I'm grateful that we've made it to 2021 after the pandemic began in 2020. However, the year 2021 has been unkind to us. Last year was extremely awful. A super typhoon named Odette ravaged Cebu, wreaking havoc on the provinces and city. Our people were harmed and also their houses and infrastructures. The typhoon has squandered time and money, as well as lives. Following this incident, I've learned to be more appreciative and content with the limited resources we have. This new blog might not be as lovely as you anticipated, but it will inspire you to keep going forward in life through these tough times.

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

We were recommended to work from home on December 16, 2021, the day before the typhoon, and stay at our own house because the typhoon would arrive on the same day.

Despite this, I was able to purchase goods from Virginia Food Factory Outlet. I purchased some canned and frozen goods so that we will have enough food to eat and be able to share it with others. The day of December 16, 2021 began so peacefully; appears that no big typhoon would strike.

I was able to work from home and meet my co-workers via zoom. Around 1 p.m., I began to feel the wind, but it was manageable. Even though the wind was a bit distracting, I continued to work. I was on the third floor, which is open and the wind can easily reach inside. Even though the wind was blowing, I had a productive day at work

I started preparing our supper after work at 5 p.m.; normally I cook about 6 p.m., but I started earlier because I didn't know how the super typhoon would affect us. I still have pork, which I intend to prepare as "Nilagang Baboy." Thank goodness I still have enough condiments and ingredients to prepare the meal. The meal takes 30 minutes to an hour to make. At exactly 5:15 p.m., I began prepping and mincing the materials. Since we ran out of gas, I was only using butane. Around 5:30 p.m., the wind became increasingly stronger. Because the flame is dancing with the wind, I couldn't cook well. To cover the butane, I simply placed some hard things beside it. I finished cooking around 6 p.m.; it was a difficult task because I did it on the third floor as well. Even though the wind and rain were making me worried, I still had a lovely supper.

THE STORM

I could hear the whisper of the wind around 7 p.m. Mother nature seemed to be attempting to speak something into our ears. At first, I was alone in my room and was immediately feeling anxious. I simply prayed and trust that this will pass. The power is turning on and off more frequently. I checked on my family to see what they were up to at the moment, as I could lose my internet connection if the power went out totally. The rest of my family made some preparations as well, and they fled earlier at my aunt's place, which is far away from the sea. Glad my family is doing well. The wind and rain were increasing stronger as the night gets longer. Around 8 p.m., the electricity went off for the last time. Because it was utter darkness and I was only using my phone as a flashlight, I began to feel more anxious. I checked on my neighbors, who are only one room away from mine, to see if they were alright. A lot of objects were vanished by the wind. I climbed to the roof top to check on our belongings, but I was taken aback by how strong the wind was. In my entire life, I couldn't imagine how powerful it is. The trees were dancing in front of me. The roof began to sway. Houses began to fall apart. I'm curious how afraid everyone was that they're in their own homes. I returned to my neighbor's room and stayed there for the night. I am glad at least I still have someone with me during the storm, I can’t imagine being alone during the storm. I used my remaining phone battery and data to check on my friends and family. I was touched by my friends who check on me, I felt so loved and important. Signal was gone already around 10pm, thankfully I was able to give updates to my friends and family. I don't have anything to do. During the storm, I couldn't sleep properly, and my phone was my sole source of relief from the stress. The trees were still falling apart, as I can see just in front of our house. To avoid increasing my anxiety level, I closed my window and door. Despite the fact that we were inside the room, we can plainly hear the wind whispering and the sound of the rain; it feels as if Mother Nature is raging at us. I just prayed so hard and began listening to Christian songs, which was strange because listening to it made me more emotional. I haven't heard anything about the storm yet. I anticipated the storm's eye would arrive around 12 a.m., so I was prepared. I want to put a stop to this darkness tonight. I long to glimpse the light. I couldn't get enough sleep. The storm had already begun to moderate around 12 a.m. I opened our door and window to find that the storm had long passed. I check on our things to see whether everything is okay; thank goodness we were able to secure them before the storm. Even though it is still pitch black, I stepped outdoors to see what was going on. In the lane, I can see the branches of the trees. People were looking over their homes and belongings. Everyone was focus on what they can at the very least preserve. I can see the Filipinos' sincerity. Even though I don't know anyone, everyone was keeping an eye on each other. Even though I was far away with my family during the natural disaster, I can feel that I am not alone.

THE INTENSITY OF THE STORM

The day following the typhoon, my apartment was without electricity and water. Despite this, I was able to cook meals for us. We were so lucky because we were fine and still have food to eat

I was able to wander around the city after we had our breakfast and lunch. I was there to witness the typhoon's destruction. I headed to my office, which is about 2 kilometers from my home. My daily routine road was completely unfamiliar to me. It was still not safe to roam around, especially outside of higher-rise buildings, because objects may fall

However, I took a chance and ventured outside. Fortunately, no major damage has occurred at the office as a result of the typhoon. I was ecstatic because I was able to charge my phone because our office has a generator and is willing to share the electricity with us. Before the night fell, I spent a few hours in the office and returned to my apartment; highways were still dangerous. I was nervous when I saw the road again. It's as if it's an abandoned town. I can see destruction at every turn. The road I always stroll down was suddenly completely different. The sounds of the automobiles and the people's activity were all I can hear; it seemed so strange

After the storm, on the second day, I decided to return to Pinamungajan, my hometown (cebu south area). After the typhoon, I haven't heard from my family. I was expecting there was no electricity in our province as well, and I'm hoping my family is OK

I can barely remember how we got to Pinamungajan. Trees and vegetation have been harmed all over the place. The route was flanked by fallen post wires. Our car was barely able to pass, but we were grateful to those who cleared the roads and helped us get on our trip

Since seeing the people's faces, I've been more emotional. They're begging for aid, and I can see they're hungry. I was pleased to be able to carry money and food to give with the locals. Christmas is meant to be a pleasant time of year, but it was the worst Christmas I've ever had. However, I was astounded by how resilient and generous the Filipinos were throughout these difficult times. Resources are limited, but Filipinos still share what they have.

When I arrived at home, I felt so relief when I saw my family okay. They were taken aback and concerned about me. It was a very emotional homecoming. I was saddened to see my mother's fallen coconut trees, mango trees, banana trees, and plants.

My mother, I'm sure, feels twice as much pain as I did. But it was the sight of my grandparents' house that was the most distressing. Years of protecting my grandparents' memories have vanished in only one single occurrence.

In spite of that, we were at least safe. We can repair and rebuild, but we can't take back life. I've learned to be more grateful as a result of the recent natural disaster. Everything you own might be lost in a single event, so treasure everything you have. Be thankful for the small things in your life as it could be big and valuable to others. Lastly, have faith in God beyond anything else. We were safe because of His presence. He allows the storm to show that He is the only shelter

THANKS FOR READING THIS POST!
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