CoolJournalMe: November 12, 2013 - Leaving Tacloban after Typhoon Yolanda

Nov. 12 , 2013

4:00 am we wake up early and prepare ourselves for the flight for Manila. It was raining , very dark, wee are at the back of the car . Crying seeing the houses destroyed , broken and Abandon . You can also smell the dead people who were not yet found by the rescuer's . Then we got into the airport who were full of people and seems like people who are there were waiting since 12 midnight or earlier to wait and get the plain tickets for manila. We were standing there and just waiting for our expected flight. 9:00 am the plane informant said we cannot ride the plane to fly by 9:00 am since we don't have proof that we bought tickets from them . We don't have any papers to prove to them that the Church paid the fare because The Area bought it for us. We were tired and can't even stand for a longer period we find places where we could sit. Water's and sky flakes were our sustainable food at that time. Luckily the missionaries have seen this guy with a US Marine uniform and talk to them. The missionaries explained why we were waiting . One amazing thing that had happen was when the Guy said " I don't know why i was sent here and to be walking here at the airport specifically in the waiting area since I should be at the plane craft and assisting my men. But it seems like i now figure it out why! I can help you ride on the US C130 Plane and help you get there in Manila. So we did. All of us TACLOBAN, TOLOSA and CARIGARA zones were able to reach Manila. Drop at the US Marine office. Called our family immediately and it was like we were in a new place since we could see buildings, lights, water...etc. heheh . We waited then for the bus to arrive and a few minutes after we can see the temple and the MTC Place. We were greeted by the Area Elder Nielson and his wife Sister Nielson, Sister Ardern and some ERC Staff's , photographers at the MTC. All of them were happy and some of them even cried seeing us safe and sound. I was greatly blessed to witness a great miracle the Lord has ever been providing his children here on earth . Headed through the Gym for a welcome remarks from Elder Nielson. We have cried so many times but yet ever been grateful for being Alive and continuing helping toward Building the Lord's Kingdom.