Things are about to get real messy!

Living in Japan post March 11th (the earthquake/tsunami) it is nearly impossible to go any amount of time without being reminded of what happened. Whether it's in conversations of reminiscence or conversations about future preventative procedures.. or in store displays advertising emergency kits or fundraising events or campaigns to continue to support and help those in the North... reminders are everywhere. It really did happen and there is still a lot of work to do. So when I was approached by a coworker to see if I would be interested in going up North to help for a couple days during our October holiday I was quick to jump at the chance.

At the end of the month I will be joining 21 other teachers/staff members and friends/family members to head up North and help in cleaning up the disaster area. We are heading to an area that was pretty much completely wiped out by the tsunami. We won't find out exactly what we're doing until we arrive but I was told that it with either be
a) helping relocate people and their belongings to more suitable shelters
b) helping gut buildings/houses that were wrecked
c) helping clean sludge from the sewer system because apparently they are so clogged that when the snow melts the entire village will flood again...
so it's going to be hard work and very messy.

I am thankful for this opportunity and while it sounds pretty horrible I'm excited for the chance to help out. I'll keep you posted as the details become available. I am praying that this will be a great experience and that we'll be strong and united as a group and able to work hard and help and serve and love others.