It was a warm day with a clear blue sky on October 9th, so warm that we could wear a short-sleeved shirt. However, the strong wind stirred up dust from the dried mud in the flooded areas, making it difficult to walk and stinging our eyes. Especially in the seaside town where we are working, the sea is so close that we can hear the waves from the rooftop of the place where we are staying. The beautiful blue sea gradually changes to a beige color near the river mouth due to the muddy river water. We wonder how long it will take for the river and the sea to regain their original transparency. We can’t help but think about when the disaster victims will be able to return to their peaceful daily lives.
In the morning, we worked at a nursing home, assisting with diaper changes, toilet guidance, hydration, and meal assistance. In the afternoon, we provided hydration and bathing assistance. We are gradually learning the names of the residents, and some of them even remember us and call out to us. Until now, we had been taking care of one patient at a time in the hospital, so we were initially hesitant about assisting two people with meals at the same time. However, we were touched when a woman who had been silent until yesterday actively spoke to us today and ate a lot.
We understand that some residents may be confused by the sudden presence of strangers providing care. We want to continue to provide caring support and gradually build trust with them so that we don’t burden them.
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