Comments on: Grabbing It http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/ A deaf American volunteer goes to Sri Lanka to work at a school for deaf children in Matara. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:18:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.3 By: Caroline Guerin http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-5140 Caroline Guerin Fri, 08 Jun 2007 07:37:17 +0000 http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-5140 Hi guys I have just found you on google. I am very interested in your comments about a sign dictionary and website you have just completed. What is your work here? I am a VSO volunteer just arrived and am working with the Central Federation of the Deaf here in Sri Lanka. Please could you give me any information on work you have done here etc... It would be greatly appreciated Looking forward to hearing from you soon Caroline Hi guys

I have just found you on google.

I am very interested in your comments about a sign dictionary and website you have just completed.

What is your work here? I am a VSO volunteer just arrived and am working with the Central Federation of the Deaf here in Sri Lanka.

Please could you give me any information on work you have done here etc…

It would be greatly appreciated

Looking forward to hearing from you soon

Caroline

]]> By: anne http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-4978 anne Thu, 07 Jun 2007 09:40:21 +0000 http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-4978 Dear Adam, my heart gives a bump every time I think of you leaving Sri Lanka, cos I know how that country, those people (that food!) have become part of your very being. But that's it - it WILL always be part of you, who you are from now on - so rejoice and celebrate the new you! I left Ceylon in April 1969 after 20 months volunteer work in Peradeniya and thought my heart would break...but see how the rich threads of Lanka have woven themselves into my life ever since. Lanka is part of your tapestry too and I look forward to watching the pattern develop. love and hugs Anne Dear Adam, my heart gives a bump every time I think of you leaving Sri Lanka, cos I know how that country, those people (that food!) have become part of your very being. But that’s it - it WILL always be part of you, who you are from now on - so rejoice and celebrate the new you! I left Ceylon in April 1969 after 20 months volunteer work in Peradeniya and thought my heart would break…but see how the rich threads of Lanka have woven themselves into my life ever since. Lanka is part of your tapestry too and I look forward to watching the pattern develop.

love and hugs
Anne

]]> By: Thushara http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-4667 Thushara Tue, 05 Jun 2007 18:32:29 +0000 http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-4667 Ayubowan! Adam, I am very sorry to learn that you will be leaving Sri Lanka very soon -- This note is to let you know that I enjoy reading your journal entries about your tremendous efforts in blending yourself among Sri Lanka, and contributing your hard efforts to the Rohana Deaf School. Many Thanks for sharing your beautiful experiences on your visit in Sri Lanka. Though I hail from Sri Lanka, I learned lot from your journal and am profoundly humble to learn more about Sri Lanka. It is wonderful way to remind me of our childhood days with our parents who took us around in Sri Lanka during our childhood – My fondest memories were that my parents who would stretch the miles to stop by at some interesting places and taught me to pronounce the words and learn the cultures especially on how the people in different provinces do and their way of living. Their ethnicity and religion are very interesting to learn. I am very happy that you have had an inspiring visit in Sri Lanka -- The children, and teachers of Rohana Deaf School will miss you, and your winning smile. You will be greatly missed by them. I hope you will meet my friend Fatema before you bid farewell to Sri Lanka -- Say hi to Anne for me. Hope we will meet soon when you visit Washington DC/Maryland in the near future. May Triple Gem bless you with abundant joys and peace, TTW Ayubowan!

Adam, I am very sorry to learn that you will be leaving Sri Lanka very soon — This note is to let you know that I enjoy reading your journal entries about your tremendous efforts in blending yourself among Sri Lanka, and contributing your hard efforts to the Rohana Deaf School. Many Thanks for sharing your beautiful experiences on your visit in Sri Lanka. Though I hail from Sri Lanka, I learned lot from your journal and am profoundly humble to learn more about Sri Lanka. It is wonderful way to remind me of our childhood days with our parents who took us around in Sri Lanka during our childhood – My fondest memories were that my parents who would stretch the miles to stop by at some interesting places and taught me to pronounce the words and learn the cultures especially on how the people in different provinces do and their way of living. Their ethnicity and religion are very interesting to learn. I am very happy that you have had an inspiring visit in Sri Lanka — The children, and teachers of Rohana Deaf School will miss you, and your winning smile. You will be greatly missed by them. I hope you will meet my friend Fatema before you bid farewell to Sri Lanka — Say hi to Anne for me. Hope we will meet soon when you visit Washington DC/Maryland in the near future.

May Triple Gem bless you with abundant joys and peace,
TTW

]]> By: Debbie, Gins mum http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-4589 Debbie, Gins mum Tue, 05 Jun 2007 08:11:17 +0000 http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-4589 My phylosophy in life is, "Everything one does in life has an impact on their future and others who have come in contact with you." The work and social side of your stay in Sri Lanka will have eternal impact through word of mouth, sign, actions, memories, they all are ripple relay effects on people. Maybe that all sounds to scew wiff, but, I'm thrilled at the impact you and Ginette and others have had in supporting , students, parents, staff and yourselves. Thanks. Can't wait to see Ginette. DO FEEL WELCOME ANYTIME TO COME OVER AND STAY WITH US IN NEW ZEALAND. All the best for your departure and future Debbie My phylosophy in life is, “Everything one does in life has an impact on their future and others who have come in contact with you.”

The work and social side of your stay in Sri Lanka will have eternal impact through word of mouth, sign, actions, memories, they all are ripple relay effects on people.

Maybe that all sounds to scew wiff, but, I’m thrilled at the impact you and Ginette and others have had in supporting , students, parents, staff and yourselves.

Thanks.

Can’t wait to see Ginette. DO FEEL WELCOME ANYTIME TO COME OVER AND STAY WITH US IN NEW ZEALAND.

All the best for your departure and future
Debbie

]]> By: jeanette (your old hairdresser) http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-3890 jeanette (your old hairdresser) Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:22:45 +0000 http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-3890 Hey, Adam, I have enjoyed your letters so much, can't tell you, it feels like I've visited Sri Lanka without being there. You know how lucky you are and the students are for having you in there life. thankyou for the wonderful stories, it's like reading a story and can't wait to get back to the book. your mom always tells me how you are doing , so I can keep up. hope I get to see you after you return. Best regards Jeanette Tashjian Hey, Adam,

I have enjoyed your letters so much, can’t tell you, it feels like I’ve visited Sri Lanka without being there. You know how lucky you are and the students are for having you in there life. thankyou for the wonderful stories, it’s like reading a story and can’t wait to get back to the book. your mom always tells me how you are doing , so I can keep up. hope I get to see you after you return.

Best regards

Jeanette Tashjian

]]> By: Tayler http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-3881 Tayler Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:37:50 +0000 http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-3881 Hey! THANK you for the postcard! Hey! THANK you for the postcard!

]]> By: grandma http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-3872 grandma Fri, 01 Jun 2007 14:50:10 +0000 http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-3872 Adam, Loved the new journal entry. AND loved Liz"s reply WE second that sentiment. Especially the thought about unwrapping the gift over again! Lap it all upand savor the next wonder life serves up. Much admirationand love, G'ma & G'pa Adam,
Loved the new journal entry. AND loved Liz”s reply WE second that sentiment. Especially the thought about unwrapping the gift over again!
Lap it all upand savor the next wonder life serves up.
Much admirationand love,
G’ma & G’pa

]]> By: AdamzSis http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-3868 AdamzSis Fri, 01 Jun 2007 14:29:55 +0000 http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-3868 Hey Adam---this better not be your last entry before you return. We ain't done traveling with you! Goodbyes aren't going to be easy. And there's no right way to do it. My last day in Israel ended with a huge dinner feast. Lots of photos. Little gifts. And plenty of hugging and tears. But, as soon as I boarded that plane heading back home, I was excited to see what the future had in store for me. 9 years later, I'm doing pretty good. So, with you, you'll do the same. Sri Lanka is a gift that you'll keep unwrapping, even years later. You might get lucky to fly back for a visit or two (or even three!). But this first visit is going to stick for the rest of your life. Make the most of the next few weeks---eat one more chicken kotthu, check out one more village, learn another word, and don't forget to celebrate. This has been a remarkable journey and we are so fortunate to be able to live vicariously through you. Most important, we now know and understand Sri Lanka better. That's a gift we can enjoy from you from afar. Love ya! xo Hey Adam—this better not be your last entry before you return. We ain’t done traveling with you!

Goodbyes aren’t going to be easy. And there’s no right way to do it. My last day in Israel ended with a huge dinner feast. Lots of photos. Little gifts. And plenty of hugging and tears. But, as soon as I boarded that plane heading back home, I was excited to see what the future had in store for me. 9 years later, I’m doing pretty good.

So, with you, you’ll do the same. Sri Lanka is a gift that you’ll keep unwrapping, even years later. You might get lucky to fly back for a visit or two (or even three!). But this first visit is going to stick for the rest of your life.

Make the most of the next few weeks—eat one more chicken kotthu, check out one more village, learn another word, and don’t forget to celebrate. This has been a remarkable journey and we are so fortunate to be able to live vicariously through you. Most important, we now know and understand Sri Lanka better. That’s a gift we can enjoy from you from afar.

Love ya!

xo

]]> By: sophie http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-3860 sophie Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:42:00 +0000 http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-3860 Sad Sad Sad!!! Feels like i've only been away from the uk a day- sri lanka feels like distant dream! Tell everyone i say hello! And man i miss the food (the mention of kottu rotti made my mouth water) Loads of love to you and Ginette x x x x x x x x x x x Sad Sad Sad!!!
Feels like i’ve only been away from the uk a day- sri lanka feels like distant dream!
Tell everyone i say hello!
And man i miss the food (the mention of kottu rotti made my mouth water)
Loads of love to you and Ginette

x x x x x x x x x x x

]]> By: Debbie http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-3858 Debbie Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:35:02 +0000 http://www.foundinceylon.com/2007/06/02/grabbing-it/#comment-3858 Adam, I am "wowed" by your experiences, your expresion of them, your thoughtfulness about them. As I was reading, I was thinking about the students I have worked with in therapy, asking some of the very same questions. Will these changes stick; will their lives be different; will they be empowered and take responsibilty. In the end, I have to remind myself that it is up to them. I spoke with Michele yesterday who has graduated from Boulder and is finishing a few classes before moving on to Portland. She talked about the same things you did; saying goodbye is not an easy thing to do. I believe it is a process. I began "saying goodbye" to Michele when she was a junior in high school. That was my process. I still have pangs of loss when I realize that both my girls are gone from home, never to come back in the way they were before. I know that is a good thing, but I still get sad at times. And, life goes on. I hope that you will find a way to share your writings with the larger public. I have enjoyed traveling with you, being privy to some of your inner thoughts and feelings. What's next? Love, Debbie Adam,
I am “wowed” by your experiences, your expresion of them, your thoughtfulness about them. As I was reading, I was thinking about the students I have worked with in therapy, asking some of the very same questions. Will these changes stick; will their lives be different; will they be empowered and take responsibilty. In the end, I have to remind myself that it is up to them.
I spoke with Michele yesterday who has graduated from Boulder and is finishing a few classes before moving on to Portland. She talked about the same things you did; saying goodbye is not an easy thing to do. I believe it is a process. I began “saying goodbye” to Michele when she was a junior in high school. That was my process. I still have pangs of loss when I realize that both my girls are gone from home, never to come back in the way they were before. I know that is a good thing, but I still get sad at times. And, life goes on.
I hope that you will find a way to share your writings with the larger public. I have enjoyed traveling with you, being privy to some of your inner thoughts and feelings. What’s next?
Love,
Debbie

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