Week two comes to an end and time for me to return home
After two of the most amazing weeks at Sarnelli House, I feel mixed emotions about coming home. On one hand I am totally distraught to be leaving the children and the workers of Sarnelli House, as they are all truly amazing and I have grown so close to them all during my time here. However, I am so delighted to see the project turn into such an amazing success and I know that this will continue with the remaining groups (they will be in very safe hands).
I think when Father Mike and the Sarnelli House team were first to learn that 60 BUPA staff were coming out to work at their home for six weeks, I think they were more than a little daunted and did not quite know what to expect. They have never had such support before and I think they thought there had to be a catch somewhere. However, today Father Mike pulled me over to one side to thank Community Connections for putting this project together and said that it had exceeded all his expectations. He praised the volunteers from both weeks, commenting on their cheery natures, enthusiasm and how great everyone has been with the kids. He also said how impressed he was with what we have achieved during our time here and how both the staff and children had commented on how much better the homes are looking already, so WELL DONE all you great volunteers!
As I am working most of the time I have not really had the time to let myself take it all in and get too emotional. However, today I wasn’t allowed to film the leaving ceremony and was ordered by Derek to go up with the volunteers. I then had all of the children come and tie my wrist with to wish me love and luck and a safe journey home. The tie symbolises that even though you leave Sarnelli House, part of your spirit stays with them. I was holding it together when the kids were coming up, but I lost it a bit when the workers were coming up to thank me, as they have been such a help to me during my time here. It all came to a head in my mind, firstly that i was leaving, secondly that it has been a huge success for both the volunteers and the orphanage and then of course, the reason why we are here in the first place, to help these wonderful people. My chin started trembling and so I thought - oh God, here goes! Claire get back to work quick!
As I’m sure you are sick of reading, this experience will stay with me all my life and I am hopefully going to get myself back here next year to see them all again. I am also excited about encouraging others to help on my return to the cold UK and continue the support of this fantastic organisation.
I want to wish Siobian the very best of luck for the next two weeks. I know you will be fantastic and although I’m sure you are feeling quite nervous at this time, try not to, as it will be great.
Thank you all so much for reading our blogs. It is so great to know that people back home are taking an interest in this cause and I am truly delighted to hear the challenge now has quite a following.
BEST OF LUCK WEEK THREE!
Claire x
Video Diaries from week one
Admin said,
November 8, 2007 @ 7:20 pm
Hi Claire,
Just wanted to say it’s been a pleasure to hear about everything you and your groups have been doing for the last two weeks. Just to let you know the UK Intranet will have a news feed of the latest blog posts as from tomorrow (fingers crossed) on its front page, that is how much of a following this project has generated.
To give you an idea, right now it’s 18:13 in the UK and the site has had 645 page views already.
Well done Claire and the week 1 and 2 teams and I look forward to hearing from Siobhan and the week 3 and 4 teams about their adventures.
Iain
andwalt said,
November 8, 2007 @ 8:00 pm
Hello everyone,
Brain here!
Today was our last day at the children’s home. A very sad day but also a very fun day.
The girls went to the garden centre to buy plants for the garden, it looks very nice. They
certainly worked very hard. Us guys went to Tesco with money we raise to buy gifts. The
money went a long way. We brought 14 bicycles and trucks. We got so much for our
money. We felt like father christmas. The staffs were so helpful not like at home. We
arrived back at the children’s home to spend some time with the babies. Some are the
babies are very ill, it’s heart breaking. The older children came home from school and ran up to us as usual and climb over us. We all have our favorite. One little boy has
taken to me and walks with me everywhere. He is lovely. When I found out from Father Mike his story it broke my heart. After a while we went into the leaving ceremony and Father Mike mentioned how hard we worked. He obviously did not see us sun bathing.
At the ceremony we all have hands bound by all of the children and which means in Thailand we will always be protected. I cried it was so touching. After the ceremony, we gave the children their presents. Then we definitely cried. They were so happy playing with the toys and bicyles. We left the orphanage at 5:30 to go back to the hotel. Life will never be the same. Tomorrow we are going to the market before we catch the train back to Bangkok. A long journey 12 hours then 12 hours on the plane but it has certainly been a great experience one I never forget.
Cheers,
Brian
Alison Burry said,
November 9, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
Well done to all of you who have taken part so far and good luck to those who will be travelling to Sarnelli House over the coming weeks. It’s obviously turning out to be a life-changing experience for everyone, not just for the volunteers but, more importantly, for the children. It’s very difficult to read your blogs without becoming emotional so I wait till the boss is out of the office before taking a look! Do keep them going; they’re a great way to get more people involved. I’m looking forward to hearing more stories from Claire when she gets back to the office.
Alison Burry
Jackie Seymour said,
November 11, 2007 @ 3:33 pm
hi week 2 hope you all got home ok . please excues the typing ,you know me i not got clue what i am doing .
I bet Brian is doing it his way thanks again to you all hope to see you
in hong kong at Karens house, ha ha.
Please keep in touch ( will get everybody’s e-mail from Claire), love you all and thanks for making a wonderful experience even better.
Jackie/Mum/Mother
xxxx
Paul Hayward said,
November 12, 2007 @ 1:46 pm
Hello to the week 2 bunch,
I arrived safely home to rainy Manchester yesterday Mum (Jackie)..
but straight back into work now.. I’m so tired..
its been amazing week & I have no doubt that we all stay in touch..
I’ve been humming “My Way” this morning - thank you Brian.. ha ha
Take Care all & spk to you all very soon.
Paul x
Steve said,
November 13, 2007 @ 9:15 am
Morning all,
Feeling much better today,wanted you all to know.
So sorry i didnt get chance today good bye to you all properly, it was so important too but you guys know the score. Besides i have no doubt we will all havea reunion at some point so a good bye is wasted when we will see each other again….See you again soon!
Sharing that experience with you guys made it so so special, i wouldnt have changed a thing. You’re all truely beautiful people. Thank you.
As soon as i can i will send out my e mail to us all, please bear with me, probably tomorrow i will send it.
Big love
Steve.