Large parts of Japan lay in shambles after the devastating tsunami and earthquake hit the country in spring 2011. Fujinosono, a children’s home in the city of Ichinoseki was left severely damaged. There was no running water, no electricity, not enough fuel. Fujinosono’s resident kids and staff had to spend a week in the gym – a makeshift shelter without heating.
This June, more than two years after the quake, Fujinosono reopened as a home for 45 children from underprivileged families. Fujinosono’s manager, the German nun Caeline Mauer was full of praise for the commitment and support she experienced during the rebuilding.
“We will move to the new house in the next couple of days,” she said, describing her situation. “The kids are so excited. For them, the new building feels like a castle. The kids will give it back its soul now.”
