Travel Whoops

We were traveling yesterday and I remember my blog at around 10:30 - just as I was drifting off to sleep. Ah well.

Gas spiked the morning of our departure, and I had heard it was limited to only southern Illinois, but has been higher in Indiana and Kentucky as well (though certainly not as high).

We caught the coverage of Hurricane Ike the night before last and were simply stunned by its size and the coverage it was receiving. Although it seemed from CNN's coverage the National Weather Service may have used a little too much exaggeration in stating "certain death," it also seems like it was necessary to evacuate everyone and to secure the area as much as possible. Waves 20 feet high are not something to mess with.

Of course, many Texans decided to stay, despite the warnings, and the total toll in terms of human and financial damage is yet to be known. I certainly hope people remained safe and that this storm does not further weaken our already troubled economy.

I know I've written about it before, but Andy and I both worry we are in for some dark times ahead... days of struggle and difficulty that may shake our nation's philosophies and require a new definition from a social and cultural perspective. If we do face such a rebirth, let's hope we emerge from the ashes stronger, wiser, and renewed in a way that will help generations beyond us prosper and evolve.

The What and How of Why

Yesterday's quake in Japan caught me and Andy by surprise. A few hours earlier, we had heard Dolly was being downgraded as it approached Texas, which was a great relief, but that news was followed by reports of devastation overseas, and we immediately thought of China and Myanmar.

As of today, 200 people have been injured in Japan; however, there have been no deaths reported, which is quite a blessing. The quake was rated a 6.8, and apparently even Tokyo felt it.

Meanwhile, in Texas, the damage was not as bad as had been feared. Hundreds of thousands are without power as relief efforts continue, and disaster funds are being okayed for 15 counties. Mexico was hit as well, and then had to face Tropical Storm Genevieve directly afterward, leading to at least eight deaths by drowning.

Earthquake relief continues in China as new housing is provided for a small percentage of the 4.8 million people left homeless, and donations are still being collected in support of the massive recovery process required.

Unfortunately, the exchange system in Myanmar has drastically reduced the value and impact of foreign donations, leaving 2.4 million people affected by the storms with inadequate aid in the wake of so much damage. The U.N. is attempting to work with the government to improve the situation and ensure the intended donations reach their recipients at full value.

I share all this for multiple reasons: Maybe you were hoping to add a few people or places to your prayers. Maybe you actually find yourself with some cash to spare in the midst of our economic crisis and you weren't sure what to do with it. Maybe hearing about these things will help shed light on a bad day or make a few concerns feel smaller and less pressing.

Advocacy comes in many forms, as does assistance, compassion, and encouragement. However you choose to proceed today, may you encounter peace and safety.