We have returned!

 

(I try to offer daily updates, sometimes I may be delayed. My apologies).

Tuesday, June 23

See if this makes sense: Ty and Daniel traveled to Japan last week with their families. Carol, Miyuki, and yours truly flew from LAX on Sunday night (tecnically early Monday morning) to Tokyo. Our flight was delayed for close to an hour-and-a-half but we airborne and was able to make up for lost time.

Suffice to say, whoever works with me has to be used to…er, surprises. Like leaving my phone on a table in Customs (I got it back). I’d also had trouble finding the kiosk to pick up a portable wifi unit. Suffice to say Carol and Miyuki had to suffer through unexpected “touring” of all three terminals with me (they were very patient, unless they’re cursing behind my back which would be appropriate, but I digress). We finally gathered at the main Tokyo train station. “Finally” is the key word here.

Eventually we did make it to Anamizu, where Noto Help is now permanently stationed. We’re located now about 30 minutes from the disaster site in a building now owned by Noto Help. Previously, we were hosted by the Uchinada Church (wonderful community there, thank you!). Nonetheless, we’d often commute over two hours to get to the Noto Peninsula . One oversimplied explanation is there wasn’t much space for housing volunteers within the smaller churches.

The photos show a lot of kasetsu jyuutaku (temporary barrack-like homes) which still houses 90,000 individuals of all ages. We’ve described previously the rather small facilities, liveable but challenging on a day-to-day basis. Our team is passing out flyers for a free concert on Saturday.

Another reason involves the availability of utilites. Immediately after the quake, one would need to drive about two hours away from the site to get consistent power, water, and gas. Noto Help was headquartered wherever they could get needed utilities. Noto Help was able to move closer to the disaster area as power and water were gradually restored toward the coastline. They now have permanent facilities in Anamizu, reducing the drive to 30 - 45 minutes away, with utilities. Did that make sense?

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Wednesday, June 24

On our first day, we visited a community center, mostly seniors. The volunteers from a Kanazawa church played bingo with the residents. Most are still being housed in a kasetsu jyuutaku (temporary housing). Rebuilding community is an important part of disaster relief work, often taking years after a natural disaster.

Our team posing with a volunteer from Kanazawa.

After lunch, we walked to the local kasetsu to pass out flyers for a free concert being held on Saturday. Many of these performers include tunes which were hits 30, 40, and 50+ years, not just providing entertainment, but to also offer the audience the opportunity to connect with their past while living in the present.

Some residents are doing the best they can to make their small spaces feel more like home. This plaque is the name of the family residing here.

We then visited a residence where we helped move heavy furniture. Her story very briefly summarized.

Initially she bought a house with her now ex-husband. The house was red-tagged after the earthquake along the west side of Honshuu, while others in the neighborhood (even next door) were almost completely intact. However, upon further inspection, it was determined the house could be repaired, but it will take time. She’s temporarily living with a friend while her house is being rehabilitated, that included moving in and moving around some couches, tables, and other furniture.

I (Alan) was going to have a quiet dinner from Family Mart across the street, when our two future Eagle Scouts wanted to get Chinese food. Why not? I’ll be eating a lot of Family Mart offerings, which I’ll enjoy but could also use something different options.

By the way, this meal cost me just under $9. It was good. On to tomorrow.

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Thursday, June 24

We drove about 90 minutes to a grape farm near Hakui. We joined another volunteer team to do some work in a greenhouse growing grapes.

I’m never going to complain about the price of grapes again, at least not here in Japan. We found out it’s a labor intensive effort.

Smaller grapes are culled, the bigger grapes are dipped into a red cup which provides fertilizer and a growth hormone. The farm was at least several acres. Since we were one of two groups available, the task went relatively quickly, albeit it was still time consuming.

After lunch, we headed back to the farm.

On the way there, we stopped by to see the community gardens which were built by Love East, another ministry serving in Noto. Every family gets a box for which they can plant anything. Some chose flowers, some chose to grow produce, some gardens featured both.

I wasn’t sure if this was beans or cucumber. suffice to say it was growing quite big and strong.

The fence shown here protects the apple trees from predators. Still, the fence was unable to prevent large boars from ramming through. In other words, there were some powerful porcine (alliteration intentional). Our job was to try to reinforce and repair the torn fencing.

Essentially we were doing a patch job, trying to ensure a charging pig could no longer break through. Our supervisor was laughing we may have to do another patch job when we return next year.

As my better half Donna tells others, this trip isn’t a vacation. Nonetheless, we do need to mix in a bit of recreation. After our time out in the fields, Adachi-Sensei (Noto Help staff) took us to get much needed baths at an onsen (hot springs). This is one of the better facilities, three soaking tubs (one outdoors) and a cold plunge (yes I did). A nice ending to the day.

Tomorrow, we make another pivot, when “serving” becomes literal. Please stay tuned.

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How to pray for us: Please contact me directly at ayoda77@gmail.com

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