I have been wathcing the news coverage here in Beijing on CCTV 9. They have been having almost round the clock coveage of the massive earthquake in Szechuan Province. The quake measured 7.8 on the Richter Scale! That is absolutely huge. I have been glued to the TV, often moved to tears, as the rescue workers have been pulling survivors out of the rubble.

Of course, my first thought was of all my students who have families in the area. I hope and pray your families are all safe and sound. It must be a worriesome time for those who have family in the area. I have one young friend whose mom and dad live around ChengDu. He said they are both find, but that many people are sleeping outside because they are afraid to go inside. I have never been in an earthquake that big, but I have talked to people who were in the quake in Los Angeles. I was in Reno at the time and a friend moved back to Reno and said she would never live in L.A. again, it was so frightening. I can’t imagine.

I was glad to see that our workplace had a box set up for donations. We were happy to be able to give some cash to help the survivors who will have a long road ahead of them as they try to recover and rebuild their lives.

Well, has anyone ever lived through an earthquake or other natural disastor? We had a terrible flood in Reno. Nevada a few years ago and the mess was substantial. We were glad to be able to help people scoop the black muck out of their houses after the waters receded. We were lucky to be living on high ground. Reno was also very lucky that not many people died. There was mostly water damage.

Let me know what your thoughts are on this terrible disaster.