NEWS
Lesley from United Kingdom
There was a great vacuum in the hearts of children the camps of Lhok Nga, Lampenereut and the students of SMP 2 Banda Aceh as our teacher volunteer, the wonderful Lesley Arend, concluded her two months voluntarily service and returned to the United Kingdom on April 19, 2005. Words cannot express how thankful we are for her tireless support and outstanding contribution to this relief project through English lessons which had gained numerous positive responses and enthusiasm from the Acehnese, the young one as well as the adults. Lesley has indeed left a legacy to the children as she taught about serving others regardless of their age, nationality, skin colors, and religious backgrounds. Every of her actions envisions how love surpasses all things.
Lesley and new friends
Lesley, tremendously popular amongst the Acehnese
Using any materials she could her hands on, Lesley’s teaching was ever impressive and refreshing
Below is an excerpt of a reflection of her experience serving in Aceh.
Four days from now my two months’ stay in Aceh will be over. My feelings are mixed: sadness that this special time is nearly done and my excitement to be going home to my family and friends. And within a few days of my return my daughter Romany will be home after a year in Japan. My lovely daughter who was on a certain beach in Thailand the day the tsunami that wrecked so many lives hit. My precious daughter whose whereabouts were unknown for several seemingly endless hours. And in thanks for her life I hope in some way to have made a difference to the Acehnese victims of the tsunami whose lives have touched mine.
It surprises me to be asked by World Harvest to come to Aceh to teach English-what possible use will that be in a disaster situation? But my first visit to the refugee camp at Lhok Nga dispelled any doubts. Everyone, from the very young to the much older wanted to learn English, whatever their circumstances.
What will be my lasting impressions? Too many to list. The daily journey through tsunami ravaged landscapes always shocked me and is an image that I will never forget. The courage of the people, especially the children has deeply touched me. I consider myself fortunate and blessed to have come to Indonesia and to have met the friendliest people on earth with big smiles, loudest laughs (and even louder sneezes) known to man. Thank you World Harvest I am forever changed.
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Relentless Nancy & Ted Ryan
Life is not ‘normal’ anymore for those who saw with their very own eyes how tsunami took away their children. Likewise, life is very much different for those who lost their houses and witnessed how their business was ruined by the tsunami. Around 60% of the people of Aceh have been suffering from stress and depression. In fact, there are some of them suffering severe mental depression due to the tsunami disaster.
It was not easy to put up with the people of Aceh from day to day and listen to their stories. Nevertheless, World Harvest and Focus on the Family are faithful to serve the survivors. Counseling centers at Zainoel Abidin Hospital and at several refuge camps have been opened to the public. The following is a testimony from our courageous and relentless counselors, Nancy and Ted Ryan.
Monday March 14th found us spending the morning at the Zainoel Abidin hospital, largest hospital in Aceh. Along with Hardi, our interpretr, we were interacting with patients in one of the medical wards. Among our activities was trying to promote patient care and comfort. A huge amount of the hospital staff had not survived the tsunami. This brought about the placement of a large number of medical care trainees.
One of the patients had breathing difficulties so Nancy treated her with pack percussion and urged the patient to cough frequently to loosen secretions. Three young male trainees were in the room and paid close attention. They soon began practicing the technique.
Hardi was encouraged to sing some Indonesian songs with the patients. One of the trainees inquired about the singing and seemed to grasp the fact that a joyful attitude promotes the healing process.
Thursday March 17th we were at the SMP 2 Junior High School to assist the World Harvest English teacher. As we approached the classroom, a couple of boys from the next room came out and asked us to come to their room. We went in and found about 28 teenagers (14 and 15 year olds). They were neatly dressed and waiting for a teacher to teach Arabic. They spoke English well. We learned the teacher for that class died in the tsunami. We had Vivi, a wonderful translator. We asked the students to tell us their names and what they would like to become. Eleven students said they would like to be doctors. One boy aspired to be president. They sang a very sad, beautiful song about the tsunami. Some of them cried, as well as Vivi and ourselves. We attempted some teaching, which provided entertainment more than education.
We tried to imagine what might have happened if three outsiders had entered an American school and just started teaching. Those students were very attentive and co-operative. What a joy it was to interact with these fourteen and fifteen year-olds and let them know that we cared about their needs, express our sympathy and enjoy spending time with them.
We put forth a lot of effort trying to become a part of the tsunami relief effort. Before we came, we prayed and contacted many mission groups and relief agencies until we heard about World Harvest from Focus on the Family Radio Program. They quickly responded to our call and expedited our trip to Indonesia. World Harvest has been a blessing to us. They are a group that truly honors God in their compassion for people and their specific provision for the needs of their personnel. Our desire was to serve tsunami victims in any way. God has used World Harvest to meet the desires of our heart and give us a chance to meet with some amazing, giving, energetic saints.
Nancy, World Harvest counselor serving in Aceh
Ted Ryan, World Harvest counselor playing with the children in Lhok Nga refugee camp.
