Please keep watching...

I remember going to Kesennuma for a day in June, one of the volunteers I was with, told me,
"You know, Rikuzen-Takata city, I feel has made progress since March 11th. But seeing Kesennuma today for my first time...it is almost as if the city has been in pause since March. I was just lost for words driving through there..."
But I had seen Kesennuma in April. So many boats were ashore back then that there weren't even roads for the cars to go through. In fact, it was too dangerous for cars to go through as the water hadn't subsided yet from the tsunami, flooding areas close to the shore.
So I replied,
"It may seem like it to you, but it has progressed since April"

Even now, 7 months since March 11th, if one goes to the devastated areas from the earthquake and tsunami for the first time, he/she will likely be surprised and amazed at the destruction caused by mother nature. However, humans are strong, too.

When we support each other and receive help from countries all over the world, look at the progress we can make.  Although each day is still a struggle, step by step improvements will eventually lead to a more hopeful future...Please take a look at Northeast Japan's progress:
http://blogs.sacbee.com/photos/2011/09/japan-marks-6-months-since-ear.html#ixzz1agx6Opwg

I am very very thankful for the support Japan has received from all over the world. If I can ask you a favor though, please don't forget about those in Northeast Japan. Please include them in your prayers. As each individual, each family, each community, each area makes further progress, please keep watching over them...