Update in Japan

As the title says - this is merely an update rather than a continuation of my last blog...the reason being is i have just been so busy and for most part lacked the internet ability to upload anything.

Its now been 10 days since the earthquake/tsunami...for me it has felt like one huge long day that doesnt seem to be ending anytime soon - sleep comes and goes in short bursts with enough to recharge my batteries to push on, but by no means enough to essential feel reset and ready to take on the next challenge.

The past few days me and 2 friends moved up to Tanohata - another area hit quite badly...its about 45mins north of miyako, and about 25mins north of Taro (that was wiped out). Luckily one of my friends i was going with had an apartment there. Unfortunately there was no phone signal or internet. Whilst there we spent most of the days washing pots, drying, food prep, cleaning, moving boxings, delivery food to the nearby centers - in total we were preparing food for over 600 people.

Whilst there we also supported the local Junior High School by going to their graduation ceremony. This was very difficult because even though all the students were safe most of their houses and belongings were lost. Some students had borrowed a uniform from friends - for some students the uniform was clearly too small. From time to time parents and students would be seen crying...for most part it was due to sadness because of recent events but part of me wanted to hope that some of those tears were of joy that they were graduating. 

During the ceremony the Principle gave a speach...i dont speak or understand much japanese but i new it was about the tsunami - even though this Junior high school was ok, students from other nearby schools were lost and i believe the elementary school was washed away. The principal did start crying but quickly pulled himself together. Mimicking this was when the head student gave his speach and too had moments where he faught his tears so he could deliver his speach and give stregnth to those around him.

My mum said to me the other day - why is it that japanese people never seem to cry? - my responce...they do, but they try not to do in it front of each other...not because they want to look weak but because they want to stay strong for others...everyone has lost something, granted some more than others but you have 2 options...cry...or move on....the japanese people use the strength of a group to push on and move forward...they help each other

this is something i think we should all learn to do - work together and help each other

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