I couldn’t imagine that catastrophic situation..

Michiyo’s e-mail started off…

“Last time I was in your class, soon after the quake 
occurred, I couldn’t imagine that catastrophic situation. Yes, I thought more 
and more victims would be found, but the reality is far beyond my imagination.”

Michiyo was writing to her classmates to tell them she was all right, that she
would return to our ESL class after the break. She is one of four Japanese
women who attend my class consistently and who add brightness and
a desire to learn to our international mix of second language learners.

“The disaster is too terrible to tell like this,” Michiyo’s e-mail continues,
 “but it brought something good. TV anchors like Diane Sawyer from ABC who
reported from some of the disaster-stricken areas, admired Japanese gracious behavior in such a situation. It’s also nice to know people around the world are worried
and think if they can do anything for Japan.Their sweetness makes my heart warm.”

Our journal writing for that day became a letter to one or all of their Japanese classmates. Here are some of the beautiful words the students put together to try and help.

“Especially at this very heavy and unthinkable time, you are always in our minds.” Klaudia (Germany
)

“I can’t imagine how they feel because all the time when I watch t.v. it makes me very sad and cry.” Gladys (Peru)

“I know Japanese people are strong people, you and the whole country will survive the difficult time. I always ignite a candle in the evening for hope for Japan, your country.” Ladina (Switzerland)

“I know this earthquake nobody can erase, but in the future the history will say: Japan- one more time reborn.” Miguel (Peru)

“I feel sorry for the Japan people. I never met people from Japan before, but I know now how nice they are.” Miledy (Dominican Republic)

“The only thing that I can tell you is that you are warriors. I’m sure that you will and soon, have only a bad memory.” Carlos (Venezuela)

“I wish I could express my feelings like you and I could write like you, but I can’t. This cataclysm happened a few times in my country so I can feel how it is a horrible tragedy.” Navid (Iran)

“I feel sad and powerless to do something from here. We are living in difficult times about our environment and we have to learn by this tragedy to be more compassionate with each other around the world.” Hermogenes (Peru)


Felix, our Ecuadorean poet, has the final word…

“The day of Japan land shakes

the ocean roars like predators

looking for their prey.

Your hearts beat so fast.

tears show on your faces,

prayers on your lips.

Asking God, what did our people do

to suffer in this way?

Bringing the past  to the present

Why do they have to pay?”