When the 2 disasters struck almost back to back, i couldn't help but think, what were the chances that members of your family were in those very places that they occured? but thank GOD, both of them are safe and sound now.
Things with Cho Mar were abit more challenging as communication lines were less open than that in China. While we were able to reach our stepmom on mobile a couple of hours after the e'quake struck in Chongqing, we were only able to get news of Cho Mar only 3 weeks after the cyclone, and most of it by word of mouth.
Anyhow, it was great to see them both back home today and to hear first hand accounts of what was happening in those parts of the nation.
What to me was heart-rending, was to find out that Cho Mar's sister-in-law and a niece and nephew were caught in the cyclone as their home was in the Irrawaddy region of Myanmar and were killed. Her brother missed the cyclone because he had left his home to welcome her back at their parent's place. I can't really imagine what he must be going through, to have lost everything he had in this one night but he seems determined to move on with life now, away from the Irrawaddy region, now first staying with the parents.
My step family in Chongqing are pretty safe except for the occasional tremors from the aftershocks but it's hard to discount the suffering of other people in the surrounding regions. One female reporter who was from their town came back seeking psychological counsel after spending days at the site that was worst-hit. She was said to have been left in a state of helplessness as she heard weakened voices calling out for help from amidst the rubble since she could do very little about the heavy cement and steel overlaid upon them. When she went back the next day, all was silent. That sense of helplessness and the eventual cold, stillness of the disaster site took its toll on her mentally and i would believe, also on many rescue workers on site as well. It takes not only physical strength but also psychological strength for these rescue workers to continue being on site.
Sometimes it's easy to forget the suffering of not the dead, but the survivors and living affected in these disasters when they are not before us. While we may be appalled by the increasing death toll, I wonder how many more "victims" there are psychologically. The victims of disasters are not only the dead, but of the surviving, and while prayers are often offered for the dead in various religions, let's also remember the living in this time and those directly involved in the rescue mission.
Lord, we commit to you every family member that has experienced loss and every aid worker that's on ground zero in Myanmar and China. I pray that in this time of grief, they would call upon You and come to find rest and peace in You. I thank you that you have sent the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter and I pray that in this time, they may find the greatest comfort in You. I pray that you'll provide for every need they have, physical and psychological and i pray that you may send people who know You to share your love and comfort with them this time. Thank You that You are there with us in our pain and in our darkest moments. Thank You so much that you are close to the broken-hearted and You save those who are crushed in spirit (Ps 34:18). May your name be praised in this time as Your love shines through these darkest hours. May you continue to soften our hearts towards the suffering of others and love them as You do. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Thanks for this post Ivy. You don't know how timely it is for me. My friend just passed away this morning and I was quite uncontrollable. My boss was with me....thank God for caring bosses. Her hugs were just what I needed. The fact that she sat and cried with me helped alot too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this, Ivy. I stand with you in prayer, especially for the survivors and those who have experienced loss.
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