Recap 2008

It has been 3 months since I created my blog and I have not posted anything as yet from my sri lankan experience. It is not because I don’t have anything to write but more of finding enough time to organize my thoughts and put it into words.

Now, it’s 2009 and I felt that what’s better to start the year by doing what I have not had the chance to religiously do last 2008. Thus, I am now going to look back and try to put it into words.

Celebrating Christmas in Sri Lanka

At the start of December, I was a bit uncertain of how my Christmas would look like in this side of the country where people don’t celebrate Christmas.

During the first week of the month, I went to Colombo and attended the VLG regular meeting, I also took the opportunity to visit the doctor as my back and lower extremities have been bothering me for a couple of weeks now. I was diagnosed with sciatica. I said what? What the hell is that? Anyway, the doctor explained to me what it was and when I went home I really spend time doing research about sciatica. OMG! I can’t believe it. Based on my research Sciatica is a set of symptoms including pain that may be caused by general compression and/or irritation of the sciatic nerve itself. The pain is felt in the lower back, buttock and/or various parts of the leg and foot. In addition to pain, which is sometimes severe, there may be numbness, muscular weakness and difficulty in moving or controlling the leg. Typically the symptoms are only felt on one side of the body and indeed that is all what i experienced. I thought that it was only simple back pains, like the usual back pains I always felt. Then I was also referred to an orthopaedic doctor for a second opinion. I had my x rays but I still have to go back to him for a reading of the film and final diagnosis. With that in mind and with the advice of the doctor to take it easy, I decided to stay at home for Christmas.

When my work colleagues learnt that I will only be in Anuradhapura for Christmas, they all expressed interest of celebrating it with me. I was glad and anticipating the day that I will not be alone on Christmas day and at the same time not sure because my culinary skills is very limited and in fact it is mostly tested within the confine of my family. Anyway, I prepared food that is normally prepared by me and my sisters at home during Christmas. My colleagues and my landlady and her daughter came and I can see from their expression this new experience brought to them. They were all excited and with full of questions as to the traditions of Christmas at home. For people who don’t celebrate Christmas, they all came with presents. I felt like I am a child again presented with Christmas gifts by my ninong and ninang, only this time, it’s my guests.

On Boxing Day, I was invited to the pass out of Pahalagama Police College training Center. It was like the graduation day of the new police officers. The proud parents and relatives were all there. There were simulation game and drill. It reminds me of the time I was an officer in CAT (Citizens Army Training) during my high school days. How excited I was during the drill and how high my feelings were with the knowledge that all your friends and relatives are watching. Coincidentally, after the ceremony, my colleague informed that one of the graduates was the son of her brother who is also my friend; the same young man whom I visited at the hospital almost three months ago. After small talk and a handful of introductions with the officials of the training center we went to the front ground and meet the graduate with the family and friends. The day ended in a very high spirit and positive note for the family. For me, it was a different experience as well.

My Christmas party was extended up to the day after the Boxing Day. The Executive Director and the Project Director came to my house as they were not able to attend the Christmas party we had. Luckily, I still have food in my fridge and I just bought some groceries in the morning before they called to inform me of their coming which enable me to cook something for them (LOL). Again, I was surprised when they presented a gift to me; whew my Christmas is really an occasion to remember (LOL). Not only because of the presents I received from all of them but more of the efforts they made to ensure that I have a happy and memorable Christmas in sri lanka. Thanks a lot guys, I surely will not forget you all and especially this experience. It humbles me.