C.R.A.S.H. Japan
http://www.crashjapan.com/
After 10 days in HIgashikurume, getting to know and love jiyu gakuen and its students and teachers, we are off to iwaki! we are all a bit anxious of what is to come, because so many details of our stay and service there is unknown. but we know, no matter where god places us and no matter what he calls us to do, he is for us and with us.
it is divine that today's "Jesus calling" was about worry and anxiousness, "It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it is your thoughts about those events. your mind engages in efforts to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you desire. your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves. determined to make things your way, you forget that I am in charge of your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem to My Presence. Stop all your striving, and watch to see what I will do. I am the Lord!" amen.
After 10 days in HIgashikurume, getting to know and love jiyu gakuen and its students and teachers, we are off to iwaki! we are all a bit anxious of what is to come, because so many details of our stay and service there is unknown. but we know, no matter where god places us and no matter what he calls us to do, he is for us and with us.
it is divine that today's "Jesus calling" was about worry and anxiousness, "It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it is your thoughts about those events. your mind engages in efforts to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you desire. your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves. determined to make things your way, you forget that I am in charge of your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem to My Presence. Stop all your striving, and watch to see what I will do. I am the Lord!" amen.
Our first week: manual labor, hiyah!
During our first, full day in Iwaki, our team volunteered to assist with the restoration of a kelp factory. This factory is right next to the ocean and was hit by the tsnuami pretty badly. However, the owners are hoping to reopen their business on June 21st, so prayers would be much appreciated for them!
But today, we were asked to help removed A LOT of sand that was washed under the building's floorboards. it was also more cold than usual today, so we borrowed some pretty cool looking gear to bundle up ;) we then pulled up floor boards and shoveled up sand and put them into sandbags. we filled around 40-50 sandbags and got a good amount of work done from 9:30am-2:30pm. We also helped to move broken windows, pieces of wood, and some other manual labor work too.
Though by the end of the workday, our bags, legs, arms, hands, and bottoms were sore and aching from bending over a lot and shoveling heavy loads, we had so much fun serving! Our team is full of a bunch of goofballs, in case you don't know all of us that well, so we laugh and love in any situation. Today's service project was no exception...we were singing, joking, poking fun at one another, and more throughout the whole workday. We also got to enjoy a Delicious lunch from "lawson's", a nearby convenience store that has amazing sushi, bentos, japanese dishes, desserts, and more! lunch break was a great blessing too :) we will return to the kelp factory tomorrow (wednesday), to continue to do the same work, and we will possibly be doing more manual work for thursday and friday too.
But today, we were asked to help removed A LOT of sand that was washed under the building's floorboards. it was also more cold than usual today, so we borrowed some pretty cool looking gear to bundle up ;) we then pulled up floor boards and shoveled up sand and put them into sandbags. we filled around 40-50 sandbags and got a good amount of work done from 9:30am-2:30pm. We also helped to move broken windows, pieces of wood, and some other manual labor work too.
Though by the end of the workday, our bags, legs, arms, hands, and bottoms were sore and aching from bending over a lot and shoveling heavy loads, we had so much fun serving! Our team is full of a bunch of goofballs, in case you don't know all of us that well, so we laugh and love in any situation. Today's service project was no exception...we were singing, joking, poking fun at one another, and more throughout the whole workday. We also got to enjoy a Delicious lunch from "lawson's", a nearby convenience store that has amazing sushi, bentos, japanese dishes, desserts, and more! lunch break was a great blessing too :) we will return to the kelp factory tomorrow (wednesday), to continue to do the same work, and we will possibly be doing more manual work for thursday and friday too.
さようなら Kelp Factory (Goodbye)
Just finished up our second work day. Team work!!!
AFter two days of manual labor--a lot of bending over, standing up, shoveling, laying on our chests and sides to reach beneath floorboards, using brushes to collect remaining sand and more--we completed our job task. Under the direction of Mr. Ono, whom we have come to truly adore.
During our service at the kelp factory, we collected and bagged somewhere around 50 bags of sand! through our team's common traits of meticulousness, hard work, and perfection, we worked to clean up as much sand as we possibly could. We even asked Mr. Ono if we could cut our lunch break short or stay longer to work and he said, "no". Haha. He forced us to rest and take breaks...so we couldn't say no to him and the delicious food we had waiting for us from Lawson's and 7/11. It was bittersweet to leave the kelp factory, having spent our first two days of service there, but I think our entire team feels good about the work we did there. So now...on to the next calling (which we think will be sorting trash and cutting grass with Mr. Ono again).
During our service at the kelp factory, we collected and bagged somewhere around 50 bags of sand! through our team's common traits of meticulousness, hard work, and perfection, we worked to clean up as much sand as we possibly could. We even asked Mr. Ono if we could cut our lunch break short or stay longer to work and he said, "no". Haha. He forced us to rest and take breaks...so we couldn't say no to him and the delicious food we had waiting for us from Lawson's and 7/11. It was bittersweet to leave the kelp factory, having spent our first two days of service there, but I think our entire team feels good about the work we did there. So now...on to the next calling (which we think will be sorting trash and cutting grass with Mr. Ono again).
Our first look at the physical destruction...
Just two houses remain standing in this area.
After our work day at the Kelp Factory, our driver for the day, DK (who is a regular worker at Global mission's center) asked our team if we wanted to see the second worst destruction area in Iwaki. Our team felt it was time for us to finally see the aftermath of the tsunami, so DK and eliljah (another worker at global missions) took us to HIsanohama. In this area of Iwaki, 68 people were killed by the tsunami and 12 are still missing. when we first arrived near the main disaster site, it was definitely a surreal experience for our entire team. We parked on the side of the road and everyone went their own ways to walk around and explore the site. piles of debris, damaged possessions, houses' foundations, and other remnants of the lives that once used to live in this part of hisanohama were scattered everywhere. our paces and strides were slow as our eyes scanned and examined the ruins that we were walking upon and around. it was surreal to see shattered kitchenware, childrens' toys, articles of clothing, and other belongings just dirtied, faded, and abandoned on the ground.
The two houses that were still standing in the area were particularly interesting and saddening because of the belongings that were still inside. at first, Lillian was too afraid to enter into the red house alone because of the mud splatters on the walls and debris piles on the floor. She said that the splatters on the wall shouted, "blood and death!" to her, and she could feel the loss that had taken place in this area. We all could feel the destruction and death that had occurred in the area...we could feel the sadness, hopelessness, and loss that had taken place in and still plagues this city. we could imagine that people that were once attached to the damaged belongings.
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We could see the small child who had once worn the hello kitty shoe. We could see the mother who had once carefully washed her porcelain dishes. and we could see the grandfather who had once worn his reading glasses to read the morning paper. we could feel the lives that once occupied that place. yet, we could feel the hope. through prayer and our faith in the power of Christ, we knew that their was more to what we could see. Beyond the brokenness, the devastation, the destruction, and the abandonment, there is hope for restoration, healing, and transformation.
While in HIsanohama, by the sovereignty of God, we also met a man who was gardening on a plot of land. Dk initiated conversation, though at first, the man was hesitant. yet, once he learned that we were Christians, he completely opened up to talking to us...later in the car, elijah was reflecting about how it was amazing that someone in our (christian) family had touched this man in the past, so much so, that he was willing to talk to us when initially, he disliked volunteers. thus, we soon learned that his name was Mr. yoshida. Through a casual conversation with him, we learned that the plot of land that he was on was where his house used to stand. His mother and him lived there, but unfortunately, she was taken away by the tsunami at the age of 84. Therefore, yoshida san was replanting his garden in honor and memory of his mother, who greatly enjoyed the flowers. we also learned that on the day of the tsunami, though he was not scheduled to work, he was called in to cover for someone. Had it not been for this unexpected work schedule, he would've also been killed by the tsunami, and would've died trying to aide in the rescue of elderly people in a nearby building. however, he still lost his beloved cat (having no children of his own) and a majority of his possessions. He also lived in his car for three weeks following the tsunami and is now paranoid about being without essentials...he always has a flashlight and water on him, and his car is packed with survival gear and his prized possessions. we also learned that, though he is Buddhist, he is open to and friendly towards Christians. He explained to us the current status of the Kasetsu (mobile homes/temporary housing) and the emotional and psychological status of the people there. He said, "as Christians, you would understand this...", meaning that we would be prone to understand the suffering of the people who have been especially traumatized by the tsunami. then he told us in particular, about the elderly at the kasetsu, about how a lot of them are depressed and hopeless...they truly do not want to die there. After having lived 70+ years, the elderly do not want to have lived that long to die in temporary housing without many possessions or accomplishments. mr. yoshida also warned us to not go to the kasetsu telling people, "how can we help you...let us help you." the people there get annoyed by that approach...rather, just listen to the people there. be open to letting them open up, be vulnerable, be down, and be real. Mr. yoshida said, "let them be sad"...don't make them feel like they have to be happy or smile right away. Basically, he was telling us, to fight the Japanese norm of trying to "be okay" all the time, and trying to "be strong" and move on from hurt and suffering...support the Japanese people in their hurting...encourage them while they let the reality of their suffering and pain settle in. Like working on a ground of destruction, we must face and take away the ruins and remains in order to rebuild and restart.
also by the grace of God, Mr. Yoshida allowed us to pray for him while he continued to plant in his garden. He was also excited to show us sunflowers that he had planted the day before, and were now sprouting in the front of his plot. DK is continuing to stay in touch with Mr. yoshida and hopes to give him one of his (gospel) cds soon. So keep him in your prayers, along with the people of hisanohama. prayer for the people in temporary housing...like the two, young girls we encountered that afternoon as well. they told us how they used to live where the destruction now lurked, and now they live in the kasetsue...so keep these people in prayer as they battle the still present struggles of the tsunami and earthquake.
also by the grace of God, Mr. Yoshida allowed us to pray for him while he continued to plant in his garden. He was also excited to show us sunflowers that he had planted the day before, and were now sprouting in the front of his plot. DK is continuing to stay in touch with Mr. yoshida and hopes to give him one of his (gospel) cds soon. So keep him in your prayers, along with the people of hisanohama. prayer for the people in temporary housing...like the two, young girls we encountered that afternoon as well. they told us how they used to live where the destruction now lurked, and now they live in the kasetsue...so keep these people in prayer as they battle the still present struggles of the tsunami and earthquake.
Hisanohama...
Cleaning time!!!
Today was a day of cleaning. Mr. ono (from tuesday and wednesday) begged for us to come and help him for at least one more day this week. Initially, he hinted that we would be doing some sort of grass work and trash separation...but the day ended up turning out a lot more dirty and hot than we thought it would be. for the first half of the day, we worked along a road in southern iwaki. apparently, that area of town has not been taken care of for a while, due to the loss of many elderly and communal aide. so we helped to trim the bamboo and plants along the walkway, and collect the cuttings. this part of the service day was moderate, minus the bothersome heat. but after our delicious, home cooked lunch of curry, we went to a "dumpsite".
though this plot of land was privately owned, after the tsunami, people began to treat it as a dumpsite because the town's trash dump zones were not open. therefore, we were asked to separate and collect the various trash. needless to say...this was a dirty and stinky task. we found some very odd pieces of trash...from toilets, to a refrigerator, to a sparkly pair of short shorts, to a full bottles of ramune, and more! regardless of the numerous bugs we came into contact with (a lot closer contact than we would've liked), the horrific smells, and the irritating heat, we got some good work done! The owner of the land was also very grateful for our help, and it was an honor and joy to work with the adorable, Mr. Ono again.
though this plot of land was privately owned, after the tsunami, people began to treat it as a dumpsite because the town's trash dump zones were not open. therefore, we were asked to separate and collect the various trash. needless to say...this was a dirty and stinky task. we found some very odd pieces of trash...from toilets, to a refrigerator, to a sparkly pair of short shorts, to a full bottles of ramune, and more! regardless of the numerous bugs we came into contact with (a lot closer contact than we would've liked), the horrific smells, and the irritating heat, we got some good work done! The owner of the land was also very grateful for our help, and it was an honor and joy to work with the adorable, Mr. Ono again.
Our first weekend off!
Lookout point.
After finishing up our trash clean up on Friday, and eating a delicious meat croquet lunch, our driver took us to a lookout point in IWaki. It was a nice start to the weekend, and afterwards, we also visited our first "kasetsu" (temporary housing). there, we met two elderly gentlemen who were just sitting outside of their units. we talked to them for a bit and sadly, they said that there was not much for them to do in the kasetsu. they said that they have no where to go, nothing to do, and typically just fill their time with planting flowers and decorating the outside of their units. one of the men, Mr. Nakamura, proudly showed up some poles that he had made for his unit and his friend's too. And he also gladly showed us a piece of wood he found after the tsunami that looks like an owl. though this first visit at a kasetsu was short and quick , it gave us a glimpse at the lives that live there, and the unique community that all of the mobile homes create.
Rest & Exploration
Purikura picture <3
This weekend was the first weekend that we had all to ourselves. So it was a given that we slept in on Saturday and had a day with absolutely no plans. It was a blessing indeed! we all awoke at different times, but then were blessed by an oishii (delicious) lunch with Pastor mori (the leader of global Mission chapel). he took us to a nearby soba restaurant, which was very filling and of high quality, and our entire team was grateful that Pastor mori treated us to the meal. Afterwards, our team spontaneously decided to walk around iwaki--mainly in search of a bank for Caitlyn to take out money and a store for her to buy sandals at--and ended up near the train station and then eventually back to the Iwaki Center of Arts. Caitlyn did a great job walking with only nine, well toes, and her big toe bandaged up. And she managed to get it stepped on or hit only less than five times ;) but her toe is healing, so AMEN to that!
On Sunday, we attended the morning, church service at 10:30 am, which was conveniently held where were staying (Global mission center). Pastor Mori spoke on 1 Corinthians 4:14-21. we thank God for Lillian, who translated the sermon and service for us...we don't know what we would do without her! after church, our team members took an hour and a half of alone time to spend with God, reflect on our time in Japan thus far, and journal. then we came back together, met in the prayer room on the roof of the building (which is a really cool room), and shared what we had thought of or learned during our alone time.
After this, we decided to go to a nearby mall (aeon) to just relax and possibly shop. though we were going to bike there, so Caitlyn would not have to walk, Papa-san (a dear, elderly man who is a regular at GMC offered to drive and accompany us). it was at the mall that our team took our first Purikura (photobooth shoot). It was fun, to say the least, and very very very asian. thankfully, lillian was a pro at those pictures, so she took charge and edited the photos at an unbelievable speed. lastly, here Are the pictures we took:
On Sunday, we attended the morning, church service at 10:30 am, which was conveniently held where were staying (Global mission center). Pastor Mori spoke on 1 Corinthians 4:14-21. we thank God for Lillian, who translated the sermon and service for us...we don't know what we would do without her! after church, our team members took an hour and a half of alone time to spend with God, reflect on our time in Japan thus far, and journal. then we came back together, met in the prayer room on the roof of the building (which is a really cool room), and shared what we had thought of or learned during our alone time.
After this, we decided to go to a nearby mall (aeon) to just relax and possibly shop. though we were going to bike there, so Caitlyn would not have to walk, Papa-san (a dear, elderly man who is a regular at GMC offered to drive and accompany us). it was at the mall that our team took our first Purikura (photobooth shoot). It was fun, to say the least, and very very very asian. thankfully, lillian was a pro at those pictures, so she took charge and edited the photos at an unbelievable speed. lastly, here Are the pictures we took: