Japan

As the news continues to come in from the devastation left behind after Japan's 8.9 magnitude earthquake followed by a 25-foot tsunami that slammed into the shore, it's yet another reminder of the giving nature of Americans.

Facebook and Twitter have both been jammed with well wishes from Americans for the Japanese people, urging prayers for them in the aftermath of the disaster and for what is to come. The Red Cross has kicked into action, and the news tonight announced that a Shenandoah Valley rescue team was preparing to head to Japan. From past experience, Americans will open their wallets and provide financial help for the Japanese.

News outlets have followed the story all day with dreaded photos and video of the carnage playing across our television screens, and death toll totals rising as the day progressed. There was a watch along the coasts of America as the tsunami reached our shores in Alaska and the West Coast. Thankfully, no loss of life has been reported so far and, though there was damage, it wasn't as bad as it could have been. We were spared.

So as we watch updates and listen to the number of fatalities rise (it's 1,000 at of 7 pm Friday), we're cautioned this may not be the end of it all. There's concern over an overheating nuclear reactor, missing ships, a missing train, and then there's the video of dozens/hundreds of houses being destroyed. How many more will be reported as missing or dead?

Our prayers go up with millions of others. The American government will send help, as it does for all who are in distress around the world. We'll watch for more news and say a prayer for the safety of survivors and rescuers. Japan. She's on our mind....