Flooding in Manila

On Saturday, September 26, 2009, Manila experienced it's worst flooding in history- 16 inches of rain in 24 hours. The report says the rain was twice as much as Katrina! We are so grateful for God's protection over us. Actually that day Nathaniel left early at 6am to teach at Febias for his Saturday graduate school class. We were all aware of the storm/typhoon but it was not anything of major category so we went ahead with our plans. Luke and Mabel left before 7am to go to Luke's swimming competition. We were afraid that it might be canceled due to the storm but the competition went on as planned despite the heavy rain and strong winds. Luke actually did well, he got 2 silver medals and 1 gold for his category- 9-10 year old male competitor. By the time we finished around lunch time the roads leading out to the main highway was already impassable. I tried to look for other side roads which I may take but all of them were chest to neck deep in water!

I took this video from my camera while it was pouring rain because I wanted you all to see the semi-truck that got stuck in the middle and as you can see the people taking a plunge in the deep water.

Luke and I waited on the side road while we prayed for God's miracle for the rain to stop and for us to be able to get back home. I tried to communicate with Nathaniel but the phone lines were busy. I was actually more worried for him because he drives an old, small Toyota car which has a habit of stopping/stalling. When I finally contacted him I told him where I was and asked if he was okay. He said that he was nearby and asked to meet at one of the side roads. I was really amazed because I can't quite figure out where he passed and how did he get there with all the flooded streets- my van couldn't even make it. But in God's providence he had a student who got a ride with him who knew the way through all these side roads and he guided him to where I was. It was an amazing providence. He parked his car on the side street and they got into the van and we ventured to plow through one of the flooded streets- about waist deep, praying that the van will not stall on us. By God's grace we made it and we were all rejoicing knowing that one of the hurdles is past. We didn't know the condition of the other streets but at least we were hopeful that we can make it. And we did! What an incredible ordeal to go through and to see God's hands protecting his children. Praise the Lord! We got back home thanking God for his goodness and mercy to us.

We arrived home and found out that our house was flooded- it just started flooding- we were thankful again that we were there to get all the books and furniture out of our study room/den and nothing was damaged. At first it was disheartening but then I got calls and sms text messages from friends and church members saying that their houses were flooded and most of their stuff were soaking wet and ruined. We heard many stories from friends and loved ones who were stranded on the streets for many hours. My niece had to sleep in her car on the side of the road overnight because there were no streets that were passable. We thank the Lord for keeping her safe. My sister and her daughter were stranded in another area and they were able to spend the night in a hotel. Many houses were flooded and vehicles were submerged in water. We have a member who lives in a low-lying area and her house was submerged.

On Sunday we canceled our Sunday School class to make way for a church-wide prayer meeting. We were amazed to see many people still attended despite the hardships and trials that they went through. Truly, we are humbled to see their love and devotion to the Lord. We see God's power over nature but we are reminded that God is in control of all things. Psalm 46 says that "He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."