To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to inform you of the past two and a half weeks and the adventure I experienced. After learning of the tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia, my heart went out to those affected and I wanted to get involved. Being a civil engineer, I felt that I had something to offer the reconstruction efforts.

Upon researching various volunteering organizations and receiving my family and employer’s wholehearted support, I chose a private company helping to rebuild homes in the small town of Galle, Sri Lanka. The organization, Global Crossroad, has programs in 15 day increments and I volunteered along with 17 others during the March 1-15 session. Our volunteering group ranged in age from 24 to 72 years old and represented USA, Canada, England, Australia, Germany and Switzerland.

The trip was amazing to say the least; it was the most unforgettable and extraordinary two weeks of my life. We began construction on a home for a family who lost theirs in the tsunami. Our organization selected this family based on their extreme hardship. Not only did they lose their home, but also the only male in the family and the only source of income; his car, which served as a taxi. The mother, Jeeva Kalansuriya, and her 3 daughters, Anushka, Chamori and Shani, do not have jobs so they were in a horrible situation. Since the tsunami, the family of 4 had being staying with the Jeeva’s sister, Swarna, in her home already housing 5 family members. The 18 volunteers nearly built the 450 square foot, concrete block house in the back of Swarna’s property for the Kalansuriya family. The house was extremely small with no electricity and plumbing but that did not dampen their spirits. All day, every day the family would do whatever they could to show their gratitude. They consistently showed their thanks by offering us tea, treats or a clean chair to rest on. As a fellow volunteer, Steve Coates (UK) shared with me how much he was affected by their kindness in a recent email after returning home. Steve expressed “…after spending time with, working for and alongside people who had so little but gave so much. The trip really opened my eyes…”

With help of the girls in the family I learned a great deal of Sinhalese (the Sri Lankan language) so I spent my lunch and work breaks chatting with them everyday. They were amazed at how quickly I picked up the language and were constantly laughing with and at me. One of the ongoing jokes was them asking “Dave, are you tired” and my response translated to “nah, energy I have much”.

In the middle of the trip, our group hosted a dinner for the family at our hotel consisting of foods they were not accustomed to eating. We feasted on pizza, lasagna, salad, garlic break and Coke. We were lucky to have a talented guitar player, Todd Shea, perform after the meal and we all sang along to “Miss American Pie” and the Kalansuriya family delighted us with a beautiful Sinhalese song. We presented them with gifts for the new home and also played games, danced and, overall, had a wonderful evening. The family later told me how much the evening meant to them and how they would never forget it for the rest of their lives. It was not just the construction of their new home but the overall compassion and companionship of our group that touched their hearts.

I formed quite a bond with this family and spent several dinners with them. One girl in Jeeva’s extended family, Ridma (17 years old), speaks English very well and has hopes of receiving a scholarship to an American university. She moved the other volunteers and me so much, and we all agreed she is the best chance this family has to make it out of poverty. One of the volunteers bought her a computer and I (along with financial support from family and my company) paid for her house to have a phone line installed so she can have internet access. With the internet and email, she will have a much greater opportunity to both prepare for college, including researching and applying for scholarships, and to communicate with other young, ambitious people across the world. We also hope that she keeps in touch with her new friends from Global Crossroad. I have made a promise to her to do whatever I can to help her begin her college career. I'm sending money monthly to pay for the internet connection and the electricity bill for the computer; this money is not very much to me but the value to her and her family is priceless.

Overall, the trip was exceptional and this family touched me more than I can put into words. At the end of the two weeks, other volunteers had donated thousands of dollars to buy land for more homes, some extended their trips by weeks to continue reconstruction and some even quit their jobs to stay for the long haul. The overall attitude and generosity of the volunteers is indescribable and I was honored to work with every one of them for the Kalansuriya family.

Sincerely,
David Skurky
1050 Lenox Park BLVD
Apt 8402
Atlanta, GA 30319
DSkurky@hotmail.com
678-642-4068

Volunteers and Kalansuriya Family: Day 4 or 5 of construction

Dave receiving Sinhalese lessons from Kalansuriya family and friends

Some of Jeeva and Swarna’s family and Dave

Chamori, Jeeva and Dave (Day 13)

Ridma’s family had a couple of us over for a special dinner one night.

Ridma’s brother and sister (Methinda and Miuri)

Dancing at Hotel Janaka after special dinner for Kalansuriya family