
Izmir earthquake relief fund
Dear friends, colleagues, and family
As many of you know, although I am from California, Izmir is my second home. Izmir was my first international teaching destination and it didn't take long for me to fall in love with the culture, the people, and the city. It was only natural then to fall in love with an Izmirli. Mehmet and I married at St. John's Anglican Church in Izmir. His immediate and extended family as well as friends all live in Izmir. We also have a home there that we have yet to live in, but it is waiting for us, as are our friends and family.
Sadly, a deadly earthquake struck Izmir last Friday, Oct. 30. Although dozens of buildings were destroyed and many lost their lives, by some miracle our friends and family escaped uninjured.
However, Mehmet's nephew and his wife lost their restaurant as it was on the ground floor of a building damaged beyond repair. Amazingly, the quake struck just after they had closed for the day, otherwise, this request would have a different purpose. Several cousins also lost their homes as their buildings were also damaged beyond repair. It is with very heavy hearts that Mehmet and I are reaching out to you to help not only our extended family but all of these people, many of whom are now homeless, rebuild their lives.
Whatever you can give, however small, will surely be a great help. If thoughts and prayers are what you can offer at this time, those will certainly be appreciated as well.
Stay well, stay safe, and stay close, my friends.
Much love,
Estrella, Mehmet, and Emiliano
https://news.sky.com/story/turkey-and-greece-earthquake-girl-4-rescued-in-izmir-after-91-hours-trapped-under-rubble-12122365
https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2020/oct/30/turkey-earthquake-drone-shows-building-reduced-to-rubble-in-izmir-video