“Lord thank you for my grandfather and thank You for all that You have provided and make possible for this trip.”

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” Eccl 3:1

Took this picture from my flight back from Kunming, China.  Was transiting from Chengdu.

The people in Sichuan have basically normalized and getting back into their daily routines. As we went around to some of the temporary settlements for these displaced residents, we are greeted by the smiles of many of these survivors. Occasionally, you can hear the laughter of the children in the midst of their games.

It is comforting to see many of the survivors are gearing to move on or are even  moving on despite the many uncertainties that lies ahead. Many councelling or psychology help groups were already there to provide psychology assistance to help many of these survivors to come to terms with the earthquake, their current situations and even their loss. Many even tell them that they have to move on now because they should not dwell in the past and what matters is their future. They have to let og of the past soon. However, have they really dealt with the grief of their loss or they are just simply suppressing once again their emotions because everyone is moving on?

I know and I believe that they have to move on, but at such a large degree of loss (some physically, some relationally <death of love ones etc>, some emotionally and some psychologically), I think they deserve a bit more time to go through the griefing process. Is 1 month sufficient? I don’t know, but I pray that the emotional and psychological help will continue and not just a hype, because, if not dealt with carefully, it will have greater impact in the future or even generations to come.

“The Lord watches over you –

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night” Ps 120: 5-6 (NIV)

It is heart wrenching …..

 - to see the many damaged buildings, towns and villages that was destroyed in the blink of an eye.  This left many homeless and also “familyless”.

 - to stand on the ground of the school where 278 children died, 1 generation is literally wipe out.

- to see many salvaging whatever personal belongings that was left behind, eventhough they might not be of any use.

It is heart warming ……

- to see villagers helping one another to collect water when the fresh water distributing truck arrived.

- to see a little girl snuggled in the embrace of her mother knowing that the world is still safe because her family is intact.

- to see the Chinese nationals coming togehter to help their fellow countryman, giving their money, efforts, time and even to some, their lives.

“For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” Heb 13:14

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul” Mk 8:36

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isa 41:10