For Japan With Love

Most people wouldn't know just by looking at me that I am one fourth Japanese. My grandma is from Okinawa. All of her family still lives in Okinawa, and thankfully, they were not directly affected by the earthquake and tsunami. However, my dad is currently working with a factory in Sendai. The factory was not damaged, but he has only heard from a few people he worked with. He is so worried about the others. He was supposed to go there next month for business, but that trip has been called off.

As I have watched the news and seen pictures from the devastation, my heart goes out to all the people affected. I can't imagine how terrifying something like this would be. I can't imagine, as a mother, how horrible it would be to have your children away from you during such a crisis and not know if they were ok. Then, trying to figure out how to take care of your family and help your neighbors as well.

There are many ways to get involved and donate. There are many people in this world with loving hearts. Here are a few ways I have found to get involved. I'm sure there are several others.

First, Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours have teamed up to create For Japan With Love. They are planning a Day of Silence tomorrow, March 18th, in honor of Japan. I will be participating in this and, thus, have no post tomorrow. They will also be donating money raised to Shelterbox, an organization which sends emergency shelter and other lifesaving supplies.

Second, Sachiko over at Tea Rose Home is from Japan and her family lives in one of the hardest hit areas. She is trying to spread the word to get people involved in helping Japan any way we can.

Next, for those in Utah, April at 21st Century Charm School, is organizing a relief effort to tie quilts for Japan. People are in great need of warmth and comfort. This is a simple way to donate time or supplies if you are short on donating money. The even will be on Saturday, March 19th
in Orem, Utah. You can view details here.

Also, Heather at {House} of A La Mode is organizing a way to donate quilts. You can find details here about her modern relief effort.

Last, a wonderful place to donate funds is to LDS Humanitarian Aid Fund. 100% of the donation goes straight to helping those in need. You can request that it go to efforts in Japan, as well. This is my favorite place to donate because I all of it know it will go straight to the place it is needed.

I hope you will take a moment to consider how you can help. It doesn't have to be a big amount of time or money, but a small, simple gift with a loving heart. I pray that all people affected will receive courage, strength, comfort, and peace.