A story of hope surrounded by anguish

I get more overwhelmed as I read the rising death tolls and damage from the tsunami’s recently. We American’s have experienced our own disasters (Mount St. Helens, 9/11, Hurricane Hugo etc), but we have the resources to respond as a nation. Sure it puts a larger burden on our deficit, but think about a small island country that is just trying to pull out of “third world” status. Think about these people who’s livelyhood is totally destroyed, or worse–their family gone. They won’t be able to recover on their own. I’m glad to see the international community rush to their aid (squabbles about amounts accepted, of course).

That’s why I was encouraged to read this article about a 12 year old schoolgirl who had just studied about tsunami’s in class not long before she was on the beaches of Thailand for a holiday. As she watched the tide rush out due to the incoming wave, she recognized the signs and they were able to warn the beach goers to clear out safely. No major injuries were reported from that area. Yes, that doesn’t help the other millions who have been affected feel better, but it is good to rejoice in stuff like this.

Here’s the article: Schoolgirl Saves Lives

As a side note, a good friend of mine knew someone who was over there at the time. So far, we haven’t heard anything from this person. We’ll pray and see.