Like most residents in the small coastal town of Ogatsu, Mr.
Takahashi lost everything in the earthquake and tsunami -- including his house.
He knows that he cannot safely rebuild so close to the water. But, with help
from AmeriCares, Mr. Takahashi can do something where his lifelong home once
stood – he can grow a garden.
Each day, AmeriCares and
local partner Peace Boat send volunteers to help Mr. Takahashi and 350 other
residents in and around Ogatsu create gardens. A nurse arrives, too, to monitor
the health of the gardeners—taking their blood pressure and watching for signs
of stress and depression.
Since the disaster, many residents have left the area. Elderly
people moved closer to hospitals and their adult children. Younger people went
to find jobs. Those who remain are somewhat stranded, not knowing if their
community will be rebuilt, where or when.
Amid uncertainty, the gardens bring a measure of stability and
comfort to residents: Something they can plan, build and grow. Here, where his
living room once stood, Mr. Takahashi will plant tomatoes, cucumbers and
pumpkins.
Mr. Takahashi and the other residents cannot have their homes back.
But with soil, seeds and help from AmeriCares, they can cultivate hope for the
future.
