I saw faces of death, faces of misery, faces with short smiles and laughter, faces of determination and faces praying for divine intervention. The scenes are nasty, especially when you see the perseverance of anticipation of the unknown, and people lamenting as though they are talking to the souls of the dead, rescue workers not giving up in finding, digging and dragging out yet another body, be it dead or alive. Oh, don’t forget you will also see rulers dropping by to give a word of motivation, some promises, you hope will materialized and more resources from the outside world.
China is a land of living, among the millions of oppressed; they have become one of the super powers in the world. They are very hardworking people; they will do anything and everything to make their lives worth living. They are a very organized nation, say what you want; give them all the wrong and bad publicity, but China is a proud nation. They stand tall and hopelessness is not one of them.
I have my experience working with the Chinese people from China at one of the project sites, where they were building the `so called’ biggest dam in world, but sadly they are still digging the place, after thousands of ethnic groups were taken away from their land. Anyways, the Chinese workers came with one intention; to work and send money home, they are admirable people, unlike most foreign workers who I have come across, Chinese really work. I still remember, being the only lady then to drive my own 4 wheel at the site, I will have to pass their housing area to go to my makeshift office; there were days that I will just stop the 4 wheel and watch them. The morning shift workers will already be lining up in queue to have their breakfast, then on to the trucks that will take them to the working areas, at the same time you will see the night shift workers being dropped off to the housing area. However, they do not join in the queue for the breakfast, they will all be squatting down outside the showers to have their shower, then queue for breakfast and take their rest before starting work again in the evening.
They are very supportive of one each other, most of them only speak their own language, but many times when I was driving through, they stop, they smile and some even say `godded moning’, they even know how to show respect even in the second of a time. They are truly commendable people.
To the Chinese in Sichuan, Western China, just know that you are not alone; our prayers are with you, though our hands are tight to extend anything else. As usual, you will shed all the tears that you have for all the loss that came, however, I know you will be picking up the pieces, burning all the sorrows, saying your farewell to the souls and start building again. Your courage deserves more than just an applaud, but also a standing ovation.
I never believe that there’s light at the end of the tunnel; there will always be another tunnel and then another. Not all tunnels will be roaring with train sounds or the wheels of cars, there are tunnels that are still dark, unsure of what will be in store and also there are tunnels just ready for anything. So a light at the end of a tunnel is so yesterday, to you, move on!!!
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