Many of you know that I lived in Japan for three years and have many friends between Hyogo and Osaka. You might not know that less than two years after I left Japan, in 1995, there was the Great Hanshin earthquake that killed 6,434 people in the very region where I lived and worked. Many people that I knew lost loved ones and and property. In 1997 when I returned to visit, I was amazed to see how vibrant and restored the city was. Yes, there were still many people living in temporary houses, but the city was functioning well and everyone was again looking optimistically to the future.
To my loved ones in Japan, have courage and confidence. The world sends its love and prayers and great admiration to you for all that you are able to accomplish in the most difficult times.
Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit. - Bern Williams
