Exploring what used to be the riverfront area of the city of Constitución was like walking in a dream. Nothing I had ever seen before could compare with the near total destruction of a large portion of this coastal city that made its living from the pulp mill, fishing and tourism. All was gone. The pulp plant will take several months to be reactivated if it can be rebuilt, fishing boats were parked in the streets and scattered amidst the remains of the former high school gym. Hotels and restaurants that had stood along the shoreline were broken in two or simply gone.
After an hour of walking, I found myself studying one partially destroyed home. Suddenly it dawned on me that it was resting in the middle of an intersection! I had walked around the house in the middle of the road without even noticing! Among all the destruction, it was just another detail.
Some residents were seeking to salvage belongings from among sand and splintered boards, while others tried to go back to their jobs. Many had left the city, but had spray painted graffiti on their own walls. In some cases it was good news, that all were well and they left a phone number to reach them. Many wrote messages pleading with the city crews to not demolish what was left of their home. Most houses still carried the markings left by rescuers, often telling the sad tale that victims had been found inside. Despite demolition and army patrols, there was a strangely peaceful quietness about Constitución.
One family, whose home had partially fallen during the tsunami, left an unexpected caretaker. Amidst the broken pieces of their house they had placed a child's teddy bear to silently watch over their property. It carried on its vigil undisturbed. Even the would-be looters seemed to recognize that this child's companion was left to safeguard their memories. Their home, the lives and their town had been shattered. But their memories could not be touched. Teddy would make sure of that.
Our church in Constitución was above the water line and survived, and continues to minister in a community that was devastated. They have been a source of help to those without food, shelter or hope. Please continue to pray for our pastors and churches in the earthquake zone. They too have suffered great losses.
