I was so emotional while watching TV Patrol this evening. Eastern Visayas was so devastated by super typhoon, Yolanda. I was speechless. Remnants of broken properties, uprooted trees, destroyed farmlands, and most of all, cadavers were scattered everywhere.

Victims were starving. They haven't eaten for three days. They were mourning. They were hopeless. More than that, they lost their loved ones. They didn't know how to pick up the pieces.

Until now, I am still in state of shock!

I couldn't imagine myself being in their situation. I have two sons, ages eight and two. I find it so hard to see parents look at their children as they starve, being in pain, and die hopelessly in their arms. It is heart breaking.

If only I could ease their hunger and suffering. If only I could go there and do something. They are helpless and hopeless. I empathize with them.

Unfortunately, until now assistance is out of reach. There are people who are forced to do unlawful acts just to survive. But the goverment and other civic organizations are doing their best to extend their assistance. It is also very heartwarming to see other countries offer their help.

For us who are not affected, we have no right to complain nor criticize our authorities who are doing their best to control the situation. We are not there to fix the problem and inhale the stench of death. For politicians, it is not the right time to blame one another. It is the best time for us Filipinos to be united as a nation. We can help in so many ways. 

1 DONATE

Sunstar.com.ph released a complete list of how and where to donate: 

List of Orgs Accepting Donations for Typhoon Yolanda Victims

I also heard from DZMM Teleradyo this morning that all branches of McDonalds Philippines are accepting donations in kind and they will be the one to bring them to ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya.

2 VOLUNTEER

You may also call the organizations and news media outfits on the link above to know how to volunteer in repacking and distributing of goods. Some organizations may also look for volunteer experts like rescuers, medics, nurses, psychologists, who can help in the medical mission, rescue operations, debriefing of the victims, etc. Sharing updates about how to donate or volunteer through social media may help spread the word to your friends and followers.

3 PRAY

Pope Francis, international celebrities, and people all over the world expressed their love and support to the Philippines through prayer. 

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declared a Novena of Prayer and Charity for victims of recent calamities from November 11 to 19, 2013. They will offer their massed and prayers to the dead and grieving families they left behind. 

Whenever we pray, let us not forget to pray for them too. Prayer is indeed a powerful tool to ask God's grace to help them keep their faith.

I found this beautiful prayer written by blogger and author of Prayer is Power, Patricia Zimmerman, for the victims of typhoons here in the Philippines.

Let us gather together and Pray for the victims of the typhoons and flooding in the Philippines.

The Holy Spirit is Upon Us as We Pray.

Father, we pray for the victims of the typhoons in the Philippines that you give them comfort in their dealings with their losses and provide them with all their needs. Provide them food, shelter and all their necessities. Give them healing and take away their fears. Give them the courage to face their losses and give them strength to care for their injured loved ones. Heal the hearts of those who lost their loved ones.

Our Lord Christ, Jesus, the Bible says in the book of Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Today, we know that you are in the midst of us as we pray together to bring relief to those who suffer the most from these natural disasters.

Lord Jesus, we pray that you pray to the Father to send the Holy Spirit to comfort those that are suffering from these natural disasters and it shall come to pass as it says in the Holy Scriptures: John 14:16-17, “[16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

Lord Jesus, our Prince of peace, bring peace to the victims and their family and friends. Perform miracles on their behalf that they may find financial aid and all types of relief they need to survive from these natural disasters. 

We thank you Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for hearing our prayers.

 

If you have no communication with your loved-ones in areas who were affected, click this PARTIAL LIST of Typhoon Yolanda's survivors released by Inquirer News. You may also click THIS to go to Google Person Finder: Typhoon Yolanda.

We Filipinos are known for our resilience. Only here in the Philippines where people can still smile amidst disasters and calamities. Let us show the world that we can survive this crisis.