The International House Philadelphia hosts students from all around the world, most of them here to learn to learn English.
20 of its residents call Japan home, but they could not call home Friday, because they were unable to get through with phone lines jammed or out of service.
For them, and others with family in Japan, Friday has been an excruciating day.
Keitchi Tominaga has a difficult time finding the English words to convey his thoughts, though emotions come easily.
The 26 years old arrived in Philadelphia two weeks ago, hoping to return to Japan more fluent in English. Now, he's not certain he wants to return at all.
"I don't want to go to Japan because I'm worried it will happen again," said Keitchi Tominaga.
Keitchi spoke to his sister Friday morning, but has been unable to get through to his father. Given his distance from the epicenter, he's certain his dad is ok, but he can't help but wonder.
Junya Lyamauchi got an email from his mother Friday morning, but that's not enough to calm his nerves.
"No, I'm still worrying about her," said Junya.
Unlike Keitchi, Junya, who has been in American more than a month now, can't wait to get back. He says he feels helpless.
"I want to be with my family and my friends," said Junya.
At Maido Marketplace in Narberth, homesick Japanese streamed through the doors all day to do what many were doing, watch local television coverage of the disaster.
"I think this is a great tragedy for Japan."
"As we know more, we'll be in a much better position to advise everybody on what's going on," said Dennis Morikawa.
Dennis Morikawa, Japan's Honorary Consul General in Philadelphia, spent the day coordinating disaster relief and trying to get out whatever information he has no matter how little.
"We don't know the level of the damage yet, they're still assessing it. I mean literally they're still going through the damage," said Morikawa.
Though communication remains difficult, The Consul General and the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia has put together a list of resources for both Japanese living here seeking help, and those living in Philadelphia seeking to help.
Link:
jasgp.org
