A COMMUNITY AT WORK

ALL ROADS led to the Temple for the Summer Community Service In Our Area this morning......

Protected by hats, and with scythes and towels in hand, community folks, mostly homeowners [why they never include apartment dwellers is beyond me! Unfair, di ba? ] in the area troop to the place picked by Community Leaders. The sun was hot, but no one seemed to mind.

The day was good and sunny.....with temperatures soaring. The morning call was for 8 a.m. but almost all were there early. Some came in bicycles, but most of heattendees< including this humble member, walked our way to the Temple. I had to walk slowly....to be able to take pictures unnoticed using my celfone. He-heh!


AT THE ONSET, the over-all Chairman gave a small talk... while others listened. Here, assignment areas were announced and sub-leaders were enjoined to keep attendance. Non-attendance would elicit fines of as much as 1,500- 3,000 Yen per household, at most. Not that it hurts, coz it isn't that expensive. The thing is......one can see a community in action here....and enjoy the activity!


Young and old alike, men and women all joined hands for a worthy cause. Soon, we all went where we were assigned. The grass has grown and the place has to be cleared of its weeds. Note the weeds.... and the trees needed sprucing up.


AND the task on hand began.....AT first, it was only a faint of whispers.....then it grew into that buzzing-like talks between acquaintances who haven't seen each other for so long...... Laughter and smiles can be heard all over!


Exchanging news about friends and families. just like the cicadas who make beautiful noise....the laughter and the smiles were all there, and not one minded the heat from the scorching sun.....Hands and lips seem to synchronize.....

SOON the ground was clear.....
and the menfolk helped load the weeds to a truck waiting at bay.....
WHILE some find time to stray.......to smoke, maybe, or just plain talk!




THE TEMPLE's warehouse was also opened for cleaning....and checking.
Gadgets and all other paraphernalia used by the community is stored in these two sheds....and used by all in public functions, like the annual MATSURI [FESTIVAL] or the annual BBQ PARTY inside the TEMPLE AREA.


AND SO .....work is done....
and we all went back home, tired, but happy ...........
in thinking that at least today, we found ourselves useful....

AND THE same thing will be repeated next month....and the month after next!

IN ONE YEAR, HOMEOWNERS ARE REQUIRED TO LEND THEIR
TIME AND HELP AROUND 4 TIMES DURING THE SUMMER SEASON.....
depending on the need of the moment.

ALL activities are geared towards October,
where the Festival To Thank The Gods
For A Bountiful Harvest usually takes place.

Before we left the area, our Group Leader was handed a basketful of drinks, all canned: Tea... Coffee, Colas, all kinds! I picked this up. WHY? I find it funny! Japanized English, that is! Cheers!

*I took pains to take pictures again today.....
to show how a Community can work together for a common cause.
Unlike in our BARANGAY system, na pahirapan pa nag pagtawag sa mga miyembro,
dito, hindi. How I wish may gumaganang komunidad din sa Inang Bayan.
Hindi yung maid ang ipadadala kapag nagpatawag ng meeting ang lokal na asosasyon.*