Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Japan - fleeing and feeling and donating

So, as most of you probably know, I have been living in Japna for the last year. And with all of the things going on in Japan lately, I have received SO many wonderful comments and e-mails from you guys inquiring about my safety. First of all, I just want to say thank you SO much. I really appreciate all of your thoughts and concerns, and I am sure Japan and all of the Japanese people do as well.

Second of all, yes, I am safe. The area I live in was basically unaffected. I felt the quake a little bit (I was actually teaching 2 year olds at the time, and the building we were in shook like we were in a boat for about 4 minutes - the worst we got was some crying two year olds. And me feeling motion sick), but other than that my area was unaffected.

Still, because my family was worrying so much (and let's face it, when it came to radiation, me, too), I have returned to the states. It was a little bit crazy going through everything to get my re-entry permit and a last minute flight and to get myself packed, but now I have safely arrived in Colorado with my sister.

I've been a little bit blah and a little bit depressed about the whole situation, so I've been doing my best to avoid the internet. I'm therefore super sorry about the lack of reviews lately. I know I had promised some reviews for the 15th/16th, and if you are one of those people to whom I promised a review, I am incredibly sorry. They'll be up soon! Now that I'm starting to return to life a little bit.

Now, I know you all want to help Japan (I know I can't watch the news without crying and feeling sick), and what they need more than anything right now is money. There are lots of great ways to donate, and I hope you will. For a list of donation possibilites, go check out this article. If I can manage to get back on my feet anytime soon, I might have some kind of donation giveaway.

In the meantime, please keep Japan (and Libya, of course) in your thoughts (and prayers, if you have those), and I'll try to start posting reviews again soon. I have been on a mega YA kick to try to fluff this disaster out of my mind.

9 comments:

Zombie Girrrl said...

Glad you're safe! I didn't know you lived in Japan; I knew one blogger I followed did, just not who.
As for the relief effort, I thought it might cheer you up to know that the Catholic Church had a collection on Sunday for the victims in Japan. I'm 99% sure it was a nation-wide decision by the bishops of the US to dedicate a second collection to Japan, so that's a lot of money. I hope and pray that it will help relieve their suffering.
I hope you're back on your feet soon. I'll keep you, as well as the people of Japan, in my prayers.

Tales of Whimsy said...

OMG So glad to hear you are ok! *hugs* I think you made the right decision.

Daniel said...

じゃ、君の安全な事に関して、よかったね。僕もニュースを見て悲しくなるけどさ。。すぐお金を送って上げたい。たくさんお金が送りたいけど、今仕事ないです。でも、一生懸命助けてあげようね!

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

I kept meaning to stop by and check in with you. I wasn't sure what was going on since you hadn't posted anything. Just SO glad that you're okay. It is heartbreaking for us to watch, but I'm sure it's even worse for those of you who lived there. My thoughts go out to you and to everyone affected by these terrible disasters. Will you be returning? Keep us posted.

Kath said...

Hey - glad to hear you're safe and sound. I figured since you were in Okazaki that all would be well. My sister in law's family were in Saitama and all were OK too. Are you going to stay in the States or return to Japan once it's all settled down? Hope you feel better soon - it's a horrible situation over there x

Heather G. said...

So glad you are safe. All the people have been in my thoughts since this horrible disaster. I hope that they can get back on their feet soon. Thanks for the update.

Liz @ Cleverly Inked said...

I could only imagine how hard it was for you to return home. I am so glad you are safe. Though I don't know you personally, I have been following both of your blogs forever and you eventually feel you know some fellow bloggers. Happy to know you are safe and well.

Esme said...

I am glad to know that you are safe. I checked on your blog the first few days to see if there was any postings from you. It is a very sad tragedy what has happened in Japan. While it must be depressing to be back in the US under these conditions I do think it is the best decision for now.

Unknown said...

Glad to hear that you're safe! I have a few friends in the same boat having returned home due to their families worrying.

Such a horrible tragedy - my thoughts are with everyone affected.

And hope you feel better soon :-)

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