Clarification on our time in Iwaki:
Morning meeting with Pastor Mori & the group.
In case you haven't noticed, not much has been said about C.R.a.S.H. Japan, which is who most of you thought we would be partnering with...we thought that was the plan as well. But, just as our westmont team was the first to pair with jiyu gakuen, we are also the first pairing between C.r.a.s.h. and global mission chapel. Through the planning of masa suzuki, who works for c.r.a.s.h., our team was sent to serve with global mission chapel in iwaki. This church is led by pastor akira mori, and has been actively relieving tsunami disaster victims and centers for over a year. Iwaki was greatly afflicted by the tsunami on March 11, with more than 1,000 killed or missing, hundreds of houses and buildings destroyed, and hundreds of survivors still living in evacuation centers. therefore, Global mission chapel felt called to help bring assistance and relief to the victims in iwaki. while the church has helped to provide materialistic and physical aid, they have also sought to provide emotional, psychological, and spiritual care too. "The Japanese churches have been given a wake-up call by this disaster and we have a chance to transform this nation by showing the love of Jesus Christ", said Pastor mori.
Thus, we have been staying in the GMC, Global mission center, since we arrived in Iwaki, as have hundreds of volunteers who have come before us to serve the LORD and His people here. Oddly enough, this building used to be a pachinko (gambling) building run by the Yakuza (Japanese mafia), not too long ago, but Global Mission Church bought it and has completely transformed it by the grace and power of God. Though it is still currently under construction, it is a beautiful facility and building. the girls are staying in a room of their own, while luke is staying with other men on the third floor. We are required to go to every morning meeting (8:30 am) and every evening meeting (7:00 pm). Breakfast and dinner are provided, with the help of volunteers preparing and cooking the meals, and we are on our own for lunch. We also are asked to conserve water and energy, since utility costs here are especially expensive, and we have to carefully sort all of our trash as well. day by day, we are getting to know more of the people at GMC and are also getting accustomed to the atmosphere and workings here, which are very different from Jiyu Gakuen.
plans are a lot more "free flowing" here, meaning that meetings are at an "ish-time", i.e. morning meeting is at 8:30ish. it is during this meeting that people tell the group what needs and service opportunities they have for everyone, and then people volunteer for what they want to do. Basically, you do what you want to do while at GMC. Another big change for us has also been the fact that we are usually free after 5:00 pm (minus dinner and evening meeting), which is very new for us. Having free time has been a blessing and good opportunity for our team to grow closer and spend a lot of quality time with just the five of us. we have been able to have ridiculously fun outings, meaningful and connecting meetings, spontaneous adventures, naps in the middle of the day, and more. :) Overall, this place, the people here, and the opportunities we've had thus far have been a blessing and we can't wait to see what else God has in store for the next two weeks.
Thus, we have been staying in the GMC, Global mission center, since we arrived in Iwaki, as have hundreds of volunteers who have come before us to serve the LORD and His people here. Oddly enough, this building used to be a pachinko (gambling) building run by the Yakuza (Japanese mafia), not too long ago, but Global Mission Church bought it and has completely transformed it by the grace and power of God. Though it is still currently under construction, it is a beautiful facility and building. the girls are staying in a room of their own, while luke is staying with other men on the third floor. We are required to go to every morning meeting (8:30 am) and every evening meeting (7:00 pm). Breakfast and dinner are provided, with the help of volunteers preparing and cooking the meals, and we are on our own for lunch. We also are asked to conserve water and energy, since utility costs here are especially expensive, and we have to carefully sort all of our trash as well. day by day, we are getting to know more of the people at GMC and are also getting accustomed to the atmosphere and workings here, which are very different from Jiyu Gakuen.
plans are a lot more "free flowing" here, meaning that meetings are at an "ish-time", i.e. morning meeting is at 8:30ish. it is during this meeting that people tell the group what needs and service opportunities they have for everyone, and then people volunteer for what they want to do. Basically, you do what you want to do while at GMC. Another big change for us has also been the fact that we are usually free after 5:00 pm (minus dinner and evening meeting), which is very new for us. Having free time has been a blessing and good opportunity for our team to grow closer and spend a lot of quality time with just the five of us. we have been able to have ridiculously fun outings, meaningful and connecting meetings, spontaneous adventures, naps in the middle of the day, and more. :) Overall, this place, the people here, and the opportunities we've had thus far have been a blessing and we can't wait to see what else God has in store for the next two weeks.
Let's get down to business!
Cooking & being silly as usual.
Monday was a fairly lowkey day. since our team was a little exhausted from the manual/physical labor that we did last week, we volunteered to clean the center (GMC) and cook dinner for everyone too! so we tackled the bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchen today, which were all fairly messy and unorganized projects. but through our team's hard work, tendencies for perfection and order, and hearts of service, we got the jobs done! we also had a yummy lunch from the very near super market, Maruta. mmmmm >.<
Our team made a persian dish for dinner that lily's family eats, and is fairly simple to make, which worked out great because it was semi-Japanese like and fed 25+ people. It was delicious and everybody loved it!
In the evening, our team went on a little adventure around town to get some fresh air and bond even closer <3 we ended up making origami and dropping them off a nearby bridge into the river, and also spontaneously went to the Iwaki center of arts (which is surprisingly free to get in and open until 10:30pm!). It's always nice to spend time with just the five of us, and it never ceases to amaze us how God-planned our group is. Though we're all so different and unique, we're a bunch of goofballs who love the Lord, love Japan, and love each other!
Our team made a persian dish for dinner that lily's family eats, and is fairly simple to make, which worked out great because it was semi-Japanese like and fed 25+ people. It was delicious and everybody loved it!
In the evening, our team went on a little adventure around town to get some fresh air and bond even closer <3 we ended up making origami and dropping them off a nearby bridge into the river, and also spontaneously went to the Iwaki center of arts (which is surprisingly free to get in and open until 10:30pm!). It's always nice to spend time with just the five of us, and it never ceases to amaze us how God-planned our group is. Though we're all so different and unique, we're a bunch of goofballs who love the Lord, love Japan, and love each other!
Kasetsu Time
The teacher was so proud of Luke & was showing off his work.
Tuesday was the first day that our team actually went to the kasetsu (temporary housing) to hang out with the residents there. Papa-san took us there and told us that we would be participating in that particular kasetsu's last day for their sewing club. However, as has been the pattern while in Japan, things were not quite what we had anticipated when we arrived. Yes, women were gathering scrap material, busting out their pins and needles, and making little, Japanese dolls. But as volunteers, we learned that we were there to basically do whatever we wanted. This however was not as appealing or easy as it may have seemed initially. Due to the language barrier, because a lot of the elderly do not speak much English, it was a little difficult to talk to the women there. However, they were more than willing to teach us what they were doing and involve us in their activities.
Another unexpected part of the afternoon, was when the children who were playing outside came into the community center. Due to rain and severe thunder and lightening, the kids came inside for shelter and safety. therefore, we were given an opportunity to interact with some of the kasetsu's kids. So caitlyn, lillian, and lily sewed dolls, while luke cross-stitched some flowers, and i colored postcards with some of the kids. It was cute how proud the teacher was of Luke, along with the other elderly women, and they were all so amazed at his work. Overall, it was a blessed first experience at the kasetsu and we hope to return to this same site soon.
Another unexpected part of the afternoon, was when the children who were playing outside came into the community center. Due to rain and severe thunder and lightening, the kids came inside for shelter and safety. therefore, we were given an opportunity to interact with some of the kasetsu's kids. So caitlyn, lillian, and lily sewed dolls, while luke cross-stitched some flowers, and i colored postcards with some of the kids. It was cute how proud the teacher was of Luke, along with the other elderly women, and they were all so amazed at his work. Overall, it was a blessed first experience at the kasetsu and we hope to return to this same site soon.
Tai Chi at the Kasetsu
Stretching it out during Tai Chi
This afternoon we went to a kasestsu in Izumi with a tai chi master. This was the first time that the instructor was holding at class at this specific kasetsu, and it was a fun time. Not only was the tai chi relaxing, stretching, and energizing, but the elderly women there were also so adorable and friendly. We were able to talk with them after tai chi while the instructor served us chinese tea. Overall, today was fairly relaxing and it was fun to feel like air/water benders while doing tai chi.
Konbu Factory & Kasetsu
Enjoying the musical beauty of Luke and Lillian.
This thursday our team split up into two groups for the day: Caitlyn and Lily went back to the kelp factory, while lillian, brandi, and luke went to a kasetsu. Today was the last day that GMC would be volunteering at the konbu factory, which is planning to be reopened on June 21st. Caitlyn and lily spent the morning shifting the sand that had previously been collected from the factory. This "pure" sand would then be used to fill a hole that was dug in the building (?) and then they went grocery shopping for the night's tempura dinner (which was delicious!).
Lillian, luke, and brandi went with several of the regular, gmc volunteers to a kasetsu for people who had lived 10 kilometers from the main radiation danger zone. From 10am to noon, the volunteers ran a cafe in the kasetsu's community centering, welcoming residents to enjoy free coffee, tea, and snacks, and some entertainment and karaoke too. At first, we walked around the temporary housing while luke played the guitar and Lillian yelled out an advertisement for the cafe. During this time, we ran into various elderly folks who were outside, most of whom were tending to their plants.
one theme that we've noticed at all of the kasetsus that we've visited so far is that a lot of people have plants. The main reason for this is that it is a fairly inexpensive hobby and it takes up time. Another theme that we've noticed is that a lot of people in temporary housing are beyond bored. we've heard numerous elderly people say, "I have nothing to do"..."it's so boring here"..."there's nothing else for me to do here". So, they try to fill their days by planting and tending plants, flowers, and vegetables, or find other random hobbies too. We've also felt and seen a theme of hopelessness in the kasetsus; and the closer the people's homes were to the radiation, the more hopeless they seem.
For example, lillian and luke went to a kasetsu yesterday morning where the residents' original homes were 3 kilometers from radiation. Therefore, they knew that there was no possibility or chance for them to return home. Their hopelessness was even greater than the kasetsu that we were at today because these people have some hope that they will be able to return home soon. One woman that we ran into who was taking care of her plants told us that she chose to plant and tend plants right now that will be easy to transport and replant when she returns home.
But despite the depression, sadness, and hopelessness that these people are facing, they are persevering. As is the Japanese spirit and way, these people are holding onto what strength they have left and not showing their discouragement (which is both a good and bad thing). While we were at the cafe, we saw both sides of the japanese people--those who appear outwardly "okay" and happy, and those who are not as flamboyant and not afraid to talk about their losses and struggles. It has been surprising to hear how frankly some tsunami victims talk about their experiences and sufferings. Even if they are laughing and smiling one second, the next they can be talking about how they lost everything they owned besides what they fit into their cars.
Lillian and i (brandi) met one elderly woman today who had lost her husband in the tsunami. For four generations, this woman's family were farmers, and so were her and her husband. So on march 11th, she lost their entire farm and the love of her life. Another woman sitting next to her told us about how their family (who raised cattle and were also farmers) had to release all of their livestock, mainly cows, because of the radiation. Due to concern about radiation in the animals, her family could no longer care for and sell the cattle. These women would be laughing and giggling and smiling while talking about how pathetic their lives were, how they had lived this long to only waste their last years doing nothing, and about how much sorrow and hopelessness they had. This has been an odd phenomenon that we have witnessed with numerous tsunami victims--outwardly joyful and smiling, while inwardly hurting and casually explaining their depressing lives and losses.
A lot of tsunami victims are wondering, "Why did this happen to me...did i do something wrong?" Many are also feeling abandoned by their country and fellow Japanese, because no one truly knows what living in the kasetsu is really like, except for the people who are there with no other option or means to leave. After the cafe, we talked to a sort of "property manager" of the kasetsu, and he gave us some insight into living there. He said, this specific site was only constructed to last for two years of suitable living. Yet, the units are very hot during the summer and cold during the winter because there are no legitimate/normal roofs. The displaced people also have tension with the residents of iwaki, because they're seen as taking jobs, money, land, etc. from them. So in reality, everyone has been affected by the tsunami whether or not they have been displaced. So continue to keep the people of Japan in your prayers. may He be praised as the God of this country and a God of hope, restoration, mercy, and love.
one theme that we've noticed at all of the kasetsus that we've visited so far is that a lot of people have plants. The main reason for this is that it is a fairly inexpensive hobby and it takes up time. Another theme that we've noticed is that a lot of people in temporary housing are beyond bored. we've heard numerous elderly people say, "I have nothing to do"..."it's so boring here"..."there's nothing else for me to do here". So, they try to fill their days by planting and tending plants, flowers, and vegetables, or find other random hobbies too. We've also felt and seen a theme of hopelessness in the kasetsus; and the closer the people's homes were to the radiation, the more hopeless they seem.
For example, lillian and luke went to a kasetsu yesterday morning where the residents' original homes were 3 kilometers from radiation. Therefore, they knew that there was no possibility or chance for them to return home. Their hopelessness was even greater than the kasetsu that we were at today because these people have some hope that they will be able to return home soon. One woman that we ran into who was taking care of her plants told us that she chose to plant and tend plants right now that will be easy to transport and replant when she returns home.
But despite the depression, sadness, and hopelessness that these people are facing, they are persevering. As is the Japanese spirit and way, these people are holding onto what strength they have left and not showing their discouragement (which is both a good and bad thing). While we were at the cafe, we saw both sides of the japanese people--those who appear outwardly "okay" and happy, and those who are not as flamboyant and not afraid to talk about their losses and struggles. It has been surprising to hear how frankly some tsunami victims talk about their experiences and sufferings. Even if they are laughing and smiling one second, the next they can be talking about how they lost everything they owned besides what they fit into their cars.
Lillian and i (brandi) met one elderly woman today who had lost her husband in the tsunami. For four generations, this woman's family were farmers, and so were her and her husband. So on march 11th, she lost their entire farm and the love of her life. Another woman sitting next to her told us about how their family (who raised cattle and were also farmers) had to release all of their livestock, mainly cows, because of the radiation. Due to concern about radiation in the animals, her family could no longer care for and sell the cattle. These women would be laughing and giggling and smiling while talking about how pathetic their lives were, how they had lived this long to only waste their last years doing nothing, and about how much sorrow and hopelessness they had. This has been an odd phenomenon that we have witnessed with numerous tsunami victims--outwardly joyful and smiling, while inwardly hurting and casually explaining their depressing lives and losses.
A lot of tsunami victims are wondering, "Why did this happen to me...did i do something wrong?" Many are also feeling abandoned by their country and fellow Japanese, because no one truly knows what living in the kasetsu is really like, except for the people who are there with no other option or means to leave. After the cafe, we talked to a sort of "property manager" of the kasetsu, and he gave us some insight into living there. He said, this specific site was only constructed to last for two years of suitable living. Yet, the units are very hot during the summer and cold during the winter because there are no legitimate/normal roofs. The displaced people also have tension with the residents of iwaki, because they're seen as taking jobs, money, land, etc. from them. So in reality, everyone has been affected by the tsunami whether or not they have been displaced. So continue to keep the people of Japan in your prayers. may He be praised as the God of this country and a God of hope, restoration, mercy, and love.
Friday: A Haircut, Tonkatsu, & Karaoke
Our crazy team: after tonkatsu, before karaoke.
This Friday our team had it fairly easy. We stayed around the GMC for the morning to clean up, work on some self-reflection, emailing, blogging, facebooking, and resting. But in the afternoon, caitlyn got a haircut! then in the evening, pastor mori took our team out to dinner, and we ate the most delicious tonkatsu ever! and to end our Friday night off with a bang, we went to karaoke!!! We sang the night away, no one went deaf from our singing, and it was a hilarious, joyful, noisy, team-bonding event <3
AEON shopping & fun
Peace & Hello Kitty
This Saturday we went out shopping, mainly for omiyages (gifts) to bring back home, at a store called "Aeon". It's kind of like a Japanese Target, or Wal-Mart, but three stories tall and with an arcade. Surprisingly, our team spent four hours in this one store! We had fun trying on silly accessories, played some games, got mini souvenirs from the toy machines, bought gifts, and some things for our selves too. Luke was very proud to purchase a Pokemon tie, which we all admit is pretty sweet! Lily won a Pikachu doll from a claw game. Caitlyn and Lillian bought some clothes. And Brandi bought her mom's birthday gift and some other gifts as well. Overall, it was a fun, team outting. Followed by dinner in the food court and oh ya, Lily burned her mouth on very fresh takoyaki (octopus bread balls) earlier. It was hilarious, but don't worry, she's fine now and the takoyaki was yummy!