November 7, 2009 – Saturday 7:44pm (Philippine Time) – Manila, PHILIPPINES – Report submitted by Joe Hurston (Air Mobile Joe)

Today, the Air Mobile Team headed out to the deeply effected areas in and surrounding Manila. There are still areas underwater in areas close to Manila nearly 6 weeks after Typhoon Ketsana struck here. There are two things that stand out so clearly after our trip into these areas….RESILIENCY & HOPE! The Philippine people are absolutely amazing. After the worst flooding in nearly 100 years, these folks have rolled up their sleeves and gotten right back to work rebuilding their lives and their country. Many areas showed absolutely no sign whatsoever that 8-10 feet of flood waters had engulfed their homes and businesses. As soon as the flood waters subsided they were cleaning and saving what they could save and just getting back to life. 

We were greeted with so many smiles and simple thank you’s for gifts that we had not even given as of yet. These people are amazing! This is just a preview of our report. The 13 hour time difference has my internal clock going crazy. Guess a little sleep won’t hurt. Will write more later.

God Bless!!

Air Mobile Joe 

PLEASE CONTINUE READING DOWN TO SEE HOW THIS TRAGEDY HAS BEEN UNFOLDING – Joe