Venezuela: Months Later, the Evidence Was Still There.

Nearly two months after devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, I arrived on my first humanitarian deployment with Water Mission. Amid the destruction, I witnessed breathtaking beauty, remarkable resilience, and people from many backgrounds coming together to serve. This is the beginning of my journey—one filled with clean water, community, faith, and unexpected ways God continued to show up. 💙🙏🌎

HUMANITARIAN TRAVEL

Tamara Driver

10/7/20263 min read

Answering the Call

On August 20, 2026, I flew into Valencia, Venezuela, then drove about two hours to Caracas. This wasn't a vacation, nor was it one of our usual International Drivers adventures. I had come to Venezuela on a humanitarian deployment with Water Mission, a faith-based nonprofit, on June 24.

The magnitude of what had happened was difficult to comprehend. Two powerful earthquakes—magnitude 7.2 and 7.5—struck northern Venezuela within seconds of one another. The U.S. Geological Survey confirms the two events occurred at 6:04 and 6:05 p.m. local time, with the larger quake centered near Catia La Mar. USGS Earthquake Hazards

By August, the authorities confirmed that the death toll exceeded 6,000, injured thousands more, and found almost 24,000 people in La Guaira and Caracas living in makeshift shelters. ABC News: But statistics only tell part of the story.

💔 Months Later, the Evidence Was Still There

By the time I arrived, nearly two months had passed. Yet the scars of June 24 were still everywhere. Damaged buildings stood against Venezuela's magnificent mountains. Other structures had already been reduced to enormous piles of concrete and twisted metal. Heavy machinery continued clearing debris. Families were still grieving, communities were rebuilding, and humanitarian organizations were still working alongside Venezuelans as they tried to put their lives back together. And somehow, through it all, day became night and night became day. Life continued.

That affected me most. During people's greatest time of need, so many of the things that normally divide us seemed insignificant. Political positions, governmental disagreements, race, gender, nationality, and age didn't seem nearly as important as the person beside you who needed help.

This was a time for community.

A time for reuniting.

A time for serving.

And a time when those who were available simply helped wherever they could.

🙏 Covered in Prayer Before We Arrived

Before I ever boarded the plane, Wayne and I attended a prayer-night service at our church, Panama International Church (PAINT). That evening, our church prayed for Venezuela, for countries around the world affected by disasters, and finally, for Wayne and me.

I carried those prayers with me. So yes, when I arrived in Venezuela, I had concerns. How could I not? But strangely, I also felt comfort. I knew why I was there.

🏔️ Beauty in the Midst of Devastation

One of my first impressions surprised me. Venezuela was absolutely beautiful. The weather was spectacular. The mountains were majestic. And despite everything the Venezuelan people had endured, I met some of the kindest people I've ever known.

It's hard to put into words what it felt like to see such extraordinary natural beauty alongside so much destruction. One moment, I was looking toward breathtaking green mountains beneath a brilliant blue sky. The next, I was looking at what remained of a building. Those images will stay with me.

💙 For a Time Such as This

I never imagined I would one day serve on a humanitarian mission in Venezuela. And certainly not during a disaster of this magnitude. Yet I could not have been more grateful—or more humbled—to be there.

The devastation was tremendous. I will never forget the images. And the need remained great. Many humanitarian organizations participated, each contributing in different ways to help survivors and communities recover. Water Mission was among them. That's where my small part of this much larger story began.

💧 Our Mission: Clean Water

Disasters destroy buildings, roads, and infrastructure, but ultimately, people are the ones most deeply affected. Thousands had been displaced. Families needed shelter, food, medical assistance, and so many other necessities. Our mission focused on something every human being needs: clean water.

Water for drinking.

Water for bathing.

Water for everyday life.

This was my first deployment with Water Mission, and I had absolutely no idea when I arrived just how memorable this experience would become—or how much it would change me. I came to Venezuela believing I was there to serve. What I didn't yet understand was how much God would teach me while I was there.

✨ And This Is Only the Beginning...

Over the coming weeks, I'll take you deeper into this humanitarian journey—the work, the people, the challenges, the laughter, the difficult moments, the prayers, and the unexpected ways God kept showing up. There are many stories to tell. But before we get to all of that, you need to meet the people who experienced this journey alongside me.

Next: Meet the Team.

💙🌎 One Mission. Many Nations. One Unforgettable Team.

Sometimes God doesn't send us where we expected to go. He simply asks whether we're available when He calls.