Raising Kings

      Last Saturday, a calamity struck Metro Manila. A typhoon ravaged many areas of Manila and nearby provinces. Families lost homes, properties, and even kin and children. Jay almost didn't make it home that day because of the big flood that blocked his way but he got back to us and to our tragedy-free home. We were safe in our apartment with our two little children while others were wading through chest high water, trying to make it out alive and many others were floating helplessly on whatever buoyant object they could find.  Rich and popular Filipino actors were not spared. One even shared that it was their air bed that saved her and her 3 year old son. Videos of what happened were all over youtube and pictures were posted on facebook. Highlights on news were sad and frightening. It didn't happen to us, though I thought the water was going to come into our house as our street was unusually flooded.
      I don't really care about the things in our house, none of them are as important as those school things were to me in my 3rd grade. All I can think of now is how I can save my children -- a six month old and a 4 year old, in case it happens to us.  I can't imagine not being the one to hold both my children. I don't know if I can trust anyone enough to swim to safety with them. I'm having all these  restlessness and fears. Nightmares when I'm asleep and when I'm awake.

      Today, we took the opportunity to teach Pablo to give to others. We packed old shoes and clothes and helped repack for the relief operations of our church. We told him about the families who lost their homes and their shoes and clothes. I wish I can say that it was a joy but it was a very sad moment for us. I can't imagine receiving a pack for our family that includes a top and bottom for men, a top and bottom for women, and the same for kids. Though many of the clothes were really nice, nicer than what I have in my closet even, but there were also a lot that I dread being in the shoes of the recipient. Although wearable, many of the clothes were very old, worn out and ugly! It's depressing! They have to make do with sizes that fit them...never mind if it's not a perfect fit, never mind if they don't match . And although many donated food, it just wasn't enough for all of them. Some of them lined up so early only to have to come back for the next batch.

      My heart breaks for them. And I pray that this will never ever happen again to our people and it will never ever happen to our family. In Luke 4:18-21, it says that Jesus came to tell the blind that they can see again. I think that not only does the blind refer to those who literally cannot see, but I think that the "blind" are also the ones who have lost hope. When tragedy happens, amidst hopelessness, it is so hard to see the love of God. I have found it in my heart to go and help so that  we are able to share the love of Jesus and bring hope to those who have lost it. 

The following images are grabbed from: http://helpondoyvictims.wordpress.com/2009/09/27/typhoon-ondoy-in-pictures/