The Power of Experience: Japan's Earthquake

I don't know what it is that makes me so interested in the recent earthquake in Japan.... maybe it's because my grandma is from Japan... I think it's because of the power an experience can have.  If you've been living under a rock...  last Friday a 9.0 earthquake hit off the Northeast coast of Japan.  

Huge tsunamis then tumbled over cities destroying everything.  The death toll is almost 3, 700 last I hear with thousands of people missing!

It's incredible to me that things like this happen.  It's a little reminder to me that humanity isn't as in control of our universe as we think we are.  We are so insignificant.  One thing that has commanded my attention through all this is the Japanese people. I've read lots of tragic and inspiring stories and I'd like to share some.  I read about one grandmother who was carried upstairs by her 25 year old granddaughter.  The granddaughter returned downstairs to get her infant daughter when both were swept away as waves broke through the windows.  A 60 year-old man clung to his rooftop for several days until he was found 10 miles off the coast by a helicopter.  I saw pictures of soldiers praying over bodies of victims.  I saw the faces of those who had lost loved ones and those who had found them.

     

One of my favorite stories is that of a young couple who's 4-month old girl was swept from their arms by the water.  The two survived the disaster and took refuge in their ruined house.  As soldiers from Japan's Self-Defense Forces came to Ishinomaki, they searched for bodies through the rubble.  While searching, they heard a baby cry.  They found the baby girl under a pile of debris where she had survived for three days.  She was then reunited with her parents!

Horrible things happen.  But, I love how much good can still be found.  We can be grateful for miracles and comfort those that need comfort.  I'm grateful that God is watching over each of us and I hope He sends a little extra love and hope to Japan from me.