Greetings,
I began this email to send out before Christmas. Considering the current situation this is my first opportunity to sit down and write so I thought I would still send it but also add to it.
Part 1
It’s now one day before Christmas so I thought I would send a wee email to wish you all well for Christmas.
This year in Sri Lanka, Christmas will be a little different. You see I am living with a community that is largely Buddhist so obviously they don’t celebrate such occasions. Also, because Buddhism is like the state religion we only get today and Monday off work. However, having said that, Christmas commercialism has taken over the streets and the sound systems! Tonight, the little community I live with are going to get a
Sri Lankan Christmas tree (maybe some coconut branches – will see what the garden has for us) and we are going to make some of our own decorations. Tomorrow evening I will join a family I am friends with for a Christmas dinner…rice with different curries. (To my South African Indian friends – you’d be proud of me). In Sri Lankan tradition we will also go to visit the elders of the families and share with them some gifts – the traditional Sri Lankan sarong.
There you go - that’s a bit of how my Christmas will look.
Apartheid Wall Separating The Village |
 Where Jesus manger was laid at the Church of the Nativity |
As I reflect a little on Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem (Christmas #1), I cannot help but be reminded of the current reality of Bethlehem today and Christmas 2004. I recall a poster of the three wise men following the star to the birth place of Jesus. But the poster is of them on their camels arriving at the Apartheid wall with absolutely no way to continue their journey…you can use your imagination to take picture to its end.
As we celebrate this Christmas and send the Christmas cards of good tidings and peace to all mankind, let us remember Israel and particularly the Palestinians.
Oh, Lord!
You taught us to carry each other’s heavy loads!
You taught us to bring our heavy loads to you!
On this day, we want to bring Palestine to you.
Palestinians are living under Israeli occupation in your name.
We know God that this is not your will.
It is the will of the evil one who seeks to devour the righteous.
It is the devil that divides your creation.
Jesus, you taught us to love one another!
You taught us to do unto others as we like them to do unto us.
Today, we pray that you may rekindle the faith of the Palestinians.
We pray that they may not loose hope for their freedom.
You are out freedom and justice in the world.
We remember the children of Israel who live in fear!
They are separated by unjust means from their neighbours!
Let you justice reign in Israel, Oh God!
Grant Palestinians your peace with justice,
Oh God! Grant the world stability!
Let your Kingdom come on earth!
Lord we pray! Hear our prayer.
Amen (Taken from Solidarity Prayer Booklet with People of Palestine)
Olive Branch of Peace |
Wishing you a great Christmas. May 2005 truly be a year of good tidings. To all my family and friends thank you for all your love, support and encouragement!
Peace to you this Christmas! Have a great New Year…
Part 2
Christmas and New Year is no longer being celebrated with the devastation of the Tsunami that has hit so many parts of this region – including Sri Lanka.
The devastation and trauma is beyond anything. Let me share a very small experience, in comparison, with you. I am living on the west coast of Sri Lanka where the damage was more mild. However many still lost everything. A few months back I moved house – maybe 2 or 3 km inland – so we are not affected. I went to see the place I was staying previously – 20 meters from the sea. What to say…the road was strewn with rubble and the fishing house just in front of where I live completely gone including all the boats. One can hardly believe.
As I write this a warning is being broadcast that a smaller wave is coming. Small or big it puts the fear into you. The people are traumatised and full of fear. Living as refugees in church halls. Many completely afraid to see the ocean again. They said it was like the devil had come to take them.
In other places the damage was far worse. Up till now I have been staying in my home town trying to collect aid and things for distribution. We are sending trucks up to the north and other areas with various items. This is going to be long term work. Things where I am are more settled. Soon people will be able to go back and begin building their homes again. They will need to buy and/or restore their boats. Most are completely broken.
Myself, I have been trying to support the work of the community leaders here collecting aid for distribution. We are sending to various places around the country. Also just trying to encourage and give hope to this seemingly hopeless situation. Sri Lanka has suffered too much over the years. I calculated that from 1989 to 1999 over the last 14 years 250 000 have either been killed, disappeared or suicide.
I have also been asked to go the east to help with some leadership in some of the YMCAs. The people are too traumatised. The physical support has been coming but we also need the emotional support.
Please remember Sri Lanka during this time.
Until….
Cathy
