For weeks already we are watching the devastating news about the floodings in Pakistan. It is very easy for us to relate to the tremendous needs of the Pakistani people because of the Manila flood we experienced just one year ago. Many people lost everything they had...rich and poor! The flood hit without warning.
After the Manila flood September 2009
At that time I was out with Thomas and two german friends in our car. We were driving to Antipolo when the rain got stronger and sronger. Living in the Philippines for so long Thomas and me didn't mind the rising water (because it's part of the rainy season here) untill we wanted to cross a little bridge. The water rushed furiously over he bridge, electric fans and furnitures in it. There was no way we could pass the bridge. Within a short time we were cut off from our way home or elsewhere through landslides and rushing rivers left and right. After spending about 8 hours in the car, we really had to pee. Barely we made it to a public market where we often visit street children. I was overjoyed to be able to use this toiette in the market, which under normal circumstances, I would have avoided by all means. On my way back to the car I was followed by a little boy I knew from our outreaches. He was as happy as a always. As if nothing bad was going on. I understood, that for this boy it couldn't get any worse. He had nothing to loose. All he owned, he wore on his body. No worries about a flooded house or broken appliances or destroyed clothes or documents. He had already nothing, so what can a flood do to him? His life was safe in the market, that's al he cared about while the majority of the Manila population was in the agony of loosing their valuables.
Now it's rainy season again in the Philippines and just the other day it flooded again in our area that the streets around the Father's House turned into raging rivers again. JayAr (one of our staff members) was even able to catch a fish at our door step that found a permanent home now in our garden pont.
Father's House
And now we hear the news about Pakistan. A flood much worse than we experienced it. In our family night yesterday(every friday night we come together in the Father's House to worship and fellowship together)we decided to collect an offering for the flood victims in Pakistan. Andi showed a few pictures about the flood and asked the kids to pray if they should help even in a small way. After the offering Jay (see my older Blog Entry if you want to know his story) came to me with a big smile on his face: " Tita, I gave all my pocket money for Pakistan! That is good, because I don't need anything, you know?! You take so well care of me here. They need my help and I am happy to give!" Wow what a message this litle boy gave me yesterday. We were able to collect a good amount of money from the staff members and the kids together. We'll donate it through HELP International to a Pakistani Pastor who is helping the poor. For 23 Euro he will be able to supply the basic needs of one person in need. Our kids supplied with their pocket money for some people in this difficult time of disaster for Pakistan! I am so proud of them.
The fish in our pont though is a reminder, that the waters may rise even here once again. May we have our treasures in heaven!
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