Last Monday we received news that a typhoon was heading right our way, here in the Bicol region of the Philippines. We were instructed to head to the church for shelter early Tuesday morning to wait out the storm.
Tuesday we did as told and took some clothes, food, and other supplies to the church with us. You could literally feel the difference in the air. Rather foreboding really. Around lunch time it started pouring rain with strong winds. Little by little other families came and joined us at the church until we had more 6 or so families gathered in the church. We all made dinner together (canned foods and ramen! whoop whoop!) hah Everyone took a room and set up for the night. The storm really hit around 7 or so at night. It sounded like we were inside a tornado (granted I have never been inside a tornado, but that's what I imagined it would sound like, if ever I were inside one ha). I was fairly certain the roof of the church was just about to fly off. Scary. Many prayers were said that night. We tried to rest for a little bit but to no avail due to the heat and noise. Around 1 in the morning the water started entering the church so we all picked up and moved into the big sacrament hall to set up camp again. A few restless hours later, the winds died down enough that we were able to go outside. Trees everywhere...no longer standing but uprooted and thrown across the ground. Crazy. Luckily not much damage was done to the church and we were all safe. :)
This week we have spent every waking hour serving others, cleaning up debris, and rebuilding houses. Our area was hit pretty bad and almost every house was damaged. Many were completely destroyed and these poor people are having to start over from the ground up. Hopefully we will be able to get back into a regular schedule again real soon (including sleep! 9 days now with barely any sleep. its rough)
Anyways. We are safe and doing well. Its amazing how positive these people are. Smiles are still present on everyone's face despite the craziness that currently surrounds us. Keep the faith. No matter what physical or spiritual whirlwinds come your way, build your foundation on Jesus Christ and we will always make it through. :) Take care all! Love you!
Mahal ko po kayo!
-Sister Roderick
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