I tucked the kids in close beside me tonight as they fell asleep. The house is quiet, can't say that is true outside as planes are constantly coming and going, but it was such a peaceful time. It was a little heavenly, not going to lie.
It was WINDY today, wow, it was windy! I only heard 1 helicopter all day and was surprised they were out at all. Lots of rescue teams and military are all over today. I saw Australian Army members walking around today as well as US Army (yes, dad, we allowed them on and Air Force base and their quality of life vastly improved because of it) and the US Marines as well. Seems to be the only ones not at Yokota are the military assigned to Yokota.
The nuclear danger is still present. There seems to be a fire in one of the reactor rooms. We are still OK with radiation checks on the half hour day and night. Aaron flies with radiation detectors and the medical personnel are still checking everyone and everything for radiation as they return from missions.
I hear stories now from my Japanese friends that their family members are starting to be located and although extremely scarred emotionally, they are physically safe. The only family that has been on my heart is a friend of someone that works at the BX. They can't find their 3 month old baby. As a mom, I can not imagine the desperation that family feels. Heartbreaking just cannot do that justice. They remain in my prayers all the time.
All Yokota residents recieved the following message:
A Message to American Citizens from Ambassador John V. Roos March 16, 2011 Today our hearts remain with our Japanese friends who, after suffering this devastating tragedy just four days ago, have to undertake recovery and reconstruction and address the ongoing nuclear emergency. We understand that many of you are anxious and have questions in the shadow of the Fukushima emergency, since we are in the midst of a complex, constantly changing, and unpredictable situation. In this fluid situation, our commitment to our citizens is to accumulate accurate information and assess it sufficiently in order to make important judgments. Since the first reports of trouble with the reactors, American nuclear experts have worked around the clock to analyze data, monitor developments, and provide clear assessments on the potential dangers. While at times we have had only limited access to information, I am personally committed to assuring that our experts have as much access and information as possible, and the necessary resources to understand the situation. I have personally been deeply engaged in these efforts. After a careful analysis of data, radiation levels, and damage assessments of all units at Fukushima, our experts are in agreement with the response and measures taken by Japanese technicians, including their recommended 20 km radius for evacuation and additional shelter-in-place recommendations out to 30 km. Let me also address reports of very low levels of radiation outside the evacuation area detected by U.S. and Japanese sensitive instrumentation. This bears very careful monitoring, which we are doing. If we assess that the radiation poses a threat to public health, we will share that information and provide relevant guidance immediately. The United States will continue to work around the clock to provide precise and up-to-date information supported by expert analysis to ensure the safety and security of our citizens and to help Japan in its time of great need. U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should send an e-mail to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov with detailed information about their location and contact information, and monitor the U.S. Department of State website at travel.state.gov. http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/p/tp-20110316-01.html
Prayer requests:
Sleep continues to be an issue. Every night there have been serious aftershocks that wake many people from sleep and frays the nerves. Just pray they stop. It was be so helpful on so many levels and with so much going on that we would have the ground beneath us STOP MOVING!!!
Those still alive and trapped. Pray that God would graciously comfort them and see them through the next couple hours and days as rescue teams are now in place and moving in.
Warmer temperatures. It is still snowing at night and that just adds insult to injury.
Accurate information be disseminated. That is always a weak point during any disaster, but with language barriers it adds so much more to misinformation and confusion. The base is gone above and beyond with information, but that seems to be rare and unfair to Japan that we get such great information and they don't really know what is going on.
Food, water and fuel. There is a rush on these commodities, as usual, but being an island, it's very challenging to replenish supplies. Most houses are heated with Kerosene or propane heaters, very old school. This is especially seen in the old family homes that date back so long ago.
I could list a million things, but my heart breaks when I see the news and see the eyes of so many in shock and those so terrified. This is really a scary time to be in Japan, the unknown is such a vicious enemy.
On a brighter note, airline tickets to Japan are cheaper now! Oh, and all the scheduled blackouts for Japan are canceled through the end of the week because all Japan has done such an incredible job conserving energy. I know we've done our part with turning the heater off and making sure we keep the lights off. SO YEAH!! TEAM JAPAN!!
That is the news for now, we are all fine, I talked to Aaron today, he is safe in Okinawa and will continue his mission in the morning, the plane is working well and they are ready to keep going. Onward and upward we go.
Website updates:
For your listening pleasure, this is the audio broadcast from yesterday's town hall meeting, just click on the screen just above where is says "Eagle 810 on Camera"
http://www.afntokyo.com/afntokyo/Eagle_810.html
I know this is a terrible picture, and I almost didn't post it, but Yokota is the red flag just under the black flag with the EQ epicenter. It looks like we are really close, but we are really about 250 miles away from all the action.
Will update soon...
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