What a Diference a Day Makes

Well we have been on the run and not finding much opportunity to catch up on the blog!!!

First things first.....We left Japan the day before the big earthquake, I imagine we would still be there if it was a difference of a day!! I can't imagine what it was like, I know all the trains and buildings were evacuated and that in itself must have been something to see!! So thankful we were able to talk to Jessica immediatly afterwards and heard from her she was safe and didn't have to catch the earthquake news on CNN and be wondering how she was!!! She was evacuated from her dorm, but able to be let in shortly afterwards, she has electricity and is safe and secure. The aftershocks are unsettling however!!!

A quick update on us. We ended our time in Japan traveling back to Tokyo from Takayama via Matsumoto, had a really nice time traveling and a great couple days in Tokyo before flying out. We were able to connect with our former exchange student, Sumika on the last day. We took her to Tokyo Disneyland as a high school graduation present and that was quite a day!!nWe all had a great time reconnecting and she had never been to Disneyland. There was also an earthquake that day that shut down all the big rides but it didn't matter, the true entertainment was just people watching!! and there were LOTS of people!!! I wanted a fast pass option for the restroom!!

We had a surreal day yesterday...arrived in Sri Lanka at 1:30 am. Picked up by Selina and we were able to get a few hours of sleep at her lovely home. We spent the day doing drive by sight seeing. Most of the sights in Columbo-government buildings, parliment etc... are still closed to visitors since the end of the war.

The two countries of Japan and Sri Lanka couldn't be more different. Comparing the quiet, orderly Japan with the loud, noisy, colorful HOT Sri Lanka was amazing. Columbo is a city of lots of traffi and people, some very modern buildings and stores and also lots of poverty, run down areas and vacant buildings yet since the end of the war. Downtown is a scene of business men, walking with buddist monks, men in traditional sarong skirts, women in burkkas, saris, jeans and business suits and of course soldiers everywhere. Mopeds,crazy buses, three-wheeled taxis and high end cars all driving crazy and dodging pedestrians and the occasional bull in the road...just wild and fun to see!!!!

We head today to Galle and the beach overnight. Looking forward to some downtime!! Next week will be busy traveling with Selina and seeing World Concern's work around the country. Will head to north to Jaffna on Monday. Hope to get some pictures posted soon!!

Thanks for all your prayers and concern! Continue to pray for Jessica in Tokyo!!