The Miracle of Coming Together in Hardship


Hello valued friends, partners, and colleagues,

On August 10, Colombia experienced one of the most devastating earthquakes in its recent history. As a native Colombian, my heart is broken by the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the homes and communities destroyed.

Yet, I have never been prouder of the country where I was born.

We come from a culture in which we say, “Where there is room for two, there will always be room for three.” We come from mothers who lovingly place food on their children’s plates, even if it means going to bed hungry themselves. We come from people who instinctively put the needs of others before their own.

In the days following the earthquake, that spirit has been visible everywhere.

Colombians have opened their homes, shared their food, stood in long lines to donate, cared for injured animals, searched through the rubble, and refused to abandon those who remain missing. Every life rescued has become a national celebration. Every child, every mother, every father, every cat, and every dog brought out alive reminds us that even amid unimaginable darkness, miracles are still possible.

In Colombia, we have a word that captures who we are: berracos.

It means we are resilient. We are courageous. We are fighters. We do not surrender easily. When hardship comes, we rise. When tragedy strikes, we unite.

When one Colombian falls, millions reach down to help them stand again.

Just days before the earthquake, Colombia experienced a presidential transition. Yet, when the earth shook beneath us, our political divisions became insignificant. We were reminded that before political parties, ideologies, and disagreements, we are human beings. We are Colombians.

What matters most is love.

Love is what carries food to a stranger. Love is what keeps rescuers searching when their bodies are exhausted. Love is what causes an entire nation to celebrate the rescue of one precious life. Love is what reminds us that another person’s suffering is also our responsibility.

Colombia has stood beside other nations during their moments of need, and it has been deeply moving to witness the world now standing beside Colombia. The United States, El Salvador, Peru, Mexico, Israel, Ecuador, Chile, Brazil, Venezuela, Panama, China, Argentina, and so many others have offered or provided rescue personnel, humanitarian supplies, medical assistance, financial resources, and prayers.

Their generosity reminds us that compassion has no nationality. In our most difficult moments, humanity can still come together as one.

Disney’s Encanto, a story set in and deeply inspired by Colombia, captured this spirit beautifully. When the magical Casita collapsed, the entire village came together to help the Madrigal family rebuild. No one waited to be invited. Everyone brought what they had, and together, they raised the house again.

That powerful moment reflects the true heart of Colombia. When one family loses everything, the community arrives. When one Colombian falls, millions rise to help them stand again.

Just as the village rebuilt the Casita in Encanto, Colombia will rebuild its homes, restore its communities, and rise once again.

There will be grief. There will be difficult days. There are losses that no building, donation, or reconstruction effort could ever replace. But those losses will not define us, and this tragedy will not destroy the Colombian spirit.

Sometimes life takes from us people we love or things we worked an entire lifetime to build. But what happens to us does not determine who we become. What defines us is how we respond, whether we surrender to despair or reach for one another and rise together.

Colombia may be wounded, but Colombia is not defeated.

Colombia does not surrender.

Colombia believes.

Colombia rebuilds.

Colombia rises.

God has reminded us that love is greater than every difference. Now, we must transform that love into action.

Donate what you can. Volunteer through verified organizations. Share official resources. Support the rebuilding efforts. Pray for the grieving, the injured, the displaced, the rescuers, and every person whose life has been forever changed.

Every contribution can become a meal for someone who is hungry, medicine for someone who is hurting, shelter for a family who has lost everything, or hope for someone struggling to believe that tomorrow will be better.

Colombia has always opened its heart to the world. Now, it is our turn to open our hearts to Colombia.

Together, we will grieve. Together, we will rebuild. Together, we will rise, stronger, closer, and more united than ever before.

Somos berracos. Somos esperanza. Somos amor. Somos Colombia.


With love and gratitude,

Luisa