Here is how the day went for us: Dad worked from home yesterday because he had an appointment with the dermatologist. After lunch dad just happened to see a report of a Pacific earthquake. We immediately searched for online and TV news to see what was happening. As you and I have come to realize, unless the news affects mainland America it is slow to make it to the networks and so it was hard to find any news reports. Finally dad said he wondered if people were talking about it on Twitter. I reinstated my account and started following. I actually was able to get more news there! We were not, however, able to find much about the Marshalls except that they were under a tsunami warning. Needless to say we were glued to the news the rest of the day. I notified Annie and Angela (your field directors) by email that we wondered how all were making out there. This email was returned as they were off island for 2 weeks. They did receive the next email to the emergency address and said that there were no problems that they knew of. They then followed up later with a post to all parents/families:
Hello Friends and Family of WorldTeach Volunteers,
You may have heard that there was an earthquake early this morning in Samoa that created a tsunami in the Pacific region. The Marshall Islands was among those island groups on watch for the tsunami, but as of 9:30 this morning, the watch was cancelled. We have not been affected at all by the tsunami, and everyone here is fine. I just wanted to let you all know, so that you do not worry.
Thank you,
Annie
We were hoping to hear about you specifically but assume you are OK. People have been checking with us to find out how you are and we say, "No news is good news", just like your grandmother Janelle taught us! : )
American Samoa is a different story...hundreds have lost their lives and President Obama declared it a federal disaster area. Relief supplies and workers are already on the way there. It is quite devastating. Prayers go out to them all. And again I say thank God you did not get that assignment that you wanted so much!!!! We knew this was a possible threat but never actually expected anything to happen.
When bad things happen it is reassuring to talk to family and confirm that people are well and safe and talk to them for that reassurance. This is another frustration with the communications gap we face between you and us. I can only thank God for the level of communication we do have and once again learn to be patient and trust that all will be fine. (When you read this and sigh in frustration about how much we worry I only ask that you turn it around and think of us being in harm's way and you not able to get timely info or talk to us...)
Other news from home: The Sacred Six gathered for Girl's Weekend this past weekend in Bel Air, MD. A great time was had by all. We will be going to Tryon in December for an engagement party for Whitney and Matthew. Dad had another cancer removed from his shoulder-it was squamous cell this time. He says he has now had all three major types! He is doing fine. No major surgery like before! Joel is fine-still working at Belmont. Your uncle is living with his sister for awhile--he had some medical issues and his wife actually hit him and could have hurt him badly, so he is staying away. Sad! We think she has some mental issues that make her super aggressive. I hope they all get help soon.
I miss you so much and can't wait to talk to you again in December. Remember, I love you more..Mom
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