Greetings from our Two Volunteers Visited ……

Colin Butnic - USA
Takae Suzuki – Japan

From :
September 13 , 2002 to 23 September 2002

Places visited :
Bentota, Ambalangoda, Hambantota, Buttala, Nuwaraeliya, Kandy, Sigiriya & Colombo.

Our 10 day adventure in Sri Lanka has finally come to the end. Its only seems like yesterday that we groggily got off from our Singapore Airlines flight and were warmly greeted by Lal and his son Sajeewa of the Volunteers – Sri Lanka.

While we were a bit apprehensive about our first volunteer and home stay experience in Sri Lanka. Our hesitation was allayed by the generosity and kindness of Lal and his family during our home stay. Over this period , there are seemingly hundreds of stories, antecdotes, and happenings that took place – many more than we could possibly recount.

In particular our time spent with the honorable Buddhist priest who help us in many ways during our stay. Our unforgettable driver , chutti will always be …….. unforgettable.

As two of the first volunteers affiliated with the Volunteers – Sri Lanka program here in Sri Lanka and as the inaugural entry in to this visitors book, we hope that this is the beginning of a long and successful start to this program and these memories.

Claire Stewart
15, Woodford St
Longvenille
NSW 2006 - Austalia

I worked for four weeks at an Orphanage in Galle, looking after 54 children aged just 5 days old to 7 years old while frustrating at times and initially shocking. I had the most incredible , unforgettable experience of my life. The
Snipets of the local language – Sinhala- that I learned in Ambalangoda before commencing work were invaluable, but it was most obvious that simple interaction and a smile transcended the language barrier and it was no longer an issue. Every day brought a new challenge, and new test of patience, but with every thing came the best rewards.

The well- come I received from the children was the most beautiful experience of all. I feel as though I have been allowed the privilege to knowing a part of Sri Lankan culture that is otherwise hidden away.

Thank you for Lal - Founder and the Director of the Volunteers – Sri Lanka for all the support - language program was especially useful in allowing me time to adjust to, and immense myself in, the Sri Lankas life style before I commenced work.

A once in a life style ( Though I hope not) experience I will never forget....

Claire Stewart
Australiya

Testimonial
Erica Zaiser - USA
7th July 2004

Well our amazing adventure has come to an end, and we are very sad to be leaving . Our volunteer work in Trincomalee was incredibly fulfilling and unforgettable. Each and every student tooched me and taught me some thing new about Sri Lanka and about myself.

There are many challenges on this trip, but I am so thankful for each one as they made me stronger
And wiser.

This country has earned a special place in my heart as well as all the kind people who helped me along the way.

Special thanks goes to Global Cross Road as well as their Sri Lanka Co-ordinator
Lal Emmanuel for making this all happen.

Erica Zaiser
USA