Remembering 3.11

My parents are from Rikuzen Takata, a small quaint city in the Northeastern region of Japan. Every summer, I spent about 2-3 months to stay with my relatives and to be immersed in my cultural heritage. I went to the local school, played with my cousins, and my aunts/uncles spoiled me as their youngest niece. I went hiking in the lush mountains and went on family picnics by the beautiful beach coast. In all, I've probably cumulatively spent about 3 years of my life there.

Then 3.11 happened. 

I lost count of how many family and friends were lost 3 years ago. They say pain get easier with time. The thing is, you can never heal the pain but only to lessen it. If anything good came out of this tragedy, it made my bond with my surviving family much, much stronger. I just had a chatting session with my cousins (2nd cousins to be exact, we're a huge family) to make a trip back there this summer for the annual festival. I look forward to the reconstruction of my city and happier times to come.

This year was my first time away from Japan since the earthquake so I asked my friend and collegaue monk to hold a special commemoration service for me at our Wat. It was sad and beautiful. I cried throughout the ceremony but I feel grateful and thankful! 

震災以降初めて海外で過ごす3.11。同僚でお友達のお坊さんにお願いして特別に法要と供養をしていただきました。法要中泣きっぱなしでしたが新たにパ ワーを頂いたような気がします☆ 犠牲者・被災者・そして未だ復興に立ち向かっている全ての人にご冥福と回復をお祈りいたします。4年目もがんばっぺし！ぺしぺし！

Offering food to the monks. This little Buddha is about 8 years old, and chanted the loudest! So adorable.

Giving offering to the monks