Heart & House Warming

Today Ishinomaki has been rocked by numerous earthquakes that have been centered just north of us - so far we have had about ten quakes since the 6.9 this morning.  A number of our staff have commented how it feels like sea-sickness... the ground is rocking back and forth beneath our feet.  It has been unsettling, literally and figuratively.

We were so encouraged this morning, though, as we started the week with a staff meeting and a chance to share and pray together.  This included welcoming a new staff to the Nozomi Project!  We are so glad that Kumiko is starting, and will be joining our grinding team.  

Also during the meeting, two of our staff were surprised with gifts from the rest of the Nozomi members.  Their families have both moved from temporary government housing into new homes recently built since the disaster when their previous homes were washed away.   Many still remain in difficult living situations; it was wonderful to see the Nozomi members share in each others' joys and celebrate in such a special way.  

Coming together in the midst of uncertainty and fear was a great way to start our day.