Aid worker blog from Japan
Guest blog by Mitsuko Sobata, Advocacy & Communications Officer, World Vision
Today, we visited Arahama town which was hit by the tsunami very severely. It's a coastal town just 10 to 20 minutes away from Sendai City by car. The tsunami washed away everything here including houses, cars, trees, and people. 
Hundreds of people have died in this town.
It’s over a week since March 11th and those who survived are now staying at safe shelters. They’ve come back here to find something useful, important, and precious from their "house".
There are also many ambulance workers doing search and rescue.
Houses washed away
I spoke with one family--father, mother and daughter--looking for their house. The father said "we used to live near the shoreline, but we're not sure if our house was washed away.
I saw my neighbor's house flushed a few kilometers away from the shoreline so we think our house might be flushed away also. However, we would like to see what our house is like now with our own eyes."
The highlight for me today was when I said goodbye to this family. His daughter who may be 15 or 16 years old said to me. "Please take care of yourself."
Caring for others
During my one week stay in Miygai, I met many affected people who are caring and helping each other in such an unprecedented crisis.
I met one Tome City worker who gave his banana and coffee to the driver who brought relief items from Tokyo, despite not having enough food even for himself.
'This is life'
I met one old woman who was badly hit by the huge tsunami in Minamisanriku town. She accepted this situation saying "I don't blame anyone. This is life".
I have met many affected people who are trying to stay hopeful for the future despite living in shelters.
Support
I came here to "support" these affected people in Miygai, however, it was me who was encouraged by their warm hearts and strength.
There is such a huge challenge for them and it takes time to recover but I trust that they can pull through.
As a Japanese person and World Vision Japan staff member, I want to do as much as I can to support and walk with them on their long way home.
You can donate to the World Vision Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Appeal here.
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