Well its November l’ve been home 2 weeks & thought l should sign off my blog with photos of my last week at school. It was a mixture of emotions… sadness, tears and a strange feeling of leaving what has been a huge part of my life in Sri Lanka. It has made an enormous impact on me and my life will never be the same again. I have a greater understanding of the whole refugee/asylum seeker debate and can fully understand why people in Sri Lanka want to flee the country for a better life and future for their family, but unfortunately for some the only escape is on boats which are life threatening and the problem is so huge and after many conversations about the situation there is no easy solution, l have heard so many tragic stories it’s hard to imagine the war ceased only 4 years ago. On my last day the staff explained to the children that “White Teacher” was leaving to go home on a plane to Australia, what happened next broke my heart, a young girl who l had become very close to looked at me with fear in her eyes she grabbed me and pleaded me not to go, a teacher later explained both her parents were killed in the war by a bomb dropped from an airplane which she witnessed. This is just one story of many about the life of these beautiful children, some who have experienced more in their short life than we could ever imagine. In the face of all the tragedy they are happy, never knowing any different. If the children have learnt half as much from the experience as they have taught me l will be very happy. This is my last entry but the memories of the children of Sri Lanka will live in my heart forever.
Loved reading your blog thanks for the informative news that puts us in a better light. Your blogs were wonderful.. often made me cry but always made me laugh. Hope whatever road you take from now on gives you much joy (and enough money to live on). If ever you need a bed you are Always !!! Welcome at our house hope to see you up the farm at some stage. Xp
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Thanks Pam,
Glad you enjoyed my stories, l am planning a trip to Echuca January sometime so will come for a visit. Willow offered her van anytime l want so will talk to her about dates. Hope you are spending time with your beautiful new grandson.
Catch up soon love Chris
So enjoyed reading the blog Chris, wow what an experience and adventure you have had, I am sure it must change a lot about how you perceive the world huh? Glad your back safe and sound and no doubt much wiser xo
Hi Ray, thanks for replying, yes it was great experience which l will treasure forever. Hope your Mum & Dad are well, say hi to them for me & will try to get out there soon
Regards Chris
God Bless Christine
Love Bern and Brian
Brian L .Stahl OAM JP
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