A new season!

Ah, where to start … its been a while. May I suggest a paragraph a day :)

I returned from Tacloban, packed up the condo and moved into a house nearer to Gentle Hands. Why? I needed to 'nest'. To truly feel a part of life here. The condo … as wonderful as it was … felt a little like I was living two lives. It was simply not enough. I wished to embed myself in the culture, in the life here!   

Ha! Well, I've certainly achieved that. I live in a true Filipino neighbourhood now. Instead of riding past beggars, they are ringing my doorbell. Instead of passing street kids on my way to work, they are singing Christmas carols at my door for money or food or anything I will offer. I have had to get a 'helper' for security(its just what is done here)which is certainly a very new experience. My dog 'Sunshine', given to me by Gentle Hands, was poisoned because she barked incessantly when left alone (for those concerned, she is still alive and kicking thanks to a late night visit to the vet). I am limited in my lingo which I find frustrating. And I am so very 'white' which often leaves me feeling very 'visible'. 

But these are all my issues … and I will adjust. And be better off for it. 

My parents have just been over for a holiday (although they may dispute that definition hehe). It was the day after I moved in and there was a little shopping that needed to be done since I had nothing to sit on, eat off, or cook with … and of even more  concern, no internet! A fridge and a mattress were their only welcoming comforts :)

I did, however, show them the sights of Manila - my Manila anyway - Gentle Hands, crazy jeepney infused roads, some smog, some mayhem, and a few too many shopping malls. Mmmm, I may never see them again :) 

… And they showed me the Philippines … as we ventured out of Manila (oh, that's what the rest of the country looks like!!!). Stunning islands, clear aqua seas and white, silky sands. A dreamy reprieve …… but I must say … I still love 'my Manila'.

Ah, I could chat for hours but shall instead leave you with some pictures … of life, love and laughter! To ensure you come back. 

Creature comforts - whatever works!

Our three new newborns! That makes 88 little lives here

Jessica - who amazes me daily with her growth and development since her cardiac surgery.
At 13 months old she can finally sit and hold her head up.

My mum …… suckered in too :)

…… and so, of course, we put her to task :)

My two wonderful 'kasamas' on immunisation day.                  I may have to rethink the post vaccination treat. It got
                                far messier! 

Schooltime for the littlies!

Dad!! Sucked in too. As we all are with the Gentle Hands kids!!
Life here is really like one very big family.
Quite unique and quite beautiful.

My 'hood…. white and 'walking' a dog ….. double oddity

Fun and games furnishing my home :)
I would have ended up with a dish drainer only if it hadn't been for my mother. Dad and I were not so focused :)

Sunshine - yeah right no barking now! 

My very colourful dining room/kitchen … 

My very colourful lounge and front door :)

And yes my bedrooms are also colourful …. purple :)

It really is quite lovely.

And then there is the Philippines … truly a paradise and so unspoilt… hurry!

I wish you all a very blessed and beautiful Christmas and New Year.

Ingat! Take care!

xx

Home from Haiyan's Havoc

I am back; and I am forever changed. 

I witnessed only a glimpse of the catastrophe that has hit this nation. And the destruction was complete in its entirity.  Little was left in its wake. It was like a war zone. 

We just kept driving past miles of endless rubble, cars upturned, houses crushed, and people all at different stages in their grief.  

Tacloban was a growing city with concrete buildings … and even those mostly did not survive. The surrounding towns, however, were utterly flattened; landscapes of broken wood and debris as the houses changed from concrete to timber. 

There is no petrol
There is no electricity
There is no shelter for the homeless, the orphaned, the sick, the injured. 
There is simply nothing left standing. 

What you see on the news … its real. Its all so very real. 

And yet, somehow, life was still going on amid the rubble, amid the grief, the loss; still they smile. Still they are filled with hope and faith. Still the children play and laugh. Still the people are warm and welcoming. 

As I walked the streets, I met a woman hanging her washing outside what was left of her home. Our eyes locked. I had no words except "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry". Our eyes filled in a shared understanding. She spoke. She said " God must have a great plan for me, that I am still alive". "Yes, yes He does" I replied, as the tears that had threatened fell, from both of us. 

My time there was too brief. It will always be too brief. I will return though. The need is not about to disappear. 

And two in the back… 64 hours spent in this space. 

As we hit the port …. 3km queue for the ferry.
Estimated time of  arrival 2-3 days!
With military escort secured we were able to pass through as 'priority' .
Our waiting time was cut to 5 hours.

Innovation! Children diving for one peso thrown from willing passengers

The rainbow of Gods Grace. 

As we enter Tacloban. First sign of the devastation to come.
We brace ourselves. 

Our arrival at the church and delivery of goods under military protection

The roof and contents - gone.
The walls, built with reinforced rods, survived.

I had the opportunity to provide health prevention education.
Translated, naturally,although my occasional Tagalog word
created a mixture of surprise and giggles
(particularly when I got it wrong :)) 

"Take a picture of us" they asked. "Survivors of the the typhoon" they said.

Children's hearts 

At play … a bike surviving,  a child's healing

No rightful place for the dead yet

Add caption

And life goes on…..

Another body found…..

… and laid with the others 

As we distribute food parcels …. such a special reward for our 34 hour  journey there.

Strength of spirit of a great nation 

As far as the eye can see…...

The ferry ride home …. a boat filled with the homeless

And an unknown future for the young

And a full moon …