THIS is a true story.
Many decades ago, a very old man had a vision. Some called him mad. To others, a prophet. He said it came to him in a dream that every member of his flock, millions of people around the globe, should store up one year’s supply of food and water.
Ah … sure.
The concept he expounded was one of complete self-sufficiency so that when the bad times come —and having been a survivor like you, dear reader, of superstorm Yolanda, you know what I mean —you would have plenty to go around when there is no clean water, no electricity and no help coming for days or possibly weeks.
Gosh … that sounds like a pretty good idea.
But in reality when we are all economically challenged one way or another, is it really possible to store up enough food andwater to get you an entire year— let alone through the really tough times?
Here at Casa Ruffolo—our home here in Cebu—we were recently put to this test. The water main for our complex broke and we (in the collective sense) were left without fresh drinking water for one week. The local supply of bottled water ran out and there was nary a drop to drink.
What water we did have had to fill up baby bottles of powdered milk for Baby Jeffrey Jr.
Each day I was left to “shower” with a small scoop of water, barely enough to brush my teeth.
Having been laid down low, I contemplated this theory of a “Year’s Supply” and have some ideas to share:
Don’t buy one—buy two. When you have the extra pesos, buy an extra can of corn, package carton of milk or a razor or two at the supermarket. It will extend your budget by not having key food and personal items on hand and not having to always run back out to the store.
Being neighborly. Perhaps one of your neighbors next door or around the corner could use an extra package of sugar or baking soda. It’s
a great way to make new friends by extending the hand of fellowship.
Barter anyone? It’s an old fashioned concept but you can easily barter or exchange your food items for something you and your family might need. For example, when it was time to take our long delayed honeymoon, I took my wife Cris Evert to Paris for no cash—simply bartered out my professional services for two round-trip airline tickets.
When disaster strikes. Storing up a supply of food for a month or two doesn’t make you a hoarder—it makes one thrifty and wise as you share your lunch or dinner meals with neighbors nearby who are unfortunately not as
prepared as you.
Dear reader, there is going to be another superstorm Yolanda that will strike the Philippines—perhaps straight on at Cebu City.
It’s just a matter of time.
Are you ready? Do you have food and clean water set aside for just such an emergency?
Being self-sufficient is more than just about food. What about those unused clean clothes you set aside weeks ago in your attic? What about toilet paper? Do you have any extra batteries for your AM radio so you can listen to
official reports of what is happening around you?
Clearly, dialing in for the latest weather reports about a Category Five superstorm heading your way would be worth stocking away the essentials when it’s sunny and warm outside.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Be street smart and start getting ready now for the big one that will be coming.
Just as that old prophet told us … it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.
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Questions, comments or travel suggestions, write me at [email protected].
