Sri Lanka Outreach Team

Sri Lanka in Q1 of 2007

2007-02-13T22:23:00.001-08:00

A core reference point for the Sri Lanka Outreach team was the christmas time tsunami of 2004.

I wanted to write and thank those of you that went on after me and continued to support the Sri Lankans in their bright and historic future.

In December, about a month ago - I was able to attend a meeting of Christian Sri Lankans that were all in the United States at a conference called Urbana. This small gathering of 30 Urbana participants allowed for the culutral history and Christian future to be communicated. The point of this note is to state that many lives were touched through the heroics of the Sri Lanka Outreach Team. Mostly positive, and always true, the feedback spoke of mothers who's children were helped by our teams gave light to hope from abroad.

I'm thankful for all of you that gave our your finances, of your time, and mostly of your heart.

Vegas Thornton

1st container

2005-06-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

THe 1st container of goods headed to Sri Lanka is on the way. I will put up photos and tracking links so you can see the status of the container for the distance to Sri Lanka.

Help Support Tsunami Families From America

2005-05-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

As I am only one of a few hundred US American able to arrive, assess, and assist in tsunami relief, I am appreciative of how the entire team is and has been able to help.

Memorial Day is soon in the US and I wanted to thank those, like my father who died giving the ultimate sacrifice and live in out hearts- and those serving keeping American free and safe. I appreciate the security offered that allowed us to help those not of our own kind, belief, and country.

I want to announce that containers offering non-monetary assistance to those working in the area are ready to be loaded.

Dropoff locations will be in San Diego and Las Vegas. If you or someone you know has a location to place a container for a few days, that would be willing to be a drop off location, please email me at Vegas@SriLankaOutreach.com.

I am in Las Vegas, please keep the team still in Sri Lanka close to your thoughts. THey expect to return to San Diego in Mid June.

Thank You,
Vegas Thornton
Director
Sri Lanka Outreach Team

Update

2005-04-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

We welcome two new members to our team - Tiffany Hirokawa and Emily Chou from California - who will be with us for the next two weeks.

For the past week we've been working at a tsunami camp about 20 min south in the city of Angulana. Last week they finished around 60 temporary shelters and are currently working on building about 60 more. Also, along with helping with construction we've been helping revamp a run down school inside the camp.

To be honest, is seems at times that the work we do here is useless and unappreciated. Other people can do my work... I'm far from undisposable. But I was amazingly encouraged twice in the past few days. Yesterday after we finished with construction Janet (a Canadian who's worked at Angulana for several months) mentioned that the work had not picked up that day at all until our team had arrived and encouraged everyone to work. It reminded me that not only are we getting work done but we're telling the locals, through our actions, that we love them... and that love, in turn, inspires them to work. And today we worked at the Dutch Reformed Church (we haven't been here for about a week) and Sri, the guy in charge or relief work, gave us T-shirts and thanked us profusely for our work.

To give anyone who's considering coming our a sneak peak... our typical day consists of 1) a group morning prayer/worship session 2) working for 4-8 hours (location changes all the time and duration is dependant on if we need to take care of other things such as Visas, bank, shopping, etc.) 3) eating out 4) relaxing at the apartment playing cards or watching West Wing (the San Diego team left all 3 seasons of it... glory halleluyah). We work hard during the week and play hard on the weekends.

Still Going Strong

2005-04-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

I suppose I should introduce myself. My name is Dustin and I'm currently here in Colombo updating from an internet cafe about 10 tuk tuk minutes away from the team apartment. I'm a 2nd year UC San Diego student am taking the spring quarter off to bless the people here and be rocked by them. Though I've only a week under my belt, the experience has been amazing.

I'm updating mainly just to give an update as to what the teams have been doing here and to remind everyone that there are still many areas of need. 3 months after the tsunami and it seems that the only ones who remembered it occured are the families living in tents, those that lost loves ones, and those helping to ease the pain.

A few days ago we took a 3 hour train down south about 110 kilometers to a city called Galle. The train runs directly parellel with the ocean and almost never loses sight of it and so along the whole ride we could see the tsunami damage. I thought that 3 months later and most of the rubble would be picked up and rebuilding would be through it's first phases, but in most cases there were just leveled buildings and no construction. It's crazy to think that we were traveling on the west side of the country which was not hit nearly as hard as the east side.

Once in Galle we talked with several locals who had lost their homes and I specifically remember one conversation inside a man's home that was still barely standing. He explained what had happened and then showed us the water marks which were about 10ft above the floor. Right above the water line he pointed out his dogs footprints.... it was an amazing/disturbing site.

For the past two days we've been working at the Dutch Reformed Church packaging and sorting supplies for various camps located accross the country and tomorrow we're joining one van which is delivering about 140 boxes to a camp just south of Galle. The boxes all contain various essencial family items such as a blanket, lantern, stove, kerosene, pans, a bucket, utensils, and a few other things. These all take time to prepare, sort, and store and so working with about 10-15 people at a time we are able to get through about 50-60 boxes an hour.

I'm glad to be here. The members here are awesome. The weather sucks... but... being from San Diego I'm spoiled. The locals are incredibly nice and hospitable.

The End of the Chapter

2005-04-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Coming to Sri Lanka was an amazing experience..one that I will never forget and will probably be learning from for a good portion of forever. The most amazing thing about the trip, for me, was learning to communicate without using words. It's remarkable, the unlikely things that are international- such as Arnold Schwarzenegger impressions and bird calls made out of leaves and grass (you probably have no idea what I'm talking about, but trust me on that one.)

I'm writing to conclude my involvement with the Sri Lanka Outreach Team, at least for now. I've spent a great deal of time volunteering in my local church office in the last two weeks and feel that God is calling me to root myself there. I need to place myself in an environment where I grow into the Christian Leader that God is calling me to be. I may return to Sri Lanka, I hope that I will, but not right away.

If you are still interested in volunteering in Sri Lanka, I would still encourage you to do so- the people need as much help as they can get. I will no longer be able to obtain deals from Sri Lanka Airlines or with housing (though Vegas might) but I would be happy to connect you with the local volunteers from the Dutch Reform Church.

I will no longer be checking the gmail account, so if you have a question for me specifically you may contact me at booturner@artlover.com, otherwise you can still contact Vegas at Vegas@SriLankaOutreach.com

As a last impression, I will tell you what was most deeply ingrained in me through the course my time in Sri Lanka: our lives are not to be lived trying to make the best memories for ourselves; our lives are to be lived trying to do the Lord's work- and only that- and from this comes far better memories then you could have ever made for yourself. Don't waste your time, there's a bigger plan in the works.

Faith, Hope, and Love Remain- but the greatest of these is Love.
Sarah Turner

Update

2005-03-29T02:12:00.000-08:00

All teams except for Bill and Katy have been accounted for and are returning to the base in Colombo.

We welcome Dustin Cole from California who will be here for the next 2 months, offering tsunami support.

Update in Regards to the Recent Earthquake

2005-03-28T14:52:00.000-08:00

Vegas called me this morning to inform me of a second earthquake. It came from the same fault that resulted in the massive tsunamis in December. It was recorded at 8.7 and was followed by a 6.2 aftershock. Thailand received warning and evacuated most of the people from the coastal areas. Sri Lanka did not receive warning that we know of.

Vegas and the majority of the team are safe in Colombo.
Andy, Mike, Amanda, and a few others (I do not know who) were traveling to Trincomalee when it hit. Vegas has not heard from them yet.

Please pray for the teams. I will update this as soon as I know more. Feel free to call me if you have specific concerns. 775-544-5601.

Sarah Turner

Second Earthquake Update

2005-03-28T12:26:00.000-08:00

As of 3 hours since the initial earthquake in Bande Aceh, we have not experienced any damage or destruction as a result.

We have not re-establish contact with the 5 whom delivered medical supplies today nor have we received work from Bill and Katy (Maryland) whom conencted with a church in Trinco.

As soon as we reach them will update them accordingly. Currently telephone and most internet connections arr down. (I'm writing from the Apollo hospital)

-Vegas

2005-03-25T00:31:00.000-08:00

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Yesterday I got up at 5am to get the team of 18 up and ready to leave to go to the South to deliver 420 backpacks of school supplies for a school in the south in the city of Ambalagoda.

We finished distributing the school packs and drove the 2 hours back to our house in Colombo. When we arrived we found the tenet of the ground floor, Mr. De Alwis very upset with us. He held himself in the doorway blocking us from going in and thereby entering the top floor of the apartment we legally rent until our lease is up at the end of April.

When Mr. De Alwis, whom is also the deputy mayor of a city near Ambalagoda stepped away to speak to one of his servants, I tried to enter at which point the mayor came to the doorway and grabbed my arm. I yelled for him not to touch me and to let go of my upper arm, at which point he said he would harm me by punching me. After my team and many of the neighbors who gathered near the house turned to see this he yelled that he would punch me. After a few moments of him staring at me he said, “I will kill you”, at which point he ordered his servants for a knife. His servants delayed and he walked inside asking one of his servants to watch the door and went inside with the intention of finding a knife.

At this point, my entire team and myself moved about 15 feet away from the gate and contacted the police via cell phone. After one of the neighbors notified him we had done so, he yelled, “Be very careful, watch your back, I cannot be touched here”.

Mr. De Alwis, is the deputy mayor of Bentota, Sri Lanka. Bentota is one city (2 km) north of Ambalagoda and he has communicated many times that his city is in need of Tsunami relief. Because he has communicated in the past we found to be untrue, I have passed upon the needs to other organizations such as Compassion International, United Red Cross, and other professional tsunami relief organizations.

Our entire team is agreement, that Mr. De Alwis is a threat to the tsunami relief we do here and more importantly to our safety in the country. We have filed a police report of this matter and notified the US Embassy. The US Embassy and other relief organizations have instructed us to move from the premises, which we have done and are currently at a safe undisclosed location in the countries capital city, Colombo. We are currently looking for another place to live and asking for a donation of US $500, which would provide housing and utilities until April 31st, the date of our return to the US. Sri Lanka’s lease policies differ from the United States in the way that tenants prepay the entire term of the rent plus deposit. We hope to get our deposit from the property owners in Minnesota but because of the close relationship between the deputy mayor and the owners we do not expect this to happen.

Thank you for your time,
Vegas Thornton
Vegas@srilankaoutreach.com

New Members from Denver

2005-03-22T03:10:00.000-08:00

With a super-packed 40 foot container from Australia in front of us, and many villages near Galle in need of clothing and food to help, our team of 19 tackled the several day process of sorting, grouping, packing and distribution good.

We welcome our newest 5 members from Denver who will be with us for the next week and an half.

Paul Gunnick (42)
Judy Gunnick (41)
Stephen Gunnick (13)
Leesha Gunnick (11)
Chris Gunnick (16)

Please pray for the Gunnicks health, safety, and enduirance during this time for work, and relief support to the people of Sri Lanka.

San Diego Intervaristy Tsunami Team

2005-03-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

The team of 10 from the University of California, San Diego arrived today in Sri Lanka. The majority of the team plans to stay for 2 weeks, with many staying as long as 3 months.

The purpose of the team is to focus on tsunami relief alongside the existing student team here. This brings the total of Americans here- serving the affected thousands- to a little over 20.

Within 24 hours of arriving in Sri Lanka, the Sand Diego team joined the Potsdam, Las Vegas, and others in assessing need, visiting camps, distributing purchased bananas, crayons, and paper to the children in many government camps in the South.

The combined groups also packaged 180 boxes of family packs to be loaded and distributed to LTTE controlled Jaffna. The team will not be directly invlolved in the distribution of this load but will be in other areas in the future.

Each Family Package includes items purchase by Samaritan's purse as follows:

3 plastic plates
1 dish rag
1 3 x 6 mirror
1 lantern
1 mat
1 stove
3 pans
3 metal cups
1 blanket
1 butcher knife
and other things.

Thank you all for your assistance and prayer, seen and unseen. Please be in prayer for personal, and governmental decisions to be made in the next few days. Also prayer for Travel Mercies, Health, Protection, Individual preparation, and Unity for the teams here as well as for those yet to come.

A VERSE OF SCRIPTURE FROM THE SAN DIEGO TEAM:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

More News

2005-03-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

This came out on Monday, March 14, 2005:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Mar-14-Mon-2005/business/780127.html

Sarah

Volunteers Join Morotuwa Worksite

2005-03-14T23:47:00.000-08:00

A Canadian volunteer joins the Morotuwa worksite flatening dirt as a group of Sri Lankan women proudly hammer the future walls and door of their home for the next year.

Credit Michael Balonek
Full size image

Photos

2005-03-12T23:38:00.000-08:00

Mike and Amanda have been taking tons of phots.

Please see them at http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/michaelbalonek/album?.dir=/5249&.src=ph.

Serving by all ways possible

2005-03-12T23:02:00.000-08:00

After 3 days of tiring muscles, sweating bodies, and bruised and bloody fingers from building temporary houses we have seen the fruit grown from this labor. Through a series of extraordinary events we have seen our team of 4 US students and 1 US college professor complete 30 houses in 6 days.

A Sri Lankan commander stopped by the Morotuwa housing worksite asking " what could be done do move the process along" - even though we had only been on-site 3 days. I communicated the need for local help even at the cost of paying 1 dollar per day per worker, and the government constraint of not being able to use local workers because they are not skilled enough to build safe houses. At that point he made the decision that if the workers could not be gathered from the school and camp we are building for; that he would bring soldiers. The next day the campsite was changed! The 3 paid contractors were very upset because they get paid per day but at that point a process was determined and we have not looked back.

In a perfect example, we started showing the women to help by sorting wood and leveling panels. Then, after a failed attempt to hammer a nail into a panel, a village woman took the hammer and finished in 2 hits, less then the typical American 3 or 4. The next step of showing the other women was easy.

When the men returned around noon from fishing, they were quiet and looked a tad discontent. After watching the women for a few minutes a male village leader took one of the hammers from his wife, causing loud speaking from all the women. At the thought of female humiliation in front of his friends he retreated to using the electric saw, taught to him the day before.

Who would have thought women’s equal rights could be taught from the foreigner students.

Now we don't know if in the evening there was unrest in the camp. But if unrest existed, it would have been outweighed by the pride now displayed by the 52 families or 300 people living in the Morotuwa school house.

Since we have worked our way out of hands-on jobs in Morotuwa we will remain on site for a week or two to help where possible. We have been asked to work on a short term need for food and clothing sorting with a group that has just started. This may happen in the evenings, if we are not too exhausted. The team’s expertise in previous food distribution and the efficient American way is sure to raise question but show others another way of doing the same thing.

Embassy to All Eastern Volunteers

2005-03-12T22:57:00.000-08:00

Bill and Katie have traveled to the East to find a church in need to church partnering along side their home church in the US.

Please pray for their safety based upon the following alert in respons to several murders and politically motivated assasinations.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Colombo, ACS"
To:
Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2005 11:12:58 +0600
Subject: CONSULAR WARDEN MESSAGE!
WARDEN MESSAGE
THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
THROUGH THE EMBASSY WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS
IN SRI LANKA. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS YOU
KNOW,WHO ARE NOT REGISTERED WITH THE EMBASSY.

Warden's Message 11 March 2005

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka advises all American citizens in the east of Sri
Lanka of ongoing violence, including politically motivated assassinations in
that area. US citizens are advised to avoid political demonstrations that
may occur in this area. Political activity and gatherings may well become
the focus of violence in the area.

We urge American citizens in the region to exercise increased caution. We
do not recommend that American Citizens work alone as individual volunteers
in Eastern Sri Lanka at this time.

Americans working on relief projects in large groups are urged to register
with the Embassy.

If you have an emergency, please contact us at colomboacs@state.gov
or phone us at our daytime phone 2448007 and
after hours at 2447035. Please continue to monitor our website at
for security updates.

From an American's Perspective

2005-03-10T23:46:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

This Sarah Turner writing from Reno, NV. Coming back was an interesting experience. I had an overnight stay in Zurich, Switzerland where I got to see what being "lost in translation" is really like. All of the signs and overhead annoucments at the airport are first stated in Swiss, and then in German. Nothing more. Being that I do not know Swiss or German I had to ask a lot of questions and wander around looking especially confused. I had to run to the train, not walk at a leisurely place, and deal with the fact that I was no longer a minority by appearance, but still couldn't understand what was being said around me. I was dressed in the warmest clothing that I had, meaning a sweat shirt and tennis shoes (it's about 100 degrees in Sri Lanka right now,) but had to walk to the train station in a 28 degree snow storm- actually, that was fun.

Once in America I could understand all of the conversations taking place around me- a rather claustrophobic feeling. I found myself hovering dangerously close to a women speaking French into her cell phone, just feel isolated for an extra second. Even here, though, the signs and overhead announcements made in the airports are only in English. No other languages. If your are lucky, and happen to speak Spanish, you may see a bathroom sign from place to place, but that's really about it. It made me realize, and have a new respect for, how brave exchange students and immigrants are. The prices are outrageous, everything's in English, and Americans do not walk in a way that says "please stop me if you need assistance." Takes guts.

In speaking with passer-bys in the last two days, I have found that no one knows where Sri Lanka is, and the idea of speaking Sinhalese is completely beyond comprehension. The general public also seems to believe that the work here is going to take years (which is true) and therefore you should only come to help if you can stay for years (which is not true.) There is very little information left in the media, and even fewer ways to raise money in the mix of things. I was delighted to see blue bracelets on sell at 7/11. They are made and sold by Save the Children, an NGOs that is doing a very very good job in Sri Lanka, and have a line of stick-figures holding hands all around the band. The bracelets are $3 and that money actually goes to Sri Lanka, please buy as many of these bracelets as you can- I have one for each wrist.

I still plan to be as much a part of this team as possible. On the surface, I was asked to come home because of circumstances that I cannot control, but deeper down I feel that God has called me home to prepare my heart. A wise friend asked me why Jesus had come. I said, "to change the lives of everyone he met?" He said, "To focus solely on 12 people, preparing them to build and lead his church for the rest of time; and in doing so, he effected the lives of everyone he met. He didn't come to feed 5,000 people, he came to grow 12 workers into 12 disciples, and they fed 5,000 people."

My plan is to meet with the Pastors and Leaders here in order to form a new plan. Volunteers never have to be believers in order to help, but I would like to be in scripture and prayer together. I want my focus to be the volunteers, and through them, the people of Sri Lanka will be served. So this will be my goals for this next chapter of time, in addition to raising awareness and hopefully finding more funding.

Thank you all for your prayers. Please continue to pray for Vegas and the teams in (and coming shortly to) Sri Lanka. Please continue to support us. A personal request, could you please pray for a friend of mine who has popped out her ribs, unable to work, and in a great amount of pain? I don't want to write her name, but God knows who she is, and he'll listen on her behalf. Thank you!

1 John 3:16 (New International Version)
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."

Peace and Faith,
Sarah Turner

Photos

2005-03-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

Mike and AManda have updated photos.
They can be found at at http://www.flickr.com/photos/sl_amanda

Hello New Team Members

2005-03-07T05:25:00.000-08:00

Sarah Turner was my counter-part and one of the most influential persons involved with our work here. As you may have read she has made the difficult decision to travel back to the states at herparents request. Sarah will be missed here by locals and the team that worked with her. Please be in pray for her safety and travels as she ventures back to the US and finds what her next step leads. Sarah hopes to contonue to work with our team from the States on the orphanage project through child sponsorship.

Secondly, we are glad to welcome 4 new members to the Outreach Team. They come from the US like all of us to give energy and help to the many thousands, homeless, jobless and devistaed by the tsunami. I would like to intorduce them below.

Mike Balonek (Potsdam, New York)
Amanda Balonek (Potsdam, New York)
Bill Kitchin (Baltimore, Maryland)
Katie Kitchin (Baltimore, Maryland)

These memebrs will be working hands on in many areas of ministry and tsunami relief. You will hear from them on the blog and through photos often as they describe the work, need, and all that is going on. Mike and Amanda may be working with the YMCA on the East coast running some of the YMCA programs and music classes. Please pray for the lord direction with this decision.

Today we built 6 houses and hope to finish 80 by end of the month in the refugee camp of Moratuwa. This project is being led by the evangelical alliance of Sri Lanka on land governmentally owned. The desire of this project is to provide short and long term housing to 400 people / 90 families that are currently living in a school. Moratuwa is a 20 minutes train ride south of our Columbo base.

An Ever Changing Path

2005-03-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Friends, Volunteers, Supporters, and Friends:

This letter has been sent to inform you that Vegas and I will be returning to the United States sooner than expected. My family has asked me to return in order to help with some struggles, so I plan to arrive on United States soil March 8.

I am sorry that I am changing plans that I know some of you have relied on and planned around. I do not feel that this decision is rash or done without great reason. I know that God works in mysterious ways. Even though I could choose to stay in Sri Lanka, I have decided to honour my parents and trust that their will is God's will. I hope that you can understand this.

For those coming to Sri Lanka, please know that both Vegas and I will continue to help as much as possible, both before and during your stay, via phone and email. We will connect you with Volunteer Managers as much as possible before you arrive. I have set up a Blog with everything you need to know: phone numbers, hotels, costs, etc. I will continue to update this as much as possible, but I think it will help you in the beginning.

I apologize again for the short notice. God Bless you in all that you do.

www.slovolunteer.blogspot.com

"The spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance to our God; to comfort all who mourn." Isaiah 61:1-2

Peace and Faith,
Sarah Turner

Encouraging and Challenging Emails

2005-03-02T23:50:00.000-08:00

In the last couple of days our team has been addressed with some very real concerns, and also some very encouraging praises. I would like to share some of them, I will not put who they are from but you can see my response to all of them. This may be a more personal way to show the insider's part of this team:

From a Pastor:

Sarah,
I've been reading with great interest your blog and emails, including those your mom sends us. I am happy to hear that there has been some degree of resolution with the team, but am sad that it seems everyone is going their own way from here on. I felt like I needed to express my concerns about your situation, and you can take it or leave it.

1. This may sound a little trivial in light of all that's going on, but your present living arrangement (you and Vegas sharing an apartment) seems a tad questionable to me. A team of people living in an apartment is one thing, but two single young people of the opposite sex living in an apartment in a foriegn land just opens the door to speculation on the part of those looking in, and, yes, even temptation on your part. You and Vegas do no honor to the name of Christ by co-habiting in this way. And you put yourselves in a situation that could easily cause you to compromise your relationship with Christ. There...I said it.

2. I'm concerned about who is representing 30 Churches you are connecting with. Is there some stateside contact that can verify who this person is and what their role is in the situation? Forgive my cynicism, but there are thousands of very clever cons being reported around the relief effort. At this point it seems wise to remain skeptical and proceed slowly. Send me any names and contact information you have on the church there and I'll do the research from here. I just need to know more about these folks to be very excited about your partnership with them. I know the guy here in Sparks well enough to get him on this for me if I have some names and contact information.

3. Who are you and Vegas accountable to there now that the team is disbanded? You seem to be pretty much on your own, and that doesn't do much for your credibility (or safety, frankly) in a volitile area and circumstance. You have no experience in relief work or cross-cultural mission (that I know of) and you are in a very different culture from your own. You are Christian and American and young and female, living and traveling with a young male who is the same. All of these things are hurdles to overcome in your present circumstance and some of them put you in grave danger. Who is looking out for YOU? Who is guiding and supervising you and your work there?

Look...we love you and are praying for you. We also (many of those who have spoken with me anyway) think you're a bit over the edge at the moment. Personally I think you guys should come home and get reinforcements, and look for an agency here that can send you and train you and supervise you. There is a reason World Vision responded to you the way they did...and I think you should listen carefully to them.These are my personal concerns, mainly. Many others, as I mentioned, share my concerns. NOBODY wants to say ANY of this to you because we love your heart and passion and don't want to squish any of that out of you. Be we are worried for you, and I thought you should know.I'm copying this to your mom and dad because I love them and don't want to keep any secrets from them...especially when it comes to their daughter. They didn't know I was sending this to you and they didn't ask me to. Fact is, they might even be pissed at me for doing it. Unfortunately I am not good at pretending...or keeping my mouth shut when I have an opinion.

Please reply as you can. I would love to hear from you.

My Response:

Your concerns are very appropriate and I appreciate your honesty- hardto take, as it is... I will address your concerns as best I can.

In regards to Vegas and I living together: We asked a religious official if it would be inappropriate to live together. He said the same as you, that a team of people in onehouse would be alright but that the two of us alone would not be okay.The apartment that we plan to get will be available to us on Sunday,January 30. A volunteer from Fresno- a 45yr old, married woman named Andrea- will move in with us on February 4 and a couple - IV alumnai from NY- will move in on March 1. As far as the four days until Sundayand the four days until Andrea arrives, Vegas and I are considering getting seperate hotel rooms (they are $6 a night) or staying with the family. The family will not reject us or kick us out, it has only been my desire to move out as soon as possible because I feel that we are a burden to them, financially and otherwise. The apartment has three bedrooms and two bathrooms- from the moment that we step in the door, boys and girls can have different bathrooms and bedrooms. This will give us the appropriate distance and privacy.

In regards to our church contact: --I had about a paragraph here but was asked to take it off for privacy sake. I do not want to get any of the existing christian organizations in Sri Lanka in trouble--

In regards to who is looking out for us: You are right that we do not have the training that we need, or the resources, or the skills to offer (that was actually one of my dad's points), or the accountability in the States or in Sri Lanka. As far as accountability goes, we are trying to fix that. We were just given the email addresses of IV Staff, here in Sri Lanka, and would love to connectwith them for support and general prayer. In the meantime, our church contact has agreed to meet with us once a week and discuss our progress, problems, and cultural know-hows. We also met some Sri Lankan students who have spent the last year in America, and they call us all the time to make sure we're ok and answer any questions. The guy that we bought our cell phone from calls us daily to check up, and a man from Canada keeps us updated on the news and religious tension. So it's spread out- but people are looking out for us. As far as the states goes, I have to talk to my parents as much as possible and that's the only support that I get. For personal accountability I have been emailing my partner in America: she keeps me honest and prays for me in the areas of temptation and comfort and all that. I do the same for her, so that relationship has not been lost. Vegas does the same with his accountability partner.

As far as being in too deep, or over the edge, or not having any clue what we're doing- you're right. But I would have given up already if I didn't feel that this is exactly where God wants me. I'm scared spitless and consider coming home every day- but it's an easy out. I won't do it. The doors here keep opening, even if it's just a crack at a time. It takes a lot of patience and prayer- a lot more than I have, but God makes up for the rest. He intercedes for me when I cannot pray and strokes my head in the night when I cannot cry. I have felt his hand on my head every night since I've gotten here, I wake up and look around, but there's nothing there but his peace, so I go back to sleep. I am glad that I'm here, over my head, with nothing to offer-because that means that what people receive is not any of me, and all of God.Please continue to write your concerns to me, and communicating with my parents. I know that they are concerned as well and it is harder for them to tell me their concerns because what I need from them as support.

Pray for them and for us.
Sarah Turner

From a Volunteer:

My name is ----------------- and I'm a part of a local church in San Diego,California. This past two weeks, our church has been fasting and prayingover the Lord's direction-we have felt a calling to go to Southeast Asiaand help out with the Tsunami Releif. After two weeks of calling differentorganizations, we were unable to find any Christian organizations thatwent to Sri Lanka. So, thinking it is our only option and best option, weare currently planning to go to Sri Lanka in Mid-end March with an secular group called Global Crossroads.We have been frankly trying to contact churches, mission organizations,etc for Sri Lanka local missionaries and churches so that our physicalrelief work might also be partnered with ministry work for His Kingdom.

Today, by the Sovereignty of God (because I'm not sure why I got this update email), I received your updates.Would it be possible for us to get in contact with you, your team, and the local churches in Sri Lanka? Do you need our manual labor/help or shouldwe still stick with Global Crossroads? Would Visa be harder to obtain ifwe went into the country individually? At this time, we're trying to tie last minute plans together. So if you could get back to me ASAP, that would be wonderful.I am encouraged and excited by reading your blog updates. I know that the Lord will do wonderful things through you and your team! If anything-we'llbe simply broken by the Spirit in being there...stretched in numerousways.

Praise God! Hope to talk with you soon.

From a Friend:

Someone I've never met sent me this email below about your relief efforts. I wondered if your group is plagued with lecturer types who don't work and serve. Or I wondered if your group is led by people who do not believe it is ever appropriate to speak in reciprocally friendly conversations, about Jesus. It seems by the emphatic nature of your 'need to be clear' that it is one or the other. Frankly I tend to find both extremes rather ridiculous. Not that any was asking, but apparently someone felt I should know about this 'good work' done by mimes apparently guilted into sensitive silence, or radicals reigned-in for inciting religious riot. Smile. I felt this statement below indicated something I'd not want to support, just FYI.

My Response:

That was rather bold, thank you. I personally find myself to be the type ofperson who's attitude says "you don't really believe that it's GOOD NEWS if you aren't motivated to tell anyone and everyone about it..." and so in thatregard, I strongly agree with you, I wouldn't want to support me either.What you brought up is a very good point.

What were are facing is a cultural threat. In coming here, I had the plan to show the love of Jesus by my actions and speak the love of Christ to those who asked about it. Another team of Christians came here, however, proclaiming the same goal. Instead, they put on skits and handed out tracks.This created a tremondous backlash from the community, and the churches are now reluctant to accept "christian workers." That is why I added that comment- I had to. I don't feel good about it and may take it off, but we will not be supported by the local people if we claim otherwise.

I am sure that if I felt led to stand on a chair and proclaim to gospel ofJohn- I would...and would probably be arrested or killed for it. However, I don't believe (at this moment) that God is calling me to threaten theauthority of existing christians in Sri Lanka.

Thank you for your words,
Sarah Turner

His Response:

Sarah, you rock. Great and helpful reply. You might put that on your web.Many including myself who have served overseas for multiple years have seenshort-term people be of service and be a major pain. Smile. In yoursensitive contexts with this religious people group and the conflictsalready on the ground their between various religious and ideologicalgroups, your testimony, willingness, tact are actually just the sort thatfolk 'who know' would want to promote. Thanks for your reply. And thanksfor not dissing my boldness where it was technically none of my business ina sense. Thanks for taking the time to reply and no need to take up yourvaluable time again. Major thanks and prayers for you and the missiontoday.

Lack of News

2005-03-01T08:50:00.000-08:00

To our friends and family. Although we are busy here we apologize for the lack of blog updates over the past week and a half. We are still working on getting the project details on the orphanage and finding contributors once this project is approved. Secondly we are preparing to welcome new volunteers for the month that will be here for several months.

There are exciting changes that are taking place as we work as much as we can in this redevlopment effort. Please pray God ultimate wisdom be placed upon the refugees, politicians, teams, and advisors here and abroad.

Thank You,
Vegas and Sarah

Limited Free Speech in Sri Lanka

2005-02-20T03:00:00.000-08:00

A email sent from the largest group of Sri Lankan NGO's is communicating that we all need to very careful with anything emailed, posted on the website and communicated to others. This means we cannot communicate some of the serious isses here that we find are not being expressed properly or correctly to our supporters, friends and family in the US and abroad, we hope you understand this problem.

On the request of other NGO's who are forced to do the same, "Until further notice and more specific information has been given regarding what can and cannot be said -we will not and can not mention, describe, document, archive, photograph or comment on what the Sri Lankan government is or is not doing here.".

For more on this please see. http://www.colombopage.com/archive/February18153851UN.html

The Sri Lanka Outreach Team

Orphan Photos

2005-02-19T06:26:00.000-08:00

Todays Phots can be seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/12776927@N00/sets/127154/

Anula Wijerana Orphanage

2005-02-19T05:55:00.000-08:00

Today After prayer and consideration of our budget, Sarah and I purchased and delivered a refrigerator to the Tsunami orphanage in Bentota. This orphanage receives 10 rupees (10 cents) per child, per day. 96.00 US per month total to operate the orphanage.

The orphanage is currently in need of a roof, which will cost 3000 US as follows:

Labor: 600
Material: (Cement, Stone, Sand) 800
Windows and Doors: 600
Roof: 1,000

We have accepted this project, as a worthwhile cause here in Sri Lanka. If the necessary funding is provided, we can accountable for the project and provide necessary results to donor’s prior, during and after the project commences.

About the project:
The building was started in 1990 when a local garmet factory employed some of the orphans who were 18 and older. The orphans than gave a small portion to build this building. When the garment factory closed in 1992, the project was left. The building is to be used as a growth area for the current and additional orphans who are being placed there by Child Services. The room is approximately 25 feet by 10 feet. This project could be completed in 2 weeks. It is easy to employ local skilled workers as the president has issued a halt on all new structures on government land until March 1st. This land is owned by a local trust and therefore does not fall under that presidential provision.

About the orphanage:
The Anula Wijerama Girls Orphanage is located near Bentota, within the Galle district in Southern Sri Lanka. Bentota i a 2 hour bus ride south of Columbo. The orphanage is government sponsored at 96.00 US dollars per month, which cover water, electricity, and some clothing. Private donations from the community are things like pillows, food and anything the village is able to provide. 5 tsunami orphans are located there and government wants to place 5 more. The orphanage was given to the Buddhist Association in the 80’s, which does little with it. The orphanage is maintained by a on-site headmistress and a body of voluntary village businessmen govern it through a board of directors. All donations financially and physically are documented by the local orphanage and at the Governmental Division of Children’s Services in Colombo.

New Photos

2005-02-16T10:02:00.000-08:00

Besides the email, we also upadted the photo album to include the Bentota orphanage.

http://photos.yahoo.com/unlvgeek/

Monthly Email

2005-02-16T09:30:00.001-08:00

We have updated our email list so that you can get our email more
effectively. Please make sure you receive these updates by clicking
here once and completing the form. Thank You. The Sri Lanka Outreach
Team.

http://srilankamissions.blogspot.com/2005/01/join-our-email-list.html

--------------------------------------

It's been more than a month since our team arrived in Sri Lanka. It
took only a few hours of meeting villagers and feeling the destruction
first hand to know that there is not just something to be done, but
something to be done by us.

We came with not much more than a desire to help and few changes of
clothes. We prepared before we left Las Vegas, Los Angeles and
Chicago, but the need being as great and large as it is- nothing could
have truly prepared us.

If we can answer any questions, send you photos, or call you, please
let us know. To keep this short I wanted to share with you some things
to pray about:

VISAS EXTENDED
Thanks to the support of the US Embassy, our visas have been extended
for another 2 months. Please pray as this team grows to 20 by the end
of March, that we are used as parts to a master plan, avoid being
labeled as coverters, and spread a hope and love for the people of Sri
Lanka.

GIRLS ORPHANAGE
Through many contacts we have found an orphange to focus on. Because
we are foreigners and because of pedophiles, orphanges have not been
able to work with us or any other foreign group. This orphange is not
government run but does need help. To put the need into perspective,
the headmaster gets 10 rupees (10 cents) per child per day. That is a
total of $96.00 per month for the entire orphanage of 32 girls aged 6
to 18. We are meeting with groups to see how we can take on this
project. There are monthly needs and short term needs that they have
asked us to help with. One need is to complete the building that was
left half finished 3 years ago will cost $3000 US. Another is to
provide a refridigerator to the house that will cost $350 US. If you
feel you would like to contribute to this special project please visit
the website and specify GIRLS ORPHANAGE as the project.

BENTOTA SCHOOL
A school has asked for everything from school supplies like books,
paper and pencil, to clocks and water filters. Through our contacts
with the Dutch, Methodist, Assembly of God and other NGO's we are
gathering these donations. We feel at this point we can get as many
essential supplies donated from these contacts. However some items
such as a clocks or a typewriter cannot be met. If you feel you would
like to contribute to this special project please visit the website
and specify BENTOTA SCHOOL as the project.

BENTOTA JOB DEVELOPMENT
With only 40 houses destroyed the city of Bentota, it is an area we
can focus on and complete. All NGOs have overlooked this city in favor
of press worthy areas such as Galle and the East. Bentota had a large
tourism economy and all has stopped. We would like to see each person
displaced from work be able to not only write a good resume but also
be encouraged to apply once the hotels reopen and start to gain
activity. We see ourselves doing this by a job bank, resume training,
and job expo events. We are pressuring other NGOs working rebuilding
areas to hire these people so not only are they helping they are
regaining confidence while they earn a wage. Please pray that such
obstacles such as worker depression, low income, national politics,
and lack of our expertise in such a task, be guided by the masters
hand or this door closed to focus on other things. One-time Costs will
be about $90 US for copies of applications, transportation, telephone
calls and computer time.

HOUSING FUND
Currently our monthly budget for the month of February has been met.
However with only monthly US $200 of a promised of US $700 actually
being given, we ask you to please either consider sponsoring what we
are doing here either monthly or with a one time gift. We feel that if
we are supposed to be here the finances will be worked out.
Therefore,If you feel you would like to contribute us please visit the
website and specifiy HOUSING FUND.

Thank you for your support and prayers.

God Answers Prayers

2005-02-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you about my last two days.

The day has been approaching when Vegas and I's visas would run out. That day was supposed to be February 14. We were slightly disheartened when we discovered that we did not have the funds to renew them, that America has-more or less- stopped caring about Sri Lanka, and that our support is not rolling in as easily as we would have liked to hope.

I started to consider, in my mind, what God would like me to do in the States that I could not do in Sri Lanka. In my heart, I felt that the answer was Nothing. I felt that if I had to return home, I would feel unfulfilled- despite the fact that we have done a lot of tangible work here. I felt that we would be giving up too early, or selling ourselves short- a horrible feeling. This was making me rather depressed because I did not understand God, or what his plan was. I knew, in my head, that God was big enough to support us with the funds; but I convinced myself that he would not, because it was his will for us to return to the States.

Our team lives on the second floor of our building (the third floor, according to Americans.) Two days ago, we met the man living in the Ground Floor. His name is Richard, and he is the Deputy Mayor of Bentota, a city in South Sri Lanka. Richard explained to us that he was in Bentota when the tsunami hit, that he survived, but immediately flew to America for safety. He had just returned, 30 days later, to a new land. He didn't know what the state of his country was or what was being done to help. In learning that we had been in Sri Lanka for the last 30 days, and learned a lot about the devastation and efforts to relieve it, he invited us to come to Bentota- to see his city with him and tell him all that we had learned. Vegas and I figured that it was a good way to spend our last few days, so we agreed.

Yesterday, at 7am, we piled into a 10 passenger van: me, Vegas, Richard, his cousin, and five household helpers and friends. We told him all that we knew- which NGOs were where, what areas aren't receiving help, etc.

Bentota is beautiful. Honestly it is the most beautiful place that I've ever been in my life. Bed-quilt of trees over a soft lagoon, center of a calm city. It was so nice to get away from three-wheelers and hecklers and beggars, from bad traffic and loud horns. Richard had to go to a meeting, so we waited at a guest house that he had (one of three.)

During that time I received a phone call from my parents. They had heard some threatening things and were concerned that I was not acting correctly. I could not answer their questions and began to feel that I had no clue what I was doing anymore. My mom asked if I would be more helpful in the States and I didn't have an answer. Our phone call was cut short and so there was no resolution.

I cried. Vegas asked me if I wanted to go home. My head said yes but my heart said no. I explained to him that the bible tells us that God calls the meek and unworthy to do the greatest work. That Moses and Joshua didn't want to do what God gave them to do. The bible tells us that they did it anyway, but it never says that they doubted themselves, were spiritually attacked, probably lost a lot of friends and family, and quite possibly never saw the full effects of their works because of it. I said that I wanted to do whatever God wanted, but that it sucked that there is not joy from it.

Richard took us to two schools. The first school was government run. The kids were in class and were nicely dressed. We met the principal of the second school. It was a charter school for the poor kids. The kids did not have shoes, books, computers, pencils, type writers, or even paper. He took us to a room, where 20 kids performed a native dance and song for us- while the teacher played the jimbae. It was so fun to watch. The off-beat kids were in the back, messing up but trying so hard. The really fluid girls were front and center, you could tell that they were trying to show off. A single girl stood in back banging symbols (that's the closest thing I can compare them to) together. I held eye contact with her for a long time. She reacted to me as if no one had ever seen "the girl in back" before. She smiled and looked down.

Vegas and I have the connections to get these kids everything they need. We gathered a list and promised the principal that we could do all we could. --That felt wonderful.

Over lunch, Vegas mentioned that he would like to meet the Division Secretary (the equivalent to a Senator, he heads the group that reports the needs from 300 person villages.) Richard called him up and set an appointment, we drove right over.

The Division Secretary showed us what their plans are and gave us copies of his files. He described for us, the governments commitments with their money and so on. Vegas explained three concepts: The first is the concept is of hiring the unemployed (due to the tsunami) to remove the rubble for general labor prices- thus propelling the economy and providing an income to those who need it. The second concept is that of creating a data base, or job bank, of those needs that the city has, and the recourses that are available- so that they are easier to connect on a local basis. The third concept is that of publishing a blue print of temporary housing, so that everyone has equal housing and does not get used to living with their relatives- where we can't reach them. Needless to say, the division Secretary loved all of these ideas and asked Vegas to come back in a week to present them to the village leaders. (I talked him out of wasting supplies- yay me!)

So that felt good. We decided that we can adopt Bentota, use it as a testing ground for these concepts. If they work- it will spread, it they don't- the country's still exactly where it was at. Man, I wish God's plans were small, it'd be so much easier.

Today, Vegas and I checked the bank account to see $463.00- enough for visas! We were also promised $300 more. THEN we were told that the embassy could sponsor our visas- man oh man.

We returned to Colombo to get administrative stuff done. Before even returning to the apartment we receive an email from an American who wants to meet with us for dinner (he was in Colombo for the day.) It turned out that this certain individual was a long time missionary of Asia and many places. He was very kind. He treated us to dinner and asked a lot of questions about our testimonies and why we are here. He was very encouraging and spoke truth about the Lord and his guidance. It was the first "preaching" that's really touched my heart since we arrived. He asked us about accountability and told us to read Galatians 5 (which we've been told a lot, lately.) He promised us a one time gift of $1000 to have over these next three months. He said that in that time we would work together and establish a relationship. After that, we will see how our organizations are, or aren't, compatible.

We finished the evening with him and our friend, Ron, discussing theology over a living-room table. I felt refreshed. I know that God does have a plan and that something so small- like watching some kids dance- can bring the kind of joy that God feels when he looks at his children.

Thank you all for your prayers. God is listening.

Contact Information

2005-02-09T13:35:00.000-08:00

Our address is:

Tsunami Relief Team (you have to write this or else we get taxed)
19-2/1 Pamankada Lane
Colombo 06, SRI LANKA

-Feel free to send us care packages!-

Our personal mobile in Sri Lanka 011 94 077 698 2124

Embassy of the United States of America
Phone: 011-94-11-2-448007
ask for extenstion 2445 - RSO DAO consular
http://www.slembassyusa.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

2005-02-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

In response to questions and comments regarding the Sri Lanka Outreach Team we have created the following FAQ to best assist those visiting the website and planning to serve the people of Sri Lanka. If you have a question regarding something not answered here please email Sarah@SriLankaOutreach.com.

What is the Sri Lanka Strike/Outreach Team?
The team was conceived in December 2004 after the tsunami of 2004 claimed the lives of several thousands and the need for volunteers to come and assist in relief, rebuild and counsel of those affected by the tsunami. Sarah Turner and Vegas Thornton of Las Vegas contacted many college students and churches to send teams, support or tangible relief with them. The response was overwhelming and many people have been helped. The team exists on private non tax deductible donations. Politically, the team is considered individual travelers and support of the relief effort.

What is the purpose of the Team?
The purpose of the team is to assist the people of Sri Lanka by offering physical, mental and spiritual support to those who ask. This is achieved several ways:
1. By providing hardwork to those affected by the tsunami.
2. By daily seeking the wise and honest counsel of those in relation to, benefited by and with more wisdom than the team.
3. By living our faith as Christian not just as name by through actions.
4. By being prepared for others who wish to come and serve

Why does the team focus on the country of Sri Lanka?
At the time of preparation and creation of the plan of support, our team was in communication with 3 Sri Lanka based Non-governmental Organizations (NGO's) that required volunteers. The ability for a team to stay for a minimum of 3 months plus the low cost of airfare cause Sri Lanka to be the best solution.

What organizations are you affiliated with?
Because of the sensitive nature of the political situation and the risks in involved with publishing names of organization, all we are allowed to say is that we are working with effective Sri Lankan based Christian organizations who does not practice any form of conversion. Currently the organizations we are affiliated with represent the needs of the entire country not just Sri Lankan Government controlled areas. These include but not limited to Columbo, Batticoloa, Galle, Matara, Mullaittivu.

What kind of security measures does your team have in place?
Security is one of the most important goals when consider anything we do here. Although we do carry a cell phone that works in the major city areas, we make it a habit to never away from the group unless agreed on by the team.

What type of medical coverage is available with the team?
Our team attempts to only travel with a medical professional or EMT. This person is reponsible to take care of our teams medical well-being. Although we arrived with a medical professional we found the facilities in Columbo and surrounding areas to offer plenty of medical care and therefore with only be concerned with the help of a medical professional when we travel to areas not directly proximate to working medical facilities. Medical coverage is available and we recommend obtaining this within the United States or home country.

How many people are in your team?
Currently we have 2 coordinators:

Sarah Turner (1/15/2005) administering teams/in Columbo.

Vegas Thornton (1/15/2005) administering teams/in Columbo.
Seven, so far, have been connected with other organizations. We wish them the best of luck!

How long will you serve in Sri Lanka?
Currently the members will serve Sri Lanka until they leave at the end of March. The leaders, Sarah and Vegas plan to stay as long as Visa's are allowed.

Where are you based at?
We are housed and based in Columbo, Sri Lanka, the capital and only airport city of Sri Lanka. We travel to areas that require assistance we can provide. Because of security precautions we can only provide you our physical address in Columbo if you contact us via email or phone. +94-077-698-2124

What are the areas of need?
Hopefully based on the news you have read on our daily updates, you see that our group see many areas of need. The better question is how can a group of varied expertise provide a country who has been decimated? The answer is all here.
The country has poor living, building, governmental, and communication standards as it is. So looking down a street never affected by the tsunami in the capital of Columbo causes you to be confused where to start. Through varied organizations that have planted people, churches and other groups to assist in growing, building, developing areas lacking basic needs we assist by meeting whatever need we can. This may include orphanage painting, or food and clothing sorting, or assessment of needs of small villages of 300 or less. With each new piece of need uncovered these organizations provide a list of labor needs. That is where we have found to be effective.

How can I support the team financially?
Our team needs support on a month-to-month basis, more than in lump sums. However, all donations are extremely helpful, and will be put to good use. You can give to the strike team in three ways.

1.) Make a direct deposit into Wells Fargo account #3977701774. If you need more information about this, please email Sarah@SriLankaOutreach.com

2.) Send money using PayPal. Our user ID is yellowlif@yahoo.com

3.) You can make a check out to Sarah Turner and send it to:

Attn: Turners

Sri Lanka Outreach

1100 Wyoming Ave.

Reno, NV 89503

2005-02-09T00:07:00.000-08:00

A photo of 2 of the 12 tents that were installed after leveling the ground on Feb, 03, 2005

New Photo Gallery

2005-02-08T23:43:00.000-08:00

This gallery comes in 3 pieces. Twice, We worked with the Assembly of God church in setting tents in the south in the town Kaluthra, a near 2 hour train trip. We also started communicating with the Dutch Church gathering requiremnets for ways they can help. Last we visited the AOG headquarters that is coordinating the entire effort for Assembly of God and waht we feel is the best use of materials, money and effort.

Just visit http://photos.yahoo.com/unlvgeek/

Financial Update

2005-02-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

GIVE VIA PAYPAL
http://srilankamissions.blogspot.com/2005/02/paypal.html

Yesterday we put down the three months rent and security deposit on our Team's first apartment! This apartment is being rented as a base of operations, where teams can stay and eat together; a place to rest. The apartment cost us $350 per month- $1,400 total. It is in a safe place, and has a very good location in relation to the things that we will need: a market and internet cafe. Since our team travels a lot, this base will not be a place that we spend a lot of time, but rather, a place that we can look forward to returning to after a long time of physically and emotionally difficult work.

Budget:
After three weeks here, this is what we project the monthly budget to be (per person):
Transportation- $100.00
Food- $150.00
Internet- $20.00
Telephone- $40.00
Housing- FREE while traveling, but we ask every person to share a portion of the monthly rent

Visas cost $174 for every three months. After the first three months, there is an additional tax of $100 for every time your visa is extended.

Need:
Currently, our team of three carries $300. Buying food and transportation for more people is cheaper, so this amount should suffice until March.

Vegas and I have not yet purchased our visas, however, which expire- they've been approved, just not payed for- on February 14 (Happy Valentines Day!) The total for that is $348.

I also find myself in a place of need in that I have not found a supporter to help with my Las Vegas condo- currently occupied by only my roommate, and keeping all of Vegas and I's stuff while we are away. This is $270 per month.

**A note to readers: Although it may seem as though Vegas and I are extremely irresponsible with our budget, and should- therefore- not be helped at all. Please let me explain that an amount of $700 monthly support has been taken away from us due to personal needs that have arisen in the life of the doner who promised it. We feel no ill feelings about this, but it is a set-back. In addition to this, a lump sum of $715 has not yet been provided- though it was promised. I am trusting that if God wants us here, he will provide the support. If not, then we will have no choice but to return to the States sooner than expected. In the future we will be sure to set a budget based upon actual amount, as opposed to promised amount.**

If you would like to support the Sri Lanka Outreach Team with your finances, please see the support section at the end of our FAQ.

Week 2 Photos

2005-02-02T01:54:00.000-08:00

Our digital cameras seems to be busted or the batteries we buy here are no good.

Either way way found some photos (not ours) to keep you update of the progress. We will update you with our photos as soon as possible. See the album.

News from the team

2005-02-02T01:38:00.000-08:00

For our hard work in the south we have been given very red burns which we are rather certain will become farmers tans. We setup many tents in the south alongside village locals who reside in Koluthara. One month later and they still do not have housing more than UN tarps. We provided many 2 room single family tents to the people who are either without housing or people who are living cramped with others. The locals used the cardboard the tents came in as beds. We will be in our new apartment tommorow and look forward to returning to clean and rebuild wells with our newest member Andrea on Saturday.

Today former president Bill Clinton announced he will be officially working with the UN special envoy to provide negotation and other valuable skills to this country. So we look forward to encouraging news from the UNDP, UN and USAID programs.

The LTTE has announced is is seeking international NGO's and not the Sri Lankan governemnet to distribute aid.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1218769,001301540003.htm

The NDMC has created a needs website that tracks needs and whats available.
http://www.undp.lk/ndmc/Humanitarian/HumanitarianAid_Home.htm

Not counting the LTTE areas, "70% of affected Sri Lankans without aid"
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/130426/1/.html

Currently, According to the Inspecotrs General command of Sri Lanka
(government for all areas expect most of the north and the east)
Identified Death Count 20936
Bodies Buried or destroyed 10152
People displaced is 296,959
Current Orphan count unreported

Currently, According to the Tamils Rehabilitation Organization
(government for north and the east)
Identified Death Count unreported
Bodies Buried or destroyed unreported
People displaced is unreported
Current Orphan count 2862

PayPal

2005-02-01T21:52:00.000-08:00

If you would like to contribute to either our apratment and operational needs which include all the things listed in our budget and monthly contributions you may do so by giving to Operations.

If you would like to contribute to Relief Projects which may include orpahnage rebuilding, house building, computer supply and supporting others who may not be able to afford coming here to assist in relief.

Operations:

Relief Projects:

Outreach Update

2005-01-31T05:52:00.000-08:00

We have created the first version of our Team Update Newsletter and notes about needs in the area. This file is in Word Format and can be downloaded by clicking below. A HTML version is also available and does not include images.

Thank you for your prayers and support. We will respond to emails when we are back from Karathua.

God's Blessings,
Vegas

2005-01-29T00:47:00.000-08:00

Sarah Turner of Las Vegas as part of the Sri Lanka Team visiting the people of Morotuwa.

Week 1 Update

2005-01-26T22:42:00.000-08:00

Marking our 1st week here in Sri Lanka here is where we stand.

HOUSING SETUP- We plan to have a Sri Lanka Outreach home within the next few days. We have housing opportunities from many sources. We wish to thank and express our appreciation to our home opener, the family of Amal Peiris who has generously provided housing, food, and transportation for our team of 6. Without the hospitality and understanding of the Peiris' we would find it difficult to continue to be in Sri Lanka. Currently we have confirmed 1 person joining us February and 2 teams pending confirmation. March will bring us a couple from New York.

VISAS RENEWAL- Upon entry to the country, a Visa of 1 month is issued at the Columbo airport. For each 3 months continued, the cost is $174 plus $100 processing fee.

INTRODUCTORY MEETING- Through our communication with governmental, US, Sri Lankan and others in Sri Lanka, we would ask each representative to work with our Outreach Team to plan for an informal hour meeting to communicate relief obstacles, safety concerns, and areas of need.

Assessment #1

2005-01-23T02:52:00.000-08:00

As of tomorrow, Thursday, January 20, 2005, we will have been gone for a week- in Sri Lanka for five days.

Oh my goodness gracious have we seen a lot!

We have been trying to take the first week to assess the situation here, so we have been doing a little bit of everything.

Saturday we went to Moratuwa, less than 45 minutes from Colombo. Even there- so far from the tsunami- was more devastation than we could handle. Along the coast houses have been completely wiped out. The waves were smaller in this area, so most everyone lived- but was left with nothing. UNICEF has already visited this area. They have put up tents and taken the injured to the hospital. Since they have gone, however, no one has even attempted to give them any food, water, or clothing.

We also went to the Sarvodaya Center of Operations. Sarvodaya is a food distribution center working out of large spaces, such as warehouses or Buddhist temples. They are receiving food from other countries and deciding where to distribute it. This is well organized but takes a lot of grunt work, and has very few volunteers. While there, we only met five volunteers- all from Canada.

Sunday we met with a religious representative of Sri Lanka. His connections are with over 30 churches around the coast. Each church lost people and lost supplies "but the church is still standing." They have moved all of the families about two miles inland. They are building camps, putting up tents, and starting housing projects in this area (which, by the way, is the jungle) while they bring in volunteers to clean and rebuild.

We also met with World Vision. World Vision has completely shut the door for untrained volunteers. Because of the tension rising between Christians Non-Government Organizations and the Buddhist Government, they are under strict investigation. Any person who comes to help with one form unfiled, can get them in a lot of trouble. In addition to this, they have had their ability to work with orphanages almost entirely revoked. So until things calm down, they are not taking on any more liability then they already have.

Monday we took the day off the sleep, recover emotionally, buy shoes, and hang out with our host family.

Tuesday we toured the west side of the coast, from Colombo to Galle. Along the way I became very very sad. We had been told again and again that the reason there is no help closer to Colombo, is because all of the organized help is in Galle.

But we stopped in five villages and talked to numerous families- all starving, all sick, all recovering from loss, all living in an overly crowed house- none who have had any help. The first wave was 4 ft and the second was 25 ft. Near Matara, the second wave was 60 ft. We spoke to eight people who'd been at a party when the wave came. Those eight people are the only ones left alive out of the 400 in their community.

In the city of Galle, I did not see one World Vision truck or t-shirt, I did not see any UNICEF or MercyCorps or AmericaCorps or Samaratins Purse volunteers or signs or food stations or tractors. In total, we saw three front-loaders, a groups of kids who were rebuilding their college, and a team of U.S. Marines.

--I have to add this, even though it has nothing to do with assessment....the Marines were rebuilding a school, so there were children everywhere. Our team stopped for about an hour and just played with the kids. They were so much fun! They'd never seen a digital camera before so I gave them mine and let them run around with it. Overall, they were amazed with seeing the picture in the viewscreen after it had been taken. We flew them around like airplanes and put flowers in the girls' hair. It made the entire day with it. Those children kept us sane, they were our saving grace--

We met a British man while in Colombo who was on the same mission as us- to asses the damage and do what he could. We asked him, "Where's all the help?" He told us that the committees have been taking advantage of people's money and that all the big NGO's were supposedly on the east coast. (But our contact on the East coast said that they didn't have any help either.)

Further south, we could not get out of our van because people were swarming it. They would see us coming and run at full speed until they slammed up against the side window.

WHAT TO DO FROM HERE?
I know that it sounds and feels overwhelming, but there are things that can be done. Our team has to decide where we will be used. We have a lot of options. We have food to distribute, shipping contacts, construction supplies being brought over, RV's to travel in, medical supplies to distribute and more...

What we don't have is the manpower to use it all.

We're working very very quickly. There is a lot of politics and a lot of red tape to go around- but we are working and will have an organized way to volunteer within the next week. We want to bring in teams. Teams of five-ten people to volunteer for up to three months at a time. The total cost would be in the area of $1500 per person, including airfare (none of which would go to our team..it's not that kind of group.) Any person who wanted to come for more than a month would need to raise $150 -$300 for each additional month. We do not yet know where our focus will be (as I have said, we have many opportunities) but volunteer opportunities could include construction, food sorting and distributions, working with women and children, survivor inventory, computer work and so on..

We would like to schedule teams starting February 1.

Please contact our Coordinators at Vegas@SriLankaOutreach.com to arrange teams or answer any questions.

Sarah Turner
Sri Lanka Strike Team

We are in the News

2005-01-12T20:53:00.000-08:00

The following page provides some basic information into what we are doing here. Please contact them or us to answer and further questions. Thank You.

Vegas Thornton.Today In Las Vegas and Reno we have been given a little spotlight to share what we are doing on the outside based on what has been stirred on our inside.

The Las Vegas Sun has printed an informal interview with Sarah and I and speaks to those who wonder why and when we would put down our life here in the US to help those who have what they consider life.

Here is the Link:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/lv-other/2005/jan/10/518102757.html
Nevada Appeal

Also seen in Reno was a article discussing our risks with the opportunity.

Las Vegas Review Journal

http://www.rgj.com/news/printstory.php?id=89486

Reno Channel 4
http://www.krnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2796336&nav=8faOV55o

Also we have been contacted by some others in the media. Please pray this can be used to present the need and the opportunity for what it is.

Sri Lanka News and Links

2005-01-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

Centre for National Operations

Deadly blast in Sri Lanka
Sunday, January 9, 2005

What To/Not To Bring

2005-01-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

Bring:
-sleeping bag
-one week's worth of clothes
-work gloves
-passport
-3 photo copies of your passport
-extra money
-rain jacket
-toiletries (very few)
-batteries (very few, if any)
-two pairs of shoes (one pair of heavy shoes and one pair of sandals )
-females: one full length skirt

Do Not Bring:
-unnessesary electronics
-make-up
-more than you can carry

Last Updated 1/23/05

Traveler's Shot List

2005-01-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

Shot List for those going to Sri Lanka:

disclaimer: Though shots are are strongly recommended, none of them are required for access to the country.

VERY IMPORTANT
Hepatitis A & B
Regular 10 year booster (DTP, diphtheria, tetanus, Polio)

RECOMMENDED FOR INLAND TRAVEL
(These shots can only be acquired at a Travel Health Clinic)
Typhoid
Japanese B encephalitis
*Malaria

*Instead of getting a Malaria vaccination, one option is to buy Doxycycline 100mg tablets and take them daily. These are available in Sri Lanka or America for about $4.00 a week.

News 1 Update

2005-01-05T05:57:00.000-08:00

Sri Lanka
Outreach Team Update: Feb. 1, 2005
Mobile in Sri Lanka +94-077-698-2124; www.srilankaoutreach.com

Dear Friends:

It has been almost three weeks since our team
arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to assist with the tsunami recovery efforts. I cannot easily tell you all that we have seen, the tears that we have shared, or the destruction that we have encountered already. We have toured as much of the country as possible; travelling south along the coast, and east through the mountains. The damage is great, and the help is too few and far between.

In our fist week, we connected with a Non-government Organization (NGO) called Sarvodaya, and have spent the last week and a half unloading a 40ft. container of food and supplies into a Methodist church, organizing it, and redistributing it to non-government based camps around the country. Now that this load is coming to an end, our team is taking a more personal route.

Vegas and I plan to be the mediators for volunteers in the United States to organized efforts here in Sri Lanka. We have set up a base of operations in Colombo, where we can house volunteers. Through the connections that we have made with USAID, the Methodist Churches, Assemblies of God, Sarvodaya, and other such organizations, we can welcome volunteers and help them get started, show them the ropes, get them the proper transportation, etc.

Tomorrow Vegas and I travel to Kaluthara to clean rubble and dig toilet and well holes. From February 8th-16th our team will be in Komari, cooking food and helping rebuild a housing development. We plan to do this sort of “grunt work,” as much as possible. At this moment, our visas expire April 15. If we can get them extended, we will.

How you can help:
We need prayer and financial support (in that order). Our cost of living is about $600 a month. This includes food, phone, travel to and from camps, lodging, etc. If you can support us financially, please directly deposit money into Wells Fargo account #3977701774 or mail a check made out to Sarah Turner to Attn: Sri Lanka Outreach, 1100 Wyoming Ave., Reno, NV 89503.

DOs and DON'Ts in Sri Lanka (weather and background too!)

2005-01-04T23:19:00.000-08:00

Today I was able to talk to a man who is originally from Sri Lanka but has moved to the States in the last few years. I took the opportunity to ask this man about some of the cultural do's and don'ts of Sri Lanka, and in return he also told me a little bit of background about the area as well.

He said that there are two native languages in Sri Lanka. The language in the north is called Tamil and the language in the south is call Sinhalese. There is tension between these two areas but not enough that it results in violence. The North area of Sri Lanka is separated from the South by nearly 150 miles of land (and some mountains) but because of limited and slow development of transportation, the trip takes nearly 8 hours.

The climate is tropical, which translates to hot and muggy, so light clothes are recommended. The coldest area of Sri Lanka is 60 miles inland from Galle in the mountains. At its lowest, the temperature can get between 40 and 50 degrees in the winter.

He said that Galle (South Sri Lanka) is primarily a Buddhist area, though there are some Catholics from Portuguese influence. He said that though the Catholics are allowed to practice their beliefs, they are not allowed to practice "conversions." Buddhists see conversion to Christianity as an un-sacred event, and they do not stand for it. This sometimes results in violence.

Just because the landscaping of the country has changed, doesn't mean that the religion has changed. In the Sri Lanka newspaper today, there was an article regarding all of the Christians who have entered the country to help aid the people into recovery. They are lowering their guard enough to let us help, but they will not tolerate our preaching.

Being that we are to respect these people, and will bear witness by our actions more than our words, we are asking those who go with us to chose your battles carefully, listen for the voice of God, respect others before yourself, and do not answer without being asked. As a wise man said, "People don't care that you know, until they know that you care."

DO'S:
-DO bow when greeting someone
-DO dress modestly (women, no tank tops or shorts)
-DO speak slowly, as English is not their first language
-DO dress nicely when attending church (women, no pants)
-DO respect the traditions of the Buddhist religion, even though you may choose not to follow them

DON'Ts:
-DON'T hug anyone until they hug you
-DON'T say or do anything that would be offensive in America (it's offensive there too)
-DON'T flirt
-DON'T push your beliefs on anyone (and that's not just for Sri Lanka)

If I find out more I will let you know. The women in Sri Lanka still dress and act very modestly. Because of tourism, local people are used to Western dress and are not easily offended by it. It is good to show respect for a people's culture, however, as much as possible while you are in their community.

More to come, keep us in your prayers:
Sarah Turner

Sending Helpers to Sri Lanka

2005-01-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends:
Since personally having felt the CALL to GO and serve in Sri Lanka, a few others and myself have seen an outcry from the community that begs to join and help.

There are many who have responded already in both prayer and support. Now, our plans and hopes to serve have come together. We are departing this coming Tuesday, January 11th, 2005 at 8 pm. We will arrive in Columbo, Sri Lanka on Thursday morning, after about 22 hours of flight .

Sarah and myself plan to stay in Sri Lanka and provide cleaning and building assistance to the churches that were destroyed. Please pray for these churches and for us.

Our group visa applications have been approved. We will send out our address when we have it.

If you or someone you know is avalable for a trip later in month or upcoming months, I must share with you that nothing more than a servants heart and a passport is required. We are raising our own support and we are sure that if you feel called to such an action- money, fear and friends can not stop you.

If you feel better about visiting India or other places than Sri Lanka I want to encourage you that as the UN takes presence more field opportunities will be available.

I write you this thank you for your continued prayers and support. As the holiday has come to and end and church staff are now up and around, please consider having one of our team come and speak to your staff or church about needs and opportunites to see help provided to those who have none.

Specifically we want send special thanks to Rebel Christian Fellowship, Rock n' Java Cafe, Air 1 Radio, Central and my employer David for the guidance helping us understand what this calling means and help spread this message. If I can answer any questions please don't hesitate to give me a call or email me back.

In Christ,
Vegas Brian Thornton
011-94-077-698-2124
Las Vegas Sri Lanka Strike Team
srilankamissions.blogspot.com

DISCLAIMER: Though we are members of an on-campus InterVarsity group, InterVarsity is not sending, supporting, or endorsing this trip in any way. If you have questions, please refrain from calling InterVarsity Headquarters and call Vegas at 702-856-6065 or Sarah at 775-544-5601 instead.

Join our email List

2005-01-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

If you would like to join our email ist and be made aware of projects and keep up to date with news and all we are doing. Please fill out this form and click "Submit".

Thanks,
The Sri Lanka Strik and Outreah Team

Current Needs

2005-01-01T21:16:00.000-08:00

Currently we have the following needs:

(2) Doxycycline 100mg tablets (for our team as a precaution)
Wet naps or rubbing alcohol
(pack of 12) well water testing strips
(6) MRE-Meals Ready to eat

$1300 (round trip flight travel to Sri Lanka)
$350 (monthly commitment for shelter after 1 month)
$80 (monthly commitment for telephone)
$100 (monthly commitment for food expense)

DISCLAIMER: Though we are members of an on-campus InterVarsity group, InterVarsity is not sending, supporting, or endorsing this trip in any way. If you have questions, please refrain from calling InterVarsity Headquarters and call Vegas at 702-856-6065 or Sarah at 775-544-5601 instead.

Last Updated 1/23/05 11:00 PM

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