Mom doesn't have time for this ...

We held a nail salon.

As there was no tap nearby and we would have to carry in water from far away, we only did nails. Despite this, everyone gathered around, waiting their turn to say whatever was on their minds. In the afternoon we sat around a heated-table instead of the usual table on carpet, and when the tea arrived we began.

The women felt bad about their hands that were rough from shucking oysters or fingernails that were black from peeling persimmons, but said 'I don't have manicures because I'm a mother (or wife)' . Needless to say they were very grateful.

We'll share with you part of an email sent to one of our participants by a friend.
"The ladies from Jonet came. They brought nail experts with them from Tokyo and gave us manicures.

My nails looked nice for the first time in ages. At times like these, I remember the way things used to be before. Recently I haven't had the energy for such things.
Since the disaster I have worried about water and got worked up about small things, seeing the world through my father's eyes (with his worsening dementia).

Thanks to the manicure, I was able to take time to reflect on my life and get some perspective.  I found it really enjoyable."

Our requests for tea utensils, pots, plates, trays, rice cookers etc. - all the things we need to run events - have kindly been granted.

The felling of trees suffering salt-water damage is a conspicuous sight. Scenery featuring bleached-white tree roots against a bare mountain face certainly feels eerie.

Measures to protect against the cold can be found here and there amongst temporary housing. The buildings wrapped in heat insulating material look like they are wearing down jackets. Bundled up warmly.

 

Carrying in our donated heated table  

 

Laying carpet on the bare floor of the meeting space and 

placing tea on the heated table gets the conversation flowing.

All these things were donated to Jonet.

Thank you very much.

 

Using a cardboard box for the nail salon when there's no table.  

 

Beans found at a private house can be planted as seeds next year.

 

Drying large white radish on the fences of the temporary housing unit.

 

Ruined property as far as the eye can see 

 

Narrow temporary housing - much needed additional storage space is set up outside.

 

An "Easter Island Statue" damaged by the tsunami.

 

Trees that suffered salt-water damage have been cleared away.

 

Winter insulation of this temporary housing unit has been completed.