After the mudslide, INSEVUMEH, a government organization of scientists, declared Panabaj, where HA had been located, uninhabitable. The same scientists mapped Santiago Atitlán according to risk, and with that information in hand, K’aslimaal purchased land in an area determined to be low risk. Volunteer groups arrived and began clearing the land of trees and debris.

Austin Texas based Hospital architect David Schele, volunteered to begin designing the new hospital. The site was leveled by hand, and retaining walls were constructed. In March of 2007, construction began on the medical storage building, with funds donated from the Catholic Archdioceses of Oklahoma City.

A dedication ceremony for the completion of the first phase of construction was held on the second anniversary of the mudslide. A plaque, dedicating the new hospital to the victims of Tropical Storm Stan was unveiled, and architect Schele received recognition for the gift of his work to the community.

Schele turned the work over to the Guatemalan Architectural firm of Tierra Linda in Panajachel. Architect Molly Molander and her team converted the plans into Spanish and located materials in Guatemala that met Schele’s specifications.

On November 10th, 2008, construction was initiated on the hospital building. Generous donations were received and matched from the Archdioceses of Oklahoma City and from Starbucks.

Heartfelt thanks go to Bonnie O’Neill, (Chair of Amigos Hospitalito Atitlan) who facilitated a Challenge grant from the Kendeda Fund. Beginning July 2008, all donations would be matched, up to $750,000. To double your money, specify “construction” when you make your gift.

To view the progress of construction, watch the slide show at this location.