Today’s Surprises
- At July 28, 2018
- By admin
- In Annes Letters
0
Dear Family and Friends,
I had not been to Yomawari’s Soup Run for a while. But today since I was free, I headed down to the park to help out. I got there a few minutes early, so was able to watch the recipients slowly assemble. Some I recognized, but many I did not. And that was the start of many surprises.
As expected, there were the old men who have come for years. They always seem both humble and grateful. And maybe a bit shy to be receiving food and various take-away items, such as fuel for portable stoves, rice, toothbrushes, and recycled clothing.
But this time things were also different. First, there were many more waiting to be fed. Also, they were an array of ages, including several rather young. There were also many women. Usually there are none, or at most one or two. Today one younger woman had been a sex worker, but became ill and had just got out of the hospital. She looked awful and vomited all her food as soon as she had eaten it. It is very rare for this sort of woman to show up at a soup run because a pimp is usually in charge of her.
Perhaps the most surprising, though, was the fashion. Some of the women had very attractive clothing, bold necklaces, and nice shoes. I found that confusing, something I had never seen before and surely had not expected.
Coupled with that was the attitude. Rather than showing a sense of appreciation, as the old timers do, the new ones seemed to expect this handout, even with a touch of entitlement. I found that unusual, especially in this culture, where humility is taught from an early age.
I asked Imai Sensei for an explanation. His response was rather disturbing. “These people are suffering from addictions. Not only alcohol, which has been a problem for years. But now there are strong addictions to gambling and to online shopping. Many of these people actually have a room to live in, some even get social security payments. But what do they do? They gamble and shop, day in and day out, so by the middle or end of the month they have no money for food.
“This problem is getting worse. We help as best as we can, but we are limited. Sendai needs more addiction counselors. These people need more than food and take-home bags, showers and clean clothing. They need someone to guide them through the hard work of overcoming their addictions. Likewise, society really has to take a hard look at where it is going and offer something of meaning to its citizens. But sadly, I think things are going to get worse before they shift and start to improve.”
I had not been to Yomawari’s Soup Run for a while. But today since I was free, I headed down to the park to help out. I got there a few minutes early, so was able to watch the recipients slowly assemble. Some I recognized, but many I did not. And that was the start of many surprises.
As expected, there were the old men who have come for years. They always seem both humble and grateful. And maybe a bit shy to be receiving food and various take-away items, such as fuel for portable stoves, rice, toothbrushes, and recycled clothing.
But this time things were also different. First, there were many more waiting to be fed. Also, they were an array of ages, including several rather young. There were also many women. Usually there are none, or at most one or two. Today one younger woman had been a sex worker, but became ill and had just got out of the hospital. She looked awful and vomited all her food as soon as she had eaten it. It is very rare for this sort of woman to show up at a soup run because a pimp is usually in charge of her.
Perhaps the most surprising, though, was the fashion. Some of the women had very attractive clothing, bold necklaces, and nice shoes. I found that confusing, something I had never seen before and surely had not expected.
Coupled with that was the attitude. Rather than showing a sense of appreciation, as the old timers do, the new ones seemed to expect this handout, even with a touch of entitlement. I found that unusual, especially in this culture, where humility is taught from an early age.
I asked Imai Sensei for an explanation. His response was rather disturbing. “These people are suffering from addictions. Not only alcohol, which has been a problem for years. But now there are strong addictions to gambling and to online shopping. Many of these people actually have a room to live in, some even get social security payments. But what do they do? They gamble and shop, day in and day out, so by the middle or end of the month they have no money for food.
“This problem is getting worse. We help as best as we can, but we are limited. Sendai needs more addiction counselors. These people need more than food and take-home bags, showers and clean clothing. They need someone to guide them through the hard work of overcoming their addictions. Likewise, society really has to take a hard look at where it is going and offer something of meaning to its citizens. But sadly, I think things are going to get worse before they shift and start to improve.”
Today, for the very first time I left Yomawari’s Soup Run without an overriding sense of hope. Now, it seems, this special NGO is just able to keep pace. But the downward slide of certain elements of society is gaining momentum. How long will this precarious balance last? And more importantly, when will new, constructive elements of society, which are surely there, become strong enough to catch hold and become the solid ground of hope we all need?
Love,
Anne
Love,
Anne
