SUNRISE

I started this blog in hopes to take action.
To do what I can to show my support for Tohoku and Japan.
I hoped I could at least help spread the awareness (especially as international concern for Japan was decreasing)
And I also wished to make people keep caring.

Unfortunately, since it was my first time blogging and I also happen to be a pretty shy person...
I failed to spread word of my blog.
Nonetheless, I wanted to keep writing about my experiences up in Northeast Japan.
So that I, myself would keep caring.
So that I, myself didn't forget.

This post will be my last entry on this blog.
I hate to make excuses but grad school will be starting and it is time I shift gears.
This doesn't mean however, that my relief efforts will be coming to an end.
Or that my care for Tohoku will disappear or diminish.
This is simply my way of けじめを付ける.

When I first left home, I was scared I would stop caring and forget about Tohoku.

Although it's true that being miles away from home is difficult on me at times...
I am more confident now.

Because back home, there are:
those who still post updates on news of the devastated regions.
those who continue to support and volunteer.
Which keeps me caring, and posted on what is happening in Tohoku.
And here where I am...
Mountains surround me which remind me of Rikuzen-Takata city
The valley brings back memories of the times I spent with the children of Fukushima
Rabbits here take me on a journey back to the Shichigahama Volunteer Center
And when it rains, I think back to my first time in Kesennuma, way back in April.

Bits and pieces of Tohoku are within me.
And will always be with me...

And last but not least, I am always reminded to be thankful for my everyday life.

Sending much positive energy,
-Moé

p.s. A big shout out to koko, who kept up with this blog :)!

嬉しいできごと~Happy Happening~

Being out of Japan,  it sometimes feels as if the earthquake and tsunami never happened.
At times, it feels almost like a nightmare, not reality.

This is because there is not a trace of news of the devastated areas
or news of how the victims are moving forward...

Today was August 11th.
To me, sometimes, it just feels like time has stopped since March 11th.
I can not believe already 5 months have gone by.

Even though at times, I am saddened by the lack of care for Japan here, there was something that made me happy today.

During international orientation, I played soccer with some of the new students.
For some reason, I happened to be around many Japanese students so basically,
our team consisted of many Japanese students, some Chinese students and also a student from Australia.

Since I was the only girl on the team, I ended up being the team captain.
I had to think of  a team name so I asked my team what we should be called.

The Australian guy suggested,
"We should represent one of the hardest struck regions of the tsunami, we should play in their honor."

Just the simple thought that he cared-made me so happy.

Five months may seem like a long time ago for those outside of Japan,
but it is still something that we, and I personally greatly care for.
And all this time here, it just seemed like nobody really cared about what was going on in Japan, which is understandable.

Since I couldn't think of the hardest struck area as many areas received great damage, our team name became "Team Tohoku"

The fact that somebody cared, someone who was not Japanese- made me happy.

Thank you :)

In Japan,  on the 11th, mournings were givin to those who lost their lives and fireworks wishing for recovery were displayed alongside the ocean at 10 locations in Miyagi, Iwate, and Fukushima.

「一期一会」 "Ichigo-Ichie"

There is an idiom in Japan called "Ichigo-Ichie".

Ichigo means, in a life time.
And Ichie means meeting.

Therefore, the idiom literally means, first and last encounter in life.
And it is used to emphasize the importance of enjoying every encounter as it may never come to you again.
As the meeting may be your first and last encounter with the individual.

So in Japan, in many moments we try to treasure these once in a  lifetime meetings, to take each encounter positively.
Because even though you may not notice at the time being, these encounters tend to be meaningful and valuable.

During the various times I went to volunteer up North, I met many people.

I met victims.
Victims who lost their belongings, homes, friends, and family members.
Victims who were lost, scared, nervous, optimistic, brave...

Victims who lost their temper and then later apologized for being so harsh.
Victims whose only word they exchanged with me was a simple, "Thank You."
And victims, who, from their strength and will to keep going- gave me energy.

And amongst the many victims, I also met children.
Children, who have gone through frightening and fearful experiences.
But children, who, due to their silliness and laughter made me forget-
just for brief periods of time that the natural disaster ever struck.

And finally, I also met many many volunteers.
Volunteers who were in the same group as me and who supported me.
Volunteers who I met at the volunteer center or worked beside me amongst the debris.
Volunteers who inspired me due to their kind hearts.

It is strange to think,
I would have never met these many many people...
If it were not for March 11th.

And many of these meetings were ichigo-ichie meetings.
Because many, I will never see again.
And sadly, many will forget me.

But to me, they are all valuable meetings.
Meetings that I will treasure and keep forever.

Maybe, during my time up North, what I could do to support and help was only something very very minute.
But if, through these ichigo-ichie meetings I was able to make someone happy, someone smile...
Even if it was for just a short period of time...
That would mean the world to me.

I am very thankful for these "Ichigo-Ichie" meetings.
一期一会の出会いに感謝！！！

Even though we may never meet again,
maybe our paths will cross in the future...

Playing superheroes vs. badguys

These guys fought a lot...

But they were adorable :)

終わりなき旅~never ending journey~

I am now, sadly, no longer in Japan. 

I have left home- to continue pursuing my goals. 

Throughout the past few months, I seriously considered changing direction.

After seeing the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, I don't see how anyone can be satisfied at just volunteering/ helping out.

The destruction and damage is NOTHING compared to what you see, hear, or feel through the media.

It just makes you want to go back again and again, and to keep supporting in any way possible…

At least, that was the case for me.

Is this really the path I want to go?

Why am I having doubts?

I should join an NGO/NPO and involve myself, 100% in the relief efforts.

It scared me how many times these thoughts crossed my mind.

They would come…and go, leaving me all confused inside.

But throughout the decision making process, there were hints here and there.

Hints that lead me to where I am now.

You may look down on me, I don’t blame you.

Why would you leave your country, at such a difficult time?

I don’t really know myself.

I can't explain why.

I just have a gut feeling and I must keep moving forward.

But I promise- to go back home one day.

I don’t exactly know when that will be.

But I hope that somehow, in my own way, I  will be able to contribute to my country.

And I will always, keep Tohoku and its people in my thoughts.

I will keep supporting in any way I can- even if it is from miles away.

Always.

See you again, Japan!!

I am onto my next adventure…

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　This song is my inspiration.