November is full of surprises and sadness

This November was one of the most challenging and surprising months of our lives. It wasn't a pleasant surprise that brought smiles, but a bitter one in the form of a sudden flash flood that swept through our village, Gampong Blang. Days of incessant heavy rain caused the river to overflow, and the embankment broke, sending water and thick mud into our homes without mercy.

current condition of the house

When the waters began to rise, we could only salvage what we could. But within minutes, mud began to pour in, carrying logs, sand, and trash, turning the house into a sea of ​​brown. The furniture we had accumulated over the years was instantly destroyed. Teak cupboards, mattresses, clothes, and even kitchen utensils were all covered in mud, and much else was rendered unusable. A mixture of sadness and resignation filled the air as we watched our once-comfortable home transform into a place filled with filth and the smell of mud.

uninvited guests come again and enter the house

Outside the house, conditions were not much different. Roads were cut off, power was completely cut off, and communication was also lost. Residents could only help each other with whatever tools they had, working together to clean their homes and evacuate those still trapped. Although exhausted, this togetherness made us a little stronger to face this disaster. November truly taught us a lesson in resilience. We learned that anything we have can be lost in the blink of an eye, and that the most important thing is the safety of ourselves and our families. Seeing our homes covered in mud is painful, but seeing our families safe is the greatest blessing for which we should be grateful.

mud left inside the house

my mother looks resigned to this situation

Now that the waters have receded, a new struggle begins. Cleaning the house, repairing any furniture that might still be usable, and trying to rebuild the lives that were temporarily halted. Although exhausting, our enthusiasm remains. The support from neighbors, family, and villagers has made us believe that every disaster brings a silver lining.

November may bring deep sadness, but we believe that after trials comes ease. We just need to keep trying, support each other, and remain confident that the future will be better than today.