The Turquoise Chronicles

For each twilight, a dawn…

For each trial – the strength to carry on…

For each shadow – the sun…

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Though I’m paraphrasing Emerson, this quote seems apt for the situation that I’m experiencing in Turkey right now. Monday’s devastating earthquake has turned into a full blown humanitarian crisis. Over 20,000 people have lost their lives and that number is rising everyday. The need is beyond measure and resources are too few.

Thank you to those who have donated to AKUT and Angels Farm Sanctuary – NGOs which are saving lives in the earthquake zone. Like many, I have struggled to find ways to contribute and feel an awful guilt sitting in my bright, safe apartment here on the outskirts of Istanbul.

The situation in Hatay and it’s surrounding areas is extremely bleak. Hundreds of apartment buildings are simply pancaked, flattened, and families continue to search in vain for loved ones. Electricity and drinking water are scare. Tents are being erected for those who were lucky enough to escape with their lives. The cold of Turkish winter threatens lives each night. Trucks are being packed to the gills with supplies here in Istanbul but many cannot reach the area due to roads that were torn up by the quake. This is to say nothing of the sanctions against Syria which prevent so many organizations from accessing the devastated region in that country.

Schools across Turkey will remain closed this coming week, with many teachers on the front lines in the Hatay region. My school will remain in distance learning, holding abbreviated classes online. We will then break for February vacation next weekend. Our hope is to return together as a community on February 27. The need to meet in person, to share knowing looks with coworkers and words of advice with students, is high.

As for me, I feel powerless to help those who are suffering. I’ve tried to activate my online community by bringing to light reputable NGOs who can use financial assistance and are able to accept funds from afar. For those of you who have reached out to ask – thank you. Below are quality organizations who can use the funds. Even $5 (100TL) really does make a difference.

AKUT Search & Rescue): https://www.akut.org.tr/en/donation

Angel Farm Sanctuary (Animal Search & Rescue): https://patreon.com/angelssanctuary?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link

Breaking the Chains Int. (Animal Search & Rescue in both Ukraine and Turkey): https://breakingthechainsinternational.org/donations/

The images I’m sharing with you today are of sketchbooks which are part of an exchange I participate in with art teacher friends around Europe. I’ve been a part of this group called Worldwide Sketchers for a number of years, and I was lucky enough to receive two books right before school shut down.

As a very wise mentor and friend reminded me yesterday, making art in a time of crisis is a good outlet. Even in very small part, practicing the act of creation helps to balance the act of destruction that I’m struggling to process. Writing also helps.

When things get really heavy, I’ve been throwing around the concept that our thoughts are not facts. A simple sentence but I appreciate this reminder. One can acknowledge what filters through the brain, maybe even record it (writing is artistic expression, too), and let it pass.

As I struggle to make sense of the pain and anguish I see on the news and in my own community, I’m also reticent of the need to celebrate life. I feel embraced by those of you sending good wishes and checking in from afar. My community here has grown and I have friends to spend time with, to take away the burden of truth, even for a brief time. Life truly is a gift.

Thank you for reading.