driving up to onagawa was kind of sad. i really thought things would be a lot better than what i seen 3 months ago. there weren’t too many people living there anymore, and there wasn’t any green, or anything standing. i expected to see more life so i was a little disappointed. coming up to tohoku 5 times after the tsunami, i had mixed feelings. some places like the city of sendai and ishinomaki look totally perfect. then when you turn the corner, things are far from over. the high tide washes over some villages, the houses are totally flattened out, and people are still walking around lost looking for answers.
any sign of hope is a good thing. seeing people placing signs of hope makes me happy. makes me feel the power of things getting back to normal. toda-san and toco-san holding the japan flag of hope.
i hardly come to japan in the fall. in fact, it’s only my second time. to see the mountains lined up with colorful trees is amazing. things are looking alive, and the air is feeling so fresh! this is a truly beautiful country!
we made a pass around onagawa and ishinomaki. we met up with friends and got updated with the situation. the positive attitude is making me feel like things will be better soon. 8 months after the tsumami, things are far from over but you can only hope for the best. the strength of the japanese people still amazes me.
To Sendai’s Kiku-chan,
Thank you for taking us to Onagawa and connecting us with the few people refusing to leave. Your will and power is amazing! Keep on smiling, keep on helping the people, and keep the hope alive. We are behind you all the way!
To Ishimomaki’s Naomi-san,
Your strength and courage inspires me. Your kids inspire me. Your family inspires me. Everything you do inspires me. I’m really glad to have met you. Please don’t give up hope. You have a lot of people supporting you and will be here forever. Keep strong and we’ll be back!
and to everybody who donated or supported to our missions. all i have to say is that you made so many people smile. your kindness will never be forgotten. i’m so happy to be alive to witness some of the most giving things in this world.
it’s the start of day 3 and we have lots to do so better get going! have a wonderful day!
