Flooding in Philippines Hit Close to Home

Since we live on the 12th floor of a tall building, the storm just looked like any other. We didn't even realize there was any flooding issues until we got a text saying that church was canceled due to flooding. This is our chapel, only a few miles away from where we live.

Yes, we are ok. Yes, the flooding is bad. It is still waist to chest deep in many areas. 2 story buildings are 1/2 submerged. Many people have lost everything, even their homes to strong currents. These people didn't have much to begin with, and now they have nothing but what's on their back. Whole families drowned inside their homes, not knowing what to do. Not being able to get out in time. I spoke with a man today who said the water rose in his house to over his head in a matter of hours, and is still chest deep. They have a second level of their place that they are staying in, so they continue to wade in and out when they need to.

WHAT WE HAVE DONE

We have gone through our closets twice, giving anything we don't use and can spare. I have made several trips to the grocery store for items to donate. I have taken people out to buy food undergarments, gas tanks for stoves who are housing extended families who have no place to go. We've done people's laundry that was pulled from the muddy flood water, taken food and clothing to several different places for distribution, bought foam mattresses for people who were sleeping on the tile floor in a kitchen, bought detergent so people can wash their own clothes, diapers for babies, milk for children, given medicine, huge bags of rice, delivered bottled water to people who had none, helped pack up and deliver goods from the church to a neighboring stake.

We have been so blessed to be safe from everything happening. I am grateful we can be here and be of service to those around us who are less fortunate. It has been wonderful to see how everyone has been coming together to help any and all they can. I have only heard positive stories of people willing to help, none who have turned a blind eye.

IF YOU WANT TO HELP...

The fastest way to help would be to send money. We are set up with an account in the States where my mom is willing to deposit checks into our account so we can continue to help those in need here.

Send checks payable to Joslin Hebertson to

Joslin Hebertson

488 3rd Avenue

Salt Lake City, UT 84103

My mom will keep a detailed list of who sends what and I will make sure to continue to tell what we are doing with the funds we get. Any amount will help. There are several places to buy the things people need and things are relatively cheap.

This is not something that is going to go away over night. We have been told that the water will not subside in heavily affected areas for up to 4 months. The death toll continues to rise and will long after the water is gone. The affects of this are just as bad as hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. People stranded on rooftops for over a week now. Please help, we can't do it alone.

Thank You and God bless you.