Please read: This is Suda san’s house (located across from Sato-san’s).
“On our last day, Suda-san told us how his daugther had passed away from the tsunami. His daughter was 8 months pregnant when the tsunami struck. As water started to fill the first floor, she was too slow and couldn’t reach the second floor. Mr. Suda was on the stairs, trying to pull his daughter’s hand as the waters rushed in, but the rubble hit their arms and she lost her grip. He said he can still hear her voice shouting, “Daddy, help, help…” But there was nothing he could do. He lost both his daughter and grandson within seconds. He said that scene keeps on repeating in his mind over and over again. It’s like a dream and he still wishes to wake up from it. We helped him to clear out his house and prepare it for renovation; as he is trying to make a restart with his wife, but it is not easy.” (slightly adapted excerpt from Stephan Smithidorff, O.M. Japan)
On that last day, my team and I wept inside for our friend, Suda-san. Seeing this grandfather straining every day to pull out floorboards and knock down walls that couldn’t save his grandson or his daughter just felt wrong. What can you say to someone who’s lost so much? To say, “be strong” would be mocking and we don’t get to talk to him a lot. So, I kept on asking, “What can we do?” So, we empathized; we worked and sweat alongside him; we wept inside. It’s not the Japanese way to be emotional so firm handshakes replaced hugs and, then in two weeks, we said goodbye. But, something about being in his space, talking to him face-to-face, and seeing the grief etched in his face moved us deeply. Suda-san, we are both God’s creation; we share the same humanity and I feel part of your grief. I pray that you come to know God’s joy and hope. Press on, because there is hope.
Continue praying for people like Suda-san, who has to work on his own house (because the government is too occupied with worse-hit regions) and look bleakly at the future. Their grief is on-going, so should our prayers.
Some of my most favorite people in Japan: obasaan’s (grandmothers) and ogichan’s (grandfathers). They work extremely hard, have an amazing sense of humor, and love to pose for pictures. But many of them are lonely and too shy to even come to a casual tea event. Pray that they find true joy. According to this obasaan, “this is the first time that I have laughed this much since the tsunami.” That’s almost 4 months without laughter.
We shared some snacks and tea with Mura-san’s wife and some of survivors at the temporary housing complex. Empathy opens immediate doors to friendship; you instantly belong and don’t have to worry about the trifling matters of the other person’s social status, etc. This was one of the highlights of the whole trip.
Pray for Pastor Suzuki as he builds relationships and coordinates relief work in Ishinomaki. He genuinely cares for victims like Sato-san and works everyday to rebuild their houses, distribute supplies, and counsels the victims. Ishinomaki is his hometown and his vision is to build up a church there.
Pray for Pastor Keishuname (former kickboxing champion of Japan:)
He needs wisdom as he organizes all our relief work and distributes tons of supplies throughout the Miyagi Prefecture. He needs God’s grace and strength as he leads a church in Kurihara, runs a center for relief workers, and owns a car shop. He needs God’s vision because he wants to start another church in the disaster zone (similar to Pastor Suzuki). By grace, he does all this while sleeping less than 4 hours a night.
Took over 100 boxes of supplies to a temporary housing complex near Mura-San’s house.
Our attempt to hug Sato-san turns into a solemn handshake. We’re going to miss him but at least we have his address. A package or two might be in order :)
Last day with Sato-san. Cleaning all the rubble under the family altar.
Meet Mizu Tok: survivor of the tsunami and our new friend. Amidst all the rubble, the children still find ways to laugh and play; it’s a big encouragement. Pray for friends like Mizu-T because the hope of this nation lies on this generation. For now, he’s just enjoying his braii.
The team prepared a proper South African braii (barbeque) for all our Japanese friends at Mura-san’s house. We had a great time of prayer and fellowship and got our butts kicked by ten-year olds at volleyball.
Chalk Board theme
