STORM

**Friends,**

We experienced what officials are calling a **1,000-year storm**, with about **9 inches of rain falling in just a few hours**. A flash flood of epic proportions developed and raced through the monastic area while Bhante Kusala and Delson Armstrong were asleep at around 2:00 a.m.

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Kirsten and I both received calls asking us to help with a rescue, but the floodwaters had already blocked the bridge, making it impossible for us to reach them. Meanwhile, the water continued rising inside the cabins, forcing both of them into their lofts. Fearing that his cabin might overturn, Bhante Kusala climbed out into a tree, where he remained chanting, believing he might not be able to hold on much longer. Delson stayed in the loft of his cabin.

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Around 4:00 a.m., the unimaginable happened. The cabins began to float like boats and were swept downstream, carried through the A-frame area and into the forest—with both Bhante Kusala and Delson still inside their respective cabins.

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We were staying on higher ground and tried several times to venture out by car, but the water was simply too deep. We called 911 repeatedly, but emergency services were overwhelmed with calls and were unable to reach the area.

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Finally, around 6:00 a.m., the water began to recede. Bhante Kusala and Delson were able to make their way up to the road, where rescue crews were finally arriving. They were taken to the hospital, where their wounds were treated and stitched. That night, they stayed in Farmington with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. Delson didn't even have shoes.

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We met them today, July 11, had lunch together, and went to Walmart so they could buy some clothes and other personal necessities.

Both of them said the experience was a tremendous shock to their systems. As they continue to recall what happened and now see the extent of the destruction, they know it will take time to process everything they endured.

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We are with Delson and Bhante now. Seeing them in person, it is clear that the effects of the flood and the trauma are far greater than we had realized. Bhante's injuries are significant, including deep internal injuries, and he is having difficulty walking. Delson suffered a deep cut to his foot and is still discovering additional cuts and bruises on his body. They are both in considerable pain and utterly exhausted after fighting for their lives.
 

If you click through to this link there are some pictures. 

https://www.dhammasukha.org/product-page/flood-relief-for-dhamma-sukha