Filtered By: Opinion
Opinion

Experiencing Yolanda: An American traveler's thoughts  


Author's Note: I wrote this on Nov. 17th, just after going through the super typhoon with a family in Legazpi, Albay. 
 
Nathan Allen
As an American, it really puts things in perspective when you see "My cousin is alive!" on your Facebook News Feed. 
 
Thankfully, I've seen similar posts for quite a few days now. It's one thing to see tragic typhoon stories on the news from the other side of the world, it's another thing entirely to be right in the middle of it, with close friends and loved ones confirmed dead, alive. . .or still missing. 
 
I myself was in the path of the storm as it entered the Philippines and at the time had no idea how bad things would get for others in this beautiful country. Myself, and the wonderful family I was with were quite lucky.
 
The following days were excruciating. With a Facebook friends list full of Filipinos, it seemed to be nothing but an endless stream of pain and sorrow. Tragic photos and desperate pleas for help from those I know well. Just about everybody has SOMEBODY who was affected by Typhoon Yolanda. It was almost too much to bear. I considered removing people from my news feed until things got better, not because I wanted to ignore what was happening, but just out of sheer self-preservation. 
 
I wasn't sure I could take it anymore, but I'm glad I stuck through it because, in the process, I feel I got just a “glimpse” of what it's truly like to be a Filipino.
 
What's it like to be knocked down? I mean REALLY knocked down, to get up, brush yourself off, and keep pushing on. . .even with a smile on your face. All the sadness and tragedy on my news feed, I wasn't sure it was "necessary" or helpful. But, in retrospect, I think it was part of the coping "process." 
 
I thought there would be no end to it, but now it already seems like the clouds are lifting, the sun has come out, and stories of hope are starting to emerge. A good friend of mine finally surfaced and returned home from Tacloban after being missing for days. Countless friends have finally located loved ones and I can only hope this trend continues.
 
Once again, I am starting to see one of my favorite things about this country: ear-to-ear Filipino smiles. I am also hearing stories of people around the world coming together to get everybody back on their feet over here. Close Filipino friends of mine have completed their own independently-organized relief operations, and I am optimistic that things are getting better and better all the time.
 
I had the opportunity to volunteer a bit in Legazpi and was able to see what your donations LOOKED LIKE first hand. They filled the entire astrodome, and this was just one of MANY around the country! I was humbled by the stacks of rice and canned goods many times my size. Filipinos from various economic walks of life have done an incredible job coming together to donate or volunteer. It's so great to see this "machine" at work. 
 
What a profound learning experience it's been living and loving this country for the past year. The Philippines truly is one of the world's treasures. To all I have met along the way, I sincerely thank you for making me feel so welcome and at home here. 
 
To everyone OUTSIDE of this country, I just want to say the Filipino people really, REALLY appreciate the help you're giving them.
 
And so do I.
 
Maraming, maraming salamat!
 
Signed, 

Nathan (aka "Hey, Joe!")


Nathan Allen is an American traveler who spent an entire year exploring and documenting the culture of the Philippines. This post originally appeared on his Facebook and we are re-posting it here with permission. You can follow his journey by liking the "I Dreamed Of This" Facebook page.
 


LOADING CONTENT