I was reading the streamlined news of the CNN about the earthquake and the quake-triggered tsunami that struck Japan last Friday. I couldn’t help to be teary eyed as survivors retold their stories how they clung to their dear life with whatever thing they could grab out from nowhere. I couldn’t contain the anguish within me as they recounted how they saw their wives, brothers, sisters, children, friends mercilessly swept away by the gigantic numerous waves and strong current of rushing seawater.
Sometime in July 1990, Northern Philippines was also struck by a strong earthquake. I was still in Grade school then. It happened late in the afternoon and were still in school. I remembered the frightened faces of parents as they rush in our school to get their children. That night, my family and I slept at the sala and I remembered how I trembled in fright as our house shook up due to aftershocks. If that was been so dreadful and frightening, I couldn’t imagine the terror the Japanese people had felt, how frightened they had been as the ground shook up and solidly built buildings and various infrastructures crumbled around them. Imagine how some may not have recovered yet from the terror they’ve encountered from the earthquake, here comes the wailing of a siren signalling another catastrophic tsunami coming. I couldn’t comprehend that scenario, that ordeal, that struggle of survival, that dilemma of how will you protect yourself and your family of these almost concurring events. As if those tragedy were not enough, here comes the fear of a nuclear meltdown, the fear of nuclear contamination. I couldn't grasp the devastation they may feel right now. I am as devastated as the after-picture of the affected areas is.
I am too small individual, too ordinary person to help. But I offer my prayers to these people. AS much as it looked like God abandoned Japan, I don’t think that is the truth. I see God in the accounts of the survivors. I see God in the form of a floor mat, of a tree, of a roof, of a helping stranger, of a united nations joining forces to help them...I see Him everywhere. Yes, even if I can’t help, I know my God can. That’s why I offer my prayers to them. It may sound like a joke, but I’ll trade my one month blessings for God to give these people HOPE and COURAGE and COMFORT in this time of loss, grief, and confusion. God bless Japan!
