Leah, Rachel, and I arrived in Guatemala much sooner than expected. On Friday afternoon we got the tragic news that Hanley, the director and founder of Safe Passage (the project that we volunteer with in Guatemala) was killed in a car accident. We were able to get a flight from Mexico City to Guatemala City on Saturday morning and then we went straight to the project where they were having a memorial service for Hanley. The project was full of grieving mothers and children and volunteers and staff. Hanley was only 36 but she touched the lives of so many people and she will be greatly missed. We are coping the best we can, but it is hard when something this sudden happens. Over the past few years, whenever anyone has asked me who my hero is, I've always answered Hanley because of the way she dedicated her life to other people. When Leah and I were 18 and in Guatemala for the first time she took us under her wing and has played a small, but very important part in my life ever since. There was an article yesterday in a Portland paper about Hanley, click here to see it. There is also more information about her on the Safe Passage website.
Below is a poem that my stepmom sent me that touched me.
You, who have gone
so suddenly,
Torn from this life:
We are still with you
As you are with us.
You, who have found
so suddenly
Light weaving of love:
We are still with you
As you are with us.
May our will guide you
In the mill of creation,
For we, who would sorrow,
Find purpose: Your light.
May our thoughts balm you
In the kiln of renewal,
For we, who would miss you,
Meet comfort: your love.
by Jens-Peter Linde
This morning there was a meeting for Safe Passage volunteers and we talked about how to help the children deal with the grief. It was helpful and I hope that I can be strong tomorrow when I start volunteering. A long term volunteer who was in the car at the time of the accident is currently in the hospital and having some complications so please hold her in the light. I send my love to each of you in this sad time.
2 comments:
Katie, that must have such tough news!! I know how much Hanley meant to you and your friends from the times you talked about her work and her friendship. I'll be thinking of you as you three set about continuing what she created!
Bryce
Katie,
What does one say at a time like this...my heart is full of sadness. I know Hanley meant so much to so many, especially the children and families to whom she gave such hope for the future. She has planted many seeds for others, like you, Leah, and Rachel to nurture.
I'm glad you are at Safe Passage now to be with others who knew Hanley and to share in your grieving and to go on with the tremendous work you are doing.
Take care. Take time. love, jill
Post a Comment