Guatemala Earthquake Shakes U-Mary Students

| 11/8/2012

Courtesy God`s Child Project

Aftershocks continue to rattle Guatemala today, after yesterday`s deadly 7.4 magnitude earthquake. The quake struck near Guatemala`s border with Mexico and killed at least 52 people. Dozens remain missing.

Among those feeling the quake were 22 University of Mary students and their instructor, who are in Guatemala volunteering with the God`s Child Project. the students have been providing therapy at orphanages, building homes and fitting people for wheelchairs.

They`re all okay.

But in nearby San Marcos, crews worked through the night recovering bodies and searching for survivors buried by rubble.

More than 30 homes collapsed, and many of the colorful adobe buildings cracked or crumbled. Frightened people slept outdoors last night after more than five strong aftershocks shook the area.

Here`s what Dr. Donald Allen PT, PhD, University of Mary Physical Therapy Program, had to say:

"Our 23 University of Mary students and faculty were working with The God`s Child Project in Guatemala when the earthquake struck. We were fitting children and adults with wheelchairs when the walls began to shake, the ground rolled and roof tiles began to fall. Some people started to scream. Everyone ran outside. I`ve read that dozens were killed and hundreds more were injured. There are thousands who were left homeless so it`s likely The God`s Child Project will reassign us for the rest of our time here so we can get relief to these victims. I wish we were staying longer. They really need help right now."

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