A new start

On Saturday our volunteer work was to help with the cleanup at one of the evacuation shelters (an elementary school gymnasium) in Rikuzen-Takata city.

As I cleaned amongst the evacuees, I wondered what each individual was thinking and feeling.

To me, the place was just an ordinary school gym. But to the evacuees, it was a place filled with memories. A place they slept and ate for three months. A place- in replacement of their washed away homes.

During the cleanup, I was amazed at how much the people were putting effort into making the gym back to its normal situation. Making what used to be an evacuation shelter back to a school gym.

Now, there are 0 evacuees. Many have moved in to the temporary houses built on the elementary school field. Others have found new homes elsewhere.

At the end, when closing remarks were given, I was able to listen as some gave their final words of encouragement and thankfulness.

Although I was an outsider, it was a very special moment as I saw hope in many of their faces.

It is a new start. Although I will never be able to fully understand their feelings, I sincerely hope and pray that they will be able to keep moving forward, step by step.