Day 8 - An Esther of the World

Today was our last full day together as a team. The emotions were high, but it was a marvellous last day. I felt that today was a great day of bonding and friendship and a real cementing of our time together in Sri Lanka.

This morning we were up earlier than usual to head to church and spend the day with the community. The service began at 9:30am, with the church opening at 9am for prayer time. We were collected at 8:45am, to begin the Sunday excitement.

The service was really enjoyable - Karen spoke and Sapthika translated for the regular attendees so everyone at church could understand. Karen speaks brilliant Tamil, but for the sake of us, she led the service in English. At the end we were all invited to the front of the church to introduce ourselves to the congregation; we were then prayed over by Karen whom led by the Holy Spirit prophesied over each of us. The same happened last year, but this year felt more powerful and really touched a cord in my heart. Karen heard that I was "an Esther of the world"; my time is now with my heart for injustices in the world to be put right and my power to be a seed sower. I think the part that really hit me was that Esther is the name of the little girl I sponsor also; so the connection between not only this prophecy, but also my role within The Dust Project's programmes was really cemented.

After church we spent time with the children and hung around in the church area. I bought Esther and myself an ice-cream from the local seller, which although advised not to eat 'street-food' i decided ice-cream didn't really count!

We headed to the family we are supporting, alongside Bishop's Stortford College to fundraise to complete the house for Ramesh and Hilda. Esther accompanied us, and it was a great opportunity to spend some time with just her as we were walking. The progress is amazing, and it is due to be finished by Josh and his team from New River Church in Enfield in February.

A main visit myself and Sarah C particularly wanted to make sure we fitted in was to see Ranjini and her family. We saw them at church this morning, however, we felt led to provide her with food parcels and show Sarah H and Tor exactly where she was living, the conditions and why it is so important for us to fundraise for her house to be completed. Her husband is an alcoholic and abuses her; she managed to get the deeds to the land she was squatting on, and as a 'refugee' from the war, this stability and opportunity to provide her with a safe and secure home could be the start to her positive future. She has 4 children and they struggle to attend school due to various factors. The Paalam Project are working on ensuring all four children go regularly to secure their futures. To visit her fundraising page to complete her house click here.

After visiting Ranjini and having a hot drink and a few sweets, playing with the children we went to Sweetee's house for a final cup on real Ceylon Tea, and for Tor to cut Karen's hair. It looks fabulous when it was finished!

We have just returned from the girls home for our final evening with them, as usual we whacked out the game of Chubby Bunnies and enjoyed some crafts together. Dinner was wonderful together as a final goodbye as the three of the team head back to Colombo tomorrow morning, and I am staying here, in Jaffna for the next 12 days alone. Perhaps a real taste for what is to come in the future. I'm nervous, but wholly excited!