Yolanda.

Someone I know was concerned that we would be travelling around a disaster stricken country.  So I just wanted to comment on this briefly.

The Philippines is made up of over 7000 islands.  Six islands were hit by typhoon Yolanda.  It is terrible the destruction which this has caused.  However, we do not intend to be passing through the six affected islands.

Manila was not physically affected.  However, the hearts and minds of the people in Manila have been.  On every corner people are clubbing together to organise donations of clothes, shoes, tinned food as well as financial contributions.  The stage at my daughters school was crammed full of bags of donations and even the car sales garage was collecting.  It is fitting for a country which exudes so much kindness and faith.  People of the Philippines I salute you!