I haven't written about the Japan disaster yet... I don't really have words. Only two weeks after the devastating earthquake and tsunami rocked this nation, the news has abandoned the dramatic headlines for other world stories, and focused the stories that it is telling on the nuclear crisis that has struck fear worldwide. It's been a sobering and disheartening experience living here in Japan during this time- we are located far enough away that we aren't in any danger, yet we are located close enough that the deep sadness for this nation seeps out of every day encounters. They have recovered over 11,000 bodies, with over 13,000 still missing. It will easily take over 3 years to remove the rubble that accumulated from the tsunami, and even then the land will lie inhabitable due to the degree it sunk during the earthquake (up to 4 meters). People have lost their families, their homes, their jobs, their livelihood. To heap insult upon insult, the nuclear crisis paints fear into their hearts daily by presenting the possibility that they could be in the path of radiation. There is no water, little food, no medicine. It is truly a grave, grave situation.
We count our blessings daily that we are safe and well. But I cannot help but feel a heavy burden for those effected by this disaster. We can pray, give, and continue on with our days... but we cannot ignore. There are so many ways to give. I pray that disasters like these bind us closer as humans and wake us up to the fragility of life and the dearness of it. Ray and I chose to stay in Japan because, not being in any immediate danger, we don't want to be ruled by fear and want to show the friends and community we've made here that we are with them and are living this life by their side. It has put purpose in our days and widened our hearts to accept the uncertainty and fears of our Japanese friends, with confidence and faith. We are very happy to be where we are right now...
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Spring has arrived.
One of the many reasons I love my husband is his ability to make connections with people. In this case, Ray reacquainted himself with a gentleman we had met two years ago. Ray had stopped in to Ken's metal-working shop to see about getting a new wedding ring made (ring #3!!). In conversation Ray learned that Ken has a plot of land that he has been nurturing for the past year, and the two proceeded to share their common farming practices and passions. This happenstance meeting resulted in an early morning for my dear husband the next day as he joined Ken for a morning at the "farm". Ray returned home so excited and inspired that the babes and I woke at 5:30am to join Ray and Ken today. Ken brought his two delightful daughters as well!
Ray and I were particularly thrilled to be able to let our little ones finally roam in the dirt and green. Ken farms completely chemical and fertilizer free, creating a very safe environment for our little explorers...
We planted 4 different varieties of potatoes...
...while the babes continued to get some royal treatment of all the good stuff- dirt, veggies and hugs!
Ken obtained his seeds from Vietnam and really has a unique assortment of things growing, particularly unique to Japan. Among the most interesting : pineapple and sugar cane!
The sun, the interesting textures and dirt, the sounds of the birds and insects, the flavors of spicy radish and bitter arugula- so good for the soul!!!
Inspired by our fresh veggies and the gift of some special whole wheat flour from our new friend Ken, we returned home and made some delicious "power bars"...
...homemade naan bread stuffed with cheese...
