Our Glass Beadmaking Friends in Japan...

[lsalopek]

Is everyone okay?

-Laurie

[MargieShanahan]

I couldn't believe the images I saw. Keeping all in thoughts and prayers.
Margie

[Debby_Weaver]

Keeping all in my thoughts and prayers - I can not begin to imagine.
Debby

[Kendra Bruno]

We have heard from Aki, Morio, Tashi, Ryo and they are OK. We have not heard from anyone in Kobe as yet, but over two million people went to bed last night without power. It may take a bit to hear from more.

It is a tragedy that cannot even be described. Our hearts go out to everyone!

[TerryHale]

It is very difficult to watch the news and know how many people's lives have been affected so tragically. Many thoughts and prayers with all.

[Emiko]

Aki and Morio are in western Japan so they were not directly affected. Ryo is in Tokyo where the damage wasn't that serious. But Yoko Nakagawa (Those who have attended the Gathering know her since Yoko has been attending every year for 10 years. She is the little lady, even smaller than me.) lives in Sendai where was hit hard. Luckily she and her family are fine but she said that the tsunami came very close to her house. Her area got electricity and water back 2 days ago but there was no water after several hours. No gas yet.

Even in the areas that weren't affected directly, people are suffering shortage of food, gasoline, and products for daily use. Probably propane to make beads, too.

[Kendra Bruno]

Thank you so much Emiko, for posting this news! Many have been asking about Yoko and it is good to know that she and her family are fine.

My thoughts, prayers and hopes for some relief go out to everyone in Japan. As you said, even in the areas not directly affected, there are still many concerns.

Best,
Kendra

[Emiko]

I didn't mention before but Hideko Yoshida is fine, too. She lives in Tochigi which is in between Sendai and Tokyo. She said that it was very scary long and violent shake that she had never experienced before.

[Hayley]

Thank you Kendra and Emiko for the updates. I have been following Ayako's updates on all the happenings in Japan on her facebook page. It's heartbreaking!

[lsalopek]

I was lucky and won 5 of Ayako Hattori's on Ebay. The auction was to raise funds for Japan's earthquake relief.

Maybe the ISGB can do something along those lines? I would be happy to donate a bead. All too often as a catastrophe wanes from the news headlines, so do the donations.

-Laurie

ps. I LOVE MY BEADS