This is the view from my San Juan classroom several years ago. I’m sure it looks very different now.
UPDATE: Luis and his family were safe in Orlando when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. He was trying to get a flight home but I have not heard from him as to his location. Now I see that there is a dam breach near Isabella, the site of his home and one of his stores. They have evacuated 70,000 people from the area. Lord have mercy on the people of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean!
Since I last posted some three weeks ago, so much has happened–lots of sewing and lots more blowing.
As you all know, hurricane Maria has devastated Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands. The loss of life and property is gargantuan.  The conditions are horrific.
My two teaching trips in San Juan caused me to fall in love with this tropical paradise and its delightful people. Now I am heartsick with worry about my gracious host and hostess, their family, and the talented students who embraced me with a warm welcome, helpful classroom translations and sincere invitations to visit their homes.
The ladies were all accomplished needleworkers. Just look at some of their beautifully stitched projects here.  They all loved sewing and they loved their Brother sewing/embroidery machines. Now, I fear, they may have lost it all.
I was able to send a facebook message to Luis Medina, my host for both events.   It is my fervent prayer that my Puerto Rican sewing friends as well as Luis and his family are safe.  I desperately hope to hear from him that this is the case. Still, 4-6 months with no electricity is unimaginable.
A week before Maria, hurricane Irma hit Florida. We prepared as best we could, boarding up the house, testing the generator and making sure we had ample fuel and food.
After Irma blew through, many Floridians were left with floods and major damage. The hardship for our neighbors was significant, particularly one whose generator failed as it was turned on. She is almost bedridden and totally debilitated with cerebral palsy, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. The heat, lack of running water and electricity was almost more than she could bear.  The 94 degree weather put her epileptic son at risk for more seizures.  Floridians suffered so much hardship. But neighbors helped neighbors.
A huge fallen oak tree blocked her driveway. My dear ladder climbing husband removed most of that before his chainsaw broke and another neighbor finished up the job. Continue reading →
