River Glen high school student Mao Murayama has lived through her share of earthquakes in her young life.
Raised in Tokyo, the 17-year came to Red Deer in August to study English. While the March 11 earthquake in northeastern Japan did not surprise her its strength did.
“I was so shocking and feel so sad,” said Murayama.
Her thoughts immediately went to her family in Tokyo — parents, Miki and Kazuyoshi, sister, Rina, 22, and french bulldog, Justice.
“They were so surprised too but they said we are okay so don’t worry about that,” she said.
Before the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami, Murayama spoke with her parents once a month. Now they are in touch twice a week. Her parents shared a glimpse of what is happening in her home city.
“Even in Tokyo lots of people need food and water and gasoline,” she said. “When my mom went to the gas station, there were 40 cars waiting for gasoline.”
In the days following the devastating earthquake and tsunami, Murayama considered returning to Japan ahead of her planned June departure.
“I feel kinda sad but now it’s okay because they are safe and my friends are all safe,” she said.
Murayama is one of seven Japanese students studying in Red Deer and area schools organized by Global Partners. Her host mother, Sharon Derksen is the Red Deer co-ordinator. She helped place the students from various parts of Japan in the communities. Derksen said for the most part the teenagers are coping with being away from home at such a devastating time. Three students arrived at the end of January and seem to be stressing the most out of the group.
“Their English is pretty limited,” said Derksen. “Then with this happening, we see more stress with them probably because they can’t verbalize what they are feeling or are limited.”
The kids found a way to channel their anxieties and help their country by organizing a bottle drive for the Canadian Red Cross’ Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami relief efforts in Japan on (March 19).
Derksen said the money is still being tallied but estimated the kids collected about $3,000 in bottles. If you want to donate your bottles in Red Deer contact Derksen at 403-597-6346. In Sylvan Lake, contact Sylvan Lake co-ordinator for Global Partners, Val Schirru at 403-887-2336. A bottle drive is scheduled for March 26 in Sylvan Lake.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com