Even the storm won't sweep the hope away

We will never forget this day, this day when Yolanda came to tear up the sky and the land of the Philippines, like a foretaste of apocalypse. They talked about it on TV, radio, Internet, forecasting the strongest typhoon that ever spinned over the Earth. Warned, we thought we were prepared. But, beside going to the place thought as the safest with your loved ones, there is nothing else you can really do when nature has decided. Losses are innumerable, screams shatter the silence of a new no man's land, the tears drop on the ground, eyes wide open facing the devastated landscape. The world is speechless, there are no words to express what happened.

However, mutism is of short lasting. Still stunned, the filipino people starts organizing reliefs operation. Individual initiatives, NGOs and corporates, from the piggy bank to the aid fund, the solidarity starts running. The international community sends funds, ships, manpower, goods, everything that is needed here.

Rich or poor, young and old, filipinos and foreigners, everybody give some of his time, goods, money, and prayers, and it's beautiful. But to better feel it, you have to experiment, be part of it, give a hand to those in needs there. I'm not writing this to show what I did, and I won't, because, compared to many people, I have the feeling I did almost nothing so far. But, in our small ways, even if it's one day, one hour, a couple of canned goods or a sack of rice, we are helping. And it's already a lot. There is no excuse such as « I don't have time or money, etc... ». There is always a way and I know that, each of us, would appreciate it if we were in their situation. When I see the people, in those hard times, I'm admiring, admiring of such a spirit. 

So it's time, dear readers and friends, it's time to stand up, time to put on an old shirt, good sneakers, and carry hope for our brothers in needs. There are moments in life you know you have something to do, something for the others, without back thoughts, something which is worth it, for your fellows, your country, and yourself.

MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS!

Jeremy