Day 26 in Puloly and Day 27 in Colombo and Singapore

The blogs have been put up late vue to lack of interent access, flying on a plane, tiredness from the trip. Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Day 26 in Puloly

I stood in their prayers, I had breakfast with them and I sent them off to school. I didn't tell the children I was leaving rigt after they walked out of the gates. All I wanted to see them do was pinching my cheeks, teasing me, laughing at my jokes and just happiness. I couldn't see myself breaking their hearts. I know I will be back, but just don't know when

Just zooming pas the events. I said goodbyes to everyone, travelled in the auto with 5 people at the back seat, arrieved at the wedding which was really beautiflu with interesting rituals like tying thali inside the Church, it was time for my farewell of which before that we were treated to sarbath, strawberry milkshake is actually what it is, haha....

We sat under the shady trees on the Church benches which were laid outside the Church to make way for the wedding. I loved my farwell. It was a beautiful place with amazing people that I had to leave behind. I was given two framwes with peoms written it wasn't until later that I knew that the tamil one was written by Ms Jecintha and Dr Anandkumar had written the english one. I don't have to say how touched I felt by those poems. Anyways, I gave my speech, my parting speech, my spech of thanking everyone of them for helping these kids, my speech of giving them the confidence that these kids will be saved, and y speech how how much I was going to miss them.

Wedding lunch was a great feast, it felt like the "last Supper" with drinks, food and smiles. I was going to miss each and everyone of them. That's all that was running in my mind.

I spend the day at Ms Jecintha's. Ms Nanthini, didn't want to leave. I didn't want her to leave but she had to get back to work. She cried several times and I couldn't stand near her to see that, because all I wanted is to stay. I can't explain how much each of them mean to me.

Anyways, I was talking to Paki and the other helpers... They kept asking when will I be coming back and If i would even pick up the phone when they called. This is the Sri Lankan Experience: They will make you feel wanted, they make you feel important , but more than anything, they think of you like you are one of them...

It was time for the bus ride. It was time for me to leave Jaffna. It was time for me to go home. I wished it was the other one.It wasn't until the bus started its ten-hour journey that I started crying. I looked out of the window and saw Jaffna passing by me, I saw in my heart and thougt about all the people I cared about dearly...even more than my own family mates, I saw the moon and thought about the kids and how much work there is to be done. The path is a bumby one but there is a route, somewhere...if you try hard, you will find it.

Day 27 in Colombo

I woke up in air-conditioned hotel room, showered in hot water, and walked out on carpet. No more sand, ants or mosquitos, but still I wasn't happy. All my thoughts were back home...home in Puloly.

Sir came in and wished us morning. We had a mini meeting. First thing he told me, I had to set up a facebook account! followed by other things I had to do, which I can't wait for.

We left soon after to see his family. His wife made amazing fish sandwhich and I had my last cups of tea and coffee. She asked to cme and stay with them the next time. I would love to but I don't know when is the next time.

Thank God it was a long ride to the Airport. I had time to spend with Ms Jecintha and Sir. I was already missing them so much. I was hoping I would miss my flight actually but yeah I think that probably would have created more problems.

At the airport, sir told the driver to wait for 2 minutes, I didn't want to take up their time and moreover any longer  would have cried instead I just gave my hugs and goodbyes. Sir teared and I wished I told him, I am going to miss him a lot.

They waved goodbyes while I was inside I stood there helpless I stood there all alone wishing I didn't have a home to go back to. I stood there wishing I did't have a family of my own to take care of. I stood there wishing I could run back into their arms.

I cried once I walked off. I cried because I loved them a lot. I cried because I hold them so dear to my heart.

I am back home and since I came back, at least about ten different people have called to ask me how I am....from the kitchen staff to admin, to the contruction helpers they all have called to ask me how I am and that they miss me and that when am I going back...as muc as I am happy to hear to their voices I am sad that now I have a family in Sri Lanka and I don't know when I am I going to see them again.

Special Thanks to My Sri Lankan Family

The children in Puloly and Atchchuveli, The staff: Nanthini akka, Kamilranjan Anna, Kasturi akka, Tharshini akka, Thursanthan, Karunagaran Anna, Aiyya, Ramila akka, Theepana, Darshini, Sivamalar Ms, Dhaya Ms, Sutharshini Ms, Suganthi teacher, Apple Ms, Sujeevan BBS staff: Romani Ms, Poopathy Ms, Anita Akka, Reegan Anna Friends: Pakitharan and Neerooban and helpers My Sri Lankan parents: Ms Jecintha and family, Dr Anankumar and  family

LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH THANK YOU SO MUCH! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Day 25 in Puloly

I wanted to spend the whole day in the home other than visiting the fish market and the sea, which are the first few things I did when I came here. I can't believe time passed by so fast. From the day I came it has been 28 days already, and this is my 25th day here in Puloly Village itself.

The whole day was rather pretty lonely for me. I felt empty from within. My worry is not about leaving. My worry is what I am going to do for them from now on. They did so much for me. They made so many things for me.

It was full-moon day. It is a special day. It is a holiday. They always celebrate it just like last night. It was a whole show which was organized and put up within a few hours filled with dance, singing and the best part poetry recital. The students did bouquets out of paper and plastic flowers. It was really beautiful I have never seen such a thing in my life. It was truly their work and talent which amused me. Some students wrote their won poems;they were funny. They talked about how I came here fair and am going back so dark and that they want to buy for me fair and lovely. Another line talked about how I always said I don't drink tea initially but now I take it even before they could ask. These were their memories of me written in the funniest way possible. LOL.

Ranjan Anna, the boys' home manager also recited a poem, I didn't expect it at all. It was really a beautiful poem written in pure Tamil so not like I could understand every single word, (haha), but I could figure it out. Some of the co-workers also revealed their talent in singing. This is their hobby, making woodcrafts and singing, so no wonder they are really very talented in these things. I finally got to take photos with them.

I had roti prata and a sweet mango as my last meal in Puloly. I loved it. I am going to miss everything here. I am going to miss singing songs while driving in the auto, I am going to miss my hair getting messed up in the wind, I am going to miss the muddy fields but I won't miss the mosquitos, the ants and the sand for sure. LOL. My threading is gone, my waxing is gone, I have gone super dark which is fine as long as it doesn't start peeling and I probably need a pedicure after this. Hahah. I am leaving with an aim. I am leaving to come back and see these kids happier. Oh Oh Oh, and I am surely going to miss this computer room and this particular computer which has been my companion for the last 4 weeks. Thanks to all my fellow co-workers, thanks to the children and thanks to Sir DR.B.Anandkumar and Ms Jecintha.

Journeys in PCV-Part 27

Name: Piratheepan Balasubramaniam
Age: 16 years old
Dad is at home. His mum died during the war, he saw it. He told me the exact time exact date it all happened, so just imagine how would it have been for him. Younger brother is handicapped from birth. Younger sister stays with dad.

They swam across a small sea , in fear to escape getting killed and reached a refugee camp.

Name: Dayan Jeganathan
Age: 17 years old

Mum is at home with a younger sister. Dad died when he was 1 years old. The army captured his dad to do railway building work. Due to lack of safety measure, he died when something huge fell on him.

During the attacks, afraid that they will be captured by their army to be sent to fight, they ran away from the camp to a refugee camp. During floods, they weren't able to sleep as it would be all muddy. Many people had died due to diseases he mentioned.

Name: Kopilan Lokesvaran
Age: 17 years old

Parents are in home living in a tent with 1 elder sister, 1 younger brother, and 1 younger sister. They are all studying.

Dad has cancer doesn’t work a lot. Elder sister is working in a mine removing landmines which is a largely dangerous job. His younger sister was taken away from this home he presently is in, when the government officials came and took the children away two months ago. The sister has a whole in the heart and any shocking news will trigger her off and put her life in danger.

His younger brother was born during the time they were moving camp. He was in camp for one and half years. He didn’t study in camp. He was cooking for his mum and his younger brother in camp.

The tent isn’t stable during the flood times and it causes a lot of hassle for the family. His mum comes to see him in his sister’s earnings.

He said he wants to study well, and get a job to save up for his sister’s marriage who is toiling very hard for him. He wants to make his brother and sister study very well.

Journeys in PCV-Part 26

Name: Piratheepan Ravichandran
Age: 16 years old

Family is in camp. He lost his left leg on the same day he his brother died. It all took place in the house.

He said he thought he was going to die, he was really scared.

He spent 1and a half months in the hospital and one year in camp where he wasn’t allowed to go out of the camp at all.

Food and water were necessities which weren’t provided for survival yet he did.

He said he wants his leg back. He can’t walk or run like the others. He can’t play certain games but he is really good at cricket.

More than anything, he wishes to get his brother back.

Name: Senthooran Yogeswaran
Age: 15 years old

Both his parents are in home. One younger sister is in PCV. His dad can’t use one his hands due to a bomb blast. It blasted at home, both he and his sister got hurt.

They were searching for a place to stay in 3 different districts. Last are was when the army had taken them and put them in camp. He described the place as a huge field with barbed wire surrounding the place and thousands of people cramped up into tents.

Journeys in PCV- Part 25

Name: Yasinthan Jeevaratnam
Age: 14 years old

He is the brother of one of the boys I had put earlier. He said when he saw his father die, his body shivered. He was scared. He had chest pain and he has been having it ever since that day.

When I asked him what he wanted from God, he said he wanted his dad back and that he wanted to study. I think for God’s who especially saw their dad suffer on their laps at the last moment, that’s what they remember most of them, making it difficult for them to move on.

Name: Sarujan Sasikumar
Age: 11 years old

Mum is in camp with younger sister. Dad died when a bomb fell into his house. Everything they had was gone including his beloved dad.

When I asked him how was he feeling at that moment? He couldn’t answer me back, he kept repeatedly saying he saw bombs.

This guy never failed to tease me and I will ask him to shut up. But when I saw him become quiet it was difficult. I kept asking him to talk then. But he wouldn’t.

Journeys in PCV-Part 22

Name:Pirakash Jeyanathan
Age: 11 years old

Mum is in home. Dad died after getting electrocuted by lightning. His twin brother is here in PCV with him. 1 elder brother is in another hostel.

He came here to study as his family couldn’t afford to send him to school there.

Name: Yasvanth Jeyanathan
Age: 11 years old

Journeys in PCV-Part 21

Name:Thinesan Ravindrarasa
Age: 13 years old

Mum in home with younger sister and younger brother. Dad died in war attacks. 1 younger brother in here in “home”.

He saw his father died right in front of his eyes. They were walking to another place to stay when the bomb blasted on his father.

After his father died, they had to go to camp for 1 year. He remembers all the dates of when he went to camp and when left.

He like to be here because his mum is happy that he gets to study.

He wants to be happily living with his mum after he studies as a wish from God.

Name: Dinesan Ravindrasa
Age: 11 years old

Journeys in PCV-Part 20

Name: Rajeevan Kajenthranathan
Age: 13 years old

Mum is in home with younger brother. Dad died, but he doesn’t know how and when. Apparently he was very young when dad passed away. 1 elder brother is with him in Puloly.

His house exploded in the bomb blasts which forced them to live in a camp. He said he was happy living in camp but I think he is trying to cover up. He likes it at Puloly as he is able to study here.


Name: Lujeevan Kajenthrananthan
Age: 14 years old

Day 24 in Puloly and Atchchuveli Sports Meet

There was no electricity the whole of last night. I couldn't believe I actually Survived it having been a spoilt-brat from Singapore.

Anyways more importantly it was a stressful day but not as bad as I thought it would be although a lot of things got messed up. We went early to check out the grounds which was messed up due to last night's blessings from GOD. But then there were many helpers from the Thikkam are to support us in the cleaning up and setting up individual booths for the houses, and putting up flag poles and creating the track which is really a long back-breaking job.

Guests arrived early and we started pretty much late because we were rehearsing the marching and all. We had no time to go to the grounds to practice ahead. This is the funny thing about the kids, they never do anything well in the practice. I would get so mad because they don't listen, but it is AMAZING how they adapted so quickly to the environment and did an amazing job. I am having goose-bumps just by saying this. They played so well, they were competitive yet supportive. They cheered for their teams, they were united, and they were alert, well, pretty much. Once the games started, everything fell into place. There was just an initial starting problem in the engine. That's all. I must really thank the kids for putting up an great performance. I wasn't bother of who was there and who wasn't or what people would say, in the end every single smile from the children just blew my stress and anger away. I couldn't believe for the first time kids were making me happy...oops. But I was so excited to see them jumping around and playing. That's all I wanted. That's enough for me.

In the evening after we got back, Sir, father of GOC had called and Nathining Ms put him on loudspeaker...you wouldn't believe how quiet the kids were surrounding the phone. They wanted to hear his voice. They wanted to catch every word he said. It was lovely. I could only see respect and love even from the naughtiest kid and the group. What more can someone get. Thanks to Dr.B Anandkumar who gave me this. Seriously. I also like to make special thanks to all of GOC members, because they really helped a lot, without them the show wouldn't have run, and thanks to families in Thikkam who were amazing, they served drinks, they cleaned and they got everything we asked for. Thanks to the God's Own Children.

Day 23 in Puloly

It rained so heavily. It was windy, all the light sand gushed in and it was so muddy and it felt like my OBS camp 5 year ago. When I stepped on part of it, I went in almost half-way down from my knees...I was more worried about losing my Haivanas in the mud than me going in. LOL. Our British Business School staff had also come to help for the Sports Day, they were at the grounds setting up everything for half a day. But they came back saying that everything had gotten demolished due to the rain. I was really upset. It has been freaking hot since the day I came...It was raining like crazy just before the Sports Meet. It was really luck my luck.

I was determined though. I didn't doubt anything. I wanted the sports meet to go on still. This was the first time I was very sure of doing something for others although it may have been trouble for a lot of people. All I was worried about was the kids...They kept saying I will be leaving and that's why we should have it but I wanted to have it because they have put in so much effort in the past few days to just call it off or postpone it because then the whole mood comes down. We were just hoping that it won't rain again and that at least let the ground dry out for the night. I appreciated the drainage system and concrete flooring back in Singapore. These people took the flood very lightly. If Singaporeans were to step into this area, I think they would probably try sue the department. LOl. I am just kidding but I think many of us take it for granted what our government has done for us. We should really take a look at the others and see what we should be grateful for other than finding fault in everything we already have.

Of and it was a black out, which lasted for the rest of the night so we were pretty much doing work under lamps and dim light and the kids had to study that way too. I really felt very bad for them. These things are a norm here seriously. We find it so much trouble to celebrate even earth day in the daytime...these kids slept with no fans on, studied with no proper lights and all. It was really a great experience for. I was eating and bathing with a torchlight on. It felt like camp that's all I can say. That's also why my post got delayed because the computers weren't working...like duh!

The"HOME"

Dining Hall
The dining hall is always neat and tidy as the children are given duties to clean the place up. It is decorated with pictures and colours for the kids.

Bedrooms
I have never seen a home where there are comfortable beds, not too cramped, built in cupboards and mosquito nets for every single bed. The children are happy staying there as some say it is much better than back at their own homes.

Staff Room
This was my room for the past month I stayed here. I had plenty of space for my bags and there was a fridge where they kept soda bottles and other things I like for me to eat when they initially thought I wouldn't like the food here.

Bathrooms
The is where the little kids shower. There is ample space and water for the kids to take their baths regularly keeping them neat and clean. They also wash their clothes and shoes here.

Kitchen
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and snacks for tea times are all made here. Our master cook is a food-god, he makes ample food for the kids. He always welcomes people with a cup of tea or food. He makes sure no one goes hungry.

Store Room
Sports Equipment, Food items, and other necessary things like clothing and toiletries are all kept here. The store keeper ensures that there is sufficient supply for everyone and also keeps track of expiry dates as well.

Classroom
There is a classroom in the girls’ hostel where tuition teachers come in and spend some time teaching the kids and clearing out some concepts. It is decorated with many photos and colors.

Recreational Area
The kids watch television on their holidays and other special occasions. The space is also arranged for playing board games like carrom and chess which are their favourites.

Library
It is a small library with plenty of books and benches for a whole class to fit in. Sir keeps buying many English books for them to get into the habit of reading and writing. There are many books on general knowledge which the kids often get interest in.

Playground
There is a mini Play-ground where the kids call it the circus. They love playing there.

Sick Bay
This room is for children who fall ill. There is an in-house nurse who manages the medication supplies and calls for more when they are over.

Washing Area
This area is where the children wash their own plates and cups. They also have a duty rooster to wash the food baskets.

Toilets
The toilets are regularly cleaned and serviced to ensure proper hygiene and safeguard the children from possible diseases.

Study Hall
The children have night studies where there gather in their groups or individually study their subjects carefully. It is a comfortable are with new benches and tables. Wardens do their rounds to ensure the kids are studying.

Computer Room
The computer room is in the process of being expanded by adding in more computers. Computer classes take place here where the children learn how to get use them as it would be useful for their education and their working life later on.

Journeys in PCV-Part 24

Name: Meera
Age: 16 years old

Mentally- ill from birth
She often cries for her mum now and then. She understands what people tell her to do though. She can’t speak.
No details



Name: Silokshana
Age: 16 years old

Mentally- ill from birth
She has a habit of taking people’s things and keeping them. She doesn’t even know what to do with money that she grabs from a walled left lying around.
No details

Journeys in PCV-Part 23

Name: Dinoja Logeswaran
Age: 12 years old

Parents in home with her younger sister. One elder brother is in boys’ PCV.

She was in one camp for 1 whole year. Her family left home because of the attacks and that it was dangerous to be there.

She had to travel long to go to school when she was in camp, to the next village. So the government brought sent them out of camp to send them back home but her family couldn’t afford it so she was brought to PCV.

She likes to be here simply because she can study.



Name: Jensi Rasaya
Age: 18 years old

Mum is in home. Dad died in the attacks by getting shot when she was 3 months old. She is the only child.

She was also caught by the Tsunami in 2004, her house was completely destroyed. She was living in a tent then after a month they built their won house. Her mum is a tailor.

She was in the house when the bomb blasted in her house. Her entire house caught fire and she lost half her hair. They just ran out with a bag of things. She was captured by the army and was not allowed to get out for one year.

She was supposed to be in a camp which was very hot as there was no ventilation. There was very little food.

She escaped with her mum on a boat and came to Jaffna. She likes it here as she is able to continues to study. She is the oldest student in this “home” .

Journeys in PCV-Part 19

Name: Sarath Marimuthu
Age: 12 years old

Mum is in camp with 1 elder brother and 1 younger brother. Dad died while he was changing camps. He didn’t get to see his father. 1 younger sister is in hostel. 2 elder brothers are working.

While he was running, his mum and elder brother got hurt by the bomb pieces. One of the elder brothers who were captured and he ran away to seek his family after a few days.

Like what all other kids say, they prefer to be here mainly because he is able to study here.



Name: Prasanth Karthikesan
Age: 13 years old

Mum is in home. Dad died in front of his own eyes when they were running out of the house. 1 elder sister got married, 3 elder sisters and 1 younger sister is studying.

After his father died, he wasn’t able to study in his hometown so they sent him here so that he can study.

Journeys in PCV-Part 18

Name: Laksan Maanikkavel
Age: 15 years old

Dad is in camp with 3 elder sister and 1 younger brother. 1 elder sister is captured by the army. Mum died in the attacks, he saw her dying.

2 younger brothers who were here have been transferred to another hostel when the government officials came and took kids in the van as they said this place was not enough to fit in all the kids.

He saw many dead bodies and people who had lost their limps which were lying down in different places. He was affected and he was scared during the wartime.

He was in camp for 1 year, with no water and toilet facilities. He said it was really got inside the tents and that it was difficult to live.

He said he wishes to see his family.



Name:Sujitharan Murugaiya
Age: 12 years old

Dad is in home with 1 elder sister, 1 elder brother and younger sister. Mum died in war attacks. He is with his elder brother here in Puloly.

Bomb fell on his neighbor's house and the parts of bomb flew into his house causing his mum to be hurt and die from it. He then went to 4 different camps after that.

He got to know about this place and his family brought him here in the hope that he will be able to study.

Journeys in PCV-Part 17

Name: Thanusan Ranjathkumar
Age: 12 years old

Parents in home with 2 younger brothers.

He was in camp for 1 year without even coming out. They took a bus to drop him off here knowing that he wouldn’t be able to study back at home.


Name: Kapilraj Kalaiselvan
Age: 16 years old

Mum is in home. Dad died in the war attacks.

He saw his father die in front of his eyes. His house got damaged by the bomb pieces too. They had to move to camp for about 1 year before coming here.

There was no food or water in camp. He struggled a lot together with his mum and elder brother.

He is this boy who is really active and loves to tease people.

Journeys in PCV-Part 16

Name:Dinojan Maariya Yesuthasan
Age: 14 years old

Parents in home with 2 younger brothers. 1 younger sister is with him in PCV girls.

His arm had a huge scar of a bomb blast particle. His family had moved camps several times.

He likes being here because he can study.


Name: Parvathan Ameerthalingam
Age: 12 years old

Parents are in camp with 1 elder brother.

His house was damaged in the war so he had to move to the camp with his family. He was studying in camp.

He said he is sad that he is away from family but then again he said but he is happy that he got to study.

Journeys in PCV- Part 15

Name: Kayan Selvarasa
Age: 16 years old

Mum is in home with elder brother, younger brother and elder sister. Dad died in war attacks.

When he was at home, the bunker at come and shot at his house and his father got caught in that and died on the spot.

He has to be in this home to study as his family isn’t able to support both him and his sister.

He was in camp for 3 years. His first camp he was in a tent. He suffered a lot in his first camp with little food which didn’t taste good. His second camp the house was made out of wood and things were slightly better.

When I asked him what he wanted, he said he wants to see his mother. He hasn’t seen her for 7 months. His mother couldn't afford to pay the bus fare to come visit him.



Name:Kunaseelan Jeyaseelan
Age: 11 years old

Parents are in home with 2 younger brothers.

His home was destroyed in the war. They had to live in camp for 1 year.

He said here is better because he can study well.

He said he wants freedom fro his people and he wants to study.

Journeys in PCV-Part 14

Name: Yasotheran Jeevaratnam
Age: 15 years old

Mum is camp with younger sister and dad died in war attacks. 1 younger brother is in this “home” with him.

The bomb had dropped on his house and he was there when the bomb finally fell on his father’s chest and exploded.

They went to camp when he lost his dad and his house was in ruins. They were there for 1 year before coming straight to PCV after getting to know about this place.

His mum is still suffering in camp with no proper toilet facilities and drinking water.

When I asked him what he wanted if God gave him a wish, he said he wanted his dad back. He loved his father a lot.


Name: Navaneethan Balasubramaniam
Age: 8 years old

Dad is in home with 1 elder brother. Mum dies in war attacks. 1 elder brother in another hostel.

This boy was in camp for 1 year.

When I asked him what all he saw during the war, he shut up. He didn’t want to say anymore although I kept asking him. It shows that he has seen things he shouldn’t have seen. It shows that he is still affected by those images in his head.

Journeys in PCV-Part 13

Name: Yoganathan Uthayakumar
Age: 8 years old

Mum in home. Dad died in war. 1 younger brother in PCV. 3 elder brothers in home with mum.

He was in camp for about 2 months.

He couldn't really openly tell anything.


Name: Piramanathan Uthayakumar
Age: 7 years old