay. I’m grateful the good people we met are safe as well. Ecuadorians are amazing people.
We read the post together as a family and are all filled with a sense of wonder for the goodness of God bringing you two back together safely.
Your attitude is so impressive! We have a lot to learn from your faith and optimism.
Sure love you!
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Jimmy, many of the people you and Brooke met have asked me about you and hope you are well. You two touched many lives, but especially brightened up our lives with your visit. You are right about the Ecuadorian people. They are strong, faithful people who will work together to rebuild.
What did the boys think about grandpa walking over that broken bridge in the dark? It was quite an adventure!
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So glad you were able to get home to each other…are safe……have a new home there you feel more secure in…and we are all hoping for brighter times in this special country….
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We join you in hoping for brighter times in this beloved country. If the morning sunshine is any indicator, today will be beautiful!
Also Mary and I would like to send out a public thank you to you and Jeff for calling on Sunday and working to get the word out on facebook and calling family to advise that we were alright. You helped us so much and we thank you!
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Dear John and Mary, I saw this post yesterday but didn’t have time to finish reading and commenting. I’m so happy and relieved to hear you both are fine. I, also had read on Lisa’s blog that you were OK and I breathed a sigh of relief and thankfulness. I just can’t imagine the terror of going through that but I do understand the desperate need to be reunited with Mary….I’d be the same with my husband. God has certainly watched over you and your dear friends there in San Clemente. I pray that they all get the help they need. Thank you, for this update, John.
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Yes Barbara, it was so bad being without electricity and internet for so long leaving us with little communications ability. Our good friends, Jeff and Eileen called from Quito and helped us out by posting notices on Facebook letting people know we were fine, but it took us a while to get back in touch with our Blog friends.
Thanks for your concern and friendship. Life goes on here in beautiful Ecuador!
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John and Mary, Praise God that you are both OK! We were worried about you and checked your blog daily for any word. We will continue to pray that your life will get back to “Ecuador normal” soon. We loved our trip to San Clemente in January 2014 and our visit with you and Mary; and hope to see y’all again! You will continue to be in our prayers! God Bless! Vernon and Tatiana Hicks, Plano, TX
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Praise God indeed! We have been so blessed. Life is getting pretty much back to normal already. We hope to see you again.
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Glad to hear you are both OK!
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Thank you. We are so blessed.
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[…] Here’s John’s story: Earthquake First Report […]
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Thank you for taking the time to write this, as there are many other obligations at hand there in San Clemente – as well as answering emails and ‘are you ok?” comments. I didn’t see a reblog option, though the internet is very slow and maybe the page didn’t load right. Anyway, it’s a story that deserved a much-wider audience, and I hope that my token ‘hat tip’ to your story will help…
With so many aftershocks, it has to be hard to coax those nerves out of combat mode… sending my love and as much serenity as possible… You both are loved by many. Z
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Lisa – we were so worried about your safety and were glad to finally get the internet back and see that you were well. Our most sincere condolences to you and all of your friends in Jama. God bless you all!
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Thank you.. sending very special hugs to dear Mary… just look out your window and picture me standing there w/a surprise visit. I suspect it would be very difficult to reach San Clemente from Mindo. Love, Lisa
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You will have to learn where our new home is too. We would love to have you pop in anytime. We have lots of room for you to stay. Love you!
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Yes, we were all worried about those out of sight/out of communications.. We assume that all is ok, but it’s wonderful to have it confirmed.
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Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
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Thank you for re-blogging our story. JandM
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My pleasure, be safe over there.
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Chilling! And to think up here we growl about a snowstorm. Thank you for your sharing this with us. And your parting thoughts on humanity and God.
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My heart goes out to you and all your brave good friends, as well as the wonderful bus driver.
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Thank you. And, yes Ecuadorian bus drivers are amazing for maneuvering big busses through narrow openings, around corners, and over mountains. That driver took a back road many bus drivers would not have attempted and (other than the ride was bumpy and loud) got us very close to the terminal we had contracted for. We were lucky to have him.
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Amazing story, so glad you’re ok.
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In one respect earthquakes are a bit like tornadoes where on house is destroyed, but the house next to it stands unharmed. Our village was hit hard with many needing help, but others were preserved and have been working together to help those in need.
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Whew … thank you for sharing your story, John. A powerful piece of writing.
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Thanks, Barbara.
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an amazing story of the power of love. We can do amazing things when our goal is for another, eh? So glad that you persevered and that you were reunited with Mary and your wonderful neighbors.
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Thank you. We have seen humanity and love in action here since we moved to Ecuador, but much more so this last week and a half.
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It is nice to have the inside story. Thank you for telling it. Is your house going to be liveable?
Julie Gionfriddo
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Our house is live-able, but it will take many months of work to get it all back together, so Mary and I moved to another house near our old home. Take care!
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Wow, wow, wow! You know, I think that was the most engaging, page-turning post you’ve written to date. What an adventure you had, John in Ecuador. Man on man. Setting afoot in the dark, 35 miles from home, upon roads that may not even be there. Man, too much adventure for a BBQ bloke! I’m sure glad the Lord was watching out for you and Mary. I’ve never been in an earthquake that I know of, and after reading your epic here, I’m not anxious to. Wow.
Now the villages and the people must grit through the after math of this event. A day I suspect will be etched upon your brain for a long time to come. I suppose not every day is great in paradise, but I know this much – every day is an opportunity to give thanks to the Lord. And it sounds like you did.
So did Mary ever get her wax warming kit? Sounds like your abode will be OK after a while. I hope your BBQ pit emerged unscathed!
Anyways, blessings John and Mary. We’ll be praying for everybody down there.
-PotP
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It is so good to hear from you, my friend. Did you catch the St. Paul reference?
Yes, it was a day we will remember for the utter display of raw power and the resulting display of God’s grace as people help people, communities rebuild, and families and friends discover deeper binding love.
Of course I got Mary’s wax warmer home safely and the barbecue sits under cover in a corner of our new yard. We actually lost almost no items. Our television set was on a wheeled stand that toured back and forth around the living room, but did not tip and nothing heavy fell on our computers. God was very good to us and life is still good!
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This post is making me cry. I can’t believe all of this. I am so glad you are both okay and that the bridge held out for you. You made such a heroic effort to get home to Mary. We will look forward to hearing her story. We continue to pray for you and hope to talk soon.
Love,
Jess
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Thank you, Jess. The point of the story is that God watched out for us and there is no need to cry. There is a need for prayer and support of the Ecuadorian people who lost homes and lives, but Mary and I are okay!
We love you guys and hope all is well in Hawaii.
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