Drifting & Drafting

A tragedy hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City on December 17, 2011. Thyphoon Washi or "Sendong" brought flash floods that consumed and ravaged the city--including our own house.

The intensity of this tragedy is something that is more than its statistics. I do not wish to dwell on the deaths and the number of devastated homes. Instead I wish to celebrate life and the spirit of love and compassion that has been radiating in so many people ever since Day 1.

The power of the social media has hastened the process of giving help to where it is most needed. The entire nation has been tirelessly organizing efforts to help address the calamity. There are so many wonderful people who have shared their time and resources to mobilize relief operations. Despite the immense suffering, a downpour of blessings help soothe the pain.

My personal thanks goes out to my good friend Thyssen who has opened his shop to kind souls in UP and nearby areas in QC for relief drop offs. Ever since our first tweets to advertise the project, thousands of clothing/food/water and medicine items have been flooding the doors of Moonleaf Tea Shop---and more still come by the minute.

Hand-Written Sign at the Shop :)

The response is overwhelming. Mostly because the positive actions are miraculous in nature. Needs are addressed in seconds and hands to help grow in great numbers.

However today I have learned that the lack of response from some key people in our society is just as overwhelming. There are those who still choose to turn a blind eye to pleas and those who opt to prioritize themselves even in times of struggle.

I pray for those who do not feel the same urgency. I pray that they learn that to be human--compassion is compulsory.