The News You Don’t Hear from Around the World

I am taking a moment off from my usual blogging topics to speak with you as a mother and grandmother.  I understand the difficult job of a News Director and Assignments Editor…you must cover the stories of interest to the greater segments of your audience.  So, I get it when they do not tell Americans of what is happening on the island of Saipan.

Some of you just thought…Saipan?  Where in the world is Saipan?  Well, it is near Guam and we acquired both as US Territories after World War II.  Most of my family has been there and says it is (was) a beautiful tropical island in the Pacific.  My daughter, her husband, and two grandsons have lived in Saipan since last winter. He works for the US Justice Department.

Last weekend, Saipan was hit directly by a very strong, officially Category 2, Typhoon Soudelor. STORY HERE They have been threatened by several huge storms recently and this is the first to go right at them.  The island is now a disaster area and FEMA is there.  But, even FEMA says it may take up to 4-6 months to fully restore electricity and water. Gas is currently rationed and that is a problem since generators need gas.  My family is safe for now.  But, the airport took significant damage and no one is coming or going.  As I write this, we have heard of another storm threat.  The storm that hit Saipan has intensified and is headed toward Taiwan. ABC News briefly mentioned it tonight, and the 48,000 residents stranded in Saipan.
To say I am worried and concerned is an understatement.  I wish I was Genie and could blink my eyes and have them appear before me.  But, I am GiGi, a grandmother and mother who will have to wait this out moment by moment, day by day until they are safely relocated.

If you think of the island of Saipan, please pray and lift up all of the people on the island…for their safety during and around these storms.
Those are the  headlines and now you know what is happening to Americans which did not make the news docket today. (Picture of my grandson above was taken before the storm)

I hope all of your families are safe today!

19 Comments

  1. I'm sorry to hear about this.. you are right, it didn't make the news at all. Worrying about your adult children and their families is VERY HARD. It is a powerless feeling, and I totally understand that urge to be the genie and make it all better. I'll be praying for everyone dealing with this storm. Do they have fresh water to drink? At least they won't freeze… so sad for that beautiful place!

  2. They do not have fresh water and electricity at their home…they are at a hotel where it currently is provided, but not in most places on the island. Guam is sending relief. Waiting to hear more today. Thank you to both of you for your prayers!

  3. your children are always close to your heart and it is so hard when they are in trouble and you can't help. Sending thoughts and blessings your way Pam and I hope all goes well quickly and you can put your mind to rest. ~ Leanne

  4. It's terrifying to have our children in vulnerable situations when we can't get to them to help. My son landed in Japan 2 hours before that terrible Tsunami hit several years ago. Sending good throughts your way. I hope they get the relief they need very soon!

  5. Did not hear about this this a.m. – the news shows are so focused on the election that is still more than a year away! Prayers for your family – it's so hard when they're so far away!

  6. I'm so sorry to hear about this – how awful for all the residents there, both temporary and permanent. Will keep your family in my prayers!

  7. Just prayed for your family. My daughter has been on another continent for a number of years; you're right– all our news channels focus on USA(understandable, but still..). I follow BBC news on facebook and often click on the world news tab on other news sites.

  8. We spent the summer of 2011 on the beautiful island of Saipan serving it's people as short-term missionaries. I was completely heartbroken when I saw footage of the devastation left behind by the storm! I'm so glad to hear that your daughter and her family are ok and will continue to remember them in prayer.

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