東北に八日間いっていた (Pt.2)

Time passed quickly during that week. A sort of rhythm established itself and without many distractions the routine of each day fed into the next. Three days were spent working at the same site, in some fields on a hill near the shore.

Train Tracks in a Rice Field 5/24/2011

On the walk up, about halfway, the train line that normally runs along the sea side was ripped up and pushed back ten meters. It had been twisted and bent in such a way that it now looked more like a fence than tracks. All the wood beams remained attached. The steel had bent under the pressure of the water and resembled half-boiled noodles, just starting to loose their shape.

Three Days Tearing Roofs Apart 5/24-5/26

 I spent a lot of time in the later half of the week reflecting on the experience.

As much as I was able to help the people who lived in Rikuzentakada I was also able to help myself. What I learned was taken from the work I did and the memories I shared with those around me.

It was a continuous dialogue between myself and the world in which I live. Definitely more engaging and rewarding than my average day. But after coming back I've looked over it all and see that time, while we may divide and manage it, seemingly able spend it at our leisure, retains a constant value.

Finished! (Almost) 5/27

 No matter where you are something positive can be made of the time you have. I recommend volunteering as much time and energy that you can manage to anything you are passionate about. But it's just as beneficial to put time to use under any circumstance, big or small. The life you live, like so many in the areas I visited, can be taken away in a moment.