Shaken

The earthquake that shook us on that Tuesday morning was one that I will never forget.  I remember waking up because our house was shaking like crazy and on instinct I carried my two kids immediately, my husband had to yank our daughter away from me as we headed outside.  

It lasted for a while, and during those seconds that the ground below me was shaking all that I could think of was that I was just thankful that I was home with my husband and kids.  It was all that mattered to me at that moment.  When the shaking stopped, I had to calm myself because I was trembling and I did not want my kids to see me terrified because that would scare them the more.  

The aftershocks that followed were strong so we opted to stay outside instead.  Some of our neighbors left our apartment complex immediately after the quake, but we could not leave because the road leading to the main highway was blocked because two buildings at the corner collapsed.

In the hours that followed, the effect of the quake shocked the entire nation.  It was sad to hear that there were over a hundred casualties and even more injured.  Churches destroyed, houses and buildings badly damaged in just a glimpse of an eye.  

Personally we were affected because the hospital were my husband has worked for more than 5 years was closed down because of the damages caused by the quake.  We don't really know what's going to happen next, we are just keeping our fingers crossed and hoping for the best.

As of writing, another earthquake shook us again at around 4:05 pm.  That is the 4th today with a magnitude of 5.2.  I guess most of us are pretty much shaken by everything that has happened this week.  I feel chills down my spine every time I remember the first quake that shook us last Tuesday, and I can't forget the scary sound coming from beneath the ground just like what you see in the movies. 

Believe it or not, despite this tragedy we still have so much to be thankful for.  I thank God that it happened on a holiday and the kids were not in school and most offices and business establishments were closed.  Imagine if it happened on a regular day, there would have been a lot more injured.  But I pray for all those who lost their loved ones, those who lost their homes and all those who were greatly affected by the quake.  We will get through this...

Here are some photos of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that shook Bohol and Cebu last Tuesday, October 15, 2013.

The bell tower of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño was damaged

Properties damaged from the quake

These two establishments are located at the corner from where we live

As the earth continues to tremble beneath us, may you find comfort in God's words and I pray that wherever you are and whatever it is you are going through, let God hold you and keep you in His loving arms.