I am currently still working at Navajeevana. Im greatly enjoying my time there and learning a lot. The set- up of the clinic, makes it very interesting for reflection material- that I'll need for the essay I am supposed to be writing.
I have only just realised yesterday evening that I am supposed to hand in something on the Monday I'm returning to London! In typical Abera style, it would be mean a lot of stressful last minute typing and essay writing. My elective proposal has been selected to be one of those which could be awarded a prize- which is great but also means more work- and I actually have huge writer's block.
I'm still living with my aunt and uncle. It was a bit strange to leave for the conference and now returning. I feel that the cultural differences is causing a bit of strain. I'm getting a bit weary of it all, and I don't want any problems to arise before I am due to return home- especially as I am just about to leave.
My parents are still keen on me going to Jaffna- which is a bit stretched for time before I am due to leave. I have met a great many people since being here, and would very much like to say goodbye to people properly before I leave which seems a bit unlikely to happen at this time.
Overall, I am actually feeling rather lonely- I think going away on camp and meeting so many people my age and then returning only exacerbated that feeling. I think I am more than ready to come home now, and finish off the adventure on this side of the world, as much fun as it was.
Friday 7 June 2013
A very long awaited update- the SL Medical Student Conference
Hello again,
My sincerest apologies for the delay in writing this update. I was away from Colombo and internet access for the past week- only to find my laptop has ceased functioning properly on my return here.
So as most people know I have been to Kandy- in the middle of Sri Lanka- known as 'hill country'- it's incredibly beautiful and I had a great time there.
I attended the Christian Medical Students Conference- the first they have had in 30 years- with so many students attending! I felt very pleased to be there. I know how much I enjoyed the conference we have back home. Attending the conference here has made me realise how important it is for Christian Medics to meet up like this. Some people have asked me why I did not get as involved with the Christian Union- and why Christian medics 'separate' themselves from the General Christian group at University. The answer i gave then I realised is the same as it would be here- we have different timetables, different expectations and we very often cannot actively get involved as fully as other students in CU stuff.
Many students here are the only Christian Medics in their university- they find it very lonely and miss having fellowship with other Christian students. The timetable that medics have here is also completely insane- I can't help be horrified at how we all used to complain about ours- either way- they cannot attend their universities Christian events- as they are often in lectures etc... which they cannot miss- as their lecturers are more strict about attendance that back in the UK.
The conference was great- students really enjoyed and appreciated it- as they never had a chance to meet up with other people their own age before. These guys are the future of the Healthcare Fellowship of Sri Lanka and they are going to be doing great work in their own right.
I also greatly enjoyed meeting doctors at the conference who dedicated their lives to save Christ through medicine. Some of these people have actually left medical practice but are still serving Christ in Medicine, via full time ministry. It was very inspiring and really enabled a lot of people to ask some tough questions about what it would involve. One of the upside of the conference was we were actually quite small in number- around 20 students which means we really got to know a significant number of people well, we were able to easily go and speak to the speakers during our lunch-breaks etc... This is quite different in set up to the CMF conference back home with an attending crowd of about 300 students.
However both conference have the same problems too, the timetable is PACKED- this was a weekend away. Lots of students cannot make it- due to exams- which all universities have at completely random times. I found that very confusing- their academic timetable itself was completely all over the place.
I thought that it would be a very good suggestion for the CMF back home to hold regional student conferences back home- I think they sort of do one, but they are not I don't think away trips. We were incredibly lucky that the students here had been subsidised by the doctors who kindly paid for the accommodation, food etc... we were provided with. A lot of student paid a contribution, however, it would be fair to say a great number would not have been able to make it to the conference without their help.
Overall the conference was a tremendous success. As I am due to be back home soon, I'll be meeting up with the Colombo students (who are all in different medical school) and meet up before I leave. Hopefully, it would encourage them to meet up of their own accords in the future.
My sincerest apologies for the delay in writing this update. I was away from Colombo and internet access for the past week- only to find my laptop has ceased functioning properly on my return here.
So as most people know I have been to Kandy- in the middle of Sri Lanka- known as 'hill country'- it's incredibly beautiful and I had a great time there.
I attended the Christian Medical Students Conference- the first they have had in 30 years- with so many students attending! I felt very pleased to be there. I know how much I enjoyed the conference we have back home. Attending the conference here has made me realise how important it is for Christian Medics to meet up like this. Some people have asked me why I did not get as involved with the Christian Union- and why Christian medics 'separate' themselves from the General Christian group at University. The answer i gave then I realised is the same as it would be here- we have different timetables, different expectations and we very often cannot actively get involved as fully as other students in CU stuff.
Many students here are the only Christian Medics in their university- they find it very lonely and miss having fellowship with other Christian students. The timetable that medics have here is also completely insane- I can't help be horrified at how we all used to complain about ours- either way- they cannot attend their universities Christian events- as they are often in lectures etc... which they cannot miss- as their lecturers are more strict about attendance that back in the UK.
The conference was great- students really enjoyed and appreciated it- as they never had a chance to meet up with other people their own age before. These guys are the future of the Healthcare Fellowship of Sri Lanka and they are going to be doing great work in their own right.
I also greatly enjoyed meeting doctors at the conference who dedicated their lives to save Christ through medicine. Some of these people have actually left medical practice but are still serving Christ in Medicine, via full time ministry. It was very inspiring and really enabled a lot of people to ask some tough questions about what it would involve. One of the upside of the conference was we were actually quite small in number- around 20 students which means we really got to know a significant number of people well, we were able to easily go and speak to the speakers during our lunch-breaks etc... This is quite different in set up to the CMF conference back home with an attending crowd of about 300 students.
However both conference have the same problems too, the timetable is PACKED- this was a weekend away. Lots of students cannot make it- due to exams- which all universities have at completely random times. I found that very confusing- their academic timetable itself was completely all over the place.
I thought that it would be a very good suggestion for the CMF back home to hold regional student conferences back home- I think they sort of do one, but they are not I don't think away trips. We were incredibly lucky that the students here had been subsidised by the doctors who kindly paid for the accommodation, food etc... we were provided with. A lot of student paid a contribution, however, it would be fair to say a great number would not have been able to make it to the conference without their help.
Overall the conference was a tremendous success. As I am due to be back home soon, I'll be meeting up with the Colombo students (who are all in different medical school) and meet up before I leave. Hopefully, it would encourage them to meet up of their own accords in the future.
Sunday 12 May 2013
Week 3- Update
Happy Ascension Sunday and International Mother's Day 2013!
Quick (as much as I can be :P) update:
So I have spent this past week at Lanka Hospital (formerly Apollo hospital). I would write a more specific post later. But to summarise, this is a semi-privatised government hospital. I have been working in many different specialty including Paediatrics and Radiology- both of which I have really enjoyed :D A lot of Tamil patients also come to this hospital from all over the country- so I have been able to take a history for the first time, and get some really great teaching.
Out-of-hospital- I have been to my first Healthcare Fellowship meeting yesterday :D I met all the doctors I have been in contact with who have helped me set up this elective. I had a really great time. I've been reading a book by TL Osborn about Healing the Sick- and I was very encouraged to hear one of the doctors speak about an amazing full healing she has had, whilst unknowingly applying the steps he talked of. I felt very encouraged.
I have now 1 more week at the government hospital and then I'm due to start at Navajeevana East, the week after. I have been told it should be more flexible timewise. So Ill be attending the Christian Medical Student Conference then too- located three hours away in Kandy. Im hoping to spend some time working at a more rural hospital there- who is a Christian Paediatrician.
Currently need to ensure that my VISA is renewed without any problems- slightly concerned it is not sorting itself at quickly as I want.
I'm generally happy so far. I'm very frustrated that I have not been able to see any of the sights since I have been here. My aunt and uncle have small children(5 and 10) and either way I feel bad asking from them, considering they are letting me stay at their house for free- which is saving me a lot of money.
I've started to be bored for the first time in the entire trip. Seems you can only stay in a city for so long before the shiny newness of it start to wear off. This is not helped that everybody is like 'you've been in Sri Lanka 3 weeks and you have not gone to see ANYTHING yet??' and to be fair to them, in comparison to what a lot of students do whilst in Sri Lanka- I really have not done any travelling.
I'm much more confident travelling on tuktuks(rickshaws) on my own, and using the bus myself. Unfortunately, I feel incredibly restricted by my relatives here and my parents especially are not helping.
I am actually enjoying my time here, I'm trying very hard not to micromanage everything and trust God. God willing by next week I will have seen more than just the house and Colombo. I'd also really like to learn Sinhalese, but have no one to teach me.
Sunday 5 May 2013
Pray for Sri Lanka + Week 2 update
Apologies for the lack of more recent news.
So last Sunday, after much upheaval I managed to get to Church. This was a Methodist church nearby- got there by rickshaw(or tuktuk as there are known here) The services are all held in the three main languages. Got there for 8.45am (ludicrously early- but normal here, to avoid the midday heat).
The church is I'd say a fairly normal Methodist church. We sang many traditional hymns as well as some more modern ones (I have to say that I was relieved about that- the older hymns that were chosen for this week were well hard- felt really sorry for the men trying to reach those notes)
Either way I really enjoyed my first service in Sri Lanka :D Really enjoyed the preaching- which is what I wanted to expend more about today.
The sermon today was about reconciliation- the Church's view of what it means- and Sri Lanka's government. I must say I was surprised to have a sermon of a political slant on my first ever day. This made me painfully aware that despite my current problem free trip in Sri Lanka- this country still has many problems.
There are some increasing problems towards the Church, especially in the Southern parts- which is more Sinhalese based and unfortunately also were some of the more extremist Sinhalese groups have started targeting churches.
Something very similar to the situation in China is playing out. China will soon have an increasing influence as well due to strong ties forming following its help during the civil war.
Many southern churches have been forced to shut down, unless they were officially 'registered'- this means people cannot meet as non-family members to pray without this being considered a 'religious meeting'. I am unaware as to the extent of this problem. But Christians and Muslims being the minority religious groups have become increasingly targeted especially in the more rural parts. This of course like much Christian persecution is not reported in the mainstream media. The problem is currently just simmering but like most things in Sri Lanka, it will not take much for things to get out of hand quickly- especially for riots to spread in Colombo especially.
I was painfully aware as I sat in Church, that more than any other time in my life, I was in danger from simply being in a church building. I was also surprised by the incredible boldness of the message preached. Whilst I did not agree on some points, the preacher did emphasise that the Gospel is what will bring true salvation to our country. Being in the midst of a united Sri Lanka- with both Sinhalese and Tamil speakers in Church- made that especially apparent. He emphasised the need for individual groups to reach out to the 'opposite side'. Too often the church here, he says, has become very dormant and inactive in the face of persecution.
I have realised that there is still a huge amount of healing needed for our Christian brothers and sisters here, but also among the diaspora. In Sri Lanka, a 'Tamil' or 'Sinhalese' church is unheard of. The churches may have different services but people generally worship as part of one congregation. Some churches have made the unifying decision of having one service in all languages(one being translated vice versa). Unfortunately this is very often not the case abroad. This artificial division means that the prejudices of each side are transported within the church itself. This cannot be let to be so. Not only this but the attitudes are transplanted into the next generation. Many of which such as myself, have not had much experience from their home country except what they have been told by their parents and relatives.
With the increasing amount of violence amongst young Tamil and Sinhalese boys in the form of gang crime across London and other capital cities, it is imperative that the Church abroad takes the same unified stand against this. Many of you know that last year, one of my friends' brother was killed in such an accident. The church has to be salt and light in this situation.
There is a huge amount of prayer, forgiveness and healing that is needed with regards to this.
On a positive note, churches here are increasingly thriving. Revival is definitely happening in Sri Lanka. Newer evangelical churches are appearing all over the place, and evangelical crusades are seeing thousands being healed and coming to faith.
Churches in Sri Lanka have always been very traditional and whilst this new surge is welcomed- there is a great deal of suspicion as well. The country is very open to people feeling prey to 'mixture' in terms of what they are getting preached.
Please pray for the discernment and wisdom of the Christian leaders in the country, as well as for unity among all denominations. Pray for revival to continue but also for all ground that has been claimed to be built on and established. Please pray for people to get access to worship and other equipment.
Above all, pray for the protection of the congregation in the Churches here, but also for boldness in preaching the gospel. Pray that the authorities in charge will not hinder but help the church here grow.
In Christ.
So last Sunday, after much upheaval I managed to get to Church. This was a Methodist church nearby- got there by rickshaw(or tuktuk as there are known here) The services are all held in the three main languages. Got there for 8.45am (ludicrously early- but normal here, to avoid the midday heat).
The church is I'd say a fairly normal Methodist church. We sang many traditional hymns as well as some more modern ones (I have to say that I was relieved about that- the older hymns that were chosen for this week were well hard- felt really sorry for the men trying to reach those notes)
Either way I really enjoyed my first service in Sri Lanka :D Really enjoyed the preaching- which is what I wanted to expend more about today.
The sermon today was about reconciliation- the Church's view of what it means- and Sri Lanka's government. I must say I was surprised to have a sermon of a political slant on my first ever day. This made me painfully aware that despite my current problem free trip in Sri Lanka- this country still has many problems.
There are some increasing problems towards the Church, especially in the Southern parts- which is more Sinhalese based and unfortunately also were some of the more extremist Sinhalese groups have started targeting churches.
Something very similar to the situation in China is playing out. China will soon have an increasing influence as well due to strong ties forming following its help during the civil war.
Many southern churches have been forced to shut down, unless they were officially 'registered'- this means people cannot meet as non-family members to pray without this being considered a 'religious meeting'. I am unaware as to the extent of this problem. But Christians and Muslims being the minority religious groups have become increasingly targeted especially in the more rural parts. This of course like much Christian persecution is not reported in the mainstream media. The problem is currently just simmering but like most things in Sri Lanka, it will not take much for things to get out of hand quickly- especially for riots to spread in Colombo especially.
I was painfully aware as I sat in Church, that more than any other time in my life, I was in danger from simply being in a church building. I was also surprised by the incredible boldness of the message preached. Whilst I did not agree on some points, the preacher did emphasise that the Gospel is what will bring true salvation to our country. Being in the midst of a united Sri Lanka- with both Sinhalese and Tamil speakers in Church- made that especially apparent. He emphasised the need for individual groups to reach out to the 'opposite side'. Too often the church here, he says, has become very dormant and inactive in the face of persecution.
I have realised that there is still a huge amount of healing needed for our Christian brothers and sisters here, but also among the diaspora. In Sri Lanka, a 'Tamil' or 'Sinhalese' church is unheard of. The churches may have different services but people generally worship as part of one congregation. Some churches have made the unifying decision of having one service in all languages(one being translated vice versa). Unfortunately this is very often not the case abroad. This artificial division means that the prejudices of each side are transported within the church itself. This cannot be let to be so. Not only this but the attitudes are transplanted into the next generation. Many of which such as myself, have not had much experience from their home country except what they have been told by their parents and relatives.
With the increasing amount of violence amongst young Tamil and Sinhalese boys in the form of gang crime across London and other capital cities, it is imperative that the Church abroad takes the same unified stand against this. Many of you know that last year, one of my friends' brother was killed in such an accident. The church has to be salt and light in this situation.
There is a huge amount of prayer, forgiveness and healing that is needed with regards to this.
On a positive note, churches here are increasingly thriving. Revival is definitely happening in Sri Lanka. Newer evangelical churches are appearing all over the place, and evangelical crusades are seeing thousands being healed and coming to faith.
Churches in Sri Lanka have always been very traditional and whilst this new surge is welcomed- there is a great deal of suspicion as well. The country is very open to people feeling prey to 'mixture' in terms of what they are getting preached.
Please pray for the discernment and wisdom of the Christian leaders in the country, as well as for unity among all denominations. Pray for revival to continue but also for all ground that has been claimed to be built on and established. Please pray for people to get access to worship and other equipment.
Above all, pray for the protection of the congregation in the Churches here, but also for boldness in preaching the gospel. Pray that the authorities in charge will not hinder but help the church here grow.
In Christ.
Day 5- Investigations and First Trip to the LRH
So, this morning due to the big confusion regarding where I was meant to be- and no one being able to understand me- I was waiting around a bit, before being sent to investigations.
This was fun and I had a lot of good teaching and lots of reading to do when I get home (the list is increasing at an alarming rate everyday!)
I did a little bit of time in Endocrinology and then I was sent to Children's Government Hospital (Lady Ridgeway) to see the director to ask his permission to spend some unofficial time there.
Popped to the PGIM library (Post-graduate Institute of Medicine??)
Additional Notes:
This was fun and I had a lot of good teaching and lots of reading to do when I get home (the list is increasing at an alarming rate everyday!)
I did a little bit of time in Endocrinology and then I was sent to Children's Government Hospital (Lady Ridgeway) to see the director to ask his permission to spend some unofficial time there.
Popped to the PGIM library (Post-graduate Institute of Medicine??)
- Lack of English there sooooo frustrating!
- Cant borrow books, but need card to get in- a bit useless dont know if Ill bother to get back or not yet- kicking myself for not thinking of bringing my Endo notes at least :(
Additional Notes:
- Lots of bookstore Sri Lankan value education
- Got food from small short eats its(what little cafes selling hot snacks are called) bad idea
- Return to LRH still no director, time, doctor canteen- guy could not speak words of english, menu in sinhalese- food disappointing- could not order from the menu as it was all in Sinhalese- so I could only point at what I wanted to eat. The local guys just found the entire situation hilarious
- +ve LRH is great did not meet expectation as I thought it would be in Sri Lanka
The Lady Ridgeway is a lovely paediatrics hospital. It's a large hospital, and everything painted in pastel with cartoons and things all over the place. It is clean. It is very different to what I expected especially following some of the comments I'd read about it online. I got there I believe after the rush hour- the front entrance where the outpatients is would usually be packed.
I've taken to use the stairs as much as possible- at least to go down. The majority of the hospitals have at least 5 floors up- so waiting for a lift can sometimes just be pointless. This was a bad idea in this case- which I took some pictures- but the staircase at this section of the hospital, was basically used to dry clothes (patients'families??) It had tons of stuff waiting to be unpacked. I don't think it ever occured anyone that the stairs would actually be used by someone wishing to go up/down- except a foreigner like myself. As always appearing inconspicuous has yet to be my forte.
Saturday 27 April 2013
Quick unchronological update
I'm sorry all of these posts are coming all random, I can't publish and rearrange posts which is frustrating.
Anyhoo, what I wanted to let everyone know.
As some people already know, I am staying with relatives of my dad who are not Christian- and my dad has not told any of my family here about my conversion.
This of course has been a problem and I have been wrestling with this issue all week and before I got here. I figured I would just have to do what I always did I home, which was to tell a 'technical truth'.
It did not sit well in my Spirit and I have been having major issues with this all week.
God has been speaking to me about 'deceit', kept propping up everywhere.
Now, I know what a lie is- or so I thought, and a 'white lie', 'half-truth' etc...- but the bible differentiates deceit separately- and it came to my attention.
So I did a quick online study on it and felt very convicted. I was planning on making some excuse and go to Church tomorrow. (I've been dreading what to do about this since forever) I realised I could not do this as I would be sinning intentionally.
So, I have just informed my aunt and uncle- and they both seemed very shocked. They did not expect it. I feel very angry at myself and also at my parents for putting them and me in this position. They have been deceived after all, and being deceived is breaking trust. I should have plucked up the courage sooner and told them straight away.
I pray my relationship with them can be mended, and also ( I think my uncle went to see my great-aunt- possibly also calling my parents in London) that our family relations do not become strained because of this. I also pray that they will let me stay here- they might feel I might be a bad influence on their children ( would be hurtful, but I would understand)
I don't think they will stop me going to Church tomorrow. (NB: Finally decided to attend the Church my supervising doctors go to.)
I know I have done the right thing for once on this, and not gone the easy way- and sometimes the path to righteousness is not the straight and easy one. This was worse than telling my parents because my parents sussed it out, whereas here I had to tell them upfront. I hate having to be a grown-up sometimes.
On a positive note, my trip so far has been great and you'll get a lot more positive updates from the last few days, and hopefully the remainder of the trip also.
(My apologies for being very verbose- but this would otherwise never get done :P, Ill try to keep short with the next updates)
Anyhoo, what I wanted to let everyone know.
As some people already know, I am staying with relatives of my dad who are not Christian- and my dad has not told any of my family here about my conversion.
This of course has been a problem and I have been wrestling with this issue all week and before I got here. I figured I would just have to do what I always did I home, which was to tell a 'technical truth'.
It did not sit well in my Spirit and I have been having major issues with this all week.
God has been speaking to me about 'deceit', kept propping up everywhere.
Now, I know what a lie is- or so I thought, and a 'white lie', 'half-truth' etc...- but the bible differentiates deceit separately- and it came to my attention.
So I did a quick online study on it and felt very convicted. I was planning on making some excuse and go to Church tomorrow. (I've been dreading what to do about this since forever) I realised I could not do this as I would be sinning intentionally.
So, I have just informed my aunt and uncle- and they both seemed very shocked. They did not expect it. I feel very angry at myself and also at my parents for putting them and me in this position. They have been deceived after all, and being deceived is breaking trust. I should have plucked up the courage sooner and told them straight away.
I pray my relationship with them can be mended, and also ( I think my uncle went to see my great-aunt- possibly also calling my parents in London) that our family relations do not become strained because of this. I also pray that they will let me stay here- they might feel I might be a bad influence on their children ( would be hurtful, but I would understand)
I don't think they will stop me going to Church tomorrow. (NB: Finally decided to attend the Church my supervising doctors go to.)
I know I have done the right thing for once on this, and not gone the easy way- and sometimes the path to righteousness is not the straight and easy one. This was worse than telling my parents because my parents sussed it out, whereas here I had to tell them upfront. I hate having to be a grown-up sometimes.
On a positive note, my trip so far has been great and you'll get a lot more positive updates from the last few days, and hopefully the remainder of the trip also.
(My apologies for being very verbose- but this would otherwise never get done :P, Ill try to keep short with the next updates)
Hello and Welcome to my Blog :)
Sincere apologies for the delay in writing this- I promise I have not forgotten that I would keep in touch with everyone. The whole week has been crazy and tiring and there is an awful lot to write. So you will get tonnes of updates- and it is up to you what you want to read :P
I hope it is not too boring- I do know I have the tendency to ramble. A lot of exciting things is happening around here, and I am learning a lot.
Ill try my hardest to keep this updated more regularly from next week and answer any question
Enjoy :D
Sincere apologies for the delay in writing this- I promise I have not forgotten that I would keep in touch with everyone. The whole week has been crazy and tiring and there is an awful lot to write. So you will get tonnes of updates- and it is up to you what you want to read :P
I hope it is not too boring- I do know I have the tendency to ramble. A lot of exciting things is happening around here, and I am learning a lot.
Ill try my hardest to keep this updated more regularly from next week and answer any question
Enjoy :D
Wednesday 24 April 2013
Day 2- Tues- 1st Day in Endocrinology Clinic
So today was my first day in Endocrinology. A lot easier to find the place this time around. I can't help but think (most likely correctly) that I somehow stand out.
Either way the clinic was busy- I saw an actual goitre and lots and lots of signs! Saw a patient with acromegaly- which is dead rare in the UK. A UK consultant I did a specialist module in- told me in his 30 year career he has only every diagnosed 3 cases of this disorder.
However, whilst the incidence is not greater in Sri Lanka- NHSL is a tertiary centre which receives all the specialist cases- who will go on to need treatment (pituitary surgery for most of these patients).
The endocrine room is absolutely tiny compared to what we have in the UK. 1 consultant and 3 registrars in parallel rows each seeing patient- no sense of confidentiality or privacy here. All the patients and all other doctors aside Dr Somasundaram were Sinhalese. I found that challenging.
I discovered I arrived in the middle of the Tamil and Sinhalese New Year. After having left soon after the family celebration in the UK, I was surprised to find that the Buddhist festival lasts absolutely ages. The staff has a celebratory meal which they kindly invited me to.
Despite trying my hardest to keep neutral about the racial issue, it is proving a lot more challenging than I thought. I have very rarely encountered anyone from the Sinhalese community back at home, and everything I have heard from my parents and other members of the Tamil community has been less than positive. I never realised how ingrained those things had become. As a Christian, it is challenging for me especially- however I also realised how difficult it must be for the separate(for they were separate for many years in Sri Lanka). I was pleased to discover via Rev. Ian Blake ( contact back in Thornton Heath- another long story) that actually a lot of the congregration are now deciding of their own will to have united services in both languages. Traditionally the services have always been held at different times (btw that is ludicrously early like 8.30am at least) in the alternate languages. I was surprised to find that a lot of churches here also hold services in English as well as the local languages. Either way, the idea of a united congregration united in Christ, really excited me :D
Our Lord is definitely the Prince of Peace and the ultimate Healer and there is still a lot of that needed in this country. I am very looking forward to my first service this Sunday.
Buddhism is the main religion in Sri Lanka, and then Hinduism. Muslims and Christians form a very small minority. The Muslims are also often considered an ethnic group of their own right. Which leaves Buddhism for the Sinhalese and Hinduism for the Tamils. The two warring groups have only ever been united together in peace in Church for many years- I am therefore incredibly excited as I can feel some major stuff is going to happen here.
Praise God! For it certainly was a long time coming :D
PS: At the end of the medical day, I went to a Baptist Church nearby to pray. Something interesting about Churches here- (1) there are incredibly beautiful (the old ones anyway) and there are a surprising number of denomination (2) There are nearly always open- most church have a wing about the size of a Lady's Chapel, which is linked but closed off to the main church and has a separate entrance. It is generally manned by a uniformed security person. It is such a great pleasure to have God' Church always open. I thought that the separate entrance thing was a really great idea- definitely something to keep in mind for the future. (3) The chapel had 3 bibles in the 3 languages which means that people could still hear the same message through the Word- I was really touched the idea of every tongue, every nation, that we are all one in Christ is certainly is highlighted here- not only that but churches here are not 'Tamil' or 'Sinhalese' like they are in the UK- people certainly forced to face their issues .
On a funny note, the sign at the front read-' Come to me....' and as it happened I was definitely heavy laden, and tired- another God joke.
PPS: I went to the Church to meet up with a Christian Law Student from the University. Dr Somasundaram put us in touch. It was great to meet with someone around my age and talk about God stuff. We went to the Focus (Christian organisation) office in Dehiwela- which is were I live. They have tons and tons of Christian books- I was like in a sweet shop. It was great to meet lots of Christians there. They organise lots of Christian Bible Studies and talks- which I've been invited along too :D They told me of a Christian Student Camp as well. However, I decided and I feel correctly that it wasn't right for me to go- but yh, I have my first Christian interactions here in Colombo, and it is only Day 2 :D
God is soo amazing! I'm so pleased every time THE plan becomes clearer.
My only sticking point is that I feel like I have deceived, although not lied, about where I was later in the day, to my relatives. I did not want to answer too many difficult questions, but I feel like bad in my Spirit about it- like you know when you were little and you did something really bad- well anyway- I'm not happy and I'm trying to keep the stress levels off for Sunday- I know I need to make a decision soon about what to tell my aunt and uncle.
Either way the clinic was busy- I saw an actual goitre and lots and lots of signs! Saw a patient with acromegaly- which is dead rare in the UK. A UK consultant I did a specialist module in- told me in his 30 year career he has only every diagnosed 3 cases of this disorder.
However, whilst the incidence is not greater in Sri Lanka- NHSL is a tertiary centre which receives all the specialist cases- who will go on to need treatment (pituitary surgery for most of these patients).
The endocrine room is absolutely tiny compared to what we have in the UK. 1 consultant and 3 registrars in parallel rows each seeing patient- no sense of confidentiality or privacy here. All the patients and all other doctors aside Dr Somasundaram were Sinhalese. I found that challenging.
I discovered I arrived in the middle of the Tamil and Sinhalese New Year. After having left soon after the family celebration in the UK, I was surprised to find that the Buddhist festival lasts absolutely ages. The staff has a celebratory meal which they kindly invited me to.
Despite trying my hardest to keep neutral about the racial issue, it is proving a lot more challenging than I thought. I have very rarely encountered anyone from the Sinhalese community back at home, and everything I have heard from my parents and other members of the Tamil community has been less than positive. I never realised how ingrained those things had become. As a Christian, it is challenging for me especially- however I also realised how difficult it must be for the separate(for they were separate for many years in Sri Lanka). I was pleased to discover via Rev. Ian Blake ( contact back in Thornton Heath- another long story) that actually a lot of the congregration are now deciding of their own will to have united services in both languages. Traditionally the services have always been held at different times (btw that is ludicrously early like 8.30am at least) in the alternate languages. I was surprised to find that a lot of churches here also hold services in English as well as the local languages. Either way, the idea of a united congregration united in Christ, really excited me :D
Our Lord is definitely the Prince of Peace and the ultimate Healer and there is still a lot of that needed in this country. I am very looking forward to my first service this Sunday.
Buddhism is the main religion in Sri Lanka, and then Hinduism. Muslims and Christians form a very small minority. The Muslims are also often considered an ethnic group of their own right. Which leaves Buddhism for the Sinhalese and Hinduism for the Tamils. The two warring groups have only ever been united together in peace in Church for many years- I am therefore incredibly excited as I can feel some major stuff is going to happen here.
Praise God! For it certainly was a long time coming :D
PS: At the end of the medical day, I went to a Baptist Church nearby to pray. Something interesting about Churches here- (1) there are incredibly beautiful (the old ones anyway) and there are a surprising number of denomination (2) There are nearly always open- most church have a wing about the size of a Lady's Chapel, which is linked but closed off to the main church and has a separate entrance. It is generally manned by a uniformed security person. It is such a great pleasure to have God' Church always open. I thought that the separate entrance thing was a really great idea- definitely something to keep in mind for the future. (3) The chapel had 3 bibles in the 3 languages which means that people could still hear the same message through the Word- I was really touched the idea of every tongue, every nation, that we are all one in Christ is certainly is highlighted here- not only that but churches here are not 'Tamil' or 'Sinhalese' like they are in the UK- people certainly forced to face their issues .
On a funny note, the sign at the front read-' Come to me....' and as it happened I was definitely heavy laden, and tired- another God joke.
PPS: I went to the Church to meet up with a Christian Law Student from the University. Dr Somasundaram put us in touch. It was great to meet with someone around my age and talk about God stuff. We went to the Focus (Christian organisation) office in Dehiwela- which is were I live. They have tons and tons of Christian books- I was like in a sweet shop. It was great to meet lots of Christians there. They organise lots of Christian Bible Studies and talks- which I've been invited along too :D They told me of a Christian Student Camp as well. However, I decided and I feel correctly that it wasn't right for me to go- but yh, I have my first Christian interactions here in Colombo, and it is only Day 2 :D
God is soo amazing! I'm so pleased every time THE plan becomes clearer.
My only sticking point is that I feel like I have deceived, although not lied, about where I was later in the day, to my relatives. I did not want to answer too many difficult questions, but I feel like bad in my Spirit about it- like you know when you were little and you did something really bad- well anyway- I'm not happy and I'm trying to keep the stress levels off for Sunday- I know I need to make a decision soon about what to tell my aunt and uncle.
Day 1- Monday @ NHL
I managed to get a lift with my uncle to the hospital today. Ill eventually be travelling on my own, but everyone is very cautious here, as I am female, doesn't know the language and the risk of kidnap- whilst low, is actually still higher than it would be in the UK (especially in broad daylight).
After a long list of precautions, I arrived at the hospital outpatients department. Thankfully Dr Noel Somasundaram- was able to text me ( I receive my first phone yesterday :D God's provision is great, which means I have a local number which is also very cheap for me to do international calls on :D) So anyways, I at least had an idea of where and when to get there.
The outpatient department was funnily enough like I expected exactly. I was very busy and CROWDED! Goodness, patient walking on patient (or near to) in certain areas. The signposts were all over the place, and I eventually found an English speaking doctor who kindly drew me a map- in the maze of numbers and corridors to get to the Endocrine clinic.
I arrived at Dr Somasundaram's office and we spent the majority of the morning just sorting out what I wanted to do during my trip and also arranged for me to contact the right people.
I then went to introduce myself to Dr Ragunathan in the medical ward- where I would be spending the Wednesday mornings. He was about to start a teaching session with the medical students (lucky for me :)!) So I was able to do this, unfortunately it overran and I was not able to attend the guest lecture (would not have had a clue how to get there)
This would be a good place to point out, the hospital is very much spread out- people at UHNS (City General for the non-medics) have nothing to complain about. Walking around here is certainly not fun when you cannot get decent directions(caus apparently my English is confusing- lol) and did I mention the heat(not too bad, but certainly makes you thirsty) and everything is far and not labelled properly- including on my road map.
I finished early thankfully. My uncle works at the Red Cross office- which is near the public library. After a delay, he got me there (I missed it on the way and no one knew where it was (how can they not know????)) Getting into the library was difficult, as I find in Sri Lanka- big backpacks like the ones I am used to carrying around with everything are not popular. In fact big bags are not popular at all. By this I mean, everything always need to be left at the reception downstairs and/or sometimes exchanged with a key and number. The former is obviously not very safe- thankfully I had my little satchel bag, otherwise I'd been carrying my purse, passport and others in my hands everywhere!
I could not get in the library because I was a foreigner and had no card- which surprised me a bit, because here we can just get into a library without a problem. Anyways, we left the nicely air conditioned building to the study hall located nearby. It was up a couple of stairs and the receptionist(think strict headmistress) did not let me take my books, so up I went with A LOT of books upstairs. The rooms had fans(like everywhere pretty much in Sri Lanka) but they are useless compared to AC, especially during a heat wave. So despite my best intentions, I fell asleep for an inordinate amount of time.
Sleeping a lot seem to be a permanent problem- possibly this 'jet-lag' everyone goes on about.
Other random notes to finish off for today:
Never realised the luxury of being able to drink tap water- all water here has to be pre-boiled first, which is an enormous pain- and unfortunately necessary due to the heat and resulting dehydration. Water can be bought- however my travel guide informs me that some of the bottle are 'fake'- in that people have resealed all bottles with tap water and sold them on. Thankfully not been a problem and it will not be.
Either way, everyone here uses notes for everything- which means you take out tons of notes every times you want to buy something ( I still cannot recognize them). Its very embarrassing. Think about being in a poor country buying water only, and having £200 in your hands. Most people can only speak very basic English which is also frustrating.
I'm getting by so far without any Sinhalese- wonder how long that's going to last?
Did I mention that people's driving here is absolutely I-N-S-A-N-E! + No one wears car belts- except the driver in the middle of seriously insane driving. For all the road rage people in England- seriously have nothing to complain about until you come here. I find myself often praying at some point in every car trip.
Despite all the craziness, I'm absolutely love it here so far. It's pretty and I definitely can imagine myself living here one day- the heat doesn't bother me. This is the only thing that bothers me a bit- as I have had thyroid problems before, and now would not be( or perhaps God's playing yet another joke on me) it is the best place in the middle of an Endocrinology placement. Certainly would be easier to get your thyroid levels checked here- and I suspect cheaper too.
After a long list of precautions, I arrived at the hospital outpatients department. Thankfully Dr Noel Somasundaram- was able to text me ( I receive my first phone yesterday :D God's provision is great, which means I have a local number which is also very cheap for me to do international calls on :D) So anyways, I at least had an idea of where and when to get there.
The outpatient department was funnily enough like I expected exactly. I was very busy and CROWDED! Goodness, patient walking on patient (or near to) in certain areas. The signposts were all over the place, and I eventually found an English speaking doctor who kindly drew me a map- in the maze of numbers and corridors to get to the Endocrine clinic.
I arrived at Dr Somasundaram's office and we spent the majority of the morning just sorting out what I wanted to do during my trip and also arranged for me to contact the right people.
I then went to introduce myself to Dr Ragunathan in the medical ward- where I would be spending the Wednesday mornings. He was about to start a teaching session with the medical students (lucky for me :)!) So I was able to do this, unfortunately it overran and I was not able to attend the guest lecture (would not have had a clue how to get there)
This would be a good place to point out, the hospital is very much spread out- people at UHNS (City General for the non-medics) have nothing to complain about. Walking around here is certainly not fun when you cannot get decent directions(caus apparently my English is confusing- lol) and did I mention the heat(not too bad, but certainly makes you thirsty) and everything is far and not labelled properly- including on my road map.
I finished early thankfully. My uncle works at the Red Cross office- which is near the public library. After a delay, he got me there (I missed it on the way and no one knew where it was (how can they not know????)) Getting into the library was difficult, as I find in Sri Lanka- big backpacks like the ones I am used to carrying around with everything are not popular. In fact big bags are not popular at all. By this I mean, everything always need to be left at the reception downstairs and/or sometimes exchanged with a key and number. The former is obviously not very safe- thankfully I had my little satchel bag, otherwise I'd been carrying my purse, passport and others in my hands everywhere!
I could not get in the library because I was a foreigner and had no card- which surprised me a bit, because here we can just get into a library without a problem. Anyways, we left the nicely air conditioned building to the study hall located nearby. It was up a couple of stairs and the receptionist(think strict headmistress) did not let me take my books, so up I went with A LOT of books upstairs. The rooms had fans(like everywhere pretty much in Sri Lanka) but they are useless compared to AC, especially during a heat wave. So despite my best intentions, I fell asleep for an inordinate amount of time.
Sleeping a lot seem to be a permanent problem- possibly this 'jet-lag' everyone goes on about.
Other random notes to finish off for today:
Never realised the luxury of being able to drink tap water- all water here has to be pre-boiled first, which is an enormous pain- and unfortunately necessary due to the heat and resulting dehydration. Water can be bought- however my travel guide informs me that some of the bottle are 'fake'- in that people have resealed all bottles with tap water and sold them on. Thankfully not been a problem and it will not be.
Either way, everyone here uses notes for everything- which means you take out tons of notes every times you want to buy something ( I still cannot recognize them). Its very embarrassing. Think about being in a poor country buying water only, and having £200 in your hands. Most people can only speak very basic English which is also frustrating.
I'm getting by so far without any Sinhalese- wonder how long that's going to last?
Did I mention that people's driving here is absolutely I-N-S-A-N-E! + No one wears car belts- except the driver in the middle of seriously insane driving. For all the road rage people in England- seriously have nothing to complain about until you come here. I find myself often praying at some point in every car trip.
Despite all the craziness, I'm absolutely love it here so far. It's pretty and I definitely can imagine myself living here one day- the heat doesn't bother me. This is the only thing that bothers me a bit- as I have had thyroid problems before, and now would not be( or perhaps God's playing yet another joke on me) it is the best place in the middle of an Endocrinology placement. Certainly would be easier to get your thyroid levels checked here- and I suspect cheaper too.
Pre-travel and Arrival in Sri Lanka
So after a good start before the crazy packing day on Thursday (left Stoke and Friarswood Road at around 2am).
My friends Deborah (GP registrar) has very kindly to agreed to come and give me some last minute things for my elective and then went off home with more than she came back...
Last minute and everything but I realise the day after that I had lost my wallet- which included ALL my debit/credit and other cards- mad rush to try and find, in the midst of shopping for the trip for the first time. My card was eventually found by Debs.
My dad listened in to all our conversations as always but anyhoo- that was a crisis averted -
up to when my mom in the midst of my packing found my debit card statement for my tithing money I gave St George.
So anyhoo, Debs arrived to bring my stuff all the way from Birmingham- the day I was due to go. Hope she had a nice time meeting everyone- even though it was really rushed. It certainly was crazy.
I wont bore you with the flight and so forth but to the important bit: THE ARRIVAL.
Arrived in Sri Lanka with no problems- thank God. I was greeted by my 2nd aunt(really complicated genealogy here) but she is my 'mammy'- the Tamils out there will know what I mean. I am staying with her daughter(+husband, and 2 children).
They were very welcoming. I have my own room upstairs and bathroom. The room is HUGE and there is really good internet access- which I have finally got round to setting up.
The weather is the hottest it has ever been but strangely I rather like it- whilst even the locals are sweltering away.
My first day has been great. Not done much except sleep a lot. Did I mention I arrived with practically no clothes(long story)? - I was too tired to shop locally, but this could be a problem if it is not sorted out soon.
Thankfully, however, my aunt came to my rescue there and took me shopping (the shops here- all of them, close ludicrously late). So I napped till 6pm- and it was already dark outside, but the town (Dehiwela- district outside Colombo). The sizing were all different, and I- a size 12 btw- fit into an XXL- feel kind of offended, not ever been bothered much with clothes however.
Anyhoo by the time we returned home, I was exhausted- and I have an early start tomorrow.
My friends Deborah (GP registrar) has very kindly to agreed to come and give me some last minute things for my elective and then went off home with more than she came back...
Last minute and everything but I realise the day after that I had lost my wallet- which included ALL my debit/credit and other cards- mad rush to try and find, in the midst of shopping for the trip for the first time. My card was eventually found by Debs.
My dad listened in to all our conversations as always but anyhoo- that was a crisis averted -
up to when my mom in the midst of my packing found my debit card statement for my tithing money I gave St George.
So anyhoo, Debs arrived to bring my stuff all the way from Birmingham- the day I was due to go. Hope she had a nice time meeting everyone- even though it was really rushed. It certainly was crazy.
I wont bore you with the flight and so forth but to the important bit: THE ARRIVAL.
Arrived in Sri Lanka with no problems- thank God. I was greeted by my 2nd aunt(really complicated genealogy here) but she is my 'mammy'- the Tamils out there will know what I mean. I am staying with her daughter(+husband, and 2 children).
They were very welcoming. I have my own room upstairs and bathroom. The room is HUGE and there is really good internet access- which I have finally got round to setting up.
The weather is the hottest it has ever been but strangely I rather like it- whilst even the locals are sweltering away.
My first day has been great. Not done much except sleep a lot. Did I mention I arrived with practically no clothes(long story)? - I was too tired to shop locally, but this could be a problem if it is not sorted out soon.
Thankfully, however, my aunt came to my rescue there and took me shopping (the shops here- all of them, close ludicrously late). So I napped till 6pm- and it was already dark outside, but the town (Dehiwela- district outside Colombo). The sizing were all different, and I- a size 12 btw- fit into an XXL- feel kind of offended, not ever been bothered much with clothes however.
Anyhoo by the time we returned home, I was exhausted- and I have an early start tomorrow.
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