This is Thomas speaking. I am from Michigan. It is now my final evening of the Shirakami Sanchi Volunteer Camp and it’s reflection time. 

Each day was different. The first of which was a learning curve. New names, new faces and an environment to be memorize. There were awkward moments of silence and an uneasiness of being lost. I had begun to make new relationships over the course of the first dinner. Smiles where shared and shoulders became more relaxed. At the end of the first day I was not quite comfortable, but ready to sleep. The days afterward made all the difference.

The four others and I worked rain or shine. We spent a lot of time clearing the planting site and digging up Beech trees that later where planted in the forest. The locals where a big help to us. They would smile and laugh making work lighter. Every lunch was to be onigini, but the locals would all share their homemade meals. After work was completed, dinner was made and the onsen was prepared. We would talk about our pasts and our cultures. A few day in, we could crack jokes from one friend to another.

The final day was the tree planting festival. From the elderly to the elementary students, about 150 people arrived at the event. The Beech trees where there waiting to be planted, the planting site was prepped. In all, the event was one of the best I have been a part. I was able to improve the Earth’s health and become a friend to many others. I intend to return one day to reflect once again and I suggest that others be apart of the Shirakami Sanchi Volunteer Work Camp as I had done.