Saved At Sea

I just picked up a book at my sister in law's house the other day, Saved At Sea by Rachel Hamilton. I was ready to put the book back on the table, but something in the synopsis caught my eye, the story was set at Boracay Island. This is a true story of a mother and a daughter who went to Boracay for a vacation but their holiday turned into a tragedy as the daughter was lost at the sea with her banca. This event was also the turning point for the daughter as this was the time she heard God spoke to her and saved her.

I never got to finish reading the entire book as we had to leave to Klang today, but I got the chance to look through the actual photos ( taken in the 80's) of the characters. She got found by some fishermen who thought she was a mermaid. From there, I don't know whether she got transfered by medical air evacuation or not. Anyways, maybe I can get a chance to finish that book once we go and visit my sister in law next time . :)

Almost Settled

It has been more than a month since the flashflood in our city happened. I praise God my family is almost settled and they're soon to move to a more permanent place to stay. As of now, my mom and sister's family are still staying in our relatives' house while my other sister is staying in a friends' house. But soon, they will get settled and I thank God for His favor that is on them.

As for the other residents in the city, I also saw several photos from my friends' Facebook, that the other people affecter are also slowly rebuilding their houses though some are not yet thinking to put basement tiles or other finishing touches but at least they will have a roof over their heads and no longer have to stay at the evacuation center.

Oh, thinking about the state of my other fellow Cagay-anons really breaks my heart. It is really my fervent prayer that our city will be spared from another flood or tragedy like this.

Balulang Gift Giving 2011

A few years ago, my late father has started a family tradition for Christmas and that was giving Christmas gifts to our less privileged neighbours. This has continued on for many years even after he passed away and the project was even adopted by our church.

But after the flashflood brought by Sendong ( typhoon Washi), we thought of not continuing this tradition for this year since our houses were completely washed away from the flood. My brother in law even told us one day when he was at the flood site and one of our children's neighbor asked him whether there will still be a gift giving this year. I guess, this is one awaited event in the neighbourhood every Christmas. But my brother in law sadly told him that maybe not this year since all the presents have already been destroyed by the flood.

We really thought that there won't be any gift giving this year, but God has provided the funds to us through another church. This time, the allotted budget was even so much bigger than our usual gift giving budget. The fund was so much that we were able to extend the blessing to the other families who were affected by the flood as well.

Praise God for blessing our neighbors and the rest of Balulang!

A surprise appearance from Sponge Bob for the kids

Our neighbors with their gifts

Our Pastor encouraging the flood victims

Falling in line to get their goodies. They needed to present their tickets and no need for gamestop coupons .

Registration

Snack time