Sorry I continue to be so far behind in posting. There are so many trips to post pictures of, but we lacked internet for the last 6 days (not because of Yolanda but because, well, it's the Philippines). Our lives at the Embassy continue to be dominated by efforts to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). I think these pictures say it best. We are lucky to have been able to see Malapascua and Bohol* before they were destroyed. Bohol was not hit so hard, but Malapascua was basically completely wiped out. It is truly, truly devastating. Husband is part of the American Citizen Services section and will be heading down to Tacloban next week as part of a rotating team that's being dispatched to search for and assist affected Americans in the area. There are no standing structures, running water, or power, so the teams have to fly in early in the morning and come back late at night. There is also nowhere to land, except for the strip that our military restored, and no roads that are passable so they have to take a variety of transportation methods to do their work. It is a long and exhausting day for these unsung heroes, so I hope you'll all help spread the word about the awesome work our Consular people do in helping American citizens affected by disasters abroad. We really do our best to help everyone we can.
While the situation is improving, it will be a long, long time before any sense of normalcy can be felt in this area of the Philippines. If you would like to donate to victims of the typhoon, please consider donating cash to some of the large international relief organizations. Large international aid organizations know what to do in terms of spending your donations wisely in ways that will actually be helpful to victims of the typhoon.
*I will post those pictures soon!
4 comments:
I've been thinking of you, and everyone in the country who has been impacted.
We are very proud knowing that Tim is doing such valuable work.
A very thoughtful commentary on the post, I definitely was ignorant how much the consular folks do try to help US citizens abroad.
Wow, I happened on your blog by chance doing a search for Asian Grocery Markets in Manila. I am a US Army Veteran now living here and have enjoyed reading your blog, particularly about the work that Tim is doing in support of Yoloanda victims. The United States never ceases to make me proud and thank Tim and all those at the Embassy for their tireless work.
Now if you could just help me find a place that sells "Limes"! I have looked everywhere. The new S&R on Shaw Blvd down the road from my wife's Dental Clinic does not carry them, but tells me the other S&R does.
As you stated in another blog entry the availability of everything changes on almost a daily basis.
Have to find those limes to cook Authentic Thai Cuisine, one of my favorites.
The new S&R has a great selection of meat by the way.
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