I've been mesmerized by all the news covering the disaster in Japan at the moment. It is completely heart-wrenching.
I know that I felt certain negativity in my last little while over there, and I still stick with my feelings on certain issues, but it doesn't stop me from feeling personally affected by this.
Living in a place for 7 years, makes it become a part of you. And I will always have a part of Japan in me.
I've praised the integrity and tenacity of the Japanese people in the past. A few articles I've written about Japan and the Japanese in Suite 101, I've praised the sense of community and duty to their neighbours they have. And it can be seen now with this tragedy.
Many are surprised that Japan was affected the way it was. I've been reading many blogs and posted comments on other sites of people brushing it off, as they believe since Japan was the most prepared country for eathquakes, they'll be just fine. They'll come out of this and recover quickly.
I have no doubt that they will come out of this. As I mentioned before, the Japanese are tenacious. They know what endurance is and are very good at it. But it has to be acknowledged that after receiving blow after blow, even the strongest community begins to falter.
They are dealing with:
First, an earthquake with a magnitude that could've probably woken Mount Fuji if it was closer to the volcano.
Then before they could stabilize their feet on the broken ground, a tsunami came. And not just any tsunami, but a wave so strong and powerful, it crossed the pacific ocean and reached the western shore.
Then, before they could get their head above water, literally, the nuclear reactor explosions leaking radiation occurred.
There are tens of thousands of people who have lost homes, family members, possible health and are still courageously supporting one another through terrible after-shocks, (some news broadcasts reporting over 450 with some reaching the high 6's and 7's on the Richter scale!), snowy weather, declining emergency supplies...I have to hand it to them....this is a true test to their character and country.
If this was a different country, the looting and crime would most likely have escalated, yet through it all, the Japanese have remained calm, composed and strong. We could learn from them in all this.
My heart goes out to them. They will get back on their feet, but in the meantime, I hope they get the help that they have always given to other nations in their time of need.
This is raw footage from someone who videotaped the incoming tsunami. It shows just how fast and powerful the water is and how quickly it rose to take people's possessions, homes and unfortunately, lives.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpuLlIrUYsI
I am thinking and praying for you, Japan.
