Glimpse of Hope

A story of hope, strength and courage

By Shane Exmundo

I took this photo at Estancia, Northern part of the province of ILOILO in the Philippines. We went there as a group of friends to extend our help and to provide immediate relief to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda/ Haiyan. We collected foods, clothing, candles, hygienic kit and anything from our donors. When we went there our hearts ache on what we have seen. I have never encountered this kind of situation before, people were crying desperately for hunger and poverty. They have lost their boats — their means of livelihood.

There’s this old lady that I came across, crying and begging desperately for help, asking attention and relief on their island “Magalumbi”. Its a small island which has been poverty-stricken prior to the typhoon. The residents told us that the island is not even found in the map of the Philippines. There were no health centers or schools compared to the other islands. Their children have to cross the mainland to go to school. After the typhoon, they were not able to attend their classes anymore. The most heartbreaking part is that children have to swim half an hour just to get to school. I took this photo while strolling along the beach. Children were happily following us and leading us to the houses they used to have. Despite the calamity and wrath of Yolanda I can sense from them that there is still hope and faith in their hearts that someday they will rise and restore what they’ve lost.

There is a “Glimpse of Hope”.

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