*Doug was at work full time today but didn't get much work done. He said what may impede them getting back to seeing patients as usual is not having laundry capability at the hospital which is still running on generators. No clean scrubs=no seeing patients!
*The schools also don't have power so no school for the kids tomorrow either. (This week was supposed to be when 3rd grade and up did "Terra Nova" standardized testing. Max is thrilled to be missing school.)
*When Doug came home for lunch today, he grabbed Max and our neighbor Thomas. They went and picked up the clothing collected by church members and took it to the middle school gym.
Max (age 9) took these pictures.
*Clearly, the people of Misawa are awesome and generous despite the emotional upheaval of the last few days. Evidently they had to stop collecting donations for a time because they were getting SO MUCH and didn't have a distribution system set up. But that was remedied and arranged and collections were continued.
*I heard tonight that the Fitness Center on-base is housing some refugees. They aren't allowed to leave the building un-escorted (or the base at all) so a neighbor of mine is trying to arrange for people to host and feed them in our homes. More on that when I know more.
*We're in a very strange state of limbo right now. Doug is back at work (not working)...but the kids aren't back at school. The power is on...but it might go off at any time. The earthquakes and aftershocks keep coming...yet no one really pays attention to them now. Things here seem relatively normal...and yet nothing is the same. It's
*We appreciate all of your prayers, love and concern. Keep 'em coming. It's means a lot that people are thinking and worrying about us.
*Again, at this time they are not asking for people to mail things from the states. The best way to help is to donate money. I don't know much about which charities are trying to help, but I do know the L.D.S. church IS, and that 100% of your donation goes directly to the recovery effort. None is used for overhead. Also, I know the Red Cross is already established here on-base and already helping.
*On his way up to bed, Doug noticed there is an inch of new snow on the ground. It's going to be a cold night for those without adequate shelter or heat!
