After collecting our protective gloves, masks and goggles from the volunteer centre, we went to the site we were assigned to and began with our volunteer work. Our task - to clear the mud that had clogged up one of the major drains. In the short two hours which we had at the site, we worked hard to clear the mud. Nonetheless, two hours wasn't sufficient for us to complete the task; we didn't even finish clearing half of the entire drain's lenght.

Looking back, I believe the volunteers in Rikuzentakata must have been stretched both physically and emotionally in the arduous clear-up mission. Yet, the task on hand is still and will continue to be an uphill one, judging from the extent of destruction. I hope that the volunteers will keep their spirits high and face the challenge bravely, and surely, the beauty of Rikuzentakata will be restored soon :)