from Students Around the World

Here are some letters we received from students around the world. We are in the process of scanning some of the handwritten letters and cards and will post them online when available.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
O#183
Massey Ranch Elementary, Pearland, TX, USA
March 29, 2011

Dear Friend:

I feel very sad for your tragedy. I hope there will be no more earthquakes in Japan and you will live in peace.
All the friends in the "We Care Act" care about you. Be strong and hold on after this is through. I hope you will have a better future. I am going to donate $10 of my allowance to you. I hope you will believe in yourself, stay strong.

Sincerely,
Justin Lenderman, 2nd grade

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
O#185
LuZhou Medical College, Sichuan, China
April 2, 2011

I came from Dujiangyan, Sichuan, China, went through the earthquake in 2008. Our school was damaged because of it. Luckily, we survived. Now, everything is going to be alright with the help of all the world. So, friends, cheer up! You are not alone! We will be with you all the time!

Shu Duan

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
O#187
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
April 7, 2011

Times will be challenging and hard but no matter what, it will get better. It just takes time to rebuild, you have a whole community behind you and other people in countries who are praying for you. Please don't ever give up. I am rooting for you.

Vanessa Kwong

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
O#188
Meadow Park Elementary, West Palm Beach, Fl, Palm Beach County
Dear Friends and Families,

We are in our classrooms thinking of you all. We hope that you are ok and staying safe. Your family and friends are always in our thoughts and prayers. We think you are so very brave and pray each day that your country will get stronger. We are so sorry that some got killed and even injured or lost. Our class hopes that your family and friends feel better. We love you.

Love,
Ms. Burgos' 2nd Grade Class
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
O#192
Sunset Mesa Schools, Albuquerque, NM, USA
April 17, 2011

Dear friend,
Are you OK?
I feel very sorry about the horrible weather. This note is to tell you that someone cares and I feel sorry for you. I hope something really good happens to you and all other people.
Love,
Chloe Lamb, 3rd grade

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
O#193
University of Northampton, UK
April 18, 2011

In our lives we are confronted by various heartbreaking situations and circumstances and like dawn after dusk we need to be strong when we find ourselves in gloomy situations, where the hope of light can't be found, so that our hearts will be brave enough not only to accept the things that has been changed and willing to change the things that can be changed. Nature supports our life and at times strike back mercilessly. And no matter how superior we might be we don't have control over nature. Lives have been lost in different ways and when our loved ones leave us only the suffering one can feel the pain. We may not feel the pain that you all have been experiencing but we certainly feel the sorrow in your eyes and faces and know that you are not alone. Even our hearts have been broken at times and our loved ones left us too. It's our duty to continue loving others as we loved our loved ones to remind ourselves as how much we were loved and what love can do in troublesome times. Love keeps us going, to be strong and make other stronger. You're with us--in our prayers and hearts.

Daniel Song

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
O#194
Yellowquill School, Porage La Prairie, MB, Canada
April 20, 2011

Dear student in Japan,
I am not sure who this is going to so I will just say it is going to you. I am so sorry about what happened. I hope you did not lose anyone. If you did, I know how it feels. My class is trying to raise as much money as possible. I hope you have a house, a school, and lots of friends. I hope you feel better after reading this because I care for you just like everyone that I know.
From your friend in Portage La Prairie, MB,

Austin, 6th grade

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dujiangyan Qingcheng Mountain High School, Dujiangyan, Sichuan, China
April 16, 2011

我是一个四川人，亲身经历了5.12汶川地震。我能感受到你们的困难，希望你们能够顺利的度过这次天灾。祝福你们平安，快乐！

I am from Sichuan, China, and experienced the 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake in 2008. I can feel your hardship and hope you will get through this disaster smoothly. Wish you peace and happiness.

Gan Yuan

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
O#190
Radio&Film College of Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
April 17, 2011

亲爱的朋友：
对于3月11日，日本东北地区宫城县北部发生9级强震并因此引起的海啸，我表示同情，因为日我深有同感。三年前的我们也一样是深陷地震的灾难中。今天我们看到因为地震，因为海啸，只是那么多日本民众流离失所，核泄漏也让他们不得不远离自己的故、家园。而在一段段新闻，一张张图片中，我们都可以看到，那些灾民拖家带口。当地震后我上网看到的第一张关于日本地震的图片就是街上站了人，小朋友每个人都顶着蓝色抑或是黄色的护头垫，可见在日本这个地震多发的国家，对小朋友的放在保护做的还是很到位的。
在中国，人们都说，孩子是祖国的花朵，未来的建设还要靠这些年轻的新一代，我相信，在与中国有着相似文化的日本肯定也知道孩子的重要。听说在日本，学校是全国防震避灾的绝佳去处。
也许很多小朋友还不懂得何为地震，他们只知道，那是一个猛兽，他们自己也好保护好自己。地震过去，我们在难民所看见的是小朋友依然捧着书在那儿仔细的看着，依然在一旁玩模型，依然笑的天真烂漫。
真心希望那些经历了地震的小朋友能永远快乐，健康。

Xilin Zheng

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *