As I'm writing this, it's 6 pm, Friday evening. The storm has been upgraded to a Cat 2 and we're under warning signal 3 here in Albay. Today, we've had very little rain - which is a huge blessing - but the winds have been picking up. It's been really calm - "the calm before the storm" - but every once in a while we'll have a really strong blast of wind. It's been very cool and breezy, and any other day I would be loving this weather!! Ha ha.
We've been working like crazy all day today trying to prepare. Everything outside has been put away or secured. Everything downstairs that is below waist level has pretty much been packed up or put up. I've boxed up all my books in the school room and stacked them on top of a table. In other words, if we flood, we feel we're as ready as we can be. We've had brownout (no power) for most of the day, but at the moment it's on and we even have cable and internet!! We're just praying it will last throughout the night so we can get a good night's sleep.
Again, we covet your prayers. Not just for us, but for everyone here. We've heard on the radio that this storm is moving very slowly and it will take at least 10 hours for it to pass over. Winds are expected to be over 200 kph (Cat 4) by the time it gets here. Needless to say, we're all pretty nervous. So far the kids are doing ok. They've been quite helpful today as we've been giving lots of "orders" for them to follow. They aren't too nervous at this point, but I know once the wind and rain really start, it will probably be a different story. One of the biggest threats of this storm is landslides. My husband keeps assuring me that because of where we are located, we aren't in danger of that. I'm trying really hard to believe him! LOL. We'll keep in touch here as long as we can. After that, we will try to be in touch with our families as much as possible. Hopefully the cell towers won't be destroyed!
Again, we know that our God is in control. He holds the wind and rain in His hands. We've have quoted Psalm 46 many times today and I'm sure we will do the same tomorrow. The storm should start hitting sometime tomorrow afternoon.
I'm sorry if this post is somewhat scattered. That's how my brain is feeling at the moment! Here are some very specific ways you can pray:
- Pray obviously for the safety of everyone here - safety from the wind, the floods, and the landslides.
- Pray that we can maintain a sense of calm and security in our home, for the sake of our kids.
- Pray for the storm to pick up speed and move quickly over us. The longer/slower it moves, the more rain we get.
- Pray for power, water, phone lines, cell towers, internet and cable tv to hold out. If they don't, please pray they will be restored quickly.
- And please pray that no matter how this all plays out, that God "will be exalted among the nations".
Thank you so much for your prayers. We so need them right now! We love you.
Again, if you'd like to keep a check on the storm...http://www.typhoon2000.ph/. Also, here are a couple of news reports. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/topofthehour.aspx?StoryId=100108 and also http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/topofthehour.aspx?StoryId=100083.
FYI - We live in Legazpi City, in the province of Albay, in the Bicol Region.
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