The majority of our work took place in a very rural coastal area a small ways north of Ishinomaki-shi.  There we worked along side other volunteer groups helping clean up the temporary residences in the area.  

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The demographic in these areas are mostly comprised of an older generation, one that still remembers the horrors of 2011.  That being said through interaction with them, whether it be over food and drinks or through casual conversation, I began to notice a warmth and content in their spirits.  

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On the final night, some of the local residents and us volunteers gathered for a カキ鍋 (Oyster Hot Pot) dinner.  There we ate and had lively conversation for several hours, before one of the volunteer groups began preparing to perform live music.  

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The group consisted of a drummer, guitarist, bassist, sanshin player, and keyboardist and the majority of tunes that they played put out ocean vibes.  The music itself was beautiful and the atmosphere of the room felt very warm.  What I won't forget, however, were the genuine smiles of the local residents.  They were beaming with energy, something that I had felt they were seldom able to show.  It was at that point that I truly felt that we as volunteers had positively effected their lives.