On my mind...Japan

I've been meaning to do an 'On my mind' post for Rhonda's Friday round up for some time.  I had decided today would be the day.  I was intending on doing a post on something in my garden but tonight all I have on my mind is Japan.  I am horrified to watch what is unfolding on the news before us tonight - the tsunami is unbelievable, it is so wrong to watch cars with people inside being swept away and that there are people in strife you can see on camera but cannot help.

Thank goodness for Japanese engineering and strict building practice codes.  Considering that the earthquake is the strongest to have ever hit Japan, measuring 8.9 on the richter scale, many many times times stronger than the one to have hit Christchurch, early pictures don't show the type of building damage from the earthquake you'd fear to see in Tokyo although the buildings sway and shake they remain upright.  The tsunami on the other hand - how can anyone survive that?  There is an oil refinery burning out of control, fears of radiation leaks from nuclear power plants, reports of a ship carrying at least 100 people swept away by the water, whole villages being swamped, no idea yet of how many are missing, how can we help?? 

images above: www.theage.com.au
also following on http://blogs.ft.com/rachmanblog/2011/03/japan-earthquake/ and twitter

Japan has a special place in my heart, it is where Mr Bok and I honeymooned and where I long to return to time and again because of the peace the gardens, the temples and the forests bring and the sweetness of its people and the reverence that the people have for their earth.

I've tried to dig up old pics of our trip to Japan 3 years ago but I can't find the ones I want.  These are some memories I have, a few photos we took whilst there.

My thoughts and prayers are with Japan tonight.