Shifts- May 19-25

Jacob and Paul on the production line.

Paul, Jacob and Micah making a delivery.

By April 15^th, I had spent 24 of the 35 days since the earthquake and tsunami in Iwate. "Compassion fatigue" had become more than an academic issue. There was a serious need to spend time with my family and my church. It was more than 3 weeks before I got back to Ofunato. I was uncertain how much had changed. Was there still a need I could address?

While others had visited shelters in those first weeks, most of my time was spent cleaning up trash and fixing a church building. I had never been into a shelter. Still, it wasn't hard to imagine the frustrations of people stuck there for an indefinite period. I was especially concerned for children, trying to go to school and do their homework in that setting. One day I headed to my workshop and conjured up a child-sized chair and table combo made of 1x2s. Cheap and easy to build, the set was still attractive, and got good reviews from church members and friends in Ajigasawa. With a short term worker, and a friend from America, I set out on May 10^th for a 5 day trip to the disaster area.

My first impression upon arriving back in Ofunato was that they had made a lot of progress cleaning up the mounds of trash that had lined the roads when I left. In fact, I nearly got lost at one point- I had been navigating by trash piles! Not being sure where to start, I enrolled my 2 companions for a day of volunteer work sponsored by the city, and set off to see the situation in the few centers I did know about.

The initial reaction was underwhelming. Most children had been moved to the homes of friends and relatives. My offer was politely declined in several places; no children, no room, no need. Finally, one mother in a school gym near the church asked for 3 sets. I happily set out to make them, and a couple of extras, with the guy's help. I delivered them during the day, along with 3 sets ordered by 2 other shelters south of town. Then we set out to check shelters over the mountain in Rikuzen Takada, the neighboring city.

Takada was a different story. Savaged far worse than Ofunato, it was a sorry sight. Officials were much more receptive. We had to go home, but promised to come back and check in again.

Our second trip was planned for May 19-25. We delivered 3 sets ordered the week before, then decided the guys would do a day's work for the Takada volunteer group while I checked out the shelters. By noon, I had the feeling I had better slow down. The 2 shelters I had contacted the week before were posting a sign-up list, and a third was very positive. Numbers in these shelters were in 3 figures, not 2 like Ofunato. In anticipation, I set the guys to work making 4 more sets, while I showed my nephew, Micah Ghent, around the place. He had just arrived to take part in the work for the summer.

First we went to the biggest shelter, in #1 Junior High School. The officials were excited to see us, and showed us the sign-up list: 62 names! There was room for 30 more, so we asked them to call a halt at that point, and left in a daze. Apparently, the empty spaces filled up afterwards, and the current total is 90.

The second shelter is in a home for the elderly. Here the reaction was even more enthusiastic. We had a sample set with us. The 2 office workers were very impressed. As we talked, ideas started coming. We had made one table full height for a resident who requested it especially. When they heard we could build different heights, or even different furniture, and that we would let residents help us assemble them there, they got even more animated. One ran off, and came back with an elderly man they introduced as a carpenter. He had a gaggle of residents in tow. There is not much to occupy one's time in a shelter; the prospect of being able to make something useful seemed as important to them as the table itself.

"What I couldn't do if I had some tools!" the carpenter exclaimed.

"We were just discussing what we would do for furniture when we moved into the temporary housing!" exclaimed another.

Obviously, we had hit a really hot button. My fears of not having any contribution to make vaporized before new fears that we wouldn't have either time or money to fulfill our promises- not to mention problems getting that much lumber in a city with only one very busy home center left.

Just before we left, the man in charge asked me if it was alright for employees to request tables. This confirmed a suspicion I had. He is living in the shelter like the others; he, too, has lost everything. But, employees and civil servants in Japan have to be very circumspect about receiving anything from anyone, lest they be accused of corruption. I fear many may be doing without in the fear that they will be seen as taking advantage of their situation to get the best for themselves. While many residents are in danger of emotional problems brought on by enforced idleness and a feeling of helplessness, many civil servants in the same shelters are working long hours every day to keep up with the incredible needs of their cities.

I assured him that the tables were for all, civil servants, employees, and residents alike.

On the way home, Micah and I thrashed out a plan of sorts. A little over $160 would get enough tools for the carpenter to produce tables. Set him up with tools and materials, and let him teach the residents to make their own stuff. Perhaps they can make extras for other shelters.

As for the Jr. High shelter, we are just going to have to dig in and produce. They were warned it might take awhile. We all went and delivered the first 4 sets this evening, and were asked to come again on Monday to be introduced to the residents (all 300!?). It is a little embarrassing.

Obviously, this will take time, and give us many opportunities to relate to the residents, and make friendships which can hopefully be carried on after they leave the relatively accessible shelters for the more private temporary housing. This is the time, and it seems to be the need. Pray for us as we tackle this unexpectedly enthusiastic response.