Samar

As I mentioned earlier we were stationed in Tacloban city on the island of Leyte.  Another island that also suffered much damage was the island of Samar.  Some areas still were in need of mobile medical clinics, so on our last few days Brianna, Aira, and I did a needs assessment, dropping by different communities to see where the need remained.  The medical team continued clinics for ~ 1 month in Samar after I left.

This is the bridge connecting the island of Leyte to Samar.

Beautiful countryside, but many downed and stripped trees from Yolanda.

Brianna and I.

So many temporary shelters/tents used for housing.

Crazy amounts of damage...seemed surreal.

Downed phone tower.

Tent housing

Beautiful beaches and areas when you look past the rubble.

Hospital with unbelievable amounts of damage!

On our way home from one of the assessment days somehow the topic came up about us riding a water buffalo which Brianna and I had never done.  So we stopped by at Felix's house (our driver), who made arrangements for us to ride his water buffalo.  

Felix and his wife - such wonderful people!

Can you spot him?  Apparently this is how they keep cool in the hot weather.  But Felix got someone to clean him up for us before we rode him ;)

Pig heads for sale...or legs...roadside market ;)