Week 14

This week started well, as we were given another bank holiday! In the middle of the week, on a Wednesday, someone, somewhere has decided that for every full moon in Sri Lanka, the country is granted a national holiday. This means no school, no work, shops shut and lots of fun for everyone! I’m not complaining as it means I get to have a lie in, a day to watch films and catch up on some much needed relaxation time. Always being on the go means occasionally you need a day like this, and a chance to relax with friends.

Wednesday was also one of my favourite lady’s birthday. She was 65, and I have never seen anyone so happy at the thought of becoming another year older. I was given food, drink and lots of hugs from her, and we sat together laughing. The language is a barrier, but I think you don’t always need to be able to talk to each other to have a good time!

As the week progressed the usual fun and games of living in Sri Lanka panned out as I expected; teachers not turning up to school, ESL lessons and ANTS. 80% of my food this week has been infested with the horrible little creatures. Despite putting the food in containers with lids, somehow they still manage to work their way into my lunch and dinner. The family I am staying with have now come up with a better solution to keeping my lunch away from the ants, and so I am hoping I won’t be seeing many more in the future. I guess this is Sri Lanka after all, and it wouldn’t be a true representation of life here if I hadn’t experienced it.

School is becoming a bit smoother for my class, with PACE Books and tests all being where they need to be, students working quickly, but at the same time still having a good time, which is exactly where I want them to be. Unfortunately, we have had a few issues with a couple of children, with issuing detentions and de-merits, which I think were a huge shock for them. Since these incidents and the resulting detentions, we haven’t had any more problems, so I think it was the shock of realising there were repercussions to actions at school.

This weekend I also had the great privilege of being part of another Tamil wedding; this time it was a lady who grew up in Paalam Children’s Home, and is currently working as a cook for the Paalam base. She is a lovely lady, who The Dust Project built a house for a year and a half ago. The Church was decorated very simply, but it looked stunning, and the bride – WOW, she was so beautiful! Jenny and Karen were so happy, which to me shows exactly how much they value and love each child they come into contact with and see grow up.

We also received the sad (but also very happy) news that Sapthika, one of my closest friends here has just had her UK Visa accepted, and will be moving to London very soon. She is an integral part of the school team, and also a core member of the church worship team. Her English is perfect, and she is one of the few people here in Sri Lanka I could trust with anything. She has a heart of gold, and I am so sad to be losing her here. But, I guess when I come back to the UK, she’ll be waiting for me, and for that I am thankful! Without her for the rest of my time in Jaffna, but we’ll be together for a long time in London – I can’t have it both ways.

This weekend I also introduced Reena to Finding Nemo, which she seemed to thoroughly enjoy, despite having a very limited knowledge of English. It’s amazing how these little children are amazed and interested in technology, I would say equally so to the interest and intent the children of the UK are, but without being totally engrossed. Perhaps because they have a limited access to it, or have never really encountered it like we have.

The early part of this week, a team from the UK from New River Church, headed by The Dust Project Ambassador Josh arrived in Jaffna. Updates and information on their trip can be found in next week’s blog!