[Report From Los Angeles] A s predicted, El Nino has taken its toll through heavy rainstorms stretching from the Baja Peninsula in Mexico to the Northwestern United States. Storms producing gusty winds and raging ocean waves have caused numerous floods and mud slides along the coast, destroying many homes, roads and cars, and leaving several people dead and many homeless. Thirty-two counties in California alone were declared disaster areas, with hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

Mexico also fell victim to the El Nino driven storms that wreaked havoc in Acapulco, a famous tourist attraction, and Tijuana, the country's northernmost city. Twelve people died from the flooding and mud slides in Tijuana alone, and hundreds more were evacuated from the affected areas and took refuge in numerous shelters across the city.

Upon hearing this tragic news, Master immediately instructed fellow initiates of the Los Angeles Center to extend a helping hand to the victims and their families. Following Her instructions, they quickly telephoned various places in Tijuana to assess the situation and establish the necessary contacts. By noon, relief supplies were procured in time for a trip to Tijuana, Mexico. The supplies ranged from basic necessities like powdered milk, snacks, canned food, candies, T-shirts, sweat shirts, underwear, socks, baby food, diapers and emergency packs, which included blankets, medicine, dry food, candles and toys of all kinds for the children.

The first shelter we visited after crossing the border was in the Albergue Ginnasio Olimpico complex. Guards dispatched by the government helped us unload and distribute Master's gifts to the flood victims and their families. Included in the gift bags were copies of the sample booklet, which many found interesting to read while receiving their gifts. Watching this happening, the guards on duty also humbly requested copies for themselves.

Our next stop was a shelter located on an isolated hilltop, which took us a while to get to after struggling with the rugged terrain. When we arrived, most people were still asleep. However, it did not take long before many were aware of our arrival and prepared themselves to receive the things we brought. Although being surprised at the unusal time of distribution, they were indeed deeply touched by Master's loving care.

Our midnight journey continued on to Alberque Auditories Municipal de Tijuana, an auditorium located in the City of Tijuana, which was being used as a temporary shelter for the flood victims. We distributed gift bags to the flood victims that arrived in separate groups. Sweatshirts were among the favorite items, which many put to immediate use.

Then we left for the last shelter, Albergue Cortijo San Jose. When we arrived, a colonel and soldiers from the Mexican Army greeted us at the front gate of a spacious building being used as shelter. The flood victims were still asleep amidst our preparations; but as we began the distribution, the folks got up and watched in joyful amazement. Receiving gifts according to their wish lists, they openly expressed gladness mixed with a little surprise. Some even enjoyed reading the sample booklets right there.

Being informed that other places also needed Master's help, we decided to stay overnight and bought more supplies at local stores the next morning. While making a short stop at the DIF (Development of Children and Family Care) en route to the shelter, a local TV crew interviewed us and took a few pictures of our truck.

At the next shelter, we found that most of the flood victims and their families had already returned to their homes. We left and headed to a little town nearby. As we arrived, the children ran after our truck and cars, shouting with joy. The distribution went on with a great deal of fun, and everyone felt overwhelmed with love and friendship. Children were so excited with the toys and gifts received that many stood speechless for a while. Master's love had indeed brought sparkling smiles to their faces.

We left the little town in the afternoon and headed home after a short stop at the DIF office to thank the volunteers for their help and say good-bye. Despite a sleepless night and a hard day of work, none of us felt tired or hungry at all, thanks to Master's blessing.

The following week, fellow initiates at the Los Angeles Center also made another trip to visit two more towns on the outskirts of Tijuana. After crossing the border, we made a short stop at the DIF office so that the volunteers could join us. While parking along the street awaiting the signal to go, our truck accidentally caught the eyes of some curious onlookers. After talking with them for a while, we learned that they were former prison inmates who apparently needed help. Fellow initiates immediately offered them food, beverages, clothing and especially sample booklets, which they enjoyed reading upon receiving them. Having watched this exciting event unfold right before their eyes, DIF workers also came and asked for sample booklets themselves.

A short journey to the first town took us through several severely damaged roads, so severe that some sections were completely displaced during the flooding. One could easily see the deadly force of raging water that the flood had vividly left in the remaining ruins and collected debris on top of the walls and fences. We finally arrived at the town, which was marked with eroded streets full of potholes and muddy water.

The distribution began as soon as people were informed of our arrival. Mother and daughter, father and son, one by one happily came to receive their share of Master's love. Everyone was excited to be part of the joyful crowd in the middle of the town. Fellow initiates busily helped get the right clothes for people of all ages and sizes. We were, indeed, touched by the genuine appreciation of these folks. What a great joy it was for us to be of service to these pure-hearted people.

It was almost dark when we got to the next town. A downhill road leading to the town was too steep for the lead car and truck to move on. Miraculously, a man appeared from nowhere and offered to take the convoy around using another, more easily accessed road in exchange for a free ride, which everyone quickly agreed to give him. Thanks to this man, we were able to start the distribution before it got too dark. By the time we had finished, everyone could barely see the faces of the last recipients. Everyone who had come was very elated to have received the gifts.

We said good-bye to people in the town as they happily walked home. The DIF volunteers who had also received beautiful gifts from Master, guided us all the way to the border before waving farewell.

 

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