Park City High School student Jansen Jacobson met Pablo Chinchilla during his sophomore year. Chinchilla was here as a foreign exchange student from Alfafar, Spain.
“We immediately hit it off. He is like a clone of me, only Spanish,” said Jacobson.
The two soon became inseparable, and since Jacobsen speaks fluent Spanish, they spent most of their time conversing in Chinchilla’s native tongue. By the time Chinchilla returned to Spain, they had built a strong friendship.
Last December, Jacobson and two other Park City students visited Chinchilla in his hometown.
“It was amazing. I felt like I was part of his family the very first day I was there,” Jacobson said. “The community is so bonded and everyone shows up for each other.”
According to Jacobson’s mother, Kristina Pluta, “Jansen really resonated with that culture and how they all look out for one another. Everyone wanted to meet the American boys, including the mayor. The entire community took care of them and looked out for them.”
After the December trip, the friends continued to strengthen their bond, with Chinchilla even returning to Park City this past summer.
“He was here for over a month, and it was great seeing him,” Jacobson said.
Then on Oct. 29, tragedy struck Chinchilla’s family and the entire Valencian community. Deadly floods swept through the area, decimating the town of Alfafar.
“They got more rain in one day than they do in an entire year,” said Pluta. “It was one of the worst natural disasters in Spain’s history.”
Chinchilla’s house was destroyed, as were most of the homes in his village. With the deaths of over 230 people, massive property damage and electrical grid failure, the local government has struggled to keep up with the recovery needs.
Jacobson and his family knew they had to find a way to help out. They set up a GoFundMe account, and have collected over 8000 €, which has been used to assist not only Chinchilla’s family, but his entire village.
“The money has gone to those in the community that need it most, especially the elderly and the poor,” Jacobson said.
For Pluta, the Spanish village has become a part of her family.
“I know how beloved these American kids from Park City were in the community and how much love was poured out to them,” she said. “I knew we had to help out any way we could.”
Because recuperation of Alfafar is ongoing and will take months, if not years, the long-term goal of the GoFundMe is to provide continuing relief to the region. Jacobson and his family also sent over goodie bags filled with water, canned goods and other basic necessities.
“We wanted to send them some Christmas joy,” Pluta said. “Give them a smile and let them know that Park City is thinking about them.”
To contribute to the Alfafar, Spain, flood victims, visit gofundme.com/f/park-city-supports-pablos-family-and-community-of-alfafar
