posted by Jennie on Oct 1
Here’s a photo essay of what happened to our family during the rage of Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana). The above picture was taken last Saturday, September 26 at 10:19AM. The flood water covered the street but we were confident that it was to subside in no time, like it always does. We were not even anticipating that it will climb up our already elevated garage.
At 1:03 PM. Jeff walking towards our pedestrian gate. Flood waters not quite touching our doorstep just yet. This sight alone was a shock to all of us. We’ve been living here since 1980 and nothing like this has ever happened before. Just for us to know hours later that we haven’t seen anything yet.
Typhoon Ketsana, locally called Ondoy, has brought record rainfall in Metro Manila, producing hours of extreme heavy rains, the volume of which exceeded that of Hurricane Katrina, which led to this tragic flooding. The rainfall that we usually receive in one month was brought by Typhoon Ondoy in six hours.
At 9:43 PM
At 6:01 AM, the following day, September 27 — the view from our neighbor’s second floor. The flood line indicates that it has subsided at least a foot long since the hard rains stopped.
Still chest deep at 6:23 AM
This was the sight that welcomed Jeff when he went to check the house at 8:33 AM. The right corner is my son’s school office. His paces all over the muddy floor. 
My husband is sweet enough to not have me endure the sight of the house. He took initiative in supervising Mariet, my trusty weekend helper, who has been reporting for work everyday since, to help do the cleaning up.
Our son’s bedroom. Nothing of what we placed on his bed and attempted to be saved from the flood waters was spared. The bed was totally soaked and when a trike driver asked for it, we readily just gave it away. The bed box went to my helper, Mariet. She said she can still use it. I’m glad enough that these things will still be usable to other people. I’m really concerned about the volume of trash that will be caused by this disaster.
My kitchen where the washer is. We did not know until Tuesday night, three days after the storm, when the electricity came back up that it is dead. Unlike the fridge that dear husband was able to lift singlehandedly and placed to sit on the four dining chairs, the washer isn’t anymore. I was praying through and through that it will work because I knew there were tons of wet clothes to wash.
To say that what happened was devastating is actually an understatement. Losing material possessions isn’t that big of an issue than that of the trauma it brought us. The washer, the car, the beds, the Wii accessories and all the furniture that deemed unusable, we knew God can easily replace, if He wants to.
The thing that struck me through and through is God being true to His word that He will be our peace in the midst of uncertainty. We are all thankful enough that we are all together and survived the flood. 
October 1st, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Your family is in our prayers as God brings these things back to normal.
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October 1st, 2009 at 3:24 pm
hi, jen! good to hear you and your family are okay…. Stay safe always!
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October 1st, 2009 at 3:27 pm
i’m really glad you and the whole family is safe now. let us now if you need extra help.
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October 1st, 2009 at 3:46 pm
recovering from this is sure to take some time… but am also sure that God rewards those who remain faithful to Him
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October 1st, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I hope everything will turn out fine in the end. We were not badly hit, but financially we are stretching our budget to help accommodate the needs of those we had to help. If you need some assistance, just email me and I will try to do what I can.
Your car will have to undergo major repair and will cost a lot. Your electrical appliances may have to be checked first before you can use them. However, despite the strain in your finances, there is a lot to be thankful for since you and your family managed to survive.
God bless.
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October 1st, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Even if the flood has brought so much damage to your things, there is still so much to be thankful for. At least, only things are destroyed and not your lives. Thanks God you are all safe. Just continue to pray…
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October 1st, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Sad.. really sad… I could relate. Sorry for the loss, but I am glad you’re all safe.
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October 1st, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Thank God that all of you are safe. Just be strong..
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October 1st, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Thank God all of you are safe and together. Material things come and go. Your picture diary sheds new light on what people effected by this must face when they return home. If there’s a home to return to.
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October 1st, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Thank God safe kau Lahat. Makakabawi rin kau. GOD BLESS!!!
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October 2nd, 2009 at 12:00 am
I feel sad. Fortunately, your family is safe.
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October 2nd, 2009 at 1:39 am
I really like your site, spent a few moments looking it over. Great information.
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October 2nd, 2009 at 3:59 am
I was shocked to find out jen that you also suffered due to the typhoon. it’s almost unbelievable. i know its more unbelievable to you guys who really experienced it. and i’m just really happy your all safe. and please know i am with you in prayers. i love you guys!
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October 2nd, 2009 at 9:48 am
I am so sorry that you have endured this tragedy. I am keeping you in my prayers.
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October 2nd, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Be strong during this challenge. Hope that you and your family will be alright during this trying times.
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October 3rd, 2009 at 5:26 am
I’m so sorry for all that you loss, and to have no washing machine is really horrible but at least you are all safe. You are in my prayers.
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October 4th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Dear Jennie,
I am sorry for what happened. I am sure makakarecover din kayo from this fate. God is good all the time. Just believe in him
♥lots,
Nicely
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