6.8 Earthquake off the coast of Guatemala

There was a 6.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Guatemala (about 70 miles from Guatemala City) this afternoon. n addition to the earthquake there have been torrential rains in the region which have lead to landslides. Thankfully, so far, there have been no reports of casualties.

From the location of the flashing dot on the TV it looks like it wasn't that far from Santa Lucia Cotz where Garrett was born. Antigua is also close, and that is where Elena was born. I'm praying that my children's' birth and foster families are safe. What an odd sensation for me -- to know that there is this extended part of our family out in the world that we don't have communication with, yet to think about them and pray for them on such a regular basis. I honestly don't know what I would tell either of my children if I were to hear that something had happened to a member of this extended family. Then my brain switches to the reality that we most likely would never hear if something had happened and that just saddens me more than I can say. How do you tell your child that?

I'll be watching the news the next few days and reading posts from families who are fostering down in GC now to hear more. I'll be praying for all the birth families, foster families, and children who are waiting to come home to their forever families. God keep them all safe under your watch.