I'm back home and I'm sort of just hanging in between the two worlds, waiting patiently like a good Sri Lankan for the Western individualism to sink back in. The last few days in Colombo were a great wind down. After Andrea left I went to my Colombo family's house and celebrated Vesak (the Buddha's Birthday/Enlightenment/Death). On Monday we offered alms to those who were practicing sill (meditating all day and fasting in the evening). To really explain it briefly (which doe not give it much credit) It was a lot like a soup kitchen. I just hung around and jumped in wherever I was needed- serving the food, collecting the dishes and filling waters. I received many "Bless you child's" so I feel like my karma is soaring pretty high these days :)
On Tuesday, I had the best massage of my life at an ayurvedic hospital and then in the aft I helped make a lantern which is hung in the yard of every house in the city. Hanging out in Colombo was a great way to slowly ease back into Western life and to prepare for my 30 hours of travel back home.
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Why Am I writing this blog?
On Feb 8th I'll be heading to Sri Lanka for to do volunteer work so I created this blog to keep anyone who is interested up to date. But there is another reason for this blog... You've probably heard the Dr. Sues line, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
I strongly believe that giving back to our society contributes directly to our own health so I am hoping that I can make a small impact on the community that reads this blog because it might motivate others. I feel like the only way to get the word out about the benefits of social interest is: 1. Do it & 2. Talk about it!
So my entries might jump around a bit with the intention to both share & motivate but hopefully the blog will resonate with you in one way or another.
If you're interested, check out www.uniterra.org to see if there are any positions that would make use of your experience!
why i am going to sri lanka
I've always wanted to volunteer in a developing country so when Andy, my communications soul sister, told me she was going to Sri Lanka with the Canadian org Uniterra I had to apply!
Soon after I was offered the opportunity to work on a Business Support Services Project with INDECOS, a Sri Lankan NGO working in the Southern District of Sri Lanka. They have many projects, including the Women's Entrereneurial Project and a Children's Center (MCC) for preschoolers & highschool students. My main focus has been to help INDECOS & MCC to improve their marketing material, including brochures, newsletters and reports but I am also helping the 13 girls- who I have become very close to- to improve their English skills, to write resumes and to use email, internet & software such as Powerpoint and Publisher.
Recently, I also worked with another volunteer - who stopped in for a week - to build the website. Prior to his visit this week I knew very little about html, but he has taught me how to work with and I have provided him with the content for the site. I will continue to improve it once he is gone.
Next, I plan to write a proposal for the Women's Entrepreneurial Project (WEP) which is a project supported by CIDA through Uniterra that involves issuing women loans and training them to start or improve their business.
So...WHY volunteer? Because I can and because I want to! I have nothing here that I can't put on hold for a few months and I see this not only as an opportunity of personal development but also because I think that International Development is the responsibility of those of us who can afford to help.
Soon after I was offered the opportunity to work on a Business Support Services Project with INDECOS, a Sri Lankan NGO working in the Southern District of Sri Lanka. They have many projects, including the Women's Entrereneurial Project and a Children's Center (MCC) for preschoolers & highschool students. My main focus has been to help INDECOS & MCC to improve their marketing material, including brochures, newsletters and reports but I am also helping the 13 girls- who I have become very close to- to improve their English skills, to write resumes and to use email, internet & software such as Powerpoint and Publisher.
Recently, I also worked with another volunteer - who stopped in for a week - to build the website. Prior to his visit this week I knew very little about html, but he has taught me how to work with and I have provided him with the content for the site. I will continue to improve it once he is gone.
Next, I plan to write a proposal for the Women's Entrepreneurial Project (WEP) which is a project supported by CIDA through Uniterra that involves issuing women loans and training them to start or improve their business.
So...WHY volunteer? Because I can and because I want to! I have nothing here that I can't put on hold for a few months and I see this not only as an opportunity of personal development but also because I think that International Development is the responsibility of those of us who can afford to help.
1 comment:
I have my unbelievable daughter back home in little 'Sidney by the Sea', as any mother would feel, I'm glad she's back safe and sound. I have deep gratitude for the Sri Lankan people that treated her as a daughter. I'm sure you will miss her sunny smile and infectious laughter. I invited Ang to my Music Circle to share her inspired stories from the other side of the planet. I almost feel as though I know the girls in the office and her generous family. I wish to send you my deep felt Thank you for your hospitality. You will always be in our hearts and minds. NAMASTE. Angys' mom Jewel Spooner
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