Tsunami Volunteer Testimonies
This experience has been very positive, and unique his pleasure to have my 1st world travel experience is one that is about helping others. Global Crossroad was very instrumental in making my want to help tsunami, into actually in making it possible.
I have met many people who all shared the same desire to help. There was natural development of teams, which held objective in concrete with one another. The only suggestion, I may have for G.C., it that this tsunami rebuild program encourage this program on more mainstream scale. It will be a program people will be able to enjoy, while helping others.
Robert Dominguez, Denver Co, USA (April 2, 2004)
I feel very good about the two weeks construction work I have done, although I realize my construction is so small. The whole time there has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I will want to do similar work again in the future.
Seeing the concrete block, course rise and the house take shape, knowing that save family will be happy to start a new life for themselves after suffering such terrible loss. Clearly GC got off a shaky start, and has grown rapidly into a serious, more efficient reconstruction organization doing increasing amount of work. All good.
Mark James Freeman (April 2, 2004)
Seeing the first house being handed over on the 1st day I arrived. It was awesome to see the smiling family that received it. I gained a feeling that I may be handing over a house soon and how good it would feel.
I expected to be building house, which is what we are doing. I didn’t expect anything else. Global Crossroad fulfilled my goal of learning a bit about construction and working as a team.
Global Crossroad had been really good for helping tsunami victims. My message to oncoming volunteers would be to work hard and do what you came here to do. I donated money through my school, but it wasn’t enough.
Glenna Cross (April 5, 2005)
I have had a great experience in Sri Lanka with Global Crossroad construction project. The people in Galle are wonderful. The house we started a week and ½ ago is already ready for the roof and the family we are building for has been on site every day helping out and buying refreshments. Have met a lot of people from all over the world. Overall I am very glad I came to help
Bob Howard, Maynard, Iowa USA (April 5, 2005)
I was very satisfied with the construction work I did. I learned a lot about houses building and was happy with our product. Everyday I knew my presence was positive. Most rewarding experience was successful stopping Global Crossroad’ use of Asbestos roofing. I want them (Global Crossroad) to know that they are able to affect change in Sri Lanka through their own imitative. Do not give tsunami victims things but help them to be able to get it themselves.
The Hotel was very satisfactory. It was far from Galle but comfortable and clean. The owner and his family were excellent people the accommodations surpassed my expectations.
Joe Nevmann (April 5, 2005)
Learning new skills and working in G.C. construction project with local people was very more rewarding and interesting. I will always remember their kindness. Being at the ceremony for the first completed house was inspirational.
Don’t expect to change the world but at least some of your actions may make a small difference in these people’ lives.
Blood, sweat and tears and a
Whole lot of mortar
Will see new lives built after
Destruction from water
Patience and stamina
All put to the test
An experience to remember as
Simply the best ?
Sorcha Heron, Irish teaching English in Japan (April 5, 2005)
I felt I learned the required skills quickly and was able to make important contributions to the houses. My expectation came entirely from your website, that it was a professional and well-organized project.
Brick laying and paving foundation for several houses, it was rewarding because I learnt new skills and was able to see the houses as they were being built, as well as being able to see, and talk to the families that will move in.
To the oncoming volunteer, you will need patience and understanding. Excellent meals could do with more verity, but otherwise find.
David Boyd (April 5, 2005)
A truly unique experience. The satisfaction that comes from laying up your first concrete block wall. The teamwork that generates fast friendships. The joy of seeing the visible result as houses take shape. The laughs (or the craic as the Irish say) all along the way. Many nationalities, ages and backgrounds all pulling with one purpose amidst a backdrop of natural devastation. And best of all, the beautiful spirit of the Sri Lankan people ever-present in every smile.
Mark Freeman, Boston USA, originally from England (March 28, 2005)
Marilei Doucet, Canada (March 25, 2005)
For many years I have watched in horror as countries were savaged by disaster. Some disasters are man-made, some are the result of mother natures wrath. Each time I sat glued to the TV while pictures of death and destruction occurred. My instinct was immediate to go to the site and physically help. However, for one reason or another I never followed through.
My husband and I are semi-retired and had been discovering possible vacation locations and plans when the news of the tsunami came. I just seemed to know this was the time that we would follow through. I admit that there was some trepidation regarding food, health, and living conditions, not to mention media coverage announcing the risk of land mines – Tamil Tiger Terrorist activity. But the pull to come and help was much stronger than any fears. Friends and family were also worried about our safety but they were also supportive.
It has now been 2 weeks since our arrival and we don’t want to leave. The truth is, my husband and I are used to living very comfortably and we spend a lot of time at home golfing and traveling in fairly good style. Without hesitation I can honestly say, this has been an incredible experience. We are housed in a lovely little hotel; the meals are great. If you are like me and are not adventurous when it comes to food, there are several restaurants close by that were good western food at very reasonable prices.
The people are beautiful in every way. They are constantly showing their gratitude in any way they can. The tsunami victims are incredibly resilient, courageous and gracious. Each group that comes in a two-week time period become like a family in a matter of days. We had people from Australia, USA, U.K., and Canada in our family. They are men and women of all ages, sizes and abilities that come from all walks of life, joining together in an effort to make a small contribution to restoring some resemblance of a normal life for Sri Lankans affected by the tsunami.
The devastation is unfathomable and the stories are heart breaking, but the volunteers of Global Crossroads are making a big difference. One of the most difficult hurdles to conquer is finding land.
Another huge problem is the coming monsoons. Most people are housed in tents, which are ineffective during the heavy rainfall. Not many organizations are building permanent houses and in Galle, where we are, only GC is building permanent houses. It is a magical feeling to be a part of building a house from the ground up, using very primitive tools and materials and witnessing the turning over of the house to the family. We are also privileged to be part of this process and we will carry the memory of the love and caring of each volunteer and Sri Lankan we have come to know. If anyone is thinking of joining the effort, my advice is, pack up your courage and compassion and come on the journey of a lifetime that will leave you with such satisfaction, pride, and peace, you will never want for anything again.
Ruth Fraser, Toronto, Canada (March 28, 2005)
I am a fifty-nine years young woman from Toronto, Canada. After the Tsunami of 26th December 2004, I felt an increasing desire to help out in some small way. Global Crossroad seemed to provide an avenue for my needs.
I enjoy third-world travels and have some understanding of different cultures. I felt the need to help others after such a natural disaster. It was totally out of their control and left such complete devastation in so many lives. I also have an addiction to travel.
Being here has certainly been an experience. The destruction is horrific but the reconstruction is slowing going on. It is heart-warming to see so many countries that are contributing to Sri Lanka. The people express their appreciation openly and warmly. They smile and greet us relentlessly. Originally, I was to be working at the Zambodi Psychiatric Hospital, where 40 died, and living in a local home. It is always necessary to be very flexible in a third world country and particularly after this type of disaster as daily changes just happen.
I am now staying in Tiny House Hotel with about 18 others. On our first day we visited the Psychiatric Hospital and two relief sites. The second day I was doing my best to clear brush and dig trenches for a new home’s foundation. The heat is quite debilitating but water is always available. We add electrolytes for our health safety.
Personally, I have found a very deserving family that lost their home and all its contents. They survived intact as a family, which was wonderful. The Grandfather was killed six years ago by the Tamil Tigers.
We went shopping on Sunday and it was quite amazing how far my money went. For $175 Canadian dollars or 175,000 Rupees a family of four were fitted with several outfits each, underwear, night attire, umbrellas, towels, and sheets. We also included outfits for the other five family members living in the same house. The other family also lost their home and belongings. It is important not to cause jealously with gifts.
My friend is Philip and he works at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo. Since the Tsunami he has been coming home 2 and a half hours by bus every night. He has been cleaning his home site and supporting his family daily until he returns the next day for work at 3pm in Colombo. His home is being reconstructed by the Buddhists.
This has been the most satisfying effort for me. The family is extremely appreciative. I will return to them next week and have promised ceiling fans and house ware. I also promised to provide a roof upgrade. Very often Asbestos roofing is used here. It is against the grain of Westerners to accept this. Why should people of the third world not have first class roofing that is safer for their health and cooler to live in?
It is important to be here for a short while and research a family that appeals to you. Many many are needy but some first grab your heart and it feels like a good fit. Be aware the world is full of scam artists. The fact remains that the devastation is great here and the need for help is great. I am very happy that I have come to Sri Lanka
Richard Clester – Texas (March 28, 2005)
I felt I had to come to Sri Lanka and searched for organizations that I could join. I read an article about Global Crossroad in USA Today, contacted them, and came.
My first impression on arriving was that the situation was much worse than the images we saw on TV - it in no way reflected the reality of the conditions here today. A lot of the aid money has not yet made it to the local communities.
The Global Crossroad program’s intent and objectives are good. It’s good to see what is happening with the program, building houses. Just come to Sri Lanka - they need your help. This is the best group of volunteers I have ever worked with.
Paul Thomas, York, England (though I am Welsh and proud of it!)
Like many people around the world, I was shocked at the devastation of the December 26 tsunami. Having a very comfortable life back home, the devastation seen on the television made me feel almost guilty and I found myself questioning what I wanted to achieve in my life. Once I discovered Global Crossroad, the only decision I had to make was “when do I go?” Having arrived in Galle, all my preconceptions were confirmed, with family and home being something of a memory for many people here.
The scenes to the left as I traveled down from Colombo were shocking, with the beautiful Indian Ocean on the right. A tourist magnet for many Westerners, and perhaps that is part of why I chose this area. We holiday here en-mass enjoying the hospitality while relaxing; so why wouldn’t we want to give something back?
I’ve been lucky to join a fabulous group of like-minded people from across the globe – Canada, US, Australia, Hong Kong, and of course the UK. We are building houses for those who lost property during the Tsunami. The work has, at times, been very hard with digging (sometimes septic tanks ? ), mixing cement, and plastering.
The Sri Lankan Government has now placed some restrictions on properties, resulting in a “no build within 100metres of the shoreline,” thus removing land from families already without their homes. There are so many tents here, and little short to medium term of hope of relocation. The rainy season is only weeks away…
I would urge anyone with energy, compassion, and time, to come over and help. Money does not appear to be getting through despite the needs of these people being obvious and immediate. Please come and help. People here need volunteers like us, and day on day are so appreciative of our presence. Their generosity has amazed me given how little they have themselves.
I have been shocked at how profoundly I have been moved by the situation here, feel moved enough to want to come back within the next 2 months, and fully intend to offer my services much more often - here in Sri Lanka, wider afield, and probably at home with my own countrymen/women. My life to-date seems so trivial and the satisfaction I have felt from this short visit has been nothing short of amazing.
In terms of funds, the houses take as little as $US4,500 to build. Land can be purchased to help those restricted by shoreline limits. We can all help. World Peace!
Paul Thomas, York, England (March 29, 2005)
When we arrived, it was absolutely horrifying to see it - the reality was so much worse than you see on TV. Words can’t describe what it felt like the first day, it was the hardest thing I have ever had to see. When we went to the camp people were taking photos of the camp. I couldn’t take photos; I had to look at the ground. I felt I didn’t have the right to be upset as I hadn’t experienced it. I felt ashamed for the rest of the world that so little had changed in the two months since the tsunami.
When we are doing the work it is really rewarding, but I realized we are not even scratching the surface. I realize that not a lot is going to change before the monsoon. I have the same opinion as everyone else with the frustration of getting the materials, the talk of government corruption, and the karma issue. I feel shell-shocked. There are so many areas of focus and yet there are others that desperately need help that aren’t receiving it.
Personally, this has changed me immensely; it’s restored my faith in human compassion and kindness. The Sri Lankan people have taught me a huge lesson - despite the little they have, they still give.
I would just say get on a plane and come. There are so many areas where people are needed. Make your way to Galle or Hikkaduwa. You will be well received. If you want to raise money, you need to speak to people who have been here to understand where it is needed. Don’t just give it to the DEC as it may not reach the people. Even if you don’t come and work, come here on holiday. It is really beautiful. Just come.
Nicci Pennells, Bristol, UK, originally South Africa (March 31, 2005).
“I had a very memorable experience during the two-week reconstruction project in Dadalla, Galle, with the group of 35. By the end of the project I felt as though I made some good friends and met some incredible people. We were able to meet the family who will eventually live in the house we were building. The look on their faces as the wall was built was priceless. I shall never forget these two weeks and hope to return to Sri Lanka soon to build more.”
Rupert Rawland-Clark
London, England
“I enjoyed my stay in Sri Lanka due to the excellent company (Global Crossroad) of extraordinary people. Global citizens from Europe and America all came with the purpose of helping the Sri Lankan people. My heart goes out to the citizens of that wonderful country for their courage, kindness, and strength.
Courage compassion and understanding from all participations made this reconstruction project a success. This experience has given all of us an idea of how strong human spirit to survive can be. All the best to everyone involved.”
Malvin Palmiano
South Korea (Via Canada)
4224 Boxer Street
Burnaby, B.C. Canada
V5J 2V9
“At first I didn’t know what to expect. There were many mysteries about these projects, my role, and the people. Sri Lankans are so wonderful; just smile and they were there to smile with you. The construction work was hard and it was humid, but I felt we made real progress on our construction project (building houses). In addition to that I was able to assist in other places: orphanages, sambodi house, the mental hospital, and the refugee camp. Lunch or dinner was always fun at the locals.”
John Malchow
1813 Clearance St.
White Bear Lake, MN. 55110
U.S.
“Overall, the reconstruction has been satisfying. Working with the local people affected by the Tsunami has been a life-changing experience.”
Jason English
183 Dvmond Dr.
Laguna Beach, CA, 92651
U.S.
“What an opportunity to get together with people from all over the world and work together to help such warm and disserving people who have been through so much!”
Shanon Halvorsen
1046 Rural Avenue
Salem Or 97305
U.S.
“My experience with Global Crossroad was excellent. We got to meet a lot of fantastic people. At first we worked the same job site. Later on we were alloyed to go to other sites as we wanted. The local people are fantastic, and I wouldn’t change this experience in any way. I highly recommend this project for anyone who has not done anything like this. Go out explore the world out there; it’s smaller than you think.”
Timmy Kelris
9594 Chandor Dr.
Orlando FL, 32825
U.S.
“Upon departure, my heart was racing. I was so nervous about coming. This trip being my first adventure out on my own meant that I was kind of thrown into the deep end! My first day in Sri Lanka was not much different. The first shock being the driving over there! No laws, no traffics lights, just a whole lot of beeping horns that seemed to be used for no reason at all other than to disturb pedestrians!!
Seeing all the devastation was unreal. It still felt the I was watching it on TV. Seeing people living in ‘houses’ not much more than a pile of rubble was unbelievable. I really have to learn not to complain so much home.
My reconstruction group was amazing. I never met such a variety of people who managed to get a long so well. It was as if we had known each other for years worked and had socialized before.
I was so much a part of everybody’s effort…….110 percent input from all. Some early days, we were in a bit of shock as in what to do. Sometimes we felt a little useless, but we quickly learned there was always something to do—not necessarily on our designated sites. After getting used to living here we would happily get off on our own and join in with whoever needed our help. The bond between the volunteers and local people was fantastic. They were so appreciative of our help. We felt like celebrities walking down the streets. People would come out of their house, waving and cheering for us. This is a memory I will never forget.”
Michael Wilson
165 Bradform Road
Shiplely, Yorkshire
England
“Meeting people from all over the world on this Global Crossroad Reconstruction Project was incredible. The majority of our group was from the U.S. and the U.K. We all got on superbly, and sharing the same experiences has brought us all together!!
Overall, this experience has exceeded all of my expectations. The people I have met will remain my friends. The experiences we have, we will never ever forget.”
Kealy Mead
5A New Road
North Church
Bemchamshed
Heas, HP4 3Qy
UK
“This is a fabulous experience, but not for everyone. If you are a problem-oriented person who enjoys complaining, then don’t come, because it’s not a perfect world here. But if you are solution-oriented and know you have what it takes to make difference in the world, this is for you. Only come if you are patient, flexible, reliable, up-beat and a positive thinker. There are enough problems here, they don’t need us bring more. Many of the volunteers are good at having a positive outlook and they get things done.”
Nancy Zarrow
USA
“This trip to Sri Lanka was amazing. In spite of the heat, the work was fulfilling and worthwhile. The organization of the project itself was not satisfying, and at times maddening. I credit Global Crossroad for bringing this fantastic group together, though, and I believe that, in itself, was good enough to say I am happy. I signed up the project management itself must little improved. We didn’t just to work, exert effort but to be effective as well. Materials and equipment are necessary to work smartly, we had neither. I wish the best in Global Crossroad get act together guys, your heart in the right place.
George Balsano
734 Bush Street # 50
San Francisco 94108