Home for the Holidays
Coming together as a community in Puerto Rico
December 20, 2019
There is no better time spent than time with those you hold dear. As the holidays approach this time of the year can be nostalgic, but full of love. You are reminded of the true meaning of this season, which is to be with your chosen community. This is what defines the people of Yabucoa, Puerto Rico – community first, community always.
Hurricane Maria hit Yabucoa in September, 2017. To this day, there are still people without water, electricity and working roofs. The damage caused by Maria was devastating. However, houses may be gone, but the sense of community never left.
Iris Medina Diaz was born and raised in Yabucoa and she has many memories from her childhood here. When she was older, she got married and moved overseas. Though she enjoyed her time traveling around Europe, she could not call any of those places “home.” No matter where she went, she realized there is no place like home. After a while, she decided to move back to Puerto Rico. Her son was later born here and she was happy to see him live a similar childhood.
This holiday season marks the second anniversary after Hurricane Maria. Shortly after Maria, Iris remembers seeing her neighbors walking through the streets, picking up pieces of their home and helping each other. That is the one thing that has not left her mind, the compassion that her community showed to each other. Even though there was sadness, there was also a profound sense of love. Iris and her community had a chance to work together and build back a stronger community.
“La gente de Puerto Rico es buena,” says Iris. She loves her island, their traditions and her people more than anything.
For weeks after Hurricane Maria, Iris was hosting all her neighbors to share meals together. She was the only one with a functioning stove, so she would cook for about 30 people every day. Everyone cooperated as much as they could and that was enough. Unity is what they needed most. They were safe and they were together.
While some people decided to leave Puerto Rico, Iris and many others decided to stay. Yabucoa was and always will be their true home. She cannot imagine herself away from her community, as they were there when she needed them the most. She envisions a happy future here and a good education for her son. What emerged from this tragedy was a deeper and more resilient love.
During this season of giving, Iris reflects on how blessed she is to be surrounded by love, compassion and understanding. Today, our teams are still on the ground working alongside Iris and the rest of Yabucoa to build back stronger. Join us to give the gift of home, sweet home.
FOOTNOTESPhotos & story by Gerardo Sanchez for All Hands and Hearts