As you are all aware, on Friday the 11th of March 2011, Japan has been hit by a catastrophic magnitude 9.0 earthquake followed by a devestating tsunami and more than 150 aftershocks with a magnitude highter than 5.0 - every news channel is broadcasting about it, my Twitter stream is full of heartfelt messages to the population of Japan and donation pleas.
私の祈りはあなた達と共にあります
The pictures and continous coverage of the disaster are unbelievable. When I woke up to the news on Friday morning (Twitter) and turned the television on to watch CNN at 7.13am in the morning I couldn't believe my eyes and ears...the sheer damage the tsunami left behind as well as the aftermath of it all is heart-breaking to watch and I practically lap up every piece of semi-positive news about surviviors and the arrival of rescue troops and resources from all around the world.
I have no family or friends in Japan but it doesn't ease the worry and the hope that the combined world-wide assitance means we can help the Japanese people get back on their feet as soon as possible.
Just about every charity I can think of has pledged their assitance which is why I am not going to list a bunch of links where you can donate except for the above reference to the American Redcross text donation. If you want to help (and are able to) you really can't miss all links referring you to credible donation sides. Even Facebook games are participating, offering virtual premium goods with 100% of the profits going to Japan to provide funding for emergency services, medical support, resources such as food and water, clothing, etc.
Being a writer at heart (even though I have been slacking severely lately) I felt the need to reach for virtual pen and paper to put my thoughts on the terrible, terrible disaster out there even though I don't really have any words to express my feelings - they are all over the place. I am heart-broken and will do my bit to help in every way I can, just like a good friend of mine (@Bru_Baker) who has pledged support to Japan by donating a story which you can bit for - check for more information here.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this blog. It is, without a doubt, one of thousands but I pray for Japan and its wonderful people at this difficult time - you are in my heart and in my thoughts and I am sending you all the love I have and more even though it does little to relieve the pain, I am sure.
