Today, all China began observing the first of a 3-days mourning period by a 3 minute silence. This is the first time that the whole of China mourned in-one since the communist leader Mao Zedong passed away in the 70's.

At our company today, over 600 colleagues stood as a mark of respect while all flags were flown at half-mast. As coincidental as it may sound, I was looking at The Star Online or some other news portal after the sports section and was reading the article about the earthquake and as soon as I finished reading the bit about 2.28pm our company's alarm rang. At first, I didnt know why they were all standing and it suddenly hit me about what I just read.

All China was ordered to sound raid alarms, horns, bells, and alert signals while observing this mourning. I immediately stood and instructed my colleagues to do the same. It was a really indescribable feeling.

You see, during the past few days, each and everyone of my extended family members were glued to the news getting updates as they came. I occassionally caught glimpses of the devastation etc. Although I felt sympathy, I was lacking the empathy. Perhaps I felt disconnected. But this empathy began to build up each day. Yesterday, as with during the Winter storm in Jan this year, a charity gala was organised. I've seen this type of event live twice during my 2 over years in China. It was so touching and heartwarming.

So as soon as I stood up, I really felt like crying. I try to believe that I am a 'piece of wood' or do not cry, but in recent years, I've come to terms with the fact that I am easily moved by stuff like, national pride, touching adverts (ala Petronas), and some stories of triumph over adversity. But I managed to fight back the tears for a full 3 minutes.

Then tonight at dinner, they showed throughout China, in each big city, the video clips of everyone paying their 3-min mark of respect and images of those suffering and the rescue efforts. It was so touching and I felt total empathy with those victims. I shed tears. I remember clearly each time the Malaysian anthem was played during SUKOM 1998 (Commonwealth) in Malaysia, I shed tears of pride. Each time the touching down-to-earth adverts of Petronas aired showing how the walls of race, religion, creed were all man-made and the unity and Malaysianess, I had tears of hope. Being a Malaysian and a Chinese, I felt a total difference in our national pride. Each and every Chinese I knew and saw, showed tremendous solidarity, so much unity and national pride.

They are one big family. One united family. And in the midst of this disaster and suffering, humanity shone through all the way. I write this with such pride to be in China. That the Chinese people although predominantly Han ethnicity, are all but part of the 56 ethnic groups in China. So proud, to be Chinese although not a Chinese citizen.

The whole evening until now, video clips and sounds of horns and alarms blaring, the Chinese chanting support and mourning with heads bowed during the mourning period makes the emotions of hope, unity, and harmony reverberate through my inner self. How much suffering they had to go through. Some lost everything, some are sole survivors in the entire family, so many instances. The Chinese's intepretation of sympathy is not only different from some western or asian's tidak apa attitude, the sheer degree of unity is flabbergasting. 600,000 people have signed-up to adopt orphaned children. The tremendous amounts of material and monetary donations are mind-boggling. I am so proud. In times of crisis, the Chinese will drop all 'work', differences, all that separates and unite and work as a family.

On sunday, our church sermon was about God in times of disaster. It was really powerful and encouraging. How God is still in control, hope through God's salvation, and victory over suffering.

I will again participate in this time of mourning tomorrow at 2.28pm together with my fellow brothers and sisters of China.

Dear merciful Father. Our lives are fraught with fragility and calamities. In this time of suffering, Lord you pour out your mercy and hope. Protect those involved in the rescue efforts and give them the strength to continue in their tasks. For those who are still trapped, Lord please send them comfort, send angels to direct the rescuers to save them, give them nourishment in whatever way possible to sustain themselves to survive. Let those trapped have faith and hope against all these odds stacked heavily against them. I pray for family and friends that lost their loved ones. Lord, let the doctors, nurses, relief workers, psychologists, support groups, army, police, etc. that have put the life of the victims ahead of their own have the hope, encouragement, and patience in continuing their work. For those who are helping through time, effort, material and in other forms, Lord continue to touch their heart and life that they will be blessed temselves and others around them. Show the victims how to rebuild their life. Let the impossible thoughts in their minds be replaced with possibility in You. Father, let those still trapped continue to press on their struggle for survival. Jesus, let your light shine in this time of darkness. May You show Your purpose and direction for all humanity in this ends of times. Guide us O Lord to share and shine Your light in this trying time. We pray all this in Jesus's name - AMEN