She left Venezuela, Argentina shocked her and now she lives the hardships of the distance: I was surprised that they let the help in

Amanda Rodríguez left Venezuela, and the tragedy in La Guaira deeply affected her, even though she now lives far away. She expressed surprise that humanitarian aid was allowed into the country, saying, “I was surprised they let the aid in.” Her family and friends are doing well, though they are wrapped in a sadness that seems reluctant to fade. From afar, Amanda is trying every possible route to help, although it’s not easy with a newborn child and a five-year-old daughter. The disaster in La Guaira hit Amanda during a time filled with both happiness and sensitivity. As the news worsened, she felt a strange mix of emotions, contradictory feelings that were hard to manage. She described how difficult it was to cope with postpartum recovery while witnessing such a severe tragedy: mothers losing their children, pregnant women facing unimaginable loss, and even mothers who died to save their children. Being away when something sad happens in one's home country is very tough because the mind constantly thinks about it, watching the tragedies unfold through social media and family groups, while also needing to be fully present in the country where she currently resides, fulfilling daily obligations. At first, Amanda tried to limit her access to information, but once she had enough strength, she began searching for ways to help. The studio where she works organized a fundraising event, donating the entire amount collected. In this case, Amanda’s contribution came through her recent arrival as a mother. She created designs for the event’s flash cards, focusing on delicate lines that are ideal for such occasions. These designs reflected her love for Venezuela, showcasing its landscapes, birds, flowers, a map adorned with blooms, symbolizing her hope for a rebirth and flourishing Venezuela. She was moved to see people giving everything to save those who have suffered so much. She continued, “It surprises me that the government has allowed humanitarian aid to enter. There are times when they even deny or sabotage such aid, so it’s reassuring that this time they let it come through.” Amanda, along with her Argentine husband, their daughter, and their newborn son, is part of a growing network of individuals and organizations working together to support those in need. Initiatives include collecting essential supplies such as first-aid items, non-perishable food, sleeping mats, and tents, given the large number of people without shelter. People can contribute either by donating or by helping organize these efforts, whether sorting donations or managing distribution sites. From a young age, Amanda Rodríguez found solace in art, using the canvas as a means to express her desire to explore the world. Despite the challenges she faced, there was something in her surroundings that made her feel suffocated. She didn’t know exactly what lay beyond her borders, but she could sense that somewhere else in the world, she might find deeper breaths. In 2016, she decided to cross the boundaries of her native Venezuela for the first time, heading to Panama alone, carrying a suitcase containing tools to develop her passion for tattoo art. Amanda knew her country was going through a crisis, but when she encountered a new reality, the desire to emigrate and try her luck elsewhere grew stronger. She explains, “The decision to leave my country, Venezuela, was driven by the complicated situation I faced living there: insecurity and lack of basic resources were very noticeable.” Today, as she reflects on her journey, she continues to navigate life in Argentina, balancing her responsibilities and her deep connection to her homeland.