From Derek:
Thank you all for keeping the Philippines in prayer with the latest super typhoon hitting our shores! We have learned our lesson to prepare for the worst because these weather systems can shift unexpectedly.
Thankfully we did not encounter any damage at Hope for the Island because we are just south of where it made landfall. The wind barriers held up well at the farm and only a few plants were lost. At our main compound 40 foot waves were breaking along the reefs. On the high tide, swell surged over the reef and came up into the property approximately 25 meters to the volleyball court but there was no damage.
Sadly, this was not the case in a village 20 minutes north of us. Four tsunami type waves surged into this village causing extensive damage and completely wiping out 30 homes together with all of their personal belongings.
The ocean surges carried boats all the way to the national road 300 meters from the beach. Thankfully, most people heeded the warning to evacuate so there was no loss of life! Those that did stay in their homes almost drowned but were able to swim with the current and made it safely to high ground.
Yesterday we went into the village to spend time loving on the kids and listening to the stories of the people. We brought 3 boxes of clothing and dehydrated vegetables to give to those households most affected. It was incredible to see everyone in the community working together to clean up the debris. They were trying to salvage pieces of wood and any scraps that could be used to rebuild a shelter. A Pastor friend that serves in this community accompanied us. His church is housing many families who lost everything.
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