The trip is winding down and I'm going to fill in some blanks and my experience about this trip. A few days ago we went to Narasha's english school and got to see him and his class mates hard at work. The younger kids did a ceremony for us, they sang and did a prayer. I felt that I was wanted and really appreciated. Leah filmed it all and had to speak to about 1000 kids and teachers. The best part was after we all got to talk to the kids and got pictures with them. At first the younger kids were scared to come and talk to us but they warmed up and mobbed us they all wanted pictures and hugs and to shake our hands, they were sad when we left.
A side trip we went on was a scared buddhist temple that was over 800 hundred years old. It was on a mountain that looked over Tangelle. We climbed to the top (there were around 720 steps) and on the way we stopped in caves that had giant Buddha's. They even let us inside to take our pictures but we were not aloud to touch. Some of the girls climbed up one section of stairs that was the "adventurous route". They were slanted on a steep hill, it was like climbing up a ladder, we weren't scared but the others were. Our guide was very energetic, he ran up the stairs and they were steep stairs. When we got to the top it was beautiful. The monkeys tried to steal Gerry's hat, it was so funny he had no idea. We climbed down a path that got us to this rock landing that was probably 800 m tall. You could hear chanting from monks, and see the landscape of Sri Lanka. The parents were a little bit worried when the young girls scooted closer to the edge. Its hard to put into words how pretty it was. I don't think I will ever see a sight like that again.
My favourite thing to do after a long day of work is go in the ocean and play in the big waves. Sometimes its scary because you get swept under and can't get to the surface right away. I feel more confident in the waves now then when I first started. Gemma, Jenny, Makenzie, Leah, Paige, and I are always in the water. The parents sit in the bar and watch to make sure there are six heads always above the water. I'm going to the beach right now, I hope you enjoyed my thoughts!
-Danika
DWC Volunteer Participant
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
January 2010: Highlights from week one
I'm going to bunch a couple of great events into one. It's hard to separate days so I'm going to give you some significant events.
-The six young girls got a great opportunity to visit Narasha's high school...we were welcomed with an assembly. They asked me and Tim to speak in front of 1000 people which was a little intimidating but went well. It was so amazing to meet all the kids so close to our age. At first they were shy but that changed in a hurry, they swarmed the girls...I could barely get video at the end because they all wanted to be on camera. It was so neat to be able to interact with the young kids. They had such joy in there faces, it was neat to see kids who are amused playing cricket and not attached to nintendos's.
-Narasha's family invited us for tea....all 17 of us. They welcomed us with such welcome arms, had a beautiful spread of goodies and tea for us. And it ended up that Narasha's father's sister lives in Ketakalawata. Her husband is a mason that works on our job site. It was so neat to see how it was all connected. It was the most touching experience to be welcomed with open arms by people we barley knew. The way they hug you makes you know the bond between us is everlasting. The more time we spend with him and his family, the more excited I am getting for him to come back with us. He's such a strong young man with great leadership abilities he will do so well.
-We went to the elephant park after Narasha's house. We saw so many elephants, wild boars, jackels...and we did it safari style. There is a picture of the jeeps we were in...you could stand up and see for miles. The wind was a nice break from the heat and humidity. One jeep was first called "the grumpy old men" but we changed it to "the comfy old men" because they had nice chairs to observe the animals.
-I just need to put in a quick blurb about the ceremony today before the internet is turned off. It was at a special needs school and one of there students is deaf. She has been dancing for 9 months and is AMAZING there is a picture to go with that. She performed two dances the picture is her peacock dance costume.
I will update you more tomorrow about the ceremony!
TTYL!
Leah Caldow
DWC Volunteer Participant
-The six young girls got a great opportunity to visit Narasha's high school...we were welcomed with an assembly. They asked me and Tim to speak in front of 1000 people which was a little intimidating but went well. It was so amazing to meet all the kids so close to our age. At first they were shy but that changed in a hurry, they swarmed the girls...I could barely get video at the end because they all wanted to be on camera. It was so neat to be able to interact with the young kids. They had such joy in there faces, it was neat to see kids who are amused playing cricket and not attached to nintendos's.
-Narasha's family invited us for tea....all 17 of us. They welcomed us with such welcome arms, had a beautiful spread of goodies and tea for us. And it ended up that Narasha's father's sister lives in Ketakalawata. Her husband is a mason that works on our job site. It was so neat to see how it was all connected. It was the most touching experience to be welcomed with open arms by people we barley knew. The way they hug you makes you know the bond between us is everlasting. The more time we spend with him and his family, the more excited I am getting for him to come back with us. He's such a strong young man with great leadership abilities he will do so well.
-We went to the elephant park after Narasha's house. We saw so many elephants, wild boars, jackels...and we did it safari style. There is a picture of the jeeps we were in...you could stand up and see for miles. The wind was a nice break from the heat and humidity. One jeep was first called "the grumpy old men" but we changed it to "the comfy old men" because they had nice chairs to observe the animals.
-I just need to put in a quick blurb about the ceremony today before the internet is turned off. It was at a special needs school and one of there students is deaf. She has been dancing for 9 months and is AMAZING there is a picture to go with that. She performed two dances the picture is her peacock dance costume.
I will update you more tomorrow about the ceremony!
TTYL!
Leah Caldow
DWC Volunteer Participant
January 2010: Thoughts on the first days in Sri Lanka by Terri
We started out with a long flight to Hong Kong. The food on Cathay Pacific was great. We arrived in Columbo at midnight then had a five hour drive to Tangalle on a very windy road. They drive on the wrong side of the road here and they drive crazy fast, swerving in and out of traffic, around the tuck-tucks (little 3 wheeled taxis). We stopped at a roadside cafe and had samosas that were delicious. We pulled into the local hospital to use the restroom. Once we arrived at Palm Paradise Cabanas I realized where they got the name. They have majestic palm trees, tropical flowers of every colour and the beach is white sand with aqua marine water. The sand is so fine it almost feels like flour.
We went to work at 10:00 am the day we arrived digging out and prepping slabs for the concrete pour. We're pouring 8 to 9 yards a day by hand. We all come home tired and dirty. The Sri Lanken masons are very skilled tradesman, especially given the equipment they have.
The Sri Lanken people are very special. They have the warmest smiles and very white teeth. They are beautiful people with big hearts. They are so appreciative we're here helping them. We are served tea daily at work by our Sir Lankan co-workers. It is such a feeling of them giving back to us during tea.
We have quite a diverse Developing World Connections group here in Sri Lanka. We range in age from 14 to 76. We have gelled together amazingly well. The younger girls bring a youthful energy, they are full of excitement and adventure. The older ones bring knowledge and wisdom and stories to be shared by all. I am totally enjoying by experience here.
-Terri Norton
DWC Volunteer Participant
We went to work at 10:00 am the day we arrived digging out and prepping slabs for the concrete pour. We're pouring 8 to 9 yards a day by hand. We all come home tired and dirty. The Sri Lanken masons are very skilled tradesman, especially given the equipment they have.
The Sri Lanken people are very special. They have the warmest smiles and very white teeth. They are beautiful people with big hearts. They are so appreciative we're here helping them. We are served tea daily at work by our Sir Lankan co-workers. It is such a feeling of them giving back to us during tea.
We have quite a diverse Developing World Connections group here in Sri Lanka. We range in age from 14 to 76. We have gelled together amazingly well. The younger girls bring a youthful energy, they are full of excitement and adventure. The older ones bring knowledge and wisdom and stories to be shared by all. I am totally enjoying by experience here.
-Terri Norton
DWC Volunteer Participant
January 2010: The DWC Sri Lanka Team.
These are some observations I've made about our group. Terri has also helped me describe this group to you. It is a truly wonderful group, it is so diverse but it just works. I have gotten to know some more then others so sorry if some aren't as descriptive (I'm excited to get to know everyone more). It has truly been a pleasure getting to know everyone, and everyone brings something to the table. So here is the breakdown of the group, so when we blog in the future you can have a little background of who we are talking about!
Tim - is our fearless leader. He has unbelievable compassion for every group member and the people of Sri Lanka. He brings so much knowledge of building and has great patience while teaching the rest of the group. He is an easy going leader but so effective at managing the groups productivity. Tim is so approachable and understanding of everyones work abilities and individual needs.
Deb - is the glue that holds the group together, she is supportive not only to her family but our group as a whole. She always has a smile on her face no matter what work we're doing. She brings a sense of comfort to everyone around her, and makes you feel at ease.
Danika- has a real presence in the group. She's very open and expressive, and genuinely honest. She shares the title of youngest in the group and is infectious with her enthusiasm and love for life.
Dan- is probably the hardest working person I have ever met. He is an energizer bunny, he never stops until we tell him he needs to rest or he's going to wear himself out…and he still fights it. He is a very giving person, he always wants to make sure the person next to him has a beer in there hand or is feeling good. He genuinely cares about everyone. He has a wonderful charisma and a great sense of humour.
Terri - is a beautiful person both inside and out. She is very kind and calming. She is very easy to connect to on a deeper level. Like her husband (Dan) she genuinely cares about everyone.
Terry- is in his mid 60's, has travelled to Sri Lanka on several occasions chairs the Kamloops Tangelle Friendship Committee. Many children in Tangelle are lucky enough to have one of Terry's homemade wooden toys and if they don't now they will after we hand out the hundreds that we have brought. Terry has so much knowledge of Tangelle but I believe his most important quality is his encouragement to everyone in the group.
Jim- is the oldest member of the group, in his own worlds our Grandpa Smurf. He's 76, and is the father/grandfather figure to all the group. He is very sweet and wants to learn about each individual. He is also our designated rock organizer in the cement mixing chain.
Gerry- is Jim's partner in crime. Gerry's presence is always known, he is very vocal and has a lot of great stories. He is very particular with his wheelbarrow, his favourite has wooden handles…and as he says wooden handles, wooden head.
Lisa- is the mother figure to the young six. She keeps the young ones in check and organized. If something is needed Lisa has it or will help us to find it. She is a hard worker and a good role model for the rest of us.
Gemma - a magnet, she is a vibrant little firecracker. She is a grade 10 student who has a bet with a classmate that she won't wash her hair for the full two weeks we're here, we've tried to pursued her but she is determined. We're all hoping the ocean is cleaning her hair for her.
Ruth- is the unassuming worker, she quietly slips back to work setting the example for the rest to follow. She is a positive hard working role model for both her daughter and the rest of the group.
Brian- is so knowledgeable about the work we are doing. He absorbs the working ways of the locals and silently leads in projects. He also does solo projects that push the progression forward.
Jennifer- is such a sweet girl, she shares the title as the youngest. She is very composed and wise beyond her years. She is very brave, when swimming in the big waves, she's the one pushing us to go farther.
Paige- I am lucky enough to share a room with Paige. She has a very interesting outlook on life and with the time i've spent with her she has broadened the way I think. She is very independent and pushes herself hard to get work done.
Warren-is our only overseas member, he comes to us from London, England. He has done work with DWC in Rawanda and has joined our group here. Debbie told me of her experience with Warren in the special needs school and said he has an absolute gift. The kids were drawn to him like a magnet. I look forward to seeing him in his element when we visit this school. His work ethic is apparent to everyone. He is a very warm person and you can see the connections he makes with the workers.
Makenzie - is a sponge, she takes in everything that is said. She loves to communicate and this was very apparent to me when we visited the school. The kids were very drawn to her and she was able to photograph them. Photography is her passion and she takes every chance she gets to take pictures of nature, our group, and the people of Sri Lanka.
Leah (Me) - I'm here freelance reporting, to bring the stories of Sri Lanka and the work DWC has done back to Kamloops. I work the camera part time and work on the site part time.
Tim - is our fearless leader. He has unbelievable compassion for every group member and the people of Sri Lanka. He brings so much knowledge of building and has great patience while teaching the rest of the group. He is an easy going leader but so effective at managing the groups productivity. Tim is so approachable and understanding of everyones work abilities and individual needs.
Deb - is the glue that holds the group together, she is supportive not only to her family but our group as a whole. She always has a smile on her face no matter what work we're doing. She brings a sense of comfort to everyone around her, and makes you feel at ease.
Danika- has a real presence in the group. She's very open and expressive, and genuinely honest. She shares the title of youngest in the group and is infectious with her enthusiasm and love for life.
Dan- is probably the hardest working person I have ever met. He is an energizer bunny, he never stops until we tell him he needs to rest or he's going to wear himself out…and he still fights it. He is a very giving person, he always wants to make sure the person next to him has a beer in there hand or is feeling good. He genuinely cares about everyone. He has a wonderful charisma and a great sense of humour.
Terri - is a beautiful person both inside and out. She is very kind and calming. She is very easy to connect to on a deeper level. Like her husband (Dan) she genuinely cares about everyone.
Terry- is in his mid 60's, has travelled to Sri Lanka on several occasions chairs the Kamloops Tangelle Friendship Committee. Many children in Tangelle are lucky enough to have one of Terry's homemade wooden toys and if they don't now they will after we hand out the hundreds that we have brought. Terry has so much knowledge of Tangelle but I believe his most important quality is his encouragement to everyone in the group.
Jim- is the oldest member of the group, in his own worlds our Grandpa Smurf. He's 76, and is the father/grandfather figure to all the group. He is very sweet and wants to learn about each individual. He is also our designated rock organizer in the cement mixing chain.
Gerry- is Jim's partner in crime. Gerry's presence is always known, he is very vocal and has a lot of great stories. He is very particular with his wheelbarrow, his favourite has wooden handles…and as he says wooden handles, wooden head.
Lisa- is the mother figure to the young six. She keeps the young ones in check and organized. If something is needed Lisa has it or will help us to find it. She is a hard worker and a good role model for the rest of us.
Gemma - a magnet, she is a vibrant little firecracker. She is a grade 10 student who has a bet with a classmate that she won't wash her hair for the full two weeks we're here, we've tried to pursued her but she is determined. We're all hoping the ocean is cleaning her hair for her.
Ruth- is the unassuming worker, she quietly slips back to work setting the example for the rest to follow. She is a positive hard working role model for both her daughter and the rest of the group.
Brian- is so knowledgeable about the work we are doing. He absorbs the working ways of the locals and silently leads in projects. He also does solo projects that push the progression forward.
Jennifer- is such a sweet girl, she shares the title as the youngest. She is very composed and wise beyond her years. She is very brave, when swimming in the big waves, she's the one pushing us to go farther.
Paige- I am lucky enough to share a room with Paige. She has a very interesting outlook on life and with the time i've spent with her she has broadened the way I think. She is very independent and pushes herself hard to get work done.
Warren-is our only overseas member, he comes to us from London, England. He has done work with DWC in Rawanda and has joined our group here. Debbie told me of her experience with Warren in the special needs school and said he has an absolute gift. The kids were drawn to him like a magnet. I look forward to seeing him in his element when we visit this school. His work ethic is apparent to everyone. He is a very warm person and you can see the connections he makes with the workers.
Makenzie - is a sponge, she takes in everything that is said. She loves to communicate and this was very apparent to me when we visited the school. The kids were very drawn to her and she was able to photograph them. Photography is her passion and she takes every chance she gets to take pictures of nature, our group, and the people of Sri Lanka.
Leah (Me) - I'm here freelance reporting, to bring the stories of Sri Lanka and the work DWC has done back to Kamloops. I work the camera part time and work on the site part time.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
January 21st: The first day and the first interview.
Today was the first day in Sri Lanka….with sleep. We got to sleep in a bed for the first time in three days, it was amazing! Minus the dogs howling at 4 in the morning, I was ready for action and was to excited to sleep. I read then we got up just before 7 and went to breakfast. I tried watermelon jelly and it was delicious, it puts strawberry jam to shame.
We went to the job sight around 8 am and got to work right away. I was filming for the majority of the morning but there was lots to capture. We started where we left off digging the dirt to the right level, then we started to make cement. It was quite the process starting the cement mixture….they tried, and tried, and tried some more…finally they convinced Tim to give it a shot…after a lot of sweat he got it to, everyone cheered it was an awesome moment that I caught on camera. I got to meet the boy who is coming back to Kamloops "Narasha", I asked him if he was excited, about his family, how old he was, he was a little unsure about his English at first but after a few laughs we had a good chat. It was really fun interacting with him. I get to go to his school tomorrow to see everything and interview his principle…all the young girls are coming with me, we're very excited.
After lunch Tim and I walked back to Palm Paradise, I was so engulfed by the surroundings I almost walked right past it. After scrubbing the cement off my legs, Tim and I met Anil and he took us to the Daffodil School in Tangelle. The Daffodil School is for low income kids to learn conversational English and Computer Skills. I went there to interview Bundela, the school coordinator and instructor. The classroom was outside under a tin roof. There were about 20 students, 2 boys the rest girls…at first they were really shy then they warmed up to us. Bundela taught his class, I filmed as it went, two of the girls read in front of the class, I could not believe how well they spoke English, it melted my heart. I interviewed 3 of the students, they were so nervous, but they were amazing. They talked about there love for Kamloops and Developing World Connections, how they wanted to be Doctors, Engineers, and Astronomers. I was so touched by how much they appreciated the opportunity to go to this school it made me feel so lucky to have the endless opportunities in Canada. They wrote English so neatly in there notebooks, I showed them how messy my notebook was, we had a good laugh.
I interviewed Bundela about how important Kamloops, Trip Canada, Developing World Connections' support is, and he said its essential for these children. He told me learning conversational English and computer skills sets young children up for success, and these ones would not have the opportunity if it weren't for our funding. I managed to hold the tears in until after I left the school but they truly touched my heart. They were beautiful, long hair, big white smiles, but how happy they were with the little they have made me want to stay with them forever. We ended it with a great group photo. (see right side bar: Sri Lanka: The Daffodil School)
Coming back to Palm Paradise we spent the rest of the afternoon in the waves which was great…the surf is huge and all of us girls had a blast jumping through them. We explored the rocks and watched the crabs scurry. It's been such an amazing day. We're just about to eat dinner so I should probably sign off. Talk to you soon!
Leah Caldow
DWC Participant
Note: Leah is filming the Developing World Connections Volunteer Team's efforts in Tangalle, Sri Lanka and 5th anniversary celebrations planned for January 25, 2010. It will have been over 5 years since the Boxing Day Tsunami struck the coast of Sri Lanka and left devastated communities, and 5 years since volunteers from across Canada have been coming to help rebuild homes, villages, schools and communities. Rebuilding infrastructure does not mean just building walls and doors and windows but builds friendships and forms strong relationships the world over. This day will also celebrate the relationship that has been formed between the cities of Kamloops, B.C. and Tangalle, Sri Lanka.
The members of the Tangalle-Kamloops Friendship Committee (on the Tangalle side) are organizing the celebrations. There will be some speeches, traditional dancing, a declaration confirming the continued relationship, an invitational volleyball game between DWC volunteers and the Tangalle committee members, much food, and some poster displays of the contributions made by Canadian volunteers to Tangalle.
We went to the job sight around 8 am and got to work right away. I was filming for the majority of the morning but there was lots to capture. We started where we left off digging the dirt to the right level, then we started to make cement. It was quite the process starting the cement mixture….they tried, and tried, and tried some more…finally they convinced Tim to give it a shot…after a lot of sweat he got it to, everyone cheered it was an awesome moment that I caught on camera. I got to meet the boy who is coming back to Kamloops "Narasha", I asked him if he was excited, about his family, how old he was, he was a little unsure about his English at first but after a few laughs we had a good chat. It was really fun interacting with him. I get to go to his school tomorrow to see everything and interview his principle…all the young girls are coming with me, we're very excited.
After lunch Tim and I walked back to Palm Paradise, I was so engulfed by the surroundings I almost walked right past it. After scrubbing the cement off my legs, Tim and I met Anil and he took us to the Daffodil School in Tangelle. The Daffodil School is for low income kids to learn conversational English and Computer Skills. I went there to interview Bundela, the school coordinator and instructor. The classroom was outside under a tin roof. There were about 20 students, 2 boys the rest girls…at first they were really shy then they warmed up to us. Bundela taught his class, I filmed as it went, two of the girls read in front of the class, I could not believe how well they spoke English, it melted my heart. I interviewed 3 of the students, they were so nervous, but they were amazing. They talked about there love for Kamloops and Developing World Connections, how they wanted to be Doctors, Engineers, and Astronomers. I was so touched by how much they appreciated the opportunity to go to this school it made me feel so lucky to have the endless opportunities in Canada. They wrote English so neatly in there notebooks, I showed them how messy my notebook was, we had a good laugh.
I interviewed Bundela about how important Kamloops, Trip Canada, Developing World Connections' support is, and he said its essential for these children. He told me learning conversational English and computer skills sets young children up for success, and these ones would not have the opportunity if it weren't for our funding. I managed to hold the tears in until after I left the school but they truly touched my heart. They were beautiful, long hair, big white smiles, but how happy they were with the little they have made me want to stay with them forever. We ended it with a great group photo. (see right side bar: Sri Lanka: The Daffodil School)
Coming back to Palm Paradise we spent the rest of the afternoon in the waves which was great…the surf is huge and all of us girls had a blast jumping through them. We explored the rocks and watched the crabs scurry. It's been such an amazing day. We're just about to eat dinner so I should probably sign off. Talk to you soon!
Leah Caldow
DWC Participant
Note: Leah is filming the Developing World Connections Volunteer Team's efforts in Tangalle, Sri Lanka and 5th anniversary celebrations planned for January 25, 2010. It will have been over 5 years since the Boxing Day Tsunami struck the coast of Sri Lanka and left devastated communities, and 5 years since volunteers from across Canada have been coming to help rebuild homes, villages, schools and communities. Rebuilding infrastructure does not mean just building walls and doors and windows but builds friendships and forms strong relationships the world over. This day will also celebrate the relationship that has been formed between the cities of Kamloops, B.C. and Tangalle, Sri Lanka.
The members of the Tangalle-Kamloops Friendship Committee (on the Tangalle side) are organizing the celebrations. There will be some speeches, traditional dancing, a declaration confirming the continued relationship, an invitational volleyball game between DWC volunteers and the Tangalle committee members, much food, and some poster displays of the contributions made by Canadian volunteers to Tangalle.
January 2010 group arrives safe and sound in Tangalle.
We have ALL arrived safe and sound if not a bit tired.
The main group left the Colombo Airport at 1:00 am and I stayed behind to wait for Warren who was flying in from England @ 2:00 am. It was a much faster trip than in the past as the roads are starting to be repaired. 4-5 hours instead of the 6-7 hours that it used to take.
Everyone was keen to get started even though we had been traveling for more than 30 hours. After settling in and breakfast we headed to the job site around 10:00 am, about 2 hours than later, and got to work. 30 degrees and sunny with about 80% humidity and lack of sleep soon got the better of us and we shut down around 1:00 pm and went back to the Palm Paradise for lunch.
After lunch it was beach and nap time. Most are still suffering from jet lag and I even had to wake some for supper @ 8:00. It was an early night for most. I think with a good night sleep we will all be ready to give'er tomorrow.
Developing World Connections Team LeaderThe main group left the Colombo Airport at 1:00 am and I stayed behind to wait for Warren who was flying in from England @ 2:00 am. It was a much faster trip than in the past as the roads are starting to be repaired. 4-5 hours instead of the 6-7 hours that it used to take.
Everyone was keen to get started even though we had been traveling for more than 30 hours. After settling in and breakfast we headed to the job site around 10:00 am, about 2 hours than later, and got to work. 30 degrees and sunny with about 80% humidity and lack of sleep soon got the better of us and we shut down around 1:00 pm and went back to the Palm Paradise for lunch.
After lunch it was beach and nap time. Most are still suffering from jet lag and I even had to wake some for supper @ 8:00. It was an early night for most. I think with a good night sleep we will all be ready to give'er tomorrow.
Tim Kasten
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
January 2010: The first group of 2010 is on their way.
We have arrived in Hong Kong after a great flight so that means we are half way there. The layover is 11 hours so we took a 6 hour Bus tour around the city. Doing the tourist thing. It does not give you much of a true taste of Chinese culture but it better than just sitting in the airport. We saw the highlights and we had the same tour guide that we had 4 years ago. Our very own 67 year old Chinese Elvis. He sang "Love me tender" to all the young ladies on the bus. If ever you want a great tour guide just ask for "Uncle Willy" at Vigor tour desk. Hong Kong is a bit more densely populated than Kamloops. Gerry has figured it out that there is 142857 people per sq. mile. We off on the last leg (8 hour) to Colombo. We will get in around midnight.
Our next update will be from Tangalle, Sri Lanka.
Tim Kasten
Our next update will be from Tangalle, Sri Lanka.
Tim Kasten
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