If you haven't noticed much in the news about our volcano here, it's because it seems to be settling down. Thank you Lord, this is what we've been asking for!
The experts have not lifted the evacuation zones yet, but many of the refugee camps are emptying out as people are heading back home to their villages. Over 200,000 people were moved into a safe zone, but I'm not sure how many actually sustained damage to their homes and land? For these people, who suffered loss of loved ones, homes, possessions, cattle, and crops -- the recovery will be long.
There is optimism, however. The farmers, who have lost their crops for THIS season, are expressing excitement over how fertile the land will be in the next season. Volcanic ash is very good for the soil.
The Christian university in the city south of here will be working with Merapi victims in the long term. I know of one worker who is looking for specialists who can help the farmers and villages figure out how to get their irrigation and water systems functional again. This university is also doing trauma counseling, I know. Can you imagine fleeing from a burning cloud of steam, or being burned by one?
And dozens, DOZENS, of burn victims are still suffering in the hospitals. Some of them will die, and many will live on with severely debilitating scars and permanent tissue injuries.
I do hope this is my last volcano update of interest. We hope Merapi goes back to sleep ...but for how long? The last eruption was in 2006 -- a mere 5 years ago.
Thank you for your prayers, and please may they continue!
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