Pakistan earthquake...a touching story...
I was just listening to the radio, and they were talking about the situation in Pakistan after the huge earthquake that hit last week. They said the death toll is now over 50,000 :(...and is expected to rise. Amidst this sadness, one of the reporters told a very touching story that brought tears to my eyes. He said he, along with several others made a 7 hour journey to get to one of the seriously affected villages. When they got there, they were greeted by people who had lost everything they could have possibly ever had. Their entire village was wiped out...destroyed. Their homes, possessions, and dearest family members, all gone. :( When they saw travellers approaching after a tiring journey, despite the fact that they themselves had nothing, they went and found whatever they could to offer to their guests (the reporters). The reporter was saying he was deeply touched to see people facing such a tragedy would still put that behind them, and do what they could to make a traveller feel at home in their devastated village. My eyes filled with tears when I heard this. People are often so very selfish, even when they have so much. To think that the residents of a village that was completely destroyed would come forth to feed people who were there to help THEM is touching. It is the beauty of faith that gets people through such tragedies. I was so touched by this story. Though I already know of the intense hospitality and kindness of the people of Pakistan (as my family originates from there and I have witnessed that hospitality my entire life), it was nice to hear them tell these stories on the news...as sadly, so many people have such wrong impressions of people in that part of the world.
Just wanted to share this. I have been so emotionally devastated because of this earthquake. Though thank God all of my relatives are okay, and not in areas seriously affected, it hurts so much to see people suffer...children orphaned. One man spoke of how he lost all 5 of his children in this tragedy. I can't imagine the pain of these people, but it is so heartwarming to see the whole country come together to help one another, despite their poverty. My cousin has been telling me how much people there are doing for those in northern areas affected by the earthquake. It shows the true spirit of mankind and the faithful...a spirit of love, caring, sharing, and helping each other. That is a spirit that is in the instincts of mankind...one that none of us should ever lose. My heart breaks for all people affected by these terrible natural disasters. May God always keep us in His protection.
