Christmas market in Antigua Burned

COOPERATION! What an example! Families, friends, shoulder to shoulder, young and old, everyone working together! The Christmas market burned to the ground in less than an hour, embers, debris, tears, and confusion. BUT! There was a job to be done and no time to waste. The women organized everyone, the fire department helped, even onlookers pitched in, by the end of the day the parking lot had been cleared of nearly all the debris. The families had moved all the items spared from the flames into a central place where they could be guarded easily. The next morning rebuilding had begun and by the end of the day most of the vendors were restocking their stalls. As I walked through the market on the morning of the second day it was difficult to tell we had had a major fire less than 48 hours earlier!

The Mayan community did not wait for the government to come help, they looked at the situation at figured out what needed to be done and went to work! I do need to praise the local fire department and their outstanding and professional help! They are all volunteers, working with antiquated equipment, little if any funds, and a deep love for the people! The local government helped with the rebuilding. But the majority of the praise must go to the people themselves!