I decided to go to do the Japan project about two weeks before it began. I didn't really have any expectations since my decision to go was last minute. As a result I was open to experiencing many things.
Many times I was challenged, but many more times I experienced joy. Some of the challenges I faced were the heat, mosquito bites, tiredness, and the biggest was the language barrier. It was difficult to communicate with the Japanese CARP members since I couldn't speak any Japanese, and they could barely speak English. Since communication was not the best, at times we did not know the schedule or what to expect with the activities. However we followed their direction and ended up having an amazing experience.
The first couple of days were quite daunting for me. I wanted to get to know the CARP members but not being able to speak any Japanese, I was not able to do so. I didn't think it was possible to create much of a relationship with them not being able to communicate, however I was wrong. It's true that I don't really know how they view life, how their faith is, or what their relationship is like with their family and stuff like that, but I managed to develop this connection of heart with them.
Many times I was challenged, but many more times I experienced joy. Some of the challenges I faced were the heat, mosquito bites, tiredness, and the biggest was the language barrier. It was difficult to communicate with the Japanese CARP members since I couldn't speak any Japanese, and they could barely speak English. Since communication was not the best, at times we did not know the schedule or what to expect with the activities. However we followed their direction and ended up having an amazing experience.
The first couple of days were quite daunting for me. I wanted to get to know the CARP members but not being able to speak any Japanese, I was not able to do so. I didn't think it was possible to create much of a relationship with them not being able to communicate, however I was wrong. It's true that I don't really know how they view life, how their faith is, or what their relationship is like with their family and stuff like that, but I managed to develop this connection of heart with them.
This trip has shown me that sometimes it is not what is said, but what is done that counts. Joanna (my team mate) expressed how our relationship with the Japanese members is somehow deep since we didn't need to use words, it was all heartfelt. I agree with her on this. Through their actions we received so much love, almost too much.
We were amazed at how much they gave us, and how they kept on giving when we had little to give back. We were also amazed about their level of dedication to God and True Parents. After witnessing for 4 hours on a really hot day, I was so drained and had no desire to do it again, but some of the CARP members witness like this almost every day. Some of them are witnessing on top of their studies, and they're almost always tearfully praying when it's time to close the day. It's no wonder they have young people joining the church. Their level of dedication goes way beyond what I see in Europe.
I think it's important for European second generation to witness members joining our church, and have brothers and sisters who have strong faith. It's much more difficult to witness in Japan yet they have result. Perhaps more European second generation would be more inspired to be active if they witnessed the church being more "alive".
Although we felt unworthy to stand as representatives of Europe, we had many opportunities to serve Japan in various ways. We did peace road, met important people, taught English, kitchen staffed, volunteer work, and more. Although what we contributed was small, they were always grateful for what we had given. I myself am limited in the amount of love I can give. Representing European members, I wish I could have given more love to them in the hopes of inspiring inactive members to be more active. Although I could have given much more, it was good to hear that as a group, by giving love we could make some second generation who are not so positive about the church come and experience more church events/activities. Of all the things we did for Japan, this is what I am most proud of.
All in all it was an amazing month. It's difficult to put down in words my feelings on all that was experienced, but I can say that it definitely has been an unforgettable experience. I won’t forget all the love that I received from the Japanese members. I will surely miss them and Japan.
We were amazed at how much they gave us, and how they kept on giving when we had little to give back. We were also amazed about their level of dedication to God and True Parents. After witnessing for 4 hours on a really hot day, I was so drained and had no desire to do it again, but some of the CARP members witness like this almost every day. Some of them are witnessing on top of their studies, and they're almost always tearfully praying when it's time to close the day. It's no wonder they have young people joining the church. Their level of dedication goes way beyond what I see in Europe.
I think it's important for European second generation to witness members joining our church, and have brothers and sisters who have strong faith. It's much more difficult to witness in Japan yet they have result. Perhaps more European second generation would be more inspired to be active if they witnessed the church being more "alive".
Although we felt unworthy to stand as representatives of Europe, we had many opportunities to serve Japan in various ways. We did peace road, met important people, taught English, kitchen staffed, volunteer work, and more. Although what we contributed was small, they were always grateful for what we had given. I myself am limited in the amount of love I can give. Representing European members, I wish I could have given more love to them in the hopes of inspiring inactive members to be more active. Although I could have given much more, it was good to hear that as a group, by giving love we could make some second generation who are not so positive about the church come and experience more church events/activities. Of all the things we did for Japan, this is what I am most proud of.
All in all it was an amazing month. It's difficult to put down in words my feelings on all that was experienced, but I can say that it definitely has been an unforgettable experience. I won’t forget all the love that I received from the Japanese members. I will surely miss them and Japan.