Hello, my name is Marcus Brackin. I am 21 years old and come from Sandy Bay, which is in the Red Zone. I evacuated from my home the night before the first explosive eruption with my family: mother, father, and sister.

We did not have time to pack much, just a few things. We went out by the road and waited for about two hours for a ride to safety. A government bus, driven by my friend and neighbor, “Golow,” arrived to transport us to a shelter in Mesopotamia. We passed many people along the way standing by the roadside with luggage awaiting a ride. When we arrived at the shelter, they showed us where to go. There would be 70 of us there. There were no cots in place as of yet. I had to sleep on a desk. The shelter is a school. Many other people slept on desks as well. It was not very comfortable.

The following day, I had to go for my Covid-19 vaccination. My mother and I went together, as it is recommended by the shelter. After that, I went back up to Sandy Bay with my cousin. We drove up during the explosive eruptions. The reason was to secure my father’s cattle and goats. My cousin wanted to do the same for his family’s animals.

The first thing I noticed after we passed Georgetown was how gray the sky looked. It was around 11 a.m. but everything was nearly dark. When we reached Sandy Bay, my cousin went his way and I went up the mountain by myself. Ash fell off of every tree I touched. I did not walk; I ran because I was quite afraid. I found the livestock and cut the ropes so they could run free.

We came back in the early afternoon unharmed. We were both happy to achieve our goal. I felt blessed to reach the shelter safely. I am not a person who likes to sit around. So, the first few days in the shelter were quite boring for me. I had nothing constructive to do with my time.

Father Kevin, whom I know from the Sandy Bay Catholic Church and from helping with renovations of the new Garifuna Village Market, came by with another parishioner with some water for us. It was the first week we were in shelter. He told me that he was expecting more water and relief supplies from overseas and asked me if I would like to help. I was happy to say yes and have the opportunity to do something positive with my time as an evacuee.

Two months have passed now since I began helping. We have worked many days and even nights, with only a few days off here and there. We have received many supplies from overseas and distributed much to people in shelters and homes of family members who have opened their doors to others.

The work has been fun. I have met many new people, which I like. The work also has challenges, especially off-loading the many containers that have come by ship. We have been to the ports often and each trip involves quite a bit of time. Many donors have contributed much-needed food and supplies. We are grateful for all of the support that is being received.

I have found visiting the people in shelters very rewarding. The people who have evacuated are always happy to see us. We have especially reached out to shelters away from town and in the countryside. Border-line red zone areas have been a priority. The smiles on the faces of people we meet are genuine and memorable. We have been back a few times to some of the more needy shelters. People now seem to look forward to our visits.

Sometimes it can be a challenge getting to the people most in need. We try to seek out and find those we feel are most vulnerable. I find great satisfaction when we are able to respond to the needs of those whom we meet. Some of the supplies we have received have gone to churches, where evacuees are served. It feels good when people see the Church is involved. We wear t-shirts that read on the back: “Catholics at Work.” Everywhere we go, people know the Catholic Church is working hard to meet the needs of people who are displaced by the eruption of the volcano.

We have a great team at work of fellow volunteers out on the road including young ladies packaging boxes of foodstuff and supplies (close to 1,000 so far) and drivers who help us collect and deliver. A nice bond is being formed with all. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many good people in service of our sisters and brothers in need.

We are enjoying our work together and making the best of a difficult situation. While those of us from the Red Zone hope to return home soon, our work will not end anytime in the near future. There will always be a neighbor in need.