From the Periphery of the Earthquake Zone

Another “just a quick note,” this time  to let you know that the movers come in an hour, and internet/phone will not be hooked up until March 18 at our new place. SO . . . if you don’t hear from us for a while, its not (probably   )that anything has happened to us. Also, my e-mail program, which I also use as a sort of “to-do” list, has totally crashed, and I can’t get to my extensive e-mail “filing system”. So if you sent me a work item on e-mail and it doesn’t get done (or you’re afraid it might not), maybe send me another post. When I get it, I will be reminded.

Life is still a bit crazy here. We lived in Sendai for seven years, and many places we know well are affected deeply by the quake and tsunami. Pray especially for Pastor Hori and his family. No one I know has heard from them yet.

Here in Chiba we are glad to have water and electricity. In our new place we will have gas as well  (hot bath tonight!) .  We’ve had no trouble finding some stores with food.  Many of our friends are not so fortunate.  Some cook on campfires and stand in line for 4 hours for 2 liters of water per person.  Some are melting snow for drinking water.

We hear conflicting reports about the nuclear plants.  We carry a flashlight in our pockets as black outs are predicted.  We avoid the elevator.  Our next apartment will be on the 3rd floor (6th floor here), so that will be easier too.