Through this Homestay program, our daughter became so intrigued by the Japanese culture that her dream was to go to Japan. And she achieved that dream in high school when her Japanese language class went to Japan for almost 2 weeks. That was a couple of years ago, and she still longs to visit Japan. I am so glad she did not go this month!
With a tragedy as large as this, it is hard to determine what we can each do to help. There is no worse feeling than helplessness as we stand on one continent so far away, safe and protected from the horror. I fear what will happen to "my children" over in Japan. I fear what may have already happened to them and their families. Though I've been able to reach some via Facebook (THANK YOU, FACEBOOK!!!), others are out of touch.
What can I do to make a difference? The only thing I can do: donate money for relief efforts. Cash is a cold commodity in some ways, but it is what Japan and its residents will need in the coming months and years to recover from such widespread devastation. I'll be making a donation to the Red Cross from me and my family, but there's more I can do.
1.) I will be donating 100% of my income from all my ebook sales during March to the Japan earthquake relief fund at the Red Cross. Ebook sales are easier for me to track, and truthfully, I sell far more ebooks than print books. I hope that this brings my readers a measure of satisfaction. By purchasing one of my ebooks, you have helped Japan's recovery.
To my dear Kumiko, Akari and Yuki, I am so relieved that you and your families are safe and I pray that you remain safe. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, and with all of Japan.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
bestselling Canadian author
http://www.cherylktardif.com
http://www.twitter.com/cherylktardif
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4 comments:
On behalf of my niece and her husband (in Tokyo)and their family and friends throughout Japan, thank you for your prayers and your generosity.
What a wonderful thing to do. My family engaged in international exchanges like the one you participated in. I remember being sweet on one student from Mexico. My mother kept in touch with him for year afterward.
I'm glad your extended family is safe and I hope they remains so.
Alison
PJ, thank you for stopping by. I wish you and your family and friends safe travels and only good news.
I won't stop praying for Japan.
I wish I could do more.
Thanks, Alison. It was very easy to become attached to our kids. And Jessica became very attached to her Japanese families when she was there. I hope they are all safe. I am so saddened by the loss of life over there.
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