Our Final Destination, Finally!

It was another day of mostly travel. Cebu City sprawled about half way to the ferry port before giving way to hills covered with coconut palms. Just before we got to the port at Bogo City we began to see clear signs of the typhoon...downed trees, shanty homes with partial roofs and stacks of cut wood along the road.

Bit It wasn't until we departed the ferry at Santa Fe on Nantayan Island that we truly understood how devastating this storm was. The are literally more trees down than standing in most places. There is not a building that doesn't show signs of damage...some missing sections of roof, others missing roofs and others flattened entirely. Fortunately a couple of aid organizations have supplied tents. The tents are set up next to piles of boards and tin we assume must have been homes. Sorry my pictures don't do justice since we were driving. 

It was so amazing to see the faces of the people as we drove by. When they saw we were foreigners they would all smile and waive. Despite their circumstances, the people are upbeat and friendly. Some of the children were waiting for us at the school when we arrived. Their English skills surprised us. 

We are staying at a K-16 school that is about the only substantial structure in the town. But even though the walls are concrete and survived the storm well, the school lost a substantial portion of its roof. We've already been able to commit a portion of the funds we raised to purchase roofing material.

Our first order of business was to unpack the three chainsaws, assemble them and begin clearing a large fallen tree from the school's playground. We cleared what we could until it got too dark to work. 

And when it's dark, it's dark. They are saying it may be another six months before electricity is restored to the island. Judging by the tangles of wire along the roads, I'd be shocked if they can get it going that soon. 

We ended the day by giving the Christmas tree Kevin brought to the school caretakers and helping them decorate it.