As the earth still continues to shake, and TEPCO struggles to contain the the nuclear power plant, the colorful blossoms of spring are popping up in my neighborhood.  The Cherry Blossom trees are covered with buds that should burst forth any day now.

As all these issues that I have absolutely no control over swirl around me I can take some comfort in knowing that mother nature will continue through its cycles.  The flowers will continue to bloom.  The children who have been bundled up during the winter months will head to the parks to play.  All the signs that spring is coming.

Still I feel this uneasiness this spring.  I am sure that there will be little partying under the cherry blossoms.  People’s hearts are heavy with uncertainty about the future.  I have no choice but to be optimistic that a better future will come.

Disasters are a part of human kind, and they challenge us to rise above and overcome them.  My prayers go out to those on the front lines of disasters here in Japan and throughout the world.

For all my family and friends out there, keep us all in prayers.