Yomawari Hospitality

Dear Family and Friends,

Imai Sensei’s Yomawari Group is as busy as ever. I usually do not have time to volunteer with them, but today I was able to assist giving lunch to about forty homeless people. It was pouring rain, but even so we offered warm curry rice under an eave of the Sendai Welfare Plaza.

The Yomawari Group and the people they serve seem like a close-knit unit, almost a family. Among the volunteers, everyone has a role and does it well. I always have a few favorites who show up to help out. One lovely simple soul in particular touches my heart. He always shows up to socialize and help in any way he can.

Another is a very proud man who delights in welcoming the homeless as graciously and politely as if he were ushering them into a tea ceremony. 

He bows to each guest and greets him by name.

It is always a pleasure helping the Yomawari Group. Week after week, month after month, year after year – rain, snow, or shine – they are there to help the homeless of this community. They not only serve hot lunches (along with packaged food and clothes to take away), but also provide showers and laundry services. In addition they find cleaning jobs for the men, and offer counseling for finding housing and more stable work. Some of the volunteers now go to Fukushima to assist there as well.

Yomawari Group serves hundreds of people and is always ready to help those in need. Yet it always stays very personal and deeply caring. Its mission is definitely “From the Ground to the Heart.”