Aug 17 2007
Earthquake Excerpts
My nerves have not completely settled even a day after the earthquake, but I find that writing and talking about it are the best catharsis. After the harrowing events of the night before, I thought it would be best to write down everything I could remember about the sequence of events; I used my plane ride from Miami to DC to write in my notebook- previously filled with details, thoughts, and minutia about our travels - to record every detail I could remember of those two minutes and the events before and after the earthquake.
Excerpted from my Peru Travel Journal, pgs. 107 - 114:
8/16/07 - 10:04am
A few minutes can change a life. And a few hours of reflection on those minutes can influence even more…Kris and I sat in the food court at the Lima Airport for four hours - he was reading a paperback novel, and I was diligently knitting on my scarf. I took a few breaks to buy water, go to the restroom, and Kris read on, sitting with our two suitcases and our backpack. I told him that I was planning to call my parents around 6:30 [Peru time] because I knew that they would be finishing up dinner and ready to talk. Around 6:15, I headed to the international communications center in the Lima Airport. I initially had a problem connecting, but finally reached my mother on the second try. We talked for awhile, and she handed the phone to my dad - I was telling him about the amazing geology of the Andes [he is a geologist] and about some of the animals we saw in the jungle. We made plans to get together on Friday night to share stories and some downloaded photographs. He handed the phone back to mom and I told her about adventures in the Amazon… time was flying by and there was so much to say.
The first rumble came around 6:39, and it did not completely register in my mind what had actually happened. I continued talking to mom, thinking it was a hurried landing of one of the large jets on the tarmac. Then I began to hear some screams, and I realized right away what was happening. My small telephone cubicle was completely glass, and I yelled into the phone “Oh my God, mom! Mom, I think it is an earthquake!! I have to go -” and I quickly looked around to see all of the other people beginning to scream and run out of the doors to the large structural pylons marked with a large S - for Seismo - meaning that they are strong enough to hold up through an earthquake. There were two pylons outside the door of the center, and I ran for the far one with less people. There were many small children huddled around the base, and I reached for the top of the pylon, holding on with my hand. The quaking did not stop. I figured (like we all did, presumably) that it would be a small tremor and over in a matter of seconds. Yet, it went on and on - what felt like minutes. I don’t remember what I heard, but I saw a policeman with a reflector vest come and begin to usher people toward the stairs. Many people began to scream and panic. A mob moved towards the stairs. An elderly Catholic nun was moving very slowly in front of me, and I feared that she would be trampled. I grabbed her hand and put my other hand through the crook of her arm. I hurried her down the stairs as I felt the brunt of the crowd behind me, pushing forward and forward to the doors of the airport. We were halfway down the flight of stairs and the quake was still rumbling, almost a visible wave in the air. Ceiling tiles and sheet rock began to fall from the ceiling, and the screams grew louder. As I held the small Sister, we rushed under the large electronic marquee, which was swaying and knocking dust and sheet rock onto the floor. I was so scared it was going to fall. We quickly rushed out of the doors of the airport away from the large glass facade.
Outside the doors, it was a sea of screams and cries. I looked over and saw one of the ceiling tiles fall onto a man, but he kept on moving. It appeared to hit him on the shoulder. It was not until we were outside that the earthquake actually stopped rumbling.
I stayed surprisingly calm, thinking that Kris, who was in the food court (while I was in the call center) would be out any second. The two locations were not that far from each other, and I thought the main doors would be the best exit for everyone. I scanned the huge crowds of people for his light brown hair and orange jacket. More people streamed out of the building, becoming more and more hysterical. Still, Kris did not come. Panic did not set in yet. I paced up and down the bus lanes on the street and went back to wait near the doors. Realizing that an aftershock could happen, I moved away from the structure and stood on a curb about 5 meters away from the door.
I saw a woman in a wheelchair and immediately recognized that she and her family had been seated at the table next to ours in the food court. I ran to her and blurted out something about “the man in the orange jacket- table next to you - reading a book”. I could see that they did not understand me. I attempted to repeat the key words in the little bit of Spanish that I knew. Hombre - tabla - libro and using hand signs to fill in the rest. There was some recognition and a nod from the mother, but then my voice broke and the tears started flowing. The young daughter stepped forward, probably about twelve years old, and looked up and nodded, saying “the table”. I said “my husband”, touching my heart.
The mother was speaking so quickly that I could not understand her at all. She grabbed my hand and lead me further away from the building. The woman looked at me and said many things that I did not understand. Then, I thought I heard her say “Deutsch?” and she repeated it. I said “Deutsch? Jaja!”. Finally, we could communicate! She said she saw Kris, the man with the orange jacket and that he was okay. The daughter held my hand and began stroking my arm. I was beginning to get quite nervous, as I could not see him anywhere. The daughter also spoke German, and I could understand her much better, since her mother had a very thick Spanish accent in her German. I was breathing deeply and wringing my hands, both from the cold night and the nerves. I looked at the girl and asked her name. “Meine name ist Rosara.” she said. She held my hand tightly and said “Wir suchen” [we search]. People were yelling and screaming the names of their missing family. One woman was screaming at the top of her lungs, making herself hoarse.
Rosara continued to hold my hand as I described Kris. Er tragt eine Orange Jacke. Brün-Blonde Haare. I could not remember all of the descriptor words, and I was mixing English, German, and Spanish, trying desperately to be understood. She nodded and repeated. I wrote down Kris’s name on a small note paper and she took the paper to the policewoman near the entrance. She came back to me translating what the police woman had told her: everyone was out and safe, but the other side of the airport was evacuated to the tarmac and landing strips behind the airport. “Er is gut. Esta bien. Okay. Alles in Ordnung. No nervous”. The more she repeated the words, the more I began to believe it. We just needed to wait. He was fine - he was just on the other side. I briefly thought of our bags and all of the things there, and that did not matter at all. I thought of my mom and how scared she must be. I did not care about anything else other than finding Kris, knowing that if we were together, it would be okay.
Up and down the street and my knees were wobbly. No sign of him and I felt faint and weak. Rosara steered us to the curb and we both collapsed there, watching the people around us. She rubbed my arm and told me that she was here to pick up her uncle who is coming from Germany for a visit. Her stepfather is German, and she grew up learning the language with him. She told me how the earthquake had shook all of the windows in the food court, not breaking them but visibly shaking them, and how the policeman grabbed her grandmother’s wheelchair and yelled that the elderly were the first ones out. All of the other people were told to go out the back door. She reassured me that Kris was okay, and we just needed to wait. I told her about the nun, and about the phone call to my mother. She told me that her older sister had called and was on the Metro in Lima, waiting to get out, and that some glass windows had broken on the train. I thanked her a million times. “Danke, du hilfst mich“. She told me that earthquakes in Lima are common, but not as long and as big as this one.
We sat on the curb for a long time, watching the people, hearing the sirens, and seeing the disaster crews move into the airport. They were wearing hard hats and looking for anyone still inside the airport. I did not see any injured people, but I did see ambulances. People were huddled in small groups as the wind was whipping up and sending a big chill through everyone.
Standing up to search again, we walked down the long path looking for a sign of Kris. We made the same rounds as before, dodging the taxis, and motorcycles on the streets. This time I heard “LAUREN!” and I looked to see him standing on a curb not too far away. I melted completely, running through the crowd towards him. I grasped Rosara and we ran toward him. I didn’t let go of him for a whole two minutes. “I was SOOOOO scared.” I looked down and he had all of our bags - two large suitcases, my backpack and even my small knitting project. He had the foresight to grab it all and run, calling up some reserve of strength that I did not know he had. I hugged him over and over and told him about Rosara and how wonderful she was. I held Rosara in an embrace and kissed her face, thanking her in every language I could think of. She had kept me calm and quiet, and she was so strong herself for her young age.
I held Kris and did not let go. I saw a young teenage boy next to Kris, and he explained that he had been separated from his parents, but had just found them after searching. I saw the group of nuns, reunited, but was not sure which one was the one I helped on the stairs. Rosara walked around, and came back to say that she had been separated from her family. She had a cell phone and was trying to call them, but the satellites were completely down and phone service was out. She sat down on the curb with Kris and I and we huddled together. I wrapped my scarf around Rosara, who was only wearing a cotton shirt. Kris pulled out a red flannel blanket from the backpack, and we shared it. As we sat there, we felt a very brief aftershock, only lasting a second or two. Rosara finally got through on the cell phone and found her mother on the other side of the parking lot away from the structures. She learned that her sister was fine and everyone in the Metro train was also okay. I hugged and kissed her again before she left to be with her family on the other side of the street.
Nearly two hours had passed since the quake, and my emotions had run the complete gamut: fear, shock, sadness, and finally elation and thanksgiving. Kris told me his story, and he had been surrounded by kind people as well. Everyone came together so well in the crisis. Language barriers did not matter at all. As we talked to other people around us, we heard more and more stories. The nuns that Kris had been with on the other side of the airport came over and hugged and kissed us, giving us many blessings.
The airline and airport crews came together so quickly. They had been well-trained to deal with disaster recovery, and the airport was up and running again within three hours. The backup generator and computer systems allowed us to have flight manifests, and we were able to check in right away. I was wary to go back into the building, knowing that there would be more aftershocks. The next few hours were a blur of standing in queues for immigration, passports, and police control. Each desk stamps something and send you to the next queue. We felt like zombies, and rumors of the damage started to flow in. There was so much speculation about what had actually happened and how big the quake had been. The news is reporting an 8.0 on the Richter scale at the epicenter, and lower outside. Lima’s magnitude seems to have been in between a 6 and a 7. Our flight did take off about three hours later than anticipated. I tried desperately to get to a phone or a computer, but all of the lines were busy, and the main power grid was down. I wanted to let my mom know we were alright. It was not until we reached Miami the next morning that I was able to call her. She said she had been talking with Kris’s mom all night, and they had been praying and watching the news.
The earthquake’s severity seems to be worse at the south of the epicenter. The towns on the southern coast of Peru have sustained much damage, and many people have lost their lives. My heart aches for them. The Peruvian people are so generous and hospitable, and I am so sad that this tragedy happened to this beautiful country.
~My sincere thoughts and prayers to the people of Peru~
Posting will resume soon, and I will share some of the amazing experiences I had in Peru, along with some great photography. Thanks again for your emails and comments. It is so heartwarming to see how much you all care.
Oh my gosh, I haven’t watched the news for days. I am so glad you are okay. What an ordeal. It is amazing how people can come together to help one another in a crisis.
Wow, an incredible story. I definitely cried while reading it. It is amazing how helpful and warm strangers can be in a situation like that….sometimes it’s easy to forget how wonderful humans are. Can only imagine what your reunion with Kris felt like. Glad you are both home safe.
I know you and I don’t know each other (mostly because I’m total crap at leaving comments on your blog). But I read your blog frequently so I kinda feel like I know you. Frankly, I was worried about you. I cried a bit when I read this; partly because I can empathize with you and how frightening the experience was, but also because it is touching how strangers can come together and help each other in a crisis. So glad you are both safe.
I am so glad you and Kris are safe and sound! My heart and thoughts are also with the Peruvians.
Lolly - I can’t even begin to imagine how scary this must have been - I cried a little while I was reading your story. I’m so glad you and Chris are safe.
Welcome home!
Oops, Kris. I was typing too fast to think…
So glad you and Kris got through okay. It’s always amazing how people pull together at times like this.
thank you so much for sharing your journal entry with us. i, too, felt myself getting a bit choked up. i can’t imagine how frightening it was to be separated from Kris for that long through this harrowing ordeal. and it never ceases to amaze me how complete strangers will come together at times of crisis. it’s heart-warming and reminds me that the world isn’t that horrible a place to live (especially when i’m having a bad day at work or something). gives one some new perspective. . .
so glad you are home in one piece.
So glad you made it home safely. Even though your story was based upon a frightening experience it was great to hear about how everyone came together.
So glad you are home safe. What a scary story! I can’t even imagine going through it being with my husband, but being separated - you are a strong woman!
When I heard on the news that there was an earthquake in Peru, my first thought was “Oh my God, Lolly and Kris are in Peru!” And I prayed for your safety. God answers prayers! I am so relieved that both of you are OK.
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us! I read the whole thing with tears in my eyes. I can’t imagine the fear. I’m so glad you’re safe and back home!
It’s such an amazing story and I felt as if I was there…feeling your fear, your sadness, sorry and even elation. What an amazing experience you have lived and endured. Thank goodness you are home and safe.
Lolly, you are like the mayor of the knitblogs. You somehow manage to read and comment on every blog. You remember everyone’s names and recognize people at festivals. It’s amazing. I’m sure many other people feel the way that I do- that you are a valued member of our community and we are so glad you are safe.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
My husband and & were watching TV when the news broke about the earthquake. I was so worried for you! I told my husband that one of my knitting friends was in Peru, and I immediately said a prayer for you guys. Yes Lauren, even though we have never met, you are my friend in my head. Thank you for sharing all you do with your internet friends. I feel a huge sense of relief that you both are OK.
We are all glad to know you are alright. Welcome home, safe and sound.
Such an incredible story. I am so glad you guys are safe and everyone came together and helped each other in such a crisis. How is your Mom?
Lolly, this brought me to tears. What a scary, scary experience. I’m sure it’s made you a stronger person.
I’ve always felt a sense of comfort and home when arriving back at BWI after traveling. I’m sure your feelings at arriving in DC were overwhelming. Glad you and Kris are back safely!
I’m so glad that you guys are both okay. And I am glad that your experiences all around (your actions and the actions of those you interacted with) show some of the best of human nature under stress.
I’m sure you probably already know this, but if you get any people asking about ways to help…Mercycorps is a great organization for donations for international aid. They have any amazing efficiency record for money donated.
I am glad you and Kris are save, this was a lovely touching story, thank you for sharing.
Oh Lauren! I’m sitting here at my desk at work, tears streaming down my face. I am so thankful that you and Kris were reunited…your writing and storytelling had me there with you, feeling the fear of being alone, without your husband during this scary event.
Thank you for sharing so beautifully and openly.
What an amazing experience, Lauren. I’m so glad that you and Kris are safe. I’ve been thinking about the two of you for the last few days.
What a touching story! I’m sitting here at work in my cubicle trying not to cry.
I’m so glad you’re both safe!
I’m so glad to hear you and Kris are both ok and safe~~ What a harrowing experience! I can’t imagine how I would hold up if I were in your shoes. You’re really amazing!
Thanks so much for sharing~~
What an amazing story! What a wonderful person you found to help you. As soon as I heard of the earthquake, I thought of you. I read your blog regularly and knew you were traveling. Thank goodness you’re home and safe.
Lolly, so glad to hear you’re both ok!!! And thanks for sharing your story!
Thank you for sharing that strangely beautiful story. I am in tears as I type this. You are a wonderful writer. I wrote a lot after the 1989 SF earthquake and it helped a lot. I am so glad you and Kris are okay.
I am so glad you are home safe. Your account of the experience had me close to tears.
What an incredible story, thank you for sharing it. I’m glad you were able to make it home safely. It must feel good to be back home. I know my heart goes out to all the people hurt by this earthquake.
I am sitting at my desk crying at work over this blog post. This is increfible Lolly. I am SO glad that you and Kris are okay. I can’t even imagine going through something like this. I hope your jitters pass soon.
I’m crying and crying (freaking hormones) and I’m just so so glad you’re all safe. So glad. I can’t wait for G to come home today so I can hug him so tight. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Wow, such an amazing story. I am so glad you are both safe.
I am crying reading this. It really shows wonderful humanity in that you cared enough to help the nun and then in turn, Rosara helped you. What relief that you are home safe and sound. Bless you both.
What a gripping entry Lolly - thanks for sharing the experience that you & Kris had - it is truly an amazing read. I had goosebumps as I journeyed with you though the airport & outside.
Your story absolutely brings tears to my eyes - I’m so glad you guys made it home and were able to find people to help out.
SO glad you are safe!
Your account of the earthquake is beautifully written Lolly. I can’t wait to read you impressions of your trip, and the photos, of course!
Wow - what a heart-pounding story. That will make this trip one you will never, ever forget. I’m glad you and Kris made it home safe and sound and thanks for sharing the story with all of us. My heart goes out to the people of Peru…
What an event. My heart was racing as i read your experiences. It really is wonderful how people can come together in such a time of devastation. My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Peru as well.
my god lauren. what a story. what an experience. i’m so glad you guys are ok.
Oh sweetie. You made me cry! Thanks for sharing. How very very scary.
A friend and his girlfriend were in Thailand and got swept off the beach during the tsunami, and the next day found each other in the town square. I think you and Kris were always going to find each other again.
Wow, what an incredible story!
I cannot imagine being in a foreign country during an unanticipated natural disaster. I would be afraid of the communication barrier, and how the people and the government would react. It sounds like you and Kris were able to manage the situation quite well despite the obsticles.
Glad that you made it home safely. I can’t wait to hear more about your adventures before the quake.
Lolly, I am so sorry that you had to go through this, and that it was such a frightening ending to what I assume was a beautiful trip. I’m thinking of you and Kris and sending you peace, as well as to all of those in Peru.
While reading your post I realized I was holding my breath and gasp and just so glad to hear you & hubby are fine. It is so heartwarming to hear people come together to help each other in a crisis
What a harrowing experience! I’m glad you both surrounded by kind helpful people and that you were able to come through it safely. It amazes me that the airport could be up and running again so quickly and that you were able to leave at all. Thank goodness for that. I’m sure home never looked so welcome! Thanks for sharing your story.
I saw the news on CNN when it happened, the situation is really bad, but I was tearing when reading your note. Glad you and Kris made it home safely.
There were tears here too. Thank you for sharing your incredible story - while reading, I felt the full range of emotions you listed.
I’m so glad you and Kris are ok, thank you for sharing your story of how everyone came together to help each other.
wow Lolly! That was absolutely incredible. I have tears streaming down my face reading your encounter. I first heard through my email, see I sponsor three children in Peru, God will they and their families are all ok. Then I remembered that you were still on your trip! So glad you and Kris got out ok and in a crisis managed to help others.
Wow, what an amazing thing to experience. I’m glad you’re both okay.
I am so relieved to hear you and Kris are ok. When I heard about the earthquake I had one of those moments where I thought who do I know in Peru? Then I remembered you were there on your trip and I hoped that you were safe. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Your strength and kindness in the face of such a terrifying experience is absolutely incredible. Much love to you and Kris while you both adjust to being home and dealing with what happened.
This is where I admit to having been much more worried about you both than I initially mentioned! I’m so thankful you both found each other and are okay. I think your story is a remarkable tribute to the kindness and gentleness of the people of Peru. I’m sure that this adds a whole new unintended depth and dimension to your trip and I’m anxious to read more about your thoughts and experiences.
Oh my… What a story. I’m so glad that y’all are ok, and that everyone at the airport looked out for one another the way that they did. I’m VERY glad that you’re home and that everything is alright. Can’t wait to see the great pictures and read great stories from the planned parts of your adventure.
oh my goodness, what a trip! i am so glad that you and kris are safe and well. Three cheers to you for helping the nun. i was so amazed by your story that i had to tell my husband right away and he too applauds your bravery. thank God you are safe! what a thriller!
Wow. That story is so beautiful. Seeing how strangers come together no matter what language they speak. I am so glad that you and Kris are alright.
Your writing really made me feel that I could see all that happened, you have such a talent. So glad that no-one was hurt there at the airport. And well doen Kris for saving your knitting :o)
Welcome home, hugs from me to you and Kris!
Lauren - I too read your blog frequently and I thought of you immediately when I heard about the quake. I could not remember if you were still there.
I cried as well when I read your story but I am so glad that you and your husband are OK. We never know how we will react in such situations but the fact that you had the clarity and selflessness to help others is a testament to your soul.
Jane
Thank you for sharing your story. It brings a new meaning to the phrase “the kindness of strangers.”
Wow. That’s a pretty scary/surreal experience. I’m so glad that you and Kris are both ok! And I’m amazed at how much strength both of you displayed with helping out other people, even while not knowing where the other was. I’m sure that even despite the tragedy, this moment will be a defining one for both of you when you look back.
i’m so glad to hear you two are home safely. what a harrowing experience. i can’t even imagine.
I’m so glad you are alright. It must have been very frightening and I hope you never have to go through anything like that again.
How truly frightening! Yet, in the midst, its wonderful to hear stories about strangers helping strangers. I’m glad that everything worked out for those you were helping and yourselves!
Lollygirl, I just want to come over and give you a huge hug and provide you with a little comfort. Reading your account made my stomach just sink, imagining that feeling of panic and trying to communicate all at the same time. My first thought was with you when I heard about this, and I’m so glad you’re home safe and sound - reading through your comments, I see I’m not alone. My heart goes out to the many Peruvians who have been affected by this tragedy. This certainly puts a damper on what I hope was an amazing trip for you both.
My love to you and Kris,
xoxo
I just inhaled this post. Very well written. I’m sorry you had to go through this experience, but I would like to go on record that it didn’t surprise me in the least that Kris grabbed the luggage ( and your knitting.
SO glad to hear you are safe. I thought of you instantly when I heard about the earthquake. Thank you for sharing your amazing story. It is heartwarming to hear about how you and Kris and the others helped each other. You are a great writer and the way you live your life is an inspiration.
That is an amazing story - I can’t believe how well you were able to keep it together. Thank goodness you found someone with a common language that you were able to communicate with.
LOLLY! I cried all the way through your story. I’m relieved to hear you and Kris are safe.
I am balling. What an amazing story and so well told. Huge relief that you are both back and safe. God, your parents must have been freaking out between the time of the call and when you were able to contact them again.
I am so happy to hear that you are safe and reunited, what a scary, amazing story. Thanks for sharing it with us! =)
So glad to hear that you and your husband are ok! Thank you for sharing your story with us.
What can I say? I’m so glad, Lolly, that you, Chris and your new friends at the airport are safe! God be with you and with the people of Peru!
I am so glad to hear you are OK. Your description of events was so vivid I felt like I was watching a movie and I had to stop reading because everything became a blur when you and Kris found each other again, and I realized the reason was that I was crying!
My heart goes out to the people of Peru.
Wow, an incredible story! Lolly, the story brought me to tears. And I’m glad you both are safe! I have now packed my suitcase, I will take the ferry to Gotland tomorrow, so I will read your stories when I get back home next weekend!
I’m so glad to hear that you are OK. I can’t imagine how terrified you must have been. Thanks for sharing your story.
Holy cow, Lolly! I am so glad that y’all (and your airport friends) are home and OK. scary scary scary
So glad to hear you made it through safe and sound. It warms my heart to hear you recount the way people reached out to help each at a time when it would have been very easy to take an “every man for himself” attitude.
Lolly, I’m glad you and Kris are okay.
I’m glad you are OK after this terrifying experience.
so glad that kris & you are well and back.
hugs
kiki
What a terrifying and amazing experience. I’m very glad to hear you are back safely.
I am so glad that you guys are ok! Thank you for sharing such an amazing story. That is wonderful that everyone came together and helped their fellow man in need. What an amazing little girl to help you too.
I can’t wait to read more of your exciting trip!
thank you for sharing this story. like just about everyone else, i teared up a little, especially at the part where you said you touched your heart and said “my husband.” it’s amazing the strength we bring to each other during a crisis, and how much it hurts when we don’t know where the other is or if they are okay. i’m so glad that you guys made it out safe and sound. the power of human compassion in crisis is a beautiful thing, the way we can reach out to each other in times of need to help one another out.
So thankful that you are okay- and how amazing that in Peru, German became a shared, saving language. We truly are a global society! (And Kudos to Kris for even saving the knitting. He must be amazing!)
oh Lolly! I am sitting here on the brink of tears (and I’m on the Reference Desk rignt now). I am SO GLAD you are safe. What an amazing story. What wonderful people you had around you during this horrible crisis!
OMG when I saw the news I knew you were down there and was so worried about you since. I’m so glad you posted so we all know your alright. Such a harrowing ordeal.
What an amazing story …so glad your safe.
Thank goodness for the kindnesses of others. I’m glad you, Kris and your compatriots in the food court and airport are all right. Thanks for writing this story. It’s one I won’t soon forget.
I am so glad you and Kris are ok! Your post certainly brought tears to my eyes. What a horrible thing to have had to experience.. for everyone.
Lolly! I cried, especially when reading the part about you finding Kris–I don’t know how you kept it together for so long after getting out of the airport, I would have dissolved in hysteria immediately.
I agree with everyone else; thank goodness for the kindness of strangers. Although, considering your goodwill toward the nun, it seems like Rosara was just the universe’s way of bringing the kindness full circle.
Such an amazing story-I am tearing up right now! So glad everyone is ok
That is an amazing story! As many others have mentioned I read your story and cried. Glad you both are okay.
Once again, we are all thankful to hear that you guys made it through O.K.
Thank you for sharing your experience of this awful catastrophe. It definetely brought tears to my eyes to see how you all came together to help each other out!
My heart also goes out to the beutiful people of Peru.. My sentiments exactly! I have been to Lima and Cuzco and Machu Pichu also and know first hand how hospitable and kind everyone is.
Oh my, how terrifying! That’s an amazing story, and thank goodness you and Kris are all right and together.
I am thoroughly glad that BOTH of you are okay.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us….
I am glad that you and Kris (and all the folks around you) are well and suffered no injury.
I’m currently temping for a global non-profit with offices in Peru.
It was so very difficult to get in touch with anyone down there and it was a very large topic of conversation all of yesterday.
I’m so very glad you got out alright. Having grown up in SoCal, I’ve had a number of earthquakes under my belt, yet, the shivers still come when I hear about others’ experiences.
So glad to here you are both okay. There is so much sadness in Peru right now, I am glad your experience had a happy ending.
A truly amazing story of the strength and kindness of the human spirit-thank you for sharing it.
I am so glad that you and your husband are alright. Thank you for sharing your journal entry with us. It is very moving!
Living in earthquake country (SoCal), your story made a shiver run down my spine. That’s exactly how I feel during a quake: “Oh, this is a little one…it’ll stop any second…” And if it’s NOT a little one, it doesn’t stop and it can get terrifying very quickly.
Thank goodness people came together and your story had a happy ending. I’m so glad you and Kris were able to find each other and all is now well. Thanks for sharing the story.
I am so thankful to hear that you are safe.
Amy
I’m glad both of you are alright. You had an amazing experience I’m sure you will never forget. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
The internet really does make the world smaller.
I am so thankful you and Kris are safe, as well as your angel Rosara.
Lolly, sweetie, I’m so glad that you and Kris are okay, and that you found so many people who cared enough to pull together and help one another. Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us your story when you must still be grieving so over the destruction you witnessed.
I’m speechless… grateful that everything turned out okay.
Lauren, wow…I am so glad you guys are alright.
Oh my gosh. I thank god for Rosara who helped you and for you who helped the nun. It’s good that everyone there was okay.
Oh Lolly. Thank god you’re both safe. Feeling pretty speechless right now… I was thinking about your mom too, I hope she’s alright.
Oh, I am so thankful that you both are okay. And, how kind of you to think of others and helping the nun. My thoughts are with you and that you will recover from your fright and trauma quickly! Hugs to you both…
Oh my God Lolly! I am holding back sobs as the tears run down my face. I can’t begin to imagine what that had to be like. Going thought the quake, being on the phone with your Mom and having to leave her like that, being separated from Kris, dealing with the language barrier.
I am beyond thankful that you and Kris are both OK, home and safe. It is amazing how something like this makes you realize that, despite having an online friendship, it is a real friendship and real feelings for each other can form.
I will continue to pray for all those affected by the quake. I have another friend who, I think I mentioned to you?, is going to Machu Pichu next week or the week after. I will begin praying for a safe trip for her and her husband as well.
Love you, mean it!
i’m so glad to hear that you are both safe. what a scary end to a vacation! thanks so much for sharing the story with all of us!
I am trying to hold back the tears as I type, but it is so hard to. I am glad that you were able to find that family to help you in your time of need. I am glad that you and Kris are safe and I will continue to keep the people of Peru in my thoughts.
Thank God you are ok. I am still sitting here with tears running down my face. I can’t imagine how scared you were while looking for Kris. Thankgoodness the young girl was there for you!
Thanks for sharing your story. So glad you are both safe!
that was an amazing story - i cannot imagine. thank goodness you are home safely and it truly amazes me the power of the kindness of strangers…
A great opportunity for all of us to count our blessings. Welcome back, Lolly.
So scary, but I’m so glad that you’re okay. I keep thinking, too, about your poor Mother, though–she must have been frantic, having the conversation cut off like that! My prayers are heading toward Peru, too.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Lolly. I know how much you were looking forward to your trip, and how much you were enjoying it, and how sincerely you feel in your sadness for the people of Peru. How scary it must have been to be separated from Kris … I am so glad that you are both together, and home, and safe.
What an amazing experience. I am glad that you met with such kindness and that you were reunited without too much delay.
Thank heaven you and Kris are both o.k. … what an incredible thing to live through.
wow. thank you so much for sharing. i am glad you are both home and safe.
So glad you are ok. What an amazing story and thanks for sharing with us.
OMG, what a story…. i’m all silent and thinking of all the people who weren’t as lucky as you were.
Lauren - I’m so glad you guys are okay. How very scary. Thank you for sharing your story.
I’m so glad to hear you are safe. What a scary experience, especially to be separated from your husband. It’s amazing how people come together to help each other out in these situations–it really restores your faith in humanity.
What a scary experience. Glad that it all turned out well.
Lolly - I thought of you immediately when I heard about the earthquake on the radio soon after it happened. I’m so glad to hear that you are well and safe. Please share your vacation stories and photos to help balance out the sadness and misery in the newspapers reporting about the effects of the earthquake. So sad and so scary.
Add me to the list of people who thought of your travels in Peru when news of the earthquake hit - and yes, a prayer went up from me too!
I continue to be touched when thinking of your help of the nun. You truly may have been her angel much as Rosara was yours…
I’m so glad you and Kris are home safe and sound!
So glad you are home safe!!
Thank you for sharing your story–it’s so wonderful to hear how everyone pulled together. I’m glad you and Kris made it home safely.
oh my god. what a story! i’m totally crying. i’m so glad you two made it out safe. my heart aches for the people of peru.
I am so glad that you and your husband are safe!
I felt every bit of your anxiety and horror. I’m so thankful you are both safe. I couldn’t have been as calm as you were.
So glad both of you are safe and sound. Being a mother myself, I can’t help thinking your poor mum must have been so worried after you hung up!
I’m so glad to hear you and Kris are safe and sound.
I read your blog frequently because I love to see your beautiful pictures and knowing you were in Peru I was looking forward to the great photos. Wow, I never imagined you would experience a major quake. You had me in tears as I read your ordeal. Again, thankfully you are home safe.
My prayers go to all the people in Peru.
Wow, L, I am in tears and simultaneously so glad everything turned out okay.
xo
Hi Lolly - I am so glad you are ok! You’re story is a phenomenal one. I am so glad you found kind people to help you. It’s amazing how people can pull together in an emergency.
I can’t wait to hear more of your stories and see some pictures.
-Jody
Lolly, I bawled the first time as I read where you took the nun by the arm (I was reading this outloud to my husband until that point since I started to cry) Such a sweet good heart you have. Then I was able to read on until I read how you started explaining how Kris looked, bawled, read on until I got to the part where you heard Kris call out your name and had all your bags, even your knitting. There is no doubt that God and angels where next to you and Kris getting you both safely through this. God bless the people of Peru. Your home safe now. Rest xoxo
So glad that you are home safely.
Wow Lolly, I’m just so glad you and Kris are ok! I cried through the whole post, and I’m so glad that no matter what our personal backgrounds/political views/languages we all pull together to help one another out.
Thank you so much for sharing, I’m sure it wasn’t easy. Again, so glad you both made it home safely and that everyone just helped everyone out, no matter what.
Now that’s what I call an adventure. It’s so good to hear that you’re both home safe and sound. You do have a way with words girl
Oh my goodness. I’m wiping away the tears. I am so grateful for you that everything worked out and that Rosara’s family was ok too. It is a good thing you can speak more than one language, that clearly helped. Your poor families - to wait for so long. That must have been quite an emotional reunion.
My heart breaks for the people who have suffered loss due to this earthquake.
I was crying and terrified reading this, I cannot even come close to knowing how scared you both must have been! I’m so glad you’re both home and safe!
Isn’t it amazing how strong and compassionate humans can be in times of incredible strife? Even at twelve
Your account of what happened is truly amazing, and so moving in terms of how everyone helped each other. I really feel for the people of Peru - I wonder if the international knitting community should organize something in terms of donations to help Peru? After all, we do owe the people there so much in terms of what they do for our craft. Do you think thats a crazy idea?
I’m so glad to read your post; I wasn’t sure when you were coming home and I worried that you might be stuck somewhere. I almost cried when I read about searching for Kris; what a blessing that you were surrounded by helpful and kind people and that you were helpful and kind in return. Welcome home. xoxo
Lolly, thank you for sharing that amazing story with us. I am so glad that you and Kris are both okay and safely home. {{{hugs}}}
Welcome home! Glad to know you and hub are safe; glad to know that despite the language and cultural barriers, people are willing to help!
Here’s to Peru!
Your story touched me greatly….being a west coast gal, I’ve experienced many quakes; the last was the Ash Wednesday quake measuring 6.8 in the Tacoma, WA area. Your story brought back the memories I have of also being temporarily separated from my husband and children with no way to contact them…the worst feeling in the world.
But what a blessing that these events show us all the good people there are in the world!! It gives you hope for humanity, doesn’t it?
Take care, and thank you for sharing your story. I wish you well,
Lolly, I am so glad that you and Kris are safe and home. Thank you for writing your story. There are so many kind and beautiful people out there in the world, no?
As soon as I heard about the earthquake, I checked your blog. I’m so happy you are both safe and now home. I’m leaving this comment from my blackberry, but will check back again when I get back from vacation. Hugs to you both.
I’m so glad you two are okay. Good disaster teamwork.
OMG . . . what a harrowing experience!! Your writeup of it is incredible, though — so vivid it brought tears to my eyes.
You know, you hear about these disasters and I don’t know why they don’t really hit home to me until I know someone there who was affected by it. Thank you for sharing your experience. So glad you are safe and home. My heart goes out to the people of Peru.
What a scary experience for you both. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you will feel more like yourself soon.
Wow. I am so glad you are both all right. And he even saved your knitting…
I had seen your vacation pictures on Flickr and I didn’t put it together that you and Kris were there for the earthquake. Thank you for sharing your your write up. Like others said above, there were tears in my eyes, both those of fear when you couldn’t find Kris and relief when everyone was reunited. I’m glad you’re back safely.
Oh, Lolly! This post made me cry. I’m so glad you and Kris are all right. We had a shocking experience on our vacation last month (one of my sons was nearly killed in an accident at the beach), and we are still dealing with getting over the trauma. Funny how deeply something can affect you, even when everything turns out all right in the end. Be gentle with yourselves as you continue to grapple with reentry into normal life.
Hugs to you and prayers for the people of Peru.
This is just a follow-up on my last post regarding earthquake relief. Both Oxfam and The Red Cross are taking donations for Peru - So here are the links.
Oxfam USA
https://donate.oxfamamerica.org/02/peru_earthquake?qp_source=07fy%5fdo%5fgo%5fperu&gclid=CJjO4Pv1%5f40CFQlQWAodnxnfLw
American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/news/ds/profiles/disaster_profile_PeruEarthquake.html
Cheers,
Marcie
So glad to hear you are okay!
Ohmigosh Lolly! I can’t believe what you’ve been through! I’m so thankful that you both had kind people surrounding you to help you through such a difficult time.
When reading the above i kept thinking, “Wow, Lolly, you are so brave for sharing this with everyone”. For me, it takes a lot to share something so personal and close to heart. I really commend you for that.
Thanks so much for sharing your heartwarming and heartbreaking story.
My prayers go out to the people of Peru and thanks that you are safe at home.
What an experience! It’s good to know that you’re okay. Thank you for sharing the story.
I’m glad to know you and Kris made it through the Peru earthquake safe & sound. It’s definitely an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. I went through the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in the SF Bay Area and we still talk about it after all these years.
Amazing story! Thank God you and Kris, and Rosara and her family are all right. And you very well may have saved that nun’s life! My mother is elderly and can’t walk well, and she would have been trampled in a situation like that if some kind soul like you didn’t help her. You and Rosara are both heroes…God bless you all. (I guess he already did!)
Oh my goodness, Lolly, what an incredible and touching story. I had tears in my eyes for you, and felt my heart tighten at what you must have felt being separated from your love at such a time. A story such as this reaffirms for me any lost faith in humanity - all these people came together in the crisis to help and support each other. I’m so very glad you are both safe and sound, and not too badly traumatised. xo Thinking of you
Thank goodness you and Kris are ok, and that the goodness and kindness of people showed itself for you and him on that day. I experienced the Loma Prieta earthquake in San Francisco and know just how scary and deadly a big earthquake can be. *hugs*
I too, thought of you right away when I heard the news! So glad that you are okay. Your pictures at Flickr are wonderful!
So glad you both are okay…
I am so very glad both of you are well and home safely! Rosara sounds like a lovely young woman-to-be.
It is always amazing how well people work together when disaster strikes. Differences don’t matter then.
I read your blog daily, I feel I know you even though you dont know me, reading this is truelly scary, I am so glad you are safe you and your husband and I hope you feel calm soon, that must have been so so scary. Reading about the girl, it never ceases to amaze me its always little ones that seem to cope so well, so young yet so wise too
hugs to you all xxxxx
What a story, Lolly! I’m so glad you and Kris and the others who shared your ordeal are okay, and my heart goes out to the families dealing with the destruction and loss of life. It really brings home the shock of it all to read your thoughtful and articulate account. You were so brave and good even in the middle of the disaster - I’m not at all surprised to read about you instantly finding an elderly nun to help. It s