Me G4 Mac is washed away into the deep muddy-green Indian Ocean Sea; the backup is washed away with most of the rest of most of my worldly goods in the destroyed NP House in Mutur. Oh well, time to start everything anew. I'm physically quite sound; mentally/emotionally holding up; spiritually, I have lots of moment to moment, breath to breath time to practice over and over "Mother/Father Divine grant me acceptance" & "Namo Guam Sith Yin Pusa" and to just watch and pray about the devastating scene passing by. Not much else to do except to be present to help my community of Mutur rebuild itself (over 200 dead, many still missing), being of service however I can. Hey, I still have my new Mini-iPod, but no charger, so I listen to one song an hour.
I shall survive. I've survived a lot worse. This too shall pass. Be gentle; I shall connect when I can . . .
Glad to see you are safe, Thomas. It's a small thing, but would you like us to send you a charger for your iPod mini? Let me know if I can and where to send it and it'll be in the mail immediately.
[email protected]
Posted by: Leslie | December 26, 2004 at 10:33 PM
Very glad you're safe, thomas -- hope the material things can be replaced.
Posted by: June | December 26, 2004 at 10:48 PM
Very glad you're safe, thomas -- hope the material things can be replaced.
Posted by: June | December 26, 2004 at 10:49 PM
Hi Thomaso, I just found out you are alive and kicking! Thank god(ess). I'l be happy to send you a replacement for something,
a new computer not being one of them.
Loved reading your mesage which Gabor posted in the Item in which I asked if anyone had heard from you. Let me know what you want me to send. Be well, you ole' wandere.
Blanka.
Posted by: Blanka Eckstein | December 26, 2004 at 11:01 PM
If I can find a G4 on ebay for a hundred or two, would that be something you'd want sent to you? Also, is it safe to send something like that over to Sri Lanka? I may be able to get a gently used one for around that price is why I'm asking. Also, what model G4 did you have and is any model G4 sufficient?
Jenn
Posted by: Jennifer S. | December 26, 2004 at 11:25 PM
Safe--as in survived all the latest devastation I've seen and heard on the news??? I know you called Jen earlier today (Monday 12/27, EST), so are you still okay?
We haven't connected for a while--I hope it's not too late...
I love you and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Becca
Posted by: Rebecca | December 27, 2004 at 12:23 AM
Safe--as in survived all the latest devastation I've seen and heard on the news??? I know you called Jen earlier today (Monday 12/27, EST), so are you still okay?
We haven't connected for a while--I hope it's not too late...
I love you and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Becca
Posted by: Rebecca | December 27, 2004 at 12:23 AM
I am terribly saddened to hear of the disaster which has struck your region. Perhaps this disaster will somehow enhance the efforts of the peacemakers in Sri Lanka.
Posted by: Geoff | December 27, 2004 at 06:25 AM
Thomas, I was relieved to see that you are safe. I'd like to help but I'm not sure how. e-mail me and let me know, ok?
Leah
Posted by: Leah Stitz | December 27, 2004 at 08:01 AM
We spoke to Jenn yesterday and she told us you were okay. After seeing the devastation on the TV and reading about it in the newspapers, the four inches of snow we got last night seems like a walk in the park. Is there anything we can do to help you recover?
Thinking about you frequently,
Arlene & Allan
Posted by: Allan Suchman | December 27, 2004 at 09:22 AM
So glad to hear that you are safe after hearing all the devastating news, and just after my seemingly corny greeting the day before all that happened! Wishing you strength in all the work ahead.
Posted by: Marja-Leena | December 27, 2004 at 09:47 AM
I'm so glad you're safe, my friend. Please continue to be well. Your work is even more needed now.
Posted by: Bryan | December 27, 2004 at 10:06 AM
My friend Thomas,
Thank God that you are safe. I have been thinking about you all weekend and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your community at this time.
Love,
Katie Somera
Posted by: Katie Somera | December 27, 2004 at 11:04 AM
Haven't turned on the computer in 5 days. We spent last night shocked by the news of the tidal waves, and debated the best way to get news of you, Brins! How great to turn on this machine tonight and discover all the news and information and concern shared by your family and friends -- and to get your personal report itself. God is good and may they all continue to reconcile us and you.
Posted by: Bill & Bev Sollmann | December 27, 2004 at 09:42 PM
I'll begin at the end - GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT! You signed on to this project to be a peacekeeper, not a martyr!! If only 1/4 of what I read and see is true, the aftereffects of the tragedy will be much worse than the event itself. Find a way to leave now and then, if you want, go back in a month or two! If I can be of any help, let me know.
Allan
Posted by: allan suchman | December 28, 2004 at 08:56 AM
Oh, Thomas, I am so glad to see that you are safe. You were the first person I thought of when I heard Sri Lanka had been one of the major countries hit by the tsunami -- how wonderful to learn that you were not a victim.
You won't listen, I'm sure, but I think Allan is right when he says to get out until the health dangers are over. You would be more help once the rebuilding starts. . .
With all good wishes,
Edee
Posted by: Edith Teague | December 28, 2004 at 11:29 AM
Glad to hear you are safe, Thomas.
Posted by: Dona | December 28, 2004 at 12:30 PM
Thank buddha/thecosmos/allah/god/myluckystars you are safe!!! You were the first thing I thought of today when I saw the news of SE Asia. I am so relieved that you have had access to the internet to let everyone know you are OK.
Now... I think you should set up a bank account for yourself and your needs. You can set up an account that is for donation only and provide us with the information we need to send you money.
You can also post the name and address of the relief organization that is most directly tied to efforts in your area.
Please do this for us Thomas, I'm sure I'm not the only one who would like to see you (and your community) get the emergency supplies. Other than your worldly goods (which we can help you replace) you will need clean drinking water, food, clothing, etc.
It is the least any of us can do.
Posted by: Melanie | December 28, 2004 at 12:32 PM
Very relieved to get positive news of you, Thomas. Prayers and peace-wishes. -- Hipbone.
Posted by: Charles | December 28, 2004 at 05:16 PM
thomas, my goodenss! in the eye of the storm again!
I am glad you are safe. I cannot image what it must be like there, sitting here in my safe little house in my safe little country.
hugs to you t!
Posted by: amy kaplan | December 28, 2004 at 10:11 PM
I never thought the man I met in Toronto years ago would see things washed away in a place as far off as Sri Lanka! I am greatful you are alright Thomas. Take care.
Posted by: Grant | December 28, 2004 at 10:20 PM
It seems that there is never a tradegy that doesn't have a personal edge these days. Thank goodness you are safe. I have felt to blessed to have you in my life and your safety is yet another blessing.
Posted by: Jim Parker | December 29, 2004 at 11:52 AM
Glad to hear you are safe but sorry
to hear about the computer,
Thomas
Posted by: Scott Butki | December 31, 2004 at 03:33 AM
Thomas-Hello there in Asia. I am sitting at a school workshop on blogging wondering where to go and I remembered-hey something about reading that you had a blog when I read about you after the tsunami in Newsday. And you are married!!Mazel Tov. Life goes on as does LIPC. All the best way over there!!
Posted by: Binnie | April 21, 2005 at 04:09 PM