Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Okay, I'm really sorry but I've been rather busy keeping 32 young girls entertained that I've forgotten to update my blog for the last 3 weeks. It's been an eventful three weeks, keeping 32 girls busy from the early hours of the morning until late into the evening has taken a lot of effort but I have to say I've enjoyed every second.
I arrived at Sparkes Home three weeks ago to be greeted by 32 girls who all seemed to want attention, hugs and to know my name and how long I would be staying for. They are the most incredible girls with stories and family histories that would touch anyone. Most were left as orphans after the Tsunami, have lost parents or their families cannot afford to raise them, so they send them to the home to be taken care of.
For my first two weeks at the home, I had the company of a young guy called Matthew and his mum from England, who were at the home to do maintenance work and I ended up chipping in. His witty banter was a bit like having all the guys from home around again, which was quite nice. I had my first experience of painting interior walls (and I think from Matthew's reaction after the first hour, it probably would have been my last - if it hadn't been for my cheap hourly rate!)
We had a real laugh going out to buy materials as well. I got a bit carried away bartering on prices and the others would often leave me to it as I haggled to get local prices instead of tourist rates with our white faces! I got us some good savings and discounts, I was the first person (even the locals didn't manage it!) to get a discount on gas for the home - that caused quite a stir after I left the shop.
The girls went home for Easter weekend, so we took advantage of the free time and headed to Arugam Bay beach for the weekend - although it was hard to settle on the loungers at first, as both Matt and I thought one of the girls would appear at any second demanding a game of snakes and ladders or cricket.
We celebrated the Sri Lankan new year here, which is very similar to our Christmas at home, people give gifts, spend time with family and friends etc etc. I had a Sari made for me by one of the local ladies as a gift. The only difference is the shops and everything close for the whole week and not just a couple of days like the UK at Christmas, this proved to be pretty interesting when our house tank ran out of water for the day - I won't go into that one!
I played Snakes and Ladders by candlelight when we had a 48 hour power cut (yes, 48 hours with no fans and 32-37 degree heat - fun times!!!) and the worst of it was I got beaten by a 6 year old and a 9 year old! We've had fun playing Duck, Duck, Goose with the girls and even our 72 year old driver decided to join in and gave all the girls a run for their money!
I opened my curtains one morning to be greeted by the gardener murdering a chicken and then plucking it. What I didn't realise was that this chicken was then presented to me at lunchtime. Most of you will know I don't get put off food too easily- but I did that day! I haven't eaten chicken since and I don't think I will be for a while. I suddenly realised how lucky we were to be able to run down to Tesco's to pick up a nice hot chicken at home!
I've laughed so much I've nearly cried and cried a few times having been told these girls stories and backgrounds that led them to being brought to the home. They are some of the happiest girls you will ever see in your life, but I did wander at times whether there was a different story behind their smiles and what scars had been left from previous years, particularly the Tsunami. I probably rather wrongly grew to have a few favourites including Janatini, Esther and Saba. I could have quite easily packed them all up in my suitcase and brought each one home but the reality of a further 10 months travelling prevented this (and the possibility of my mum's reaction to 3 new house guests!).
There was also a little visit to a Sri Lankan hospital, I managed to get a foot infection (for those of you who know the history with my feet - I seem to be jinxed when it comes to holidays) but it appears to be on the mend now with some antibiotics and free consultation from the doctor because I was doing volunteering work in Sri Lanka.
I left the home on Friday and have to say it was like leaving 32 of my newly adopted younger sisters behind, some of the girls had refused to eat breakfast and cried all morning, I felt awful but knew I had to leave and tried to make it as swift of an exit as possible. I think its probably likely I will go back there one day. I left a little piece of me there, which I think will be there forever.
I've now arrived in Kosgoda, where I will spend my last three weeks here in Sri Lanka before I head to Thailand.
I just want to say a quick 'Happy Birthday' to my nan who will celebrate her birthday on Wednesday, hopefully back in the UK with my mum after getting stuck in Spain due to the Volcano! Miss you loads Nan xxx
I've put some new pictures up for you all, so feel free to have a look. Hopefully this will keep my mum happy, who has been reminding me frequently of my neglect of this website.
I will be in touch again soon. Bye for now.
- comments
andy and maria hi Jen interesting blog and lovely photos - it must have been very difficult to leave all your new friends but maybe you will be able to keep in touch via letter/emails etc. Really pleased all is going so well and looking forward to the next instalment of your amazing journey Loads of Love from us all XXXX
Mum Hi Jen, No doubt when you read this you will already be in your luxury accommodation!! Hope you have a good weekend. We are having the best of the weather today and expecting rain over the weekend! Typical Bank holiday weekend!!!! Love you loads! Mum & Coxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx