Our life stories over a glass of wine

Most of us are drawn to drink. It could be for relaxing or just merely the sake of being drunk. I drink not because am stressed. I drink because i wanted to be with the company of people I like.

Today another story is revealed over a glass of wine. She poured out her hearts to us and was very honest to tell her story.

One day I will be telling my story too and when that time comes. Everybody will listen attentively to me.

Nippon Matsu Fukushima Gathering of the Filipinos

It's was a good day to drive the weather was clear and we have to leave early for a five hour drive to Fukushima. Waking up at 5 in the morning was not on my system, yet I succeeded and was on time at the waiting area at Hayde's temporary house.

We arrived earlier than expected, we were the first one to arrive. And we help in preparing for the food. The rest of the group from Fukushima areas and Tokyo arrive late as usual. We Filipinos never changed. Right?

The activities was bombarded with dances, songs and presentations from each group. After some crazy movements and wonderful songs and laughter, we willed our stomach with sumptuous lunch courtesy of the group from Tokyo.

We ended the celebrations with a mass lead by fr. Dindo an svd priest.

of Tsunami Warnings and Earthquake

It was last March 14, when i was driving to bring the two volunteers to Kessenuma when the Tsunami warning on my phone starts to go crazy. I never understand what was happening. Firetrucks serins were blasting, calling people to go to a higher level. Police cars stopping us to pass by the sea. It`s the first since i arrived here last October and i can really sensed that fear is in the air. With just a year after the tsunami and the earthquake last March 11, the coming of this earthquake and tsunami warning proved that we are not yet safe here. I was calling my priest companion at the base and asking him what are they doing. And i also do the same as i was driving the two to Kessenuma.

Am just glad that after two hours, they lift the tsunami warnings, so we could pass by the normal road and will make our travel time shorter when we go home.

Images of Hope and Perseverance

It`s been a year since the great Tohoku Earthquake and succeeding tsunami that brought a huge destruction in Ofunato and in areas near the sea. I was sent to help the foreigners in the Ofunato and in the areas like Miyagi and Fukushima. Today i have witnessed the hope and perseverance of the people who wanted to show to the world that they are never bowed down. It`s an inspiring moment when people offered a silent prayer when the clock hit 2:46, the time where the strong earthquake struck and at 3:20, the time when the tsunami hit the city of Ofunato.

Am sharing some of my pictures. Do offer a silent prayer for the victims who lost their loved ones, children, mother, father, a relative, a friend. and offer prayers too to the people who are left behind and still hoping to find their lost loved ones last tsunami.

HomeSick

He endured the cold nights waiting for his bus to Tokyo. He opened his iBook and read through the novel. After about 30 minutes, he decided its time to get some sleep. But sleeping is not that easy for him as he is use to say. The bumpy bus ride does not provide the comfort of a bed. Half asleep half awake. That's how he goes through the ordeal everytime he travels by bus. But he has no choice, it's the only comfortable travel to Tokyo without driving a car.

When he arrived in Tokyo, he went down as fast as he could, went to the nearest McDonald restaurant that opens early. Grab a coffee and take a very nice place to sleep.

He dreamed of his hometown. He just hope he is near the seashore, sitting by the seaside, listening to the waves and children playing.

Yes that's the reality of being out of the country for sometime. Your homesick especially when winter gets too harsh and too long.

A sad Guy

While taking a hot bath this afternoon, I wonder why I feel so lonely?

Loneliness is a choice. As well as being happy. Am getting tired of pleasing people and smile in front of them because I know I am not happy and am in trouble.

The best stress reliever they say is seeing some old pictures, especially the happy ones. I did it and well I can say am a bit energized by the happy memories I had in Belguim, Germany and my trips to Singapore, Thailand And Korea.

Yet I need someone to talk to. Is there anyone who can spare their time for a sad guy?

Sunday and more

Today I have really tried to take the opportunity to relax and just be myself this day.

After the mass I went home together with Marife and we talked about our upcoming schedules and some problems with the community. Well we are not a perfect community, but we are doing what we can to learn to do things that will really benefit all people not only the Filipinos but also the Japanese as well.

In the evening I met Matata my African confrere who works in Tokyo. As he introduced me to his colleague I could only see how surprised they are and ask me "are you staying here?" are you assigned here?"
I have not done any great things here in my assignment now, never started any big projects. I just journey with people. Am fully aware that what I am doing is not enough. But it's enough to show to the victims of the tsunami here in Ofunato area that we are here ready to journey with you