The Super Typhoon + Those with "nothing".

Natural + Disaster. Two words that strike terror + heart break + sympathy in all. Two words that I have heard countless times. Seen on t.v. and even read about many times. Experienced never. Till now. 

While being here I have been humbled by so many experiences. I have witnessed things first hand that most people will only see on the late night news or read about in Times.  The typical daily lives of people here would be unbearable to many and heart breaking to most. I am astounded at how hard working + sturdy + meek these remarkable people are. They have what some people would see as very little, but as I have spent time with them I have realized they have more than most. No, I am not talking about fancy houses, laundry machines or even electricity for some, but I am talking about something worth so much more. When you are around the Filipino people you do not feel pity or sorrow, but envy. They have a pure love for life that many are missing. They have adoration and devotion to their family, friends and country that some do not experience in their entire lifetime. And most of all they have admiration and respect for God without question. 

I have always been fond of the month of November, but tend to get caught up quickly in the spirit of the holidays. Something that I have loved since I was little. There is shopping to do + treats to bake + parties to attend. Here I have none of that or a very different form. I have been able to create my annual thankful list with a very sincere heart. I have been given the chance to truly feel what it is like to be a way from your family during the holidays + to have simple every day amenities unavailable and yet I still am very much spoiled with all that I do have here. I thank  my Heavenly Father daily (maybe even hourly sometimes) for all that I have been blessed with. 

So a word of wisdom from the girl that is sitting in a brown out (black out) in an unfamiliar island filled with beauty that happens to be surrounded by a super typhoon with howling winds + falling trees + more rain than I have seen in my lifetime... is to take a moment and write your thankful list. Then take more than a moment to enjoy those things on the list. Especially your family. Never take anyone for granted. Enjoy the big moments but don’t forget the small ones.