Typhoon Haiyan- November 8, 2013

A Powerful Typhoon Speeds Across the Philippines BY FLOYD WHALEY The storm, named Haiyan, killed at least 100 people and forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands.

Dani's first overseas trip to the Philippines was quite an event.  She traveled with her Mom to her hometown of Roxas City.   Two days after their arrival the Philippines was hit by what has been measured to be perhaps the most powerful Typhoon in the history of the world up until this time.  Roxas was directly in the storms path and was devastated with over 80% of the houses destroyed including Grace's families house.  

Grace, Dani and Grace's family survived the storm in a friends house which was damaged with the second floor roof blown off.    Thankfully the first floor remained intact and they were safe.  

Dad was back in Vietnam waiting for word of their safety which finally came after over 24 hours.  Following the storm they spent 7 days in Roxas with no power or running water an eating mostly packaged noodles.  

It was truly a devastating storm with over 5000 people in the Philippines being killed.  The city of Tacloban was completely destroyed.     

Needless to say I was happy and thankful to have them home safe in HCMC the following Friday.