My first year as a typhoon survivor

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/22/my-first-year-typhoon-survivor

Version 0 of 1.

The old people said that they haven't ever experienced this kind of typhoon. They said this is like the wrath of God because a lot of people don't believe in God. People still keep on stealing and doing bad things. Maybe this typhoon happened so people can start to repent, stop doing harm to others and start believing in Him. And the other elders say that Papa Jesus was angry because people no longer believed in Him. Others are saying that this is the end, and everyone will die. But at least we are fortunate that we are given a second life.

Yesterday, there were people who gave clothes for babies, jackets, blankets and bottled water. I took the water so my brother and I will have something to drink. There are also people giving tins and rice, but only if you have a ticket [food voucher]. I think it is not fair, because if they plan to give us relief then they should give it to everyone, not just to those who have tickets. There are rumours that the help and food given by some high government officials is only given to mayors and councillors, and that they only share these with their own friends and families. I hope it's not true, because every one of us here is facing the same difficulties.

Some people say that school will start in 2015, other people say in January. But it's difficult to rebuild schools. All schools here in Leyte [Philippines] are damaged and washed out because of the typhoon. My Aunt Marvie called me on the phone and said, "Dhanelyne, your Aunt Merlie and Uncle Burnop already planned that your family should come and stay here in Manila, while classes are still suspended."

I told my dad and he called Aunt Marvie straight away. Initially, their plan was that only me and my brother Marc would be sent to Manila, but I didn't agree on that. I told them, "We will not to go to Manila if Dad will leave us there. I don't want to be left there. He should be with us if we are there." I still don't know what the plans are.

My dad plans to rebuild the house. Building houses will maybe take longer than normal because all these materials are gone, because of the strong winds caused by the typhoon.

Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.