KAPA‘A — Although they live in Kaua‘i, Alyssa and Emmanuel Rodriguez’s hearts are in Japan. Feeling strongly connected with the Japanese culture, the husband-and-wife team are raising money so they can travel to Japan and help with relief efforts. “We
KAPA‘A — Although they live in Kaua‘i, Alyssa and Emmanuel Rodriguez’s hearts are in Japan. Feeling strongly connected with the Japanese culture, the husband-and-wife team are raising money so they can travel to Japan and help with relief efforts.
“We were originally going over to Japan to work as English teachers, but shortly after the quake and tsunami hit, opportunities became available for relief work,” Emmanuel said.
Instead of traveling to Japan during the summer for an internship with Chi Alpha Ministries, the couple are focused on raising $5,000 in order to volunteer with Youth With a Mission, which is currently in Tokyo helping with relief efforts.
“Our plan is to go to Japan for two months, from September through November,” Alyssa said. “That way we can do relief work. We are just waiting for confirmation from YWAM.”
The two founded a clothing line, Lovebirds Apparel, to raise money. The Japanese-inspired clothing line features T-shirts, headbands, buttons, stickers, jewelry, cell phone charms and other accessories.
The clothing line’s logo depicts a red rising sun against a backdrop of the Tokyo skyline with the words “Konnichiwa, Tokyo.”
After the earthquake, the couple added a second design to their line, which says “Pray for Japan.”
“People have asked us if we still want to go to Japan even with all that has been going on, and our answer is ‘Yes. Definitely. Now, even more so than ever.’” Emmanuel said.
Both Alyssa and Emmanuel have friends in Japan who are helping out with relief efforts.
“We are not trying to be these American heroes trying to save them, we just feel very connected to the Japanese, as if they are a part of us,” Alyssa said. “There’s a lot of orphanages and refugee camps that need help. We just want to serve any area that needs our help.”
While the couple means well, Alyssa and Emmanuel realize that people might be skeptical of their cause.
“We really are praying that people see our hearts. That’s one thing people have noticed … they have seen a difference in us and they can tell this is something we are really passionate about it.
The couple sells their merchandise through their Facebook page and at events around the island.
“One of our best responses was during a breakdance competition in The Jam Room in Kukui Grove, we were blown away by their support.” Emmanuel said. “Then, our first online sell was to someone we never met. It was really neat to see that as our first purchase.”
Alyssa and Emmanuel met four years ago when Emmanuel moved to Kaua‘i to start a Bible college at Calvary Chapel, and they found an instant connection for their love of Japan.
“Before we met each other, both of us had a huge heart and passion for the people of Japan. We have a strong desire to go and be a part of their community,” Alyssa said. “This is an adventure for both of us. It’s not about us, it’s all about going and helping Japan.”
The lovebirds plan to sell their stickers and T-shirts at Kawaii Kon, an anime convention and conference, which runs from April 29 through May 1 in Honolulu. From there,
Visit www.facebook.com/lovebirdsapparel to shop their online store, or visit their blog at http://rlovebirds.tumblor.com for more information about the cause.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@ thegardenisland.com.
