Anyhow ..............So much to tell ................ I'm going to try and fill you in with my last few days.

* Jakotowa Camp - Conny and I, having spent so much time in various refugee camps, are very aware of low morale and boredom which seems to lead to disputes, 'social unrest' and tension. This is hardly surprising considering the conditions people are living in- their close proximity with each other, the length of time that have had to endured these conditions, ways of
life, coping with the monsoon, heat etc etc. We decided to equip the above camp with a radio, batteries and a packet of biscuits for each family. I am conscious that some may regard this as an unnecessary and an even 'luxurious' purchase considering the circumstances, but we feel this to be of enormous  value and worth. I know that I haven't given detailed descriptions about people's individual circumstances, illustrating the harsh reality of their lives and well-placed sense of pessimism with regard to  their futures,  - I am presuming that everyone reading these Emails see them as a continuation of those from my initial trip. The 'gifts' were received with great delight. One man said, " Now we will know when the next tsunami will come." The fear and anticipation for this is deep rooted and widespread.  Only once did I see children playing in the sea - people are simply too afraid of the water. I know a girl (24) who chooses not to live with her immediate family as they live near the sea; she is one of many. Sometimes I feel that the fishermen (who make up about 90% of the male population in many camps) have mixed feelings about not being able to work. On the one hand they would jump at the chance to have the use of a boat and earn a living but on the other hand, their situations allow them to, in a sense, 'hide' behind their fears. When the tsunami struck, ironically, the fishermen who were out at sea had a better chance of survival than those on land. I know that I have digressed ...

* When we visited the above camp - we realized just how poor their living conditions were- even in comparison to some of the other camps we have been visiting. The next day we bought the following for each family: 1kg lentils, 2kg rice, toothbrush & paste, tea, sugar, soap, marshmallows and milk powder. 

* I ended up enjoying two parties at one of the camps I bought sewing machines for (Madda Watta). One for me and Part Two when Sister Alex told them about Martin!! The children performed a number of songs and dances (I saw them all twice!); most were traditional, one song was written about the tsunami and a couple of performances were an interesting mixture of hip-hop/break dancing / European pop by boys (8-14ish) wearing bandanas! We provided biscuits, sweets etc and a great time was had by all- they got us up dancing with them at the end which was great fun - I tried my best to involve some of the adults who were enjoying watching us -with marginal success! It really was a wonderful, warm, enriching experience and one that we will never forget. (Photos of us all 'grooving' all follow.)

* Yes, more time was spent and guidance received from 'hanging out' with Sister Alex. At one point Martin and I visited the Convent for a cup of tea; 3 Sisters, 1 Father, 2 Jews and some Cheesy buttons to nibble on- Wonderful!!! I found it really emotional leaving Sister Alex; she really has had a massive impact on me. I will miss her.

* Popped back to Sambodhi House ( home for the handicapped) to see some friends and say my good-byes. I thought I was going to help one lady to write a letter to a volunteer that we both knew from my previous trip. I turned up and she had written it in Singhales; I had it translated!!

* More 2kg bags of vegetables were delivered to two other camps.

So much to say, but this is the 'jist' of it all. We are now in Bangkok and looking forward to a bit of relaxation. (Mind you, we're still not sure where we are going next ...) Bangkok is as manic as ever - we were exceptionally well entertained walking through the night market in Pat Pong - for those of you who are familiar with the area ....... Many a story to tell....

Thanks for all Emails - keep them coming. Hope all are having a great summer - the UK feels a long way away at the moment. Will write some other Emails soon.

Sending you all lots of love and Papaya salads (one chille only please).

C and M. x