Supertyphoon 'Yolanda'

I leave tomorrow for Tacloban … the capital of Leyte … to offer my help, my medical skills, my anything and everything. Please, your prayers are needed. Not simply for me. But for the nation. They desperately need our help. If you don't pray, it's a very good time to start. If only for them. 

I sit and wait for my departure tomorrow. I cannot imagine what awaits … and so I don't. I do not dwell. For me, it does not achieve much. I am eager to just do … the waiting is so very hard.

The death toll is estimated at 10,000 … however, the Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands - and it is still unknown how many more lives have been lost. The stench from decaying bodies in Tacloban is now hitting the news. 

I am travelling down in a supply relief truck … an 18 to 22 hour journey. I have simple instructions … bring all your own food and drink for a week - there is nothing there …  be prepared to sleep on a concrete floor - there is no accommodation left standing… and bring what medical supplies you can - there are hundreds more becoming sick. Gulp!

I try to pack lightly as I don't know how far we will need to travel on foot. But as I look on at my load, I am all but travelling light - with my clothes (and wellington boots), the medical supplies I have gathered, my food and my water … it is an impossible task!

The Philippines has been declared a state of national calamity. 

The papers read …

"Bodies everywhere in Leyte"

"Tacloban is totally destroyed"

"Some people are losing their minds from hunger. They are walking around like zombies"

"High school teacher will never forget the last words of her daughter (whose body was pierced by wooden splinters) 'Ma, just let go. Save yourself'"

"A man brings his lifeless 6 year old daughter to the morgue" ... as the attached picture threatens to wrench your heart right out of your chest.

"12 year old died like a man to protect home"

How surreal, as I sit here in my home; safe, warm, fed and unaffected ... physically anyway. Waiting to go ... to face the worst disaster ever in the Philippines. And filled with such incredible humility and gratitude that I am able to.

The Philippine people are true survivors. I have never met such strength of character in a nation. They rise, again and again and again, against adversity. This will be their latest and greatest victory ...

As the headlines read "Supertyphoon 'Yolanda' could not bring Filipinos to their knees"

We, Gentle Hands, will continue to visit the islands over the coming months, offering our everything … and until they need us no more. It is the time following the initial aftermath that tends to fade from peoples minds … as life goes on for us all. Please stay with us and with the Philippino people; keep us in your prayers, and in your hearts and your thoughts … the road to recovery will be a long one.

I will post on my return 

xx

The community rises 

Blessed are the people in their strength and spirit. It triumphs over all adversities.  

GENTLE HANDS …… for the love of the poor.