Empire in the Air

Hi family,

A gigantic typhoon, Nesat, stormed upon Manila yesterday. The wind-sweeping floods forced more than 100,000 people away from their homes and although many evacuated safely, some don’t have homes to return to.

My mom called me today with news of the storm and its disastrous impact: the storm’s spiraling destruction struck the homes of Ulingan. It’s been nearly one and a half years since my mom has began to pour her heart into this town in which so many told her was impossible to save. Within these one and a half years, she proved them wrong. Within these one and a half years, she built a foundation and an unconditionally loving team called Project PEARLS for its people. Within one and a half years, wounds and illnesses were sought for treatment, hundreds of children were sent to school, food was brought to the famished, and an incredible family was formed. But within one day, we’re back to square one.

And you know what? I still have faith. My mom built a foundation for Ulingan and although those we built upon it was caught in the storm, the foundation still remains. Like I said, an incredible family and an unconditionally loving team was formed through Project PEARLS. As long as the faith and love remain, we can rebuild. I have faith in Ulingan’s people, the PEARLS team, and my main lady (my mom.)

Because the storm remains fresh among our homeland, the question “what will happen now?” stays afloat in the air. I’m on the verge of conjuring up a plan to help my mom strengthen the already tenacious foundation but because this storm, like all storms, came with such abrupt and powerful suddenness… I don’t know what that plan is yet.

For now, all I request is prayer. So please, take a quick second to use your direct line to God and pray.

- ChiChai@Empire