Tag Archives: official support system

From Supported to Supporter

5 Years Later

By K. Matsubara (alias) – Former North Korean Refugee

A Korean proverb says that “mountains and rivers change in 10 years.”  It obviously means that 10 years is a long time and brings big changes.  Then, what changes have my husband and I experienced in the past 5 years since we finally entered Japan?

Actually, we have gone through many, many changes.  For a while after coming to Japan, everything seemed new to us and difficult to get used to.  But now, we can handle most things without asking for help.  Although we have not yet achieved our biggest goal, I feel that we have achieved great growth both spiritually and financially.  And we are now able to help other North Korean people needing assistance.