Prayers to Japan

I am sure many of you know what happened a few days ago in Japan – a massive 8.9 earthquake struck the nation of Japan affecting the northeastern coast with a large and fast moving tsunami carrying debris, vehicles, houses, and mini fires. I actually didn’t know about the event until I was in Japanese class on Friday when a student asked my professor if her family is safe. It was only when I looked up more news and videos about the disaster that it finally sunk in. Scenes of the tsunami coming in and cars trying to escape, the shaking from the quake recorded by civilians – both Japanese and foreigners, the threat of the nuclear reactor malfunctioning as they couldn’t cool it down… It just seemed surreal that something like this could ever happen. I was worried about my friends and host family’s safety and well being as I wasn’t sure to what degree it affected the entire country. Quickly signing on Facebook and saw many of my friends status updates with messages saying they were fine and it didn’t affect where they were living, which was a huge sigh of relief. However, I was still worried about my host family and another friend who doesn’t use Facebook and sent emails to them. Within a few days I got replies from them and that they were fine. I never been so grateful for the Internet and its ability to connect to people when other types of technology may be down.

Even though I knew everyone I was close to were safe, I couldn’t shake off this feeling of uneasiness and this strange emotion the next day. I woke up feeling unexpected tired despite having more than 8 hours of sleep. All I did since I woke up was cook and clean while I had my headphones on but that didn’t see enough to take my mind off that incident. I didn’t know what to do to make myself be productive as I have plenty of things due the coming week. My head felt heavy and it felt like it took a lot of my energy just to raise it. I felt like crying but no tears are falling down. I felt like talking to someone but then again, would it be enough to bring myself back to normal? Would I be ready for the start of the new week?

I shouldn’t be worrying as I see many trying to move on with their lives – going to school, work, and having fun (one of my friends went golfing the next day) while others are trying to piece back what they had since the catastrophe struck. The country may stop for a day but it will lift its head up and continue moving forward while it picks itself up from the shock. I pray all those who are still missing be found and to stay strong as we work together to help them stand on their own two feet once again.