Be the Light! Off-grid since Maria
Donation protected
I jokingly asked my friend Warren if Santa had brought them some electricity for Christmas--assuming that SURELY that had been resolved by now. Warren, Olgaly and their 11 year old twin boys live in the mountainous region of Utuado, Puerto Rico, and have not had electricity since September 20, 2017, the day that hurricane Maria hit. He answered me with humor, "the camping trip continues, but they said it should be restored 'real soon', maybe by March."
As of this writing, that's 128 days of no power. 128 days without lights, stove, microwave, washer and dryer, the list goes on. Now, if anyone can handle a challenge, it's Warren and Olgaly. They embrace adventure and know how to solve problems. And camping and outdoor adventure is Warrens jam, but it's safe to say that this is one camping trip he did not choose!
When I arrived to Puerto Rico in 1999, Warren was the first friendly face to meet me and show me some of the coolest places on the island, including a snorkeling trip to Buyé, and climbing in Rosario. He made it really easy for me to decide to start an undergrad degree at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.
Ironically, a few years later, Warren and his wife moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where Olgaly completed her doctorate in entomology at K-State. I was thrilled to show Warren our climbing wall here in Wichita as well as explore the limited climbing options of Mushroom Rock and Rock City just north of Salina.
Warren is currently working to install a solar panel system, and has begun to collect parts of that system. He's also working to re-establish their fresh water source that was destroyed by a massive mudslide. They have made the absolute best out of a crummy situation. As a mother, I appreciate that Olga has made special effort to provide comfort for their boys. But 128 days later, there are days when any person would grow weary. Worn out. Maybe even exhausted of the situation. It's difficult enough getting kiddos off to school each morning without having to strategically re-establish the entire road to get there. In the dark.
I have started the Be the Light Challenge for Warren and Olgaly. I am committed to covering the same amount of miles as the number of days that Warren and his family have been without power. Today that number is 128 and if there is no power still tomorrow, it changes to 129 and so on. These miles, that represent days without power, are human powered, and can be covered by walking, running, hiking, swimming, biking, whatever mode is accessible to me. I want to show them that there are people who care about their situation, that admire their perserverence, as well as help with the load of unexpected expenses since the hurricane.
Please consider sponsoring my miles by contributing to this Be the Light Challenge. Every dollar will go directly to Warren and his family to off set costs of a solar panel system, fresh water source supplies, rebuilding road, and new fencing supplies for their farm. Any amount is welcome, and so appreciated.
Thank you for helping me with this campaign. I can only describe Warren and Olgaly as the "salt of the earth" type of friends. It's a privilege to know them and an honor to support them.
As of this writing, that's 128 days of no power. 128 days without lights, stove, microwave, washer and dryer, the list goes on. Now, if anyone can handle a challenge, it's Warren and Olgaly. They embrace adventure and know how to solve problems. And camping and outdoor adventure is Warrens jam, but it's safe to say that this is one camping trip he did not choose!
When I arrived to Puerto Rico in 1999, Warren was the first friendly face to meet me and show me some of the coolest places on the island, including a snorkeling trip to Buyé, and climbing in Rosario. He made it really easy for me to decide to start an undergrad degree at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.
Ironically, a few years later, Warren and his wife moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where Olgaly completed her doctorate in entomology at K-State. I was thrilled to show Warren our climbing wall here in Wichita as well as explore the limited climbing options of Mushroom Rock and Rock City just north of Salina.
Warren is currently working to install a solar panel system, and has begun to collect parts of that system. He's also working to re-establish their fresh water source that was destroyed by a massive mudslide. They have made the absolute best out of a crummy situation. As a mother, I appreciate that Olga has made special effort to provide comfort for their boys. But 128 days later, there are days when any person would grow weary. Worn out. Maybe even exhausted of the situation. It's difficult enough getting kiddos off to school each morning without having to strategically re-establish the entire road to get there. In the dark.
I have started the Be the Light Challenge for Warren and Olgaly. I am committed to covering the same amount of miles as the number of days that Warren and his family have been without power. Today that number is 128 and if there is no power still tomorrow, it changes to 129 and so on. These miles, that represent days without power, are human powered, and can be covered by walking, running, hiking, swimming, biking, whatever mode is accessible to me. I want to show them that there are people who care about their situation, that admire their perserverence, as well as help with the load of unexpected expenses since the hurricane.
Please consider sponsoring my miles by contributing to this Be the Light Challenge. Every dollar will go directly to Warren and his family to off set costs of a solar panel system, fresh water source supplies, rebuilding road, and new fencing supplies for their farm. Any amount is welcome, and so appreciated.
Thank you for helping me with this campaign. I can only describe Warren and Olgaly as the "salt of the earth" type of friends. It's a privilege to know them and an honor to support them.
Organizer and beneficiary
Lori C. Morton
Organizer
Leon, KS
Warren Irizarry
Beneficiary
