Being resilient amidst life challenges

Hello, read stars! I would like to greet all of you belatedly, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I can’t count the days I was off on this platform. I missed writing and I missed interacting with all the friends I made here.

The last time I checked in here was on December 15, 2021, that was before Typhoon Odette knocked our region. People were mostly prepared and some from the coastal areas evacuated in case of a storm surge. The authorities did not lack in giving information and updates to the people.

December 16, 2021, at 1 p.m., we felt how strong Odette is. Branches are swaying along with the wind, roofs are clanking, and the sound of the wind is making everyone terrified. So far in my life, that was the scariest 6 hours in my life. There are three of us left in the school, though we feel safe the strong wind made the building tremble. One of the glass windows, we had at the back portion of the room we’re staying at was hit by a roof that we do not know where it came from that caused the glass to break and shatter. We immediately, cover it with a tarpaulin and other hard things that can cover the open window.

I can’t stop thinking about my family. Were they okay? Did they even evacuate? My conscience doesn’t let me sleep, I can’t contact my family since networks are disconnected and my phone’s battery is about to shut down and there’s no electricity. All that I am wishing at that time was that the storm to stop and the wind to be at peace.

A lot of people lost their houses, livelihood, and worst a loved one. The next was a fair day not suited for the wrecked view of the whole city. Good thing people from the coastal areas listened to the advice of the authorities, if not they will be washed away together with their houses. Looking from the faces of the people as we walked through the city, my heart crumpled like a piece of paper. It’s almost Christmas that time and those people will not have homes to celebrate Christmas with their families.

It was three days after I was able to know the situation of my family. God answered my prayers, my family was safe. There were minor damages in or house that were immediately managed. Due to the havoc brought by Odette, we spent the holidays, Christmas, and the New Year having candlelight dinners. It was literally candlelight because there’s no electricity.

Instead of having a grandeur celebration, we decided to make it simple so we could help others by giving them relief goods. Gladly, we were able to make other people smile and see hope in their faces.

This will not be the last typhoon that we will all experience. It may be scary, dreadful, and terrific, we will stand firm. God will not give us challenges that we cannot suffice. May this year be hopeful to many people. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!