The past few days have blown us away. We have not been able to
accomplish much project-wise, but what we have accomplished has been
worthwhile. If you are not already aware, the Philippines have been hit
with a plethora of typhoons this year, but this last one outdid them
all.
Up at the Mercyland, we took refuge in the Eheler’s home and helped them batten down the hatches. The winds whipped about us, swirling sheets of pelting rain and debris. The fury of the storm was unleashed, and though we got wet throughout the day, our homes stayed dry and offered us security in the midst of the raging typhoon. A neighbor’s tree crashed down on the Eheler’s rabbit cages, but the bunnies survived. Larry, Lanie’s pet bird who lives in the schoolhouse, was rescued, and while he was traumatized and found clinging to the cage as it flew up and down with the gusty wind, he has recovered his spunkiness. We were unharmed, and apart from being littered with debris, the property remains much the same.
Our neighbors were not so fortunate. Many of their homes were ripped apart by the violent winds, leaving a concrete pad and a few beams of wood sticking up pathetically. The Aeta village was flooded and many of their homes collapsed. It is a sobering sight, and leaves us much to be grateful for.
The temporary clinic on Bennet Road was flooded as well. The midwives evacuated to Joks and Jen’s house just down the street after prepping for the rising waters. As the next day dawned, Jason, John, John and I came down from the land to help with the cleanup. Two feet of water had seeped inside the building. We spent the morning draining the water and moving the furniture.
We turned on the generator to get the fans going, as the power was out. It was a group effort: Jessica, her daughter Mia, Medy, Cecile, Joks, a new intern, Sasha, and Lanie were hard at work when we got there. Together, we cleaned up the aftermath of the typhoon, but refrained from deep-cleaning, as another typhoon is on its way. We are now on letter Q, and have been informed that this one has potential to be worse than the typhoon we have just experienced.
For the time being, the clinic is in a standby mode, still operating, but ready for another onslaught. Time will tell whether this Q typhoon will be as terrible as they say. For the sake of Olongapo, I pray that it fizzles out before it manifests more destruction here.
Today was the first day that we have had power since the typhoon, and city water too, for that matter, and I was so happy to take a shower this morning. We are doing well, and greatly appreciate your prayers. Through it all, our God is greater, and He is mighty, and we trust Him in everything. Much love to you all back home, as always. Kels for both
originally published on October 1, 2011
Up at the Mercyland, we took refuge in the Eheler’s home and helped them batten down the hatches. The winds whipped about us, swirling sheets of pelting rain and debris. The fury of the storm was unleashed, and though we got wet throughout the day, our homes stayed dry and offered us security in the midst of the raging typhoon. A neighbor’s tree crashed down on the Eheler’s rabbit cages, but the bunnies survived. Larry, Lanie’s pet bird who lives in the schoolhouse, was rescued, and while he was traumatized and found clinging to the cage as it flew up and down with the gusty wind, he has recovered his spunkiness. We were unharmed, and apart from being littered with debris, the property remains much the same.
Our neighbors were not so fortunate. Many of their homes were ripped apart by the violent winds, leaving a concrete pad and a few beams of wood sticking up pathetically. The Aeta village was flooded and many of their homes collapsed. It is a sobering sight, and leaves us much to be grateful for.
The temporary clinic on Bennet Road was flooded as well. The midwives evacuated to Joks and Jen’s house just down the street after prepping for the rising waters. As the next day dawned, Jason, John, John and I came down from the land to help with the cleanup. Two feet of water had seeped inside the building. We spent the morning draining the water and moving the furniture.
We turned on the generator to get the fans going, as the power was out. It was a group effort: Jessica, her daughter Mia, Medy, Cecile, Joks, a new intern, Sasha, and Lanie were hard at work when we got there. Together, we cleaned up the aftermath of the typhoon, but refrained from deep-cleaning, as another typhoon is on its way. We are now on letter Q, and have been informed that this one has potential to be worse than the typhoon we have just experienced.
For the time being, the clinic is in a standby mode, still operating, but ready for another onslaught. Time will tell whether this Q typhoon will be as terrible as they say. For the sake of Olongapo, I pray that it fizzles out before it manifests more destruction here.
Today was the first day that we have had power since the typhoon, and city water too, for that matter, and I was so happy to take a shower this morning. We are doing well, and greatly appreciate your prayers. Through it all, our God is greater, and He is mighty, and we trust Him in everything. Much love to you all back home, as always. Kels for both
originally published on October 1, 2011
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