In the last few weeks we have heard of the earthquake disaster in China. The area where this took place is close to where I visited in December of 2007.

My Chinese family was not harmed in this event, and for this I am very grateful. The effect of such suffering has affected them dramatically. I have had many conversations with them since the afternoon when this disaster took place.

The many communications have consisted of their concerns and ­sorrow over the pain and the death of their fellow countrymen. I have had several phone conversations that were filled with words and tears.

One week after the earthquake, in the midmorning here an aftershock occurred. There is a twelve-hour difference between here and there, so it was late in the evening. People were in bed or preparing for sleep. Even though Chongqing is miles from where the main damage took place, fears are high throughout the area.

Su Li

Su Li, my friend was in bed, about to go to sleep, when she felt her apartment building shake from the aftershock. She quickly exited her 20th story apartment and went down to the street below looking for a safe place. Nervous and fearful, she called me from her cell phone. About one block from her home is a Wal-Mart Super center. In front is an enormous park area where people often sit and enjoy the benches and fountains. This May evening it had suddenly been converted into a campground.

Families had emptied apartment buildings looking for the same safe place that Su Li was looking for, all coming to Wal-Mart with pillows and blankets determined to sleep under the open skies of the streets.

Having been to this Wal-Mart many times during my December visit, a clear image of this scene has run through my mind. The terror felt by these folks was in my mind and the safety of Lily (Su Li) was on my mind during her phone call. All I could offer was a calm voice and loving support. Ten thousand miles away, there was nothing I could do. I felt a closeness to her as we spoke and I tried to comfort her.
Imagine in a city of 32 million people, fear and confusion as they filled the parks, squares and open spaces. The image haunts me ­every day.

The Chinese people are very strong, and adaptable. Lily tells me, mei wen ti (no problem) we will come out of this ­stronger and better prepared for earthquakes in the future. I am impressed by the emails and phone calls I have had with my friends across the sea. Their strength is an inspiration to me.

Things are beginning to settle down in Chongqing, as a short trip away to Chendu the suffering continues. The people are working to regain some normalcy and comfort.

My heart goes out to the many ­Chinese people who are still reeling from the suffering and loss. Prayers and positive thoughts are needed to help bring the good times back to this area.

I encourage everyone to offer what ever you can to aid the efforts in Chendu. Prayers, good thoughts and even some small amount of money could be an important part of their recovery.

My “View From The Road” reflects back to my home in China. This is where a piece of my heart ­remains. My Chinese family, friends and my adopted countrymen are always with me.

    

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