Today marks July 11th (Although in Japan it is already the 12th...): 1 year and 4 months since the eathquake and tsunami hit Northeast Japan.
For some reason, recently, images of the devastating regions had been reoccurring in my mind.
It sometimes amazes me how vivid these images can be. And I wondered why...Then, it occurred to me I was in Rikuzentakata city just about a year ago.
When I was volunteering up in Northeast Japan, it all seemed unreal to me. Even as I was there. Maybe I was trying to deny that it all happened. Or perhaps, since I was engaged in volunteer work and working amongst others, I never took the time to digest it in its entirety.
Seeing these reoccurring images in my mind makes me shudder... but at the same time, I am grateful I am not forgetting. Being so far away, I cannot reach out to those in Northeast Japan in a way I want and wish. But for some reason, I am able to keep the people and Northeast Japan close to my heart.
And I am able to keep caring due to all the people I met through volunteering. Because of those who are in Japan, those who keep going up North to volunteer. And they keep me hopeful and happy that there are people out there who keep caring and supporting. And I am grateful I was able to meet such caring people. Without them, I fear I will forget...
So although I have not been writing on this blog lately, I will keep caring. And I send my prayers out to Northeast Japan...
In Rikuzentakata city, a knew project has began to help save the miracle pine tree that is unfortunately dying...
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/life_and_death/AJ201207060037
I never got to see the famous 70,000 pine trees in Rikuzentakata city. But this pine tree even gave me hope and energy before starting my volunteer work. I truly hope we can save it!!! Please, spread the word so we can :)))
てをつなごうだいさくせん
