Christmas After the Storms

From September this year, our country has been hit by three consecutive storms (Ondoy, Pepeng and Santi) that claimed thousands of lives and brought major devastation to properties, both personal and structural. We have seen how our countrymen suffer from one typhoon to another. We have heard various stories of pain brought about by loss of loved ones. So I wonder, how will Christmas be for them?

After typhoon Ondoy brought massive destruction to Metro Manila and Southern Luzon, our church, GCF South Metro in Daang Hari, organized relief efforts to help the victims of the typhoon. Many people extended help by donating cash and in kind. I was blessed to be involved in repacking of relief goods, feeding and visiting evacuation centers where hundreds of families stay because their houses were flooded.

Seeing the victims in the news was already heartbreaking, but being with them, seeing them personally, was really life changing. It made me feel really very blessed and thankful to God that my family and the area where I reside were somehow spared. It made me appreciate everything, no matter how little I have.

In one of our feeding efforts, a little child fell in line with a big bowl in his hands and even before we could say hi to him, he explained that 6 of them in the family will be sharing from that bowl. One little girl brought tear to my eyes when she whispered thank you as we hand her bowl of porridge. I could not forget the look on her face, filled with sorrow, yet her eyes, with hope.

Having not fully recovered from typhoon Ondoy, Pepeng came and ravaged Northern Luzon, again claiming so many lives by flash floods and landslides. After a few weeks, typhoon Santi hit the country specifically the southern part of Luzon, bringing more destruction.

As I hear familiar Christmas tunes and see beautiful Christmas decors, I can't help but remember the victims of the typhoons. Many of them are still in the evacuation centers as their houses are still flooded. Some haven't even recovered yet especially those who lost everything they've worked hard for. What would Christmas be like for them?

It is with a heavy heart as I am writing this. As my children are being excited of what Christmas may bring them, I remember that little girl who said "thank you" as she received her food. As everyone started planning for Christmas parties, I remember the families lying on the cemented floor using cardboard boxes as their beds. As someone who doesn't have much, there is in my heart a willingness to give whatever I can.

Maybe, just maybe, this article can help...