An Earthquaking Memory, Part One by Don

A Memorable Event In My Life

Part One
by Don

My wife, Virginia and I remember living in Guatemala on February 4, 1976. We experienced the most terrifying 30 seconds most Guatemalans ever endure. At 3:03 A.M. when most people are sound asleep, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck. Though by this time we were used to occasional mild tremors, this was our first real earthquake.

The shaking immediately awoke Virginia who shouted. Earthquake, get up , Don. I jumped to the floor to grab a flashlight but found I could only drop to my knees at the bedside and hang onto it while everything was shaking with the greatest vigor I have ever felt. That 36 seconds seemed much longer than it was. Needless, to say, we prayed. Then it stopped.

The electricity was off and so was the water and telephones. I found the flashlight and surveyed the condition of the concrete ceiling and concrete block walls. Also, the concrete floor. All was intact. We were not injured at all. Loose times were scattered with little breakage. Later, I checked the outside and found only minor hairline cracks in the walls and roof.

After the street was opened that connected our house with our administration center, I drove the three miles to see if our director wanted my assistance. He said, Yes. We need to inform the home office about our condition so they can start setting up help for us. How soon can you get it operational on emergency power?

With that I said, I'm on it. Soon the amateur short wave radio station was on emergency power and his message was delivered.

NOTE: Virginia and I are members of Wycliffe Bible Translators. Now we are retired. We went to Guatemala to set up and maintain telephone and radio communications for our translators' village. workplaces and our headquarters in Guatemala City. Virginia was the Translators Center's Hostess.

Don described well this earth shaking experience that made world history. Wow. I liked how he added some dialogue as discussed in our workshop. Great job, Don! Keep up the good work.

This story is in two sections in order to be an easier read on the blogsite. So stay tuned for Part Two.

Photo: Click on Google's site This is an acutal photo of the Guatemala earthquake.

Copyright © 2008 by The Write Workshop. All rights reserved.