In the wake of the earthquake, all of Venezuela is going through a deeply emotional time. And we, as part of the staff at El Colegio Carmelo de Cagua, are no exception. On the one hand, we are overcome with grief at the loss of so many women, men, young people, and children—entire families who have gone to heaven and thousands of families who are now struggling with hope to move forward. All of this stands in stark contrast to the joy brought by every person found alive amid the rubble, thanks to the effort and perseverance of those involved in the rescue efforts.
We have also seen a country come together to help, donate, and reach out to the victims, offering them comfort in the midst of their grief. Our El Carmelo Educational Center in Cagua became a collection center to receive donations from our community, destined for Las Colinas de Pequiven in Morón, Carabobo state. We went there to visit, accompany, support, and deliver aid to those affected. We were able to see firsthand the uncertainty in the children’s eyes and the worry on the faces of the women and men who had lost their homes and belongings.
We also brought relief to the Santa Luisa School in Prados de María, Caracas, by delivering medicine, water, food for children, school supplies, and sandals for 50 children. The need is immense and affects every area of life.
Solidarity takes concrete form in the donation of supplies, in face-to-face encounters with those who are suffering, and in the fraternal prayer we offered on Friday, July 3. We invite everyone to continue praying daily, for we know that an encounter with the Good Jesus always comes at the right time to strengthen us, bring us serenity, and sustain everyone’s hope.
We have also discovered that this mission goes beyond immediate aid: it must be sustained over time, because needs grow every day. That is why we will remain steadfast, available, and ready to reach out to those who need it most. A single act is not enough; we must persevere, because, as our motto reminds us, “love never says enough,” and it becomes a reality through the concrete acts of each day.
Blaxinia Espinosa and Carolina Quintero
