One year ago today, a devastating magnitude 9.0 earthquake hit Japan. The damage from the quake and resulting tsunami caused incalculable and unimaginable loss of life and property. Hope seemed dim in the darkness of despair.
But the human spirit can rise like a phoenix from the ashes, and people can connect across seemingly insurmountable physical and cultural divides. This video chronicles the spirit of the survivors who are rebuilding their lives, and it is a moving tribute to the American English teacher, Taylor Anderson, who comforted and encouraged the children in her classroom that day until their parents picked them up, but left the school too late to save herself. It is also a heart-warming expression of thanks from the people of Japan to all those countries, organizations, and millions of generous individuals who responded with help and support, food and water, manpower and money.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS-sWdAQsYg
How can we harness this magnificent outpouring of love and generosity to illuminate other areas of darkness in the world?
I’ve just learned that my then-nine-year old cousin, Clark Landry near Denver, Colorado, raised over $1,000 last year for the victims of this natural disaster. I’m so proud of our young people who are learning about service to others at such a young age.
Awesome Clark! We should all encourage our kids to give – recycle last year’s Christmas gifts to a shelter, collect money for a cause, take time with Mom and Dad to volunteer at a shelter…
Yes, yes yes…great ideas, Karen!
This video from the Japanese people had me in tears. What an awesome “thank you.” I have had a small taste of tragedy here … last June we had a devastating flood in Minot, ND. While it was happening, and for a week or so, the national news was all over this place. Now, while the recovery is going on, you see nothing about it on the national news, just an occasional story on the local news. And still we have thousands of people in temporary trailers and “homeless” because of the gouged apartment and rental property costs.
Yes, it’s sad that recovery isn’t nearly as newsworthy as devastation.
Your taste of tragedy was not so small, Karen. I know your life is still somewhat in transition because of it.
Hi Elizabeth, I was so happy to find your blog (via Karen!), if only because I have so often found myself wondering why we so rarely hear the REAL story of recovery after such unimaginable tragedy’s come along to devastate a nation and the reporters and cameras have drifted away. I am so in awe of such immense love and strength of spirit. It truly warms the heart. Thank you so very much for sharing this beautiful video 🙂
Barbara, you’ve made a fascinating observation — the things that see, to get in the news are all about tragedy and loss and greed and scandal. These “rest of the story” pieces get lost in the shuffle. I really appreciate your visiting my blog and especially for leaving such a nice comment.
Thanks for sharing this video. I found you with help from Karen Elliott.
Stacy, thank you for visiting — Karen is an awesome supporter! I’m heading over to check out your link too.