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!
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! 
2 comments:
That's great their school was built on a higher foundation and they were all safe. They are sure learning a lot about attitude. I find it interesting that the Japanese seem to be so into wearing fancy shoes, but have to take them off everytime they go indoors and can't show them off!
Wow, the Japanese are such an optimistic people. They don't seem to dwell on the negative. I thought it was so cute that they said they are happy!
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