Day 10: With faith

When I heard that three members of our professional organization were victims of the now infamous Ondoy, I was concerned. I wondered how they were faring.

Tonight, I heard their stories firsts-hand (at least the two who are residing in far-away Montalban). What was so surprising was that they were not in despair. But then, I shouldn't have been surprised. I should have remembered that those who have faith remain secure in the knowledge that our God would always take care of us.

Pangga was chuckling while she was sharing how they escaped the rapidly rising waters. She couldn't remember anymore the exact time but it was between 10 to 30 minutes that the waters rose from her waist, to her neck, and then they had to "swim" over to a neighbor's house with a second level. It was the only house in their area with a second-floor. Thirty of them stayed on that flat (thank God it was flat!) rooftop until the rain stopped and water receded. She smilingly shared how she tried to use a towel to shield her back from the cold floor of the one room-house that they (18 of them) are temporarily renting, how she happily found her rubber shoes floating among the knee-deep mud inside their house, how she was able to rationally remember to save her important documents.

What is even more admirable is how she and Cherry (the other member of our organization) were able to help and share what they receive to those who are also in need. They are thankful that they were able to find the little house so as to escape the overpopulated schools that serve as temporary shelter. They are thankful that they are all safe, even if they lost everything, and cannot go back to their mud-filled houses. They are worried about their church member and where to go this coming Sunday because their church was among those that were damaged, together with all the equipment.

I am thankful that they are all safe. I am thankful that there is a brotherhood/sisterhood in the family of Christ who rise up to the occasion and provide a helping hand when it is needed. I am so thankful that I am part of the family of Christ so that we can support each other. I am so thankful that we have the peace and assurance that God will never leave nor forsake us.

Thank you Lord for the faith.