Farewell Japan
As the wheels of the jet left the runway of Narita airport and lifted off from the soil of Japan, the appreciation I felt of having had an intense and rewarding experience was strong. There is an aspect to relief missions that gives something back, which is not always immediate but comes to awareness at unpredictable moments. For me, it was a sense of recognition that I had participated in an action that was meaningful, which gave comfort to many people; men, women, children, striving young couples, elders, families; that caring had taken place, even, as it was, in the midst of great sorrow, To have been part of Fuel Relief Fund’s efforts was an extraordinary event for me. I am grateful to have had the chance to participate.
I knew that, not only was I personally leaving Japan but Fuel Relief Fund had ended its stay here also. On the evening of our last day, we were taken out by Nobu Kajiwara-san, our fuel supplier and advisor, for a farewell dinner meant to mark the end of piece of work that was as meaningful for him and his staff as it was for us at FRF. Over some wonderful traditional Japanese food and drink, he expressed how much his heart had been in this project. He had been growing a beard since the beginning of the disaster and that is how I had known him from our first meeting. When he met us for dinner that night he was clean-shaven. He had planned to keep his beard until his work with FRF was complete and that is exactly what he did. His admiration for Ted and the relationship they had formed was clear. He made sure to tell me that he wanted Ted to know that what FRF had accomplished in the Ishinomaki area had been important for many. He talked about human strength and weakness and how some of the strong had pushed upwards through the Tsunami and survived. He spoke of this with a reverence and dignity that was unmistakable. He said it was the work of the strong too, not only to help lift the weak, but to teach strength. These were not just words – I had watched him act this way with the young men on his staff and could see that he was greatly respected. He was saying that there is nobility to possessing strength if the strength is coupled with humility. When giving support to those in need becomes more about the giver than about the receiver, than it is not love but pity. But to give and by giving to further empower – this is what connects human to human.
One day last week, a man came up to speak with me, after getting his can filled with fuel, and told me, in English, that he was very thankful to get this heating fuel, the first he had seen since the Tsunami. He said that he would remember this help and, if there were ever a disaster in America like there was now in Japan, he would come and help us. That was it exactly. That is what it must be about.
Thanks to your contributions, we have accomplished so much in such a short time. Not only do we appreciate the monetary donations tremendously, we also have to thank those who have tirelessly promoted our cause, spread the word and put in many volunteer hours to write, edit, pump fuel, assist with accounting, etc. There are really so many of you who have assisted Fuel Relief Fund in Japan in some way.
Fuel Relief Fund gave away diesel and gasoline for cars following Katrina and Rita. We gave away diesel fuel to power generators in Haiti. For almost four weeks, FRF provided kerosene for heat to those who were victims of the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan. We began distributing kerosene in Japan on March 23rd and gave away fuel every day until the end of the day on April 18th.
With your help, we estimate that we have provided enough heating oil to warm homes for a week for over 35,000 people. Each day our truck gave away between 2000 and 6000 liters. Young and old stood in line for hours to receive a mere 10 liters for their family. Every recipient was patient, kind, and grateful. The people of Japan have taught us a valuable lesson in sharing and caring during difficult times.
The earthquake and Tsunami did unspeakable damage to costal areas. Cities like Ishinomaki were severely damaged and many towns were completely obliterated. Victims lost loved ones, lost property and possessions. Many also lost their jobs and livelihood. It will take these communities a very, very long time to recover and rebuild.
We have received several significant contributions from donors, including a large sum given to us by Shine Humanity through Global Giving. This contribution allowed us to continue for more than a week beyond the point where it seemed our funds were going to be depleted. With these funds and other donations, we were able to double our efforts in Japan; giving away up to 6000 liters per day, until temperatures began to rise and the urgency for immediate support began to be replaced by the beginnings of a stabilization phase. This amount gave us the ability to provide heat for many more people during cold nights.
We want to thank you for your tremendous support.
The Fuel Relief Fund team.
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