Toshi’s Visit to Yomawari

         

Others gave out clothing and other useful items.

       

There were about 35 men that day. One new guest was from Kyushu in the far south of Japan. He had probably come here looking for construction work, but had had no luck in getting a job. Sadly, his tragic situation is not uncommon here.

After the “Soup Run” was over, Toshi told me his impressions. Paraphrasing his words, he said, “This was really good. I think every university student should have this kind of experience. So many young people want to do something positive, but they are either too shy to try things on their own, or they don’t know how to go about finding a place to volunteer. The next time I help Yomawari, I want to bring some friends. I think this would mean a lot to them.”

After some thought, he continued. “I also like the way this NGO is run. It’s got such a good atmosphere. They know each person by name and treat everyone warmly and respectfully. They also have a meeting before the meal and give really good advice. That is so helpful.”

This particular time the topic of discussion was about the problem the men will face during the UN conference in March. At that time thousands of foreigners will flock to this area. Sendai wants to make a good impression, so the police will most probably confiscate homeless people’s neatly stacked belongings, which they keep in underground passageways and in parks.

“Be careful,” Imai Sensei warned. “By law they have to keep your things for three months. But probably you’ll have to pay to get them back. And you’ll need proof the items are yours. So, be sure to have your name on everything you have. In fact, you’d better keep your things with you. And try to keep a low profile when the conference is in session.”

As Imai Sensei was giving this helpful warning, one man kept talking and laughing loudly. Imai Sensei immediately realized he was drunk and severely ordered him to leave. Drunkenness and alcohol are never allowed at any Yomawari activities.

In the evening Toshi sent me a very touching thank you message. Here is what he said, exactly as he said it:

* * *  
Thank you for today!
It was very meaningful experience to me.
Before joining the activity, I felt a little bit nervous because I thought some of homeless people might be being rude possibly. 
They are in that tough situation just because of bad luck and I guess all of them always feel so hurt.
So they may well take a crabby attitude.
But on the contrary, they were very polite to us and when we gave food to them, they said “Thank you”.
I was touched and I felt that I want to help them more and more.

And Imai sensei is great person. Sometimes he scolded some homeless, but I think scolding other people needs much energy, I think his affection for them makes he do that.