Cross Brings Hope to Victims in Sendai

(Sankei News 2011.4.22 14:35)

In Sendai’s Miyagino Ward, where destruction by the earthquake and tsunami was devastatingly total, the cross of the “Seaside Bible Chapel”, dug out from the ruins and rebuilt, is giving new hope to the people in the area.

The church building, located roughly 700 meters from the shoreline, was washed away by the tsunami and the wide area surrounding it reduced to piles of debris. But three days after the quake, members of the church and other volunteers dug the foundations of the cross out from under the rubble and reconstructed the cross on top of it.

With nothing but mud and rubble for as far as the eye could see in any direction, the first worship service after the quake was held around the cross by approximately 50 church members and volunteers from various parts of Japan, and prayers were offered for the Japanese people.  “We just wish to provide any hope we can to help the victims”, explains Pastor Tomohiro Naito, who himself lost his home to the tsunami. 

(Original Japanese Text)

東日本大震災の津波で壊滅的な被害を受けた仙台市宮城野区の「シーサイド・バイブル・チャペル」で、がれきの中から掘り出され、再建された十字架が被災者に希望を与えている。

海岸から約７００メートルの場所にあった教会は、津波で流され周囲はがれきの山と化した。だが、震災から３日後に信徒やボランティアががれきの中から十字架の土台部分を掘り起こし、失われた十字架本体を作り直したという。

見渡す限りのがれきの中で行われた礼拝には、全国からボランティアを含めておよそ５０人が参加し、震災で亡くなった人々に祈りをささげた。自身も被災して家を失った同教会の内藤智裕牧師は「少しでも被災した方々の希望になれば」と話している。

http://sankei.jp.msn.com/life/news/110422/art11042214370007-n1.htm

Part Time Worker's Mind Put at Ease about Pay

I was so grateful to my part-time employer.  I had been getting sent home earlier than usual because there was no business, and I was getting very worried about the amount I would be receiving on pay day.  Today, I realized my employer had included a special payment they called “Earthquake Provision” in my pay!  Now I don’t have to worry about paying for my lessons!

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/princess_kaon/status/59242099643658240

自分のバイト先に本当に感動！ 地震で早帰りが多かったから、お給料本当にヤバイって思ってたら、地震休業手当が頂けた！これでレッスン費も安心です( ´ ▽ ` )ノ

4-year-old Girl Donates Savings

My friend took her 4 year old sister to McDonalds.  When the little child saw the disaster relief donations box beside the counter, she took out a 100-yen ($1) coin from her little purse and put it in.  It was a 100-yen that she was carefully saving for herself later.  (The Japanese McDonalds has a list of food that sells for exactly 100-yen.  Editor’s assumption is that the little child had been saving her 100-yen for an icecream or other food, but decided to donate it at the last minute.)

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/katura_umeda/status/59236923767668736

4歳の妹とマックへいったらしんだけど、レジの隣においてあった地震の募金箱をみて自分の財布から100円取り出して募金したらしい。　大事にしてた100円だったから感動した

Voices From Japan Re-translated into Arabic

Voices From Japan's translations have been re-translated into Arabic and published on Al-Gomhuria Newspaper (One of Egypt`s leading newspapers).  Thank you Sowon Zio for the initiative to translated it into Arabic.  

"Be Strong!" Hashikami Jr. Highschool Graduation

As is tradition in Japanese junior high schools, the valedictorian salutes the class with his speech, thanks the teachers, and delivers a pledge for the whole class.  


This is a clip from the graduation ceremony of Hashikami Junior High School in Kesenuma City, a city that no longer exists.  The ceremony was held at one wing of a gymnasium that now serves as an evacuation facility.  There are parents receiving the diplomas in place of their children who are dead or missing.  The translation below is from 0:43.

Principal:

"We have all been stricken by sudden and incredible tragedy.  Knowing that disaster could hit our city one day, we did prepare.  But the disaster that struck us and continues to grip us day by day has proven to be something unimaginable ... far more terrifying than we had ever imagined.  

We have been burdened with enormous grief and sadness, but we must overcome."

Valedictorian:

“Hashikami Junior High School has always been known for its excellent disaster prevention training, and as such, we have been highly respected both from within and without.

“But, in the face of nature’s fury, we were entirely powerless, and it has mercilessly robbed us all of things we hold dear.  These are trials given to us from above, but they seem too painful to bear, and too baffling to understand. 

“But even in distress, it is the duty of us the graduates of Hashikami Junior High School 2011, to not blame heaven, to persevere through our lot in life, and to always help one another in our life ahead together.”

Principal:

“Courage. Be strong.”

Old Ladies Now Completely Used to Earthquakes

At the Ito Yokado supermarket, the intercom suddenly blared out another earthquake warning. Everyone in sight suddenly stopped cold in their tracks … except for the old ladies. With nerves of steel, they continued to go around diligently filling their baskets with food and vegetables that were on sale.  Unbelievable.  Either they are now completely used to earthquakes or they just are not thinking. What if this was a big one!?

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/aberia_tatsumi/status/58002772708175872

イトーカドーで買い物していたら店内放送で緊急地震警報が。みんな一斉にピタって静止する中、根性座った叔母ちゃま達だけがせっせと自分の籠の中に安売りの野菜を詰め込んでいたことに感動。もう慣れっこになっちゃっているのか、ただ単に何も考えていないのか。本気で大きかったらどうするの？

3 Year Old Girl Tries to "Fix the Earthquake"

Today, my three year old daughter came to me with her little piggy bank of 10-yen (10p) coins and said, “I’m going to give one to everyone who is crying. That will fix the earthquake won’t it?” Big lesson for all of us indeed.  Have we all done everything we can to help those in need. 

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/lovefairly/status/57986498364063744

感動したメルマガをシェアして→うちの三歳の娘が、いきなり十円玉だらけのお小遣いを持ってきて、 泣いている人に一つずつあげるんだって。これで、地震治るねって。。 みんな良く考えよう。自分にやれる事がやれているか

The Important Stories the Media Finds Boring

The media is primarily interested in the radiation levels in the Fukushima nuclear power plant.  Less and less is covered about the people struggling to live, and of some of the wonderful stories that happened on the ground.

One of these stories took place in Kesenuma, the city that was completely wiped out in the tsunami.  Amidst the destruction, one building that still stands.  It is a building that saved 1,000 lives and 500 vehicles ... and it wasn't a coincidence.  Here is its story by Wesley Cheek.

Japanese Prime Minister Thanks The World

Japan PM Naoto Kan has thanked the international community for its assistance and encouragement on several of the world's leading newspapers.  This one is from the Wallstreet Journal Europe.  

Thank you for the Kizuna.

My country suffered an unprecedented heavy earthquake a month ago. Numerous people lost their lives, and more than 150,000 people have had to take refuge.

In the regions that were hit by the tsunami after the earthquake, there was no water, no electricity, no food, and even contact with the outside world had been cut off. At that time, overseas assistances gave us strength to go forward.

A bowl of hot soup and a blanket warmed bodies and minds in cold. Rescue teams struggled to comb through the rubble to save survivors, and medical teams selflessly provided treatment to those people who were physically and emotionally injured.

Even today, we are still receiving encouragement and wishes from around the world. The Kizuna given by friends all over the world greatly inspire us. I would like to say a sincere "thank you" to the countries, regions and all the rest of you who have given us all-out support.

Reconstruction work has kicked off. We are trying our best to stabilize Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant. 

Relying on the Japanese people's potential and international community's assistance, Japan will be able to undergo rebirth, revival and achieve even greater prosperity. At that time, we will repay all corners of the world for your kindness.

For the day is coming when we will unite as one to join the reconstruction and turn our deep gratitude toward our friends into hope. Thank you once again. 

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan

A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed.

Earthquake, Lightning, Thunder, Storm, All at Once

When the quake hit (April 11) it was raining madly, with thunder and lightning raking across the sky.  And then, black out.  I thought I was seeing the end of the world. 

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/diamondnotcrash/status/57377389730213888

地震来たときは、外は大雨で雷、そして停電　地球の終りを見た気がした。

Is it the Ground Shaking or ... ?

A month today since that big quake.  And we just got hit by another big quake this evening.  The quake was 4.0 when it hit my hometown, with multiple aftershocks to follow.  With so many quakes hitting us, I recently have a hard time distinguishing if it is the ground that is shaking or if I’m just getting dizzy and nauseous. 

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/kenken19671204/status/57380514637684736

あの大地震から今日で１ヶ月。 夕方に強い揺れが… 私の地元も震度４を観測。その後も続く余震。 もう、地震で揺れてるのか、自分がフラついているのか解らなくなってきたよ(-.-;)

7.1 Earthquake Hits Fukushima

More information to follow.

High-Schooler Creates Online Help Map

A high-schooler in Sendai City has set up an online map that allows the evacuation facilities around Japan to post requests for specific supplies that they are short of.  The online system makes it easier and more efficient for supplies to be sent quickly where needed most. This is the link, please use it to help people in the evacuation facilities.  

(Example Post 1:  Minami Rikuzen City Hall – (Apr. 10) Things we need now: fresh food, miso, soy sauce, salt, pepper, salad oil, mayonnaise and other seasoning supplies, drinking water, gasoline, kerosene (it will snow on the 16^th).  Call: 0226-46-2600.  Please call before you send just in case.)

(Example Post 2:  Iwate Volunteer Center – (Apr 6⁾ We need volunteers to help with the removal of debris and mud. Meet in from of the Morioka Station (Marios Supermarket) 6:30AM.  Chartered bus will pick you up.  Requesting 80 people.  Bring your own lunch, boots, and shovels.  Call 0196377549)

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/mi_ta_29/status/57004938261315586

仙台の高校生が避難所を聞き取り調査。不足している物資の情報をネット上の地図に掲載して、物資を効率よく分配できるようシステムを作った 必要物資・支援要求マップ みんなで活用しましょう。http://311help.com

Cousins Traveling North Blocked at Sendai

Just now, I managed to call my parents in Iwate Prefecture.  Their electricity seems to have been restored.  But my cousins who rushed to get to Iwate following the quake have been bogged down at Sendai.  It may be that the damage in the Tohoku region is bigger than we all thought.  Traffic seems to be congested even off the highways.

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/hariktriam/status/56297271658156032

先程ちょうど，実家と通話できるようになった(岩手県大船渡市内)．後ノ入地区も電気が通ったらしい．なお，自分よりも早く地元入りしようとしていた従兄弟が仙台で足止めを食らっているとのこと．東北道のダメージが思ったより大きい可能性が．一般道も混んでいるかも．

Sendai City Center Fully Restored

Just arrived in Sendai’s city center.  Not only is there power and water, but the stores are operational, traffic is moving … it almost seems there never was a quake yesterday.

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/mina_awa_mina05/status/56296344402399232

電気、水道が通じてる仙台市内に戻ってきた。普通にお店もあって車も動いてる。地震があったなんて嘘みたいだ‥‥

Parts of Sendai Still Dark ...

 When is the power going to come back on again??  They said sometime today but which part exactly of Sendai is that?  My place is still pitch black.  I’m not in a mental state to go to work tomorrow, but here is my company calling my mobile …

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/soubi1/status/56294534073683968

電気いつ復旧するんだよー。今日中にとかってどこの仙台の話？うち真っ暗だけど(-_-;)明日仕事行く精神状態じゃないのに会社から電話‥。

3 Additional Deaths on April 6th

Three people lost their lives in yesterday’s quake.  One, who was being treated, died from the oxygen inhaler stopping because of the power blackout, and two died of shock.  I pray for the quick restoration of electricity especially for those who depend on medical equipment to survive.   

(Original Japanese Text)

http://twitter.com/#!/otoko_ebihara/status/56211314112069633

昨夜の地震での死者3人。うち、停電で酸素吸入器が使えなくなった方1名、ショック死2名とのこと。停電が早期に解消され、医療機器を必要とする方に電気が行くことを祈る

Quake Caught me in the Shower ... AGAIN!

The earthquake caught me in the shower ... AGAIN!  Even worse, I was washing my hair.  My concerned parents rushed to see if I was okay but it wasn’t like there was anything anyone could do until I could see again to unlock the door.  

http://twitter.com/#!/polkadotsfish/status/56021139750789120

先ほどの地震の最中、またもや風呂場に居た。しかも洗髪中。心配した親が飛んできたけどどうしようもないし。

Sendai City Goes Dark After Huge Spark

Camera catches an series of enormous sparks in the horizon after the April 7th quake, immediately before the entire city goes dark at 0:25.

Bottle as Much Water as You Can!

Please Pass On.  The water pipes in Izumiku Minami Hikaridai have been ruptured, and the reports are saying that there will be water shortage very soon.  To everyone who still has running water, BOTTLE as much water as you can now!

http://twitter.com/#!/rara1108/status/56013938713829377

【拡散希望】泉区南光台水道管破裂して、また断水するそうです。今ならまだ水でるひとは、ペットボトルお風呂なんでもいいから水ためてください。