Looks like we have a little da Vinci on our hands. A Japanese kid in northern Japan’s disaster relief area drew an action-packed picture of the US Navy’s Operation Tomodachi (friendship) relief efforts. This photo of the drawing was quickly forwarded around our squadron. As much as Chris means to me, it’s nice to know he means a lot to other people who need him, too.
Earlier this week, Chris flew a 12-hour mission to the USS Ronald Regan to pick up supplies and deliver them to Misawa Air Base (where his squadron has set up shop indefinitely) so that water and other basic supplies can be trucked to communities around the base that are still in great need. The base itself is dealing with power outages, freezing weather, and an influx of military units relocated to help with disaster relief, not to mention the extremely long hours they’re putting in as they top all the work they normally do with massive relief missions. To give an example, it’s almost April and so far this year Chris has had two weekends where he didn’t go to work. This is our squadron’s ‘off season’ between major deployment seasons. Oh well, maybe they’ll get a day off next year.
While you’re praying for the many people whose lives were upended by the tsunami, please also remember all the people working hard on the relief side—they’re also missing their homes, families, and the luxury of sleep. But I know we’re lucky, because we have a home—or at least each other—to go back to when it’s all over. We just don’t know when that will be. “Indefinitely” has become my favorite word.
Saturday Night in Ginza
Yamato Awa Odori Festival Video!
What’s Up in MIDPAC
Matcha Green—A Sophisticated 27
I love everything about the picture, but especially "Bunnyzilla" back by the mountains. I'll continue to pray for you and Chris. The not knowing makes the waiting much harder of course.
You could come to Jacksonville (indefinitely) to hang out with me and Wendy. I think that sounds like an awesome plan. But seriously, prayers for you and Chris.