jectaspecta: tsunami relief in japan

The wonderful "Make the Heaven" family

Volunteering in November 2011 as part of the tsunami relief with "Make the Heaven" was heavy, humbling stuff. Following the tsunami in Japan many people were displaced. Many are still living in temporary housing which are essentially iron boxes with office lighting. Some are living in houses slowly being rebuilt with watermarks still tainting the walls and family photographs reminding them of who they lost.

I saw acres of wasteland. Destroyed cars piled up for miles. This was the post apocalypse and truly devastating to witness. And yet very real.

once upon a time this was a big town

School children revisiting their old school and town where everything was destroyed by the tsunami

As volunteers we worked on clearing the debris, supporting the community, visiting the elderly and rebuilding areas while lifting morale of those who remain in the area so stricken by the shocking affects of mother nature and her destructive power.

Dinner time at the volunteers home

Living with about 20 Japanese people I learned that language is more than spoken word and made great friendships with people who could hardly speak English (and me obviously not Japanese). Actions definitely speak louder than words. The power of community and altruism created a wonderfully hopeful space and vibe that helped everyone deal with the dramas seen day by day.

Arriving after a very long journey in the north of Japanese mainland for volunteering.
The masks were mandatory to minimise contaminated dust.

Too often we can feel helpless but little do we appreciate the difference we can make no matter how small we might think it is; making a child laugh, clearing a lady's garden, visiting the elderly or offering support. These are what help a community rebuild themselves - not just on the outside but on the inside too.

Witnessing first hand gives one the chance to really appreciate humanity and get perspective on one's own life. Now I was only there for one week, but many had been there for months dedicating their lives to others and working hard every day to make the lives of others better while risking their own while rumours of radiation contamination continue.

Working on rebuilding the washed out playground

I didn't need to be in Japan to do this, everywhere in the world there is pain, suffering, devastation and I am certainly no saint, but I will recommend that if the opportunity to do something like this comes around don't let it pass by. Its not easy. It yanks heart strings and takes a lot of energy but it gives one the opportunity to help those who are in desperate need.