This post has nothing to do with business, but it does involve life.

Our Company has a few employees that live in the Phillipines and they are by far the most loyal and hardest working employees that I have ever employed outside of my offices. I value their work as well as what they add to every project, above and beyond what I ask them to do. They all send me daily emails of what they accomplished each day and what they are going to do later in the week. Yet, a few days ago, I stopped getting emails from 2 of the 3 employees. Then when I emailed them, still no word. I went online to find out what was happening half way around the world, and there were a few stories of a Major Typhoon wiping out parts of Manilla and the surrounding areas.

After visiting the aftermaths of Katrina and the Galveston Hurricanes, I thought I was prepared for what I saw. But it was amazing footage of survival in the floods, dead bodies floating everywhere and complete towns and villages GONE. After a few days, I finally heard from the missing 2 employees, they emailed and said they had to move to dryer ground with relatives.

Everything was lost, but there first email was to tell us that they will be back to work as soon as the internet works on a consistent basis. My business partner and I could not believe that these people had work as one of their highest priorities, when New Orleans residents had survival their priority for weeks and months afterward. I take for granted what we have everyday here in the United States, the safety and security of rapid responders, FEMA, American Red Cross, Flood Insurance, and a Government that Acts immediately to federal emergencies and disasters.

Politics aside, what happened in New Orleans was a wake up call for us all. But compare our government’s response to Hurricane recovery and disaster assistance versus this email from one of our Filipino employees.

This is not a plea for money or donations. If you would like to give great and I’ll provide the paypal accounts below.

But this post is just to remind us that the United States is not as bad as you may think. It is the greatest country ever and will always be there to help us after the storm.

Email From Nova:

Re: typhoon?

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 8:50:45 AM

From:
Nathan Volk

View

To: Nova Joie Napay
Cc: Damon Nelson

Nova,
Damon and I are entirely unconcerned about you working. Make sure you take all the time you need to get yourself taken care of and your family too.  Your new pay pal account is fully operational and I can send your money there?
Nate


From: Nova Joie Napay
To: Damon Nelson Nathan Volk
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 9:27:10 AM
Subject: Re: typhoon?

Yes, I am glad aswell… my family and I are A-OK. About family treasures….. we only saved the box full of important documents…that’s it.
TV, computer (my valuable asset), oven, fridge sofa and other things… unfortunately…. we wasnt able to save it… It’s too late.
Thank God.. my aunt has a computer and internet connection.. she let me borrowed her pc for the meantime….
I watch the news regarding the area where I lived in… “There are number of dead people has began to float”..
The rescue team here in the Philippines.. is not the same there in US… here.. its too slow… and so few… I saw the news… they said.. they only have 25 rubber boats available…. ITS NOT ENOUGH to RESCUE thousands……
I hope the water will subside as soon as possible.
Respectfully,
Nova Joie


From: Damon Nelson
To: Nova Joie Napay
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 2:55:44 AM
Subject: Re: typhoon?

Glad to hear from you and that you are OK. Were you able to save family treasures?

We still have not heard from Greg, have you?


From: Nova Joie Napay
To: Nathan Volk; Damon Nelson
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 1:17:31 PM
Subject: Re: typhoon?

Dear Nate and Damon,
My parents and I changed our location temporarily… our house is in the middle of flood (SAME AS HURRICANE KATRINA).
We only saved our car.. we leave all of our things in our house . We will go back until the flood subsides.
My family and I are okay now…  We are here living with my mother’s sister.
I am very sorry for the delay.
I just finished submitted 12 FVR videos to 5 profiles in traffic geyser.
Respectfully,
Nova Joie


From: Nathan Volk
To: greg semon ; nova
Cc: Damon Nelson
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 11:35:50 PM
Subject: typhoon?

Danielle reported a devastating Typhoon hit the Phillipines the last couple days.
Is everyone ok?
If you want to help, please consider a direct Donation to Nova Napaynj Relief Fund
100% Goes to Nova and her family for food and supplies

Filed under: Lifes Lessons

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