Earthquakes and magnitudes of difference

I have just received e-mails from friends of mine in Indonesia informing me of th 7.6 earthquake off the northern coast of Sumatra. This hit close to where I have spent most of my time in Indonesia. My friends informed me of the villagers and themselves fleeing to the mountains after the earthquake happening in fear of another Tsunami. Some of the villagers will stay up there for a week or so until the ocean settles.
I often reflect of the time I spent over there and realize all the knowledge that I acquired there and apply here. New Orleans has been quite an interesting environment to grow in. I have ran into many peace corps people and people that have done a lot of work in 3rd world countries, and they are attracted to New Orleans because it has many of the similar issues that hurt third world countries. It's a little third world place with resources that flow abundantly yet still has big social issues.

I am currently in the process of trying to buy my first house. It's in a rough area and its amazing. I am hoping to make it into the city and invest in the youth of the neighborhood and see the social tide change!