in case you were worried…I’m safe.

in fact, I’m in much better shape than a lot of people in the Philippines.  they are estimating that over 300,000 people have been displaced, and at least 73 people have died, in the wake of Tropical Storm Ondoy (internationally known as Typhoon Ketsana).

I live in a province south of Manila, and we had intense rain for about 24 hours straight, and a swamp formed in our yard, and we lost electricity for 34 hours.  but other than that, we were just fine.

we drove in to Manila this morning, because we’re having a class/lecture today - it’s crazy to me that life goes on while most of metro Manila is in a declared state of calamity, but that’s the plan.  the streets are still wet, and there are lots of puddles and tons of trash, but the area around our office is in good shape.

still, I am overwhelmed and really really thankful that I wasn’t in Manila this weekend, and praying for the families of our staff and friends…