Stranded in Guatemala: Update

Stranded in Guatemala: Update 3/18/20

Thank you so, so much for taking action on our behalf. Our congressmen, representatives, faculty, and university officials are doing everything in their power to help take care of us. Our on-site leadership team have been talking, emailing, and texting non-stop to create a contact list of people who can help us. 

First, the group is safe and has supplies with new accommodations in Antigua. We are practicing social distancing because of COVID-19.

Second, YOU ALL helped us to convince everyone to work on this! UNC Chancellor Guskiewicz, the Vice Provost, and others in UNC leadership today are in constant contact with our leadership team. Our politicians and the Embassy in Guatemala are aware of our situation.

Third, UNC has booked us on commercial flights next Tuesday, March 24th hopeful for the unexpected chance that the Guatemalan president will be opening the border early. They are also considering alternatives.

Finally, the university public relations office is preparing a statement for the press release. 

It has been a roller coaster of emotions, but we feel better when we are able to help be proactive. While we are safe and healthy, we want to have a plan of action. We are overwhelmed with the support of people offering contacts and resources for when the border opens. The situation and political climate are changing rapidly, and we want to be prepared for any new developments. Overall, we really want to be home with our families. 

We greatly appreciate all of our friends, family and communities stepping up to try to help us get home. Thanks to you, people are aware of our situation. We will continue to post updates as we get them!

THANK YOU AGAIN,

Sara Galante (Raleigh, NC)
Kristen Fontela Massey (Raleigh, NC)
Erica Ghigliotty (Durham, NC)
Karla Kyte (Chapel Hill, NC)
Shelby Miller (Blowing Rock, NC)
LaCorey Cunningham (Charlotte, NC)
Leslie Rainey (Winston Salem, NC)
Lisa Johnston (Cary, NC)
Karen McCulloch (Chapel Hill, NC)
Katie Ollendick (Athens, GA)