Visit to School July '11

The Church has worked to help this junior high school that was damaged during the earthquake/tsunami. It sits on high ground and so was not swept away and no students or teachers were lost. But there was a tremendous amount of damage and the principal, some teachers and some students lost their homes.

The Church was willing to donate computers, etc. but since the government was supposed to provide those kinds of things, they asked for some huge event tents so they could have outdoor activities. The people have a hard time believing that "do-gooders" will really follow through with what they say they will donate. So they were pleasantly surprised that the tents were really ordered and arrived as promised. The tent maker was also very happy.

This is the motto of the school - fits perfectly!

View from the school down to the water and mountains.

Another building that is associated with the school.

When we arrived, we were served cold water (instead of tea) and introduced to the principal and associate principal.

Our group and the principal in the middle with the Helping hands vests.

Then we were taken on a tour of the school - here is insulation that is being replaced.

A lot of the ceiling came down.

The music room - just as it was on the day of the disaster.

Trying to clean this up is a massive job.

The computer room.

A worker ...

Learning English!

Trying to put things in piles and make some order to things.

These stained glass windows were not damaged!

Here are some of the students - these athletic suits were donated to them and these are what the wear every day - many have little else.

When we said hello to the students, they replied in English, "We are happy"!

Looking across the water you can see a white building - another school that lost many of its students and was completely ruined. They had no chance when the water came so quickly.

We loved this poster that the kids were making all signed with their names.

Bidding us goodbye. (Lots of bowing!)

Of course, shoes are not allowed - here is the shelf where they put their shoes and put on their slippers.

And of course, the umbrella racks!

Here we are in our Helping Hands vests.

And a picture with the principal. He lives at the school now - his house is gone.

When you think that you don't want to go to school, just remember these kids who are so glad to have just part of their school that they can use. They are in class even though it is July. The Church also donated fans so that they can be more comfortable. Count your blessings!

Fun Parts of Tohoku Trip - July '11

Of course, we seniors had lots of fun as well on our trip. Here we are at a restaurant having Shabu-Shabu. You cook your meat and veggies in broth right at the table.

Soccer is big - the women won the World Cup against US. Here is a poster for the Sendai team.

We went shopping - here are some of the cute yukata that we saw in a store that was like a Target.

These shoes have little rose buds in the glass heel!

Of course, there are shoes everywhere and as wild as you can imagine.

These are tatami mats that were in our hotel room.

And extra futons and pillows were in the closet.

The view from our window.

Ornate chair - looked like it should have been in China.

This is unusual - a pink/purple car.

I took this at the hotel - look at the word "marriage".

Can you see the bird in this nest that was right on the wall of the hotel?

Looks like a lot of weddings take place here.

This sign shows which way to head in case of a tsunami.

This is the tour boat that took us around the beautiful bay and the islands that are so numerous.

Sea gull paradise!

Elder Grames talks with the boat guide. She told us that her parents had perished in the tsunami and that her house had been swept away. She was on this very boat when they felt the earthquake. They headed for shore and were able to get the guest up the hill to safety. Mail box ...

Debris floating in the river ...

Walking across a 250 meter bridge to an island.

Sister Watabe striking a gong at a shrine.

This is the name of the place where we were.

Cute little samurai ...

All of us on the bridge ....

What scenes this tree has seen !

These chains are for the water to drip down - like a down spout.

There were lots of souvenir shops and ice cream places. However, tourist have stayed away. We had the place to ourselves. I always take pictures of Hello Kitty.

And here is the Ninja Turtle Samurai!

This pagoda was high enough up on the hill that it was not destroyed.

Still more pictures to come on this amazing trip!