KPTV - FOX 12Portland families helping families from Fukushima

More than five months after the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan, families in the disaster zone are still struggling to live normal lives.  However, Portland families are reaching out to help, hosting moms and children from Fukushima and allowing them a much needed break.

 "I think it's part of the healing process," said Chifumi Brown, who's from Japan, but now lives in Portland.  She invited a mom from Fukushima, Yoshie Arai, and her son, Tatsuki, 10, to stay with them for a few weeks.

 They've enjoyed not only the best of a Portland summer, but also the activities taken for granted, such as playing outside, riding bikes, hiking and eating fresh fruits and vegetables.  Yoshie Arai says she has to keep her son indoors back home, where she worries about radiation and the impact to her son's health.

 "Yoshie told me her 10-year-old son started having symptoms," said Brown. "Nose bleeding and fevers.  That's made her feel like it's time to get away."

 Brown told Fox 12 when Tatsuki first arrived in Portland at the end of July, he appeared pale and suffered from nightmares following the disaster.

 Now, thousands of miles away from daily aftershocks and concern over health, food, safety, Tatsuki and Yoshie Arai can relax, laugh and briefly escape the stresses of life in the aftermath of an unprecedented disaster.

 "Just a normal life like we have here is like a dream for them," said Kurumi Conley, who's also hosting a family from Japan.  She opened her home in Northeast Portland Thursday to the host families and their visitors Thursday, allowing them a chance to talk and share their experiences.

 "As a mother, you do whatever is best for your child," said Chifumi Brown.  "I think that's universal."

 Brown's guests, the Arai family, head back to Japan this weekend.

 "There's a lot of unknown," said Brown, speaking on behalf of Yoshie.  "How long this is going to last;  what is (safe) and what is not.  Hearing her personal story is just really heartbreaking."

 Yoshie Arai, whose husband stayed behind in Japan to work, said she's nervous to return, but grateful for their time here and new friendships made in Portland.

 "Very wonderful experience for us," said Arai.

Copyright 2011 KPTV-FOX 12. All rights reserved.