Hope Amidst the Rubble

Some of you who are up on current events may have heard about the earthquake that happened in Indonesia at the beginning of November. Some have even been asking if I'm ok. I am sure by now you assume you would have heard something if I wasn't, but just to clear the air I am alright. The earthquake measured 7.6 and hit the island of Sumatra (a different island than the one I live on). I don't know the exact stats (and strangely couldn't find it when I did a quick search online) but last I heard they were estimating up towards 1000 people have died as a result of the earthquake. Many more were injured and many people lost their homes and businesses. Efforts are still being made to dig through the rubble and help those who have been hurt. The largest city near the epicenter is the city of Padang. Padang is the capital and largest city of West Sumatra (located on the coast). The landlord of the house we live in actually lives in Padang. After a couple weeks we finally heard from him and he is alright, but his store collapsed and was destroyed. While we have not been directly effected here (we are way too far away to have felt the earthquake), there are indirect effects that are reaching us. Several of the dads of my students are in Padang right now helping in the relief efforts. A few of them drove all the way there and took supplies and donations to give away. At church and school we are collecting clothes and other items along with money that might be given to those who are without basic necessities because of the earthquake. If you would like to give to the relief efforts that are happening through the expats that live here and are seeing the needs first hand, send me an email and I can get you information on how to give. Here's just a few pictures to bring the devastation to life:

(Photo taken from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33085687/)

(Photo taken from http://www.theage.com.au/world/second-quake-hits- sumatra-as-death-toll-soars-20091001-gd43.html) And some photos sent back from one of the dads in Padang right now:

In the midst of the rubble these children are laughing.

Nearly 25 schools have been destroyed. Here's a temporary school building set up by some of the relief workers.

Another truck load of goods to be distributed. Apparently the Spanish government sent some representatives to give away a million dollars. Somehow this dad got connected with them and has been helping them with translation and distribution of donations.

hope amidst the rubble