Saturday, February 27, 2010

Yikes

(photo of my brother sent from Chile yesterday)
My brother is in Chile visiting Juan, who was an exchange student who stayed at our home when my brother was in high school. He left me with a phone number. My phone does not allow international calls but I went over to my brother's house and dialed from there. Of course the operator said all lines were busy.

He did not leave the address of Juan's house, but I think it is near a town beginning with "V." There is such a town near the "C" town where the earthquake struck.

I called my brother's cell phone and did reach the message leaving thing but not sure if his cell phone even works overseas.

For those who might not know, there was an 8.8 earthquake there this morning.

23 comments:

Marion said...

I read about the quake early this morning. I am sure you are worried about your brother and I hope you will get word soon.

Kim said...

Suki, I have just heard about the earthquake and read your note! I know it is brutal to wait, but it sounds as though that is what you can do right now. It is possible the State Department will be able to help you, if you do not hear from him in some due time. I will keep the focus here that you hear from him soon and will be watching your postings to hear of any updates. As difficult as it is, try to stay calm and give him time to find a way to let you know he is okay.

Here is a BIG HUG for you, my Sweet Suki!

Cate said...

Hugs and prayers that you hear from your brother soon, Suki!

This is a terrible disaster. The Chilean people will need all the love and support they can get.

xoxo

soulbrush said...

omg you must be frantic, hope you hear really soon, what is going on? another catastrophe?

studio lolo said...

Good heavens Suki! I saw the headlines this morning and wondered if I knew anyone there.

Try calling the Red Cross and ask how you can find out if he's okay.
They're very helpful

I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

XX
Laurel

marianne said...

Oh my....what a nightmare.....
Hope he will be alright and that he will contact you soon!

take care
>M<

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Just waking up to see the news. How terrible. Terrible for the people in chile and those who have loved ones visiting. I hope you hear something soon. Just know that not hearing doesnt mean something happened to him. Things are just a mess right now. Keep us posted. How did he send the picture to you? Hopefully he can get something out to you the same way soon.

sukipoet said...

thanks everyone. It was Juan who sent me the photo via his cell phone. I imagine cell phone towers are not working today.

Good idea about red cross and also discovered that the state dept website has a place where you can type in the name of the person missing however they had no info.

probably still too early and everyone is in a daze kinda thing.

Umā said...

I hope you will hear some news soon, Suki, and that your brother is safe!

Kim said...

Suki, it sounds as though you are doing all the right things. Keep Juan's cell number from the sent photo, because if push comes to shove it might come in handy later. I can't imagine what it is like to wait like this! I send you a ton of very positive energy and love!

Lilacrobin said...

Suki - try and listen to your friends and stay calm.... I know it is much easier said than done...but you must try. Whenever there is a disaster of this magnitude, the cell phones don't work for a few days....(I went through this in the '89 SF earthquake)....of course, it is an entirely differeent situation in Chili...but, I think you will hear something soon. Definitely utilise the Red Cross and keep checking their website as they will update it frequently and will begin posting notes from people in Chili letting their loved ones know they are ok.

Stay strong, Suki. I am saying prayers for your brother.

Hugs,

Robin

Lilacrobin said...

Suki - just got this off the SF newspaper....youmay already have the number...but I wanted to send it nonetheless.

Robin

The State Department advises Americans seeking information on family and friends in Chile to contact the Bureau of Consular Affairs at 1-888-407-4747.

Annie said...

Suki, I know you are worring, Big hugs and saying prayers for all those in Chile.
xoxo

Unknown said...

Send him love. I will too. xoxo

Blue Sky Dreaming said...

Oh, boy this is a worry...let us know when you hear from him. Best wishes for you while waiting.

Kim said...

Suki, you might also file with the Chilean Embassy who is saying they will help families with loved ones traveling in Chile. I also understand in some parts of the country people are able to get to some internet connections. That phone number you have from Juan might also give some idea of the town with some prefix code. It just might be worth checking out. Sometimes just doing something or trying to do something is helpful to you.

Lynn Cohen said...

(((((((((((((Hugs/prayers/Hope/))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Keep talking to us. We are here for you.

studio lolo said...

Just checking back.

Lots of good advice and love here ;)

Please keep us posted.

XX

Unknown said...

Suki, Hi, I hope you'll soon get news from your brother! I cross my fingers, take care, love, Andrea

Mim said...

just checking in Suki and hope all is well with your brother

sukipoet said...

Thanks all for tips and advice and will check them all out.

I am just now going over to my bro's house to try Juan's cell phone number again. As my bro has international dialing and I dont.

sukipoet said...

Although I dont have Juan's exact residence, he lives on an island, but he works as a Dr. in Valdivia. On the map this is about 400KM's or 200 plus miles south of the epicenter as best I can figure the epicenter.

On TV, they had a phone conv with an american who was staying near Valdivia and who was okay. It appeared to be that that area was not as badly effected as Concepcion.

They also indicated that in many areas of Chile the building structures were good re: the last big earthquake there in the 60's.

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Oh Suki, your last comment sounded hopeful, and good that you caught that news interview, too. I hope you hear from your brother soon and can rest a little easier then.