Japan

 
                                 

This whole tragedy in Japan has hit me harder than I imagined it would since I learned of it. I am not asking "why" or anything. I understand that the Lord allows these things to happen. I believe that the chance of hearts now being softened towards the gospel has increased because of this. Many times in the scriptures things of this nature have occurred with a positive outcome. I just feel so helpless.

A dear family from our ward in Hiroshima has a daughter currently serving a mission in the very area this event has happened. I immediately thought of her. I was relieved to hear a day later that she was OK. My very best friend in Japan has a sister who lives in Tokyo and happened to be away traveling. She was unable to return home because the roads were not passable. She had to sleep in an elementary school with only a blanket. 2 days later when she was able to return home, she commented that the whole experience left her feeling like a war refugee.

I have a very dear, dear friend whose family currently lives in Korea. She is working on her masters and regularly travels to that area in Japan for a conference. The conference is always held on a Thursday and Friday. For the first time ever the days were changed to a Monday and Tuesday of the very week the earthquake and tsunami hit. If the days hadn't been changed, she would have been there at the very time. I consider it a true miracle!

I know with time my sorrow will pass. I hope that I am able to serve in some way. Humanitarian service is something I have always desired to do. I do what I can in my own area, but each and every time something like this happens around the world, I yearn to be able to reach out and give comfort to those who have been affected. Maybe one day I will be given the opportunity to fulfill this.

So, to all my friends in Japan, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you!