We left Naha and headed to Uruma where HelpOki is located. Since it's not a tourist area, it was tricky to find a place to stay. When the older lady showed us the room, we were happy to see a frig, microwave, rice maker and totally blue bathroom. But when she showed us the bedroom, it was perfectly empty with just the traditional rice mat flooring (tatami). No bed. After some confusing hand gestures, we used the Google translator and she smiled and opened a cupboard where 2 thin mats, pillows & blankets were stored. Not what we call beds but when in Japan, sleep like the Japanese. Our Airbnb is near town so we walked around but didn't find much for us to see or do. We took an Uber to locate HelpOki & talked to a few volunteers. Luckily, one had an American parent so spoke English welcomed us. We had arranged to meet Chris the next day. I have been communicating with Chris via Messenger and following them on facebook for about 4 months. It was great to finally meet him in person. Chris is an ex-marine married to a local girl. He started HelpOki in 2011 and has been the director since then. It was the first place in the area to serve the poor, homeless, shelters, orphanages…who ever needs help. It has a food bank, clothing, household items, washer, shower, computer, WiFi, printer, showers, emergency shelter room and even offers classes in self care and confidence. Little doubt that Chris loves what he does and who he does it for. After a quick tour, Chris gave us a list of things we could work on so we lost no time and got busy organizing clothing, toys, books …most of which were really nice as had been donated by US service families when they packed to return to US. Rog did some general cleaning while I checked expiration dates of newly donated food. My FIA experience really came in handy! Chris was working the whole time too. As I watched him work, I was in awe to see his diligence & energy level. It's meeting people like him that make volunteering such an incredible experience!!
At 4, it was time to quit and Chris insisted on taking us to our room but we suggested stopping at A&W so we could buy him & his wife burgers to go…and we could grab dinner too.
Evening found us hunting for our next stay…closer to beach in spite of the fact that it's the coldest week they have had in 20 years!! It's in the 60's! What's up with that!!
A food update: we've had several bowls of the traditional Ramon soup bowl full of sprouts, leafy greens, noodles and a few bites of beef. It comes with rice and once we got a grilled chicken with it. One night we went to place where you cook your own food over a hibachi…can't really say you cook your own supper as the meal included 4 bites of beef, 4 slices of egg plants and about 1/4 ear of corn for $20. Luckily, we passed by a 7/11 so we could get Rog some sweet bread and me a Coke Zero & since I had a microwave popcorn with me…we didn't have to go to bed hungry! Here in Uruma where we are now staying, can you believe there is an A & W right down the road! Yup! Guess who's been there twice??
