Donate to Chile!

Today, at 3:34am Chile time, an 8.8 point earthquake hit my native country of Chile. The epicenter is located near Maule, a short distance away from my birthfamily in Teno. The earthquake could be felt in the capital, Santiago (250 miles away) as well as in many Argentinean cities, and as far as Brazil. The death toll is currently at 200 and climbing. The country has also experienced 50+ aftershocks since the quake, most measuring at a 6 point or higher.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tfan.php

(image: www.sanfranciscosentinel.com)

I spent the morning trying to be in touch with family and friends and wasn't successful until this afternoon. I got in touch with my friend Monica, who lives in Santiago, and was happy to hear she and her family were safe. But none of us have heard anything from my family yet. They have not answered messages on Facebook, emails, phone calls or text messages. So now we play a waiting game. I'm trying very hard to be patient. In fact, I've already been on American Airlines pricing out a ticket in case I need to go. Thankfully, I have enough miles to go for free, but I was saving those to go with my family in December. This tragedy could alter those plans anyhow.

I know that since communication wasn't strong to begin with, it will be near impossible with the effects of something so destructive..... electricity will be down, cell phone towers destroyed, land lines disabled... but I will continue to hope that my family is safe. Please send a few thoughts their way.

Gracias por tu apoyo!