Ms. HG (a woman in her 60’s) H.Gさん (６０代)

September 23, 2014 I don’t want to focus just on rebuilding, rather, I want to build a world where people live together with a common hope of world peace. I would like to advocate world peace from the kitchen for it being the center of our everyday life. The world cannot be changed without our kitchens change. When the disaster struck, we were helped by so many people around the world. I realized then that the world is one. While I think about rebuilding, I want to cherish the relationship that were flourished and expanded through this experience. We all need a place to live. We need to be nuclear free. We need to think about how we can live kindly and gently to the nature as we all are a part of the nature. The nature is not mean to us. I believe that I will return to dust. I am a human created by God, who lives and made to live with others through the experience, hardship and sharing. We don’t know when our life would expire or where the life takes us. Before the disaster, my life was all about my family, friends and relatives. However, the horizon widened after receiving so much unexpected support from all over Japan and the world. I was so thankful for the support and care we received across the border. Having good relationships and network of friends are very important. We need always to be thinking about what we can do to help others. We all live by leaning against each other. We need to live happily and peacefully. The disaster was just one event in your whole life, it was just a part of your life. Sharing the experience with others expands the friendship. After the disaster, people and friends gathered and talked around my house. The circle of friends expanded. I started to cook meals for the volunteers. The disaster struck a year after I stopped working. My kitchen represented me. I was happy when people enjoy my meal which I prepared using seasonal fresh ingredients. I opened my house for volunteers and showed them around the shore. I was thankful that they traveled to our town. We need to welcome them to our homes openly. My husband changed in a positive way. Before the disaster, he rarely invited people over. However, having many people come around our house, he started to take interest in helping others. He discovered himself by being helpful to others and being needed. After the disaster, I was amazed to see how the volunteers jumped right in and helped us. I understand the meaning of “neighbors” which Bible describes with the experience receiving help and supports. I want to do the same for the others. I experience the joy of being alive and I enjoy the task I am given to help others. I had thought I’ve done a lot but realized the circle of support was even bigger than I imagined. Having money is not important. It’s in us to come together to help each other. When we get weaken approaching the end of our life, we realize how important to live with others. Through many encounters with people, I think about meaning of life more. As for my future plan, I would like to market great local food from Ishinomaki, help student with school refusal issues, and to develop work places where you can still work even you are not in full health. I would also like to build a community that is diverse and each individual family comes together.