After the earthquake hit, both teams headed for the mountain overlooking the city of Otsuchi.  The tsunami hit almost immediately after Brian's last video post, http://media.causes.com/ribbon/1032459.  They watched in horror as the tides rescinded and then came back with such fierce velocity that the city was quickly submerged.  When it ended, they descended into absolute turmoil.  The city was ravaged - cars toppled, houses and buildings totally destroyed.  Bodies were strewn about - one in a tree, others in cars, several in the wreckage.  We can't begin to imagine how horrible it must have been.

At one point, they spent hours trying to save a woman they were never able to reach.  Floating on a piece of debris in the harbor, she was too far out and they didn't have rope or any other equipment.  The two teams then "borrowed" an abandoned fire truck, called for authorities and used the loud speaker to call out to boats in the distance.  At one point, 2 boats came close, but then abandoned the effort.  She floated off, out of sight.  We pray one of the boats found her.

It was impossible to drive, so the teams opted to walk to Tono, roughly 30 miles away.  All along the way they ran into locals, who in the midst of their own nightmares, went out of their way to help, offering food, shelter and complete compassion.  Imagine - at this dire moment when they are facing such loss and an uncertain future - they reach out to complete strangers and offer their help.  We are so grateful to them.  Several times our volunteers were given rides towards Tono.

When the teams emerged in Tono, news was breaking about a "possible" nuclear meltdown.  With