The Neighbourhood Salon

 

Christmas decorations made from cork. Once we got started making these, so many ideas began to flow that we thought we might never finish.

 

The main event at the salon was facials. We learned about make-up removal, face-washing, and how to apply foundation.

 

During the Q&A session, we learned simple ways to relieve various concerns, such as swollen calves and stiff shoulders.

 

These accessory cases embroidered with flowery designs were kindly made and sent to us by the ladies of the ‘handmade support team.’

Everyone was surprised to discover inside an array of gifts, including kale juice, offered as a means to make up for a lack of vegetable intake, hair-care sets, basic make-up kits, face wash, and so on.

Half of the participants today have been unable to receive official aid since the immediate aftermath of the disaster, because they moved into civilian housing after their own homes were damaged or destroyed in the tsunami.

Many a time, we have spoken directly to people in the area and thought that we would certainly like to open a Jonet salon here, but since there was no other option but to use one of the extremely small, private rooms, we let the idea pass.

This time, we grabbed the chance to open a salon in a private home, and at the last minute, we were able to rent out the assembly hall of the temporary housing.

The other half of the participants saw the residents of civilian housing as having things somewhat easier, and tended to put a distance between their two groups.

In the middle of our preparations for the salon, aid goods arrived for all of those living in temporary housing.

We then learned that goods frequently arrive for the temporary housing residents.

While we were proceeding with the salon, capturing all of the women’s hearts with facials, handicrafts, and makeovers, one participant began to open up about her innermost feelings.

A number of other women then spoke about that day, leading one member to suggest, “Today has been really enjoyable, hasn’t it? What do you think about keeping up this kind of social activity after today? I would really like Jonet to visit us again.”

We were extremely happy to hear this. Perhaps the rifts that these groups created between themselves will be bridged.