Sporty Spice

Today was Health and Sports Day, a national holiday often celebrated at schools with a sports festival.  My son's school scheduled their undokai (sports festival) on Sunday.  Delayed for a day due to the typhoon, we headed to the school this morning.  Unfortunately, just as we left the house, it started to rain.  Just what all the flooding victims need right now - more moisture from the sky.

After standing in the gym for a few minutes, an announcement over the intercom told us that we were moving to the elementary school gymnasium.  Everyone put their shoes back on, grabbed some sports equipment, and headed over to the larger facility.

The transfer took a bit of time, but very soon all the kids were playing and competing, full of enthusiasm.  For the next 2.5 hours, the kids danced, had foot races, played games, and more.  I love watching all of them give their all.  They are all so adorable.  It fills my heart with joy.

It was a nice little break from the chaos going on in Japan.  Hundreds and hundreds of people are in evacuation shelters with no end in sight for the flooding and when the can return home - if they still have one.  Over tens of thousands of people still don't have power, 130 thousand people have no running water, and 60 people have died.  The reports keep coming in. 

I am thankful for the little breaks of joy, like watching my son and his classmates dance around like bugs, but I keep coming back to the heartbreak so many are suffering.