|
 |
|
|
However on December 26th 2004 Nature dealt a wrathful hand in the form of a giant tsunami that wiped out so much of the loveliness She had created out there in the Indian Ocean. (As yet) uncountable numbers died, though fortunately none of our beloved friends and acquaintances were hurt. The world mourns, indeed people who have barely heard of Sri Lanka wept openly here in distant Los Angeles. But what counts now is action. I knew I must volunteer and go. And because I write and people say they like to read my stories, I have decided to share the experiences via the Internet. Connections were always bad (under 1k per second on bad days!), and I'm sure they are worse than ever, but with patience I can upload photographs of the work and people I meet. Sponsors can see what I am up to with their precious money. There will be faces, places and tragedies, I'm sure. But I know these people - this is Asia - there is a philosophy and resilience there that we do not have in the West. There will be friendliness and joy among the survivors. It is something to look forward to and honour. This is not an exercise in vainglory but an attempt to allow you to share a more intimate experience with someone who knows the country and is there. It won't be news pap or media hysterics. Just the people, the land, the action. I hope you log on often to check. |
||
