People have been very
generous and it seems everyone wants to help!
2. Where were
you on 26th Dec 2004?
I was enjoying my Boxing
day 2004 with my family when the tsunami hit and to see
such destruction and heart breaking images made me feel
physically sick. It left complete devastation behind, not
only destroying their homes and businesses but most tragically
taking members of many families too. The media coverage
was continuous with the number of dead ever growing. So
many people were affected by this tragic natural disaster.
Many westerners gave money but I felt for me it wasn't enough.
This is why I have decided to go out and help.
3. What was /
is your connection with the region / people?
When I traveled for 2
years, I spent time in various Asian countries. I made many
new friends - many were buddhists. I found myself enjoying
the company of many beautiful people and children throughout
South East Asia.
These children have
very little or nothing at all, but still manage to find
happiness and make the best of what they have, always smiling,
laughing and enjoying life.
It really touched me
to see them living with so little.
I haven't ever been to
Sri Lanka or India, but have wanted to for a very long time.
I guess this is the time I am supposed to be going. I am
also very interested to learn more about buddhism.
4. What are YOU
getting out of the project?
THE GREATEST OF SATISFACTION!
It is an amazing feeling
to be able to help others.
I always knew I wanted
to work with children using my skills, so I have to say
I am finally fulfilling my life long dream.
An amazing life-changing
experience awaits me - meeting and sharing experiences with
beautiful beings.
5. What is next
for you and the project?
The way I hope to help
the children is to bring some fun experiences and laughter
their way. I am a mural artist and fairy face painter.
I plan to dress up in
my pink sparkly fairytale outfit and paint as many faces
as I can in a day! I plan to hold art workshops and do some
murals on the walls of the orphanages and schools. I shall
use the children's drawings and ideas about how they would
like to see their future. Bringing colourful visual love
for them to enjoy each and every day!
I leave for Sri Lanka
on 5th February 2006, and plan to work with these projects:-
www.impaktaid.com
www.teardroprelief.com
6. How is the
project changing your life?
My life has already changed
in many ways - I am now doing something I wanted to do for
a very long time.
I have left my job as
a nursery teacher and play-worker for young carers. This
period in my life has made me realise that if you really
have the determination and a strong enough desire for something,
then anything is possible.
Unconditional love seems
to spread.... I have met some wonderful, giving, kind, loving,
compassionate people along this journey, and I am sure made
friends for life with many of them..... when you give out
love it seems to come back ten fold and much more.
I am extremely lucky
to have found my life's path, and am protected and supported
in every way possible.
7. How is the
project changing other people's lives?
I believe I have made
many others realise what is possible and that any of us
can help even in the smallest ways.
Through my fund raising
efforts via face painting, I was able to educate UK children
of all ages why I was raising money and how this money was
going to make a difference.
Through doing this project
fundraising, I have changed the life of one of my best friends.
He is leaving his job as a mechanic and is flying out with
me to do some manual work.
I have also planted in
the minds of many other friends the idea of doing something
in the same field and maybe joining me on 'Project
Sri Lanka' whilst I am out there.
I have been told I am
an inspiration to everyone I meet.
The most Impact I hope
to have is on the children who have been affected by the
Tsunami, bringing unconditional love and light into their
lives and asking for nothing in return, just their time.
8. What message
can you offer other people / the world?
My life purpose is to
be happy in everything I do. Isn't this everyone's life
purpose?!
I create my happiness
by putting love into everything I do, giving love to every
person that I meet, and in every experience I have and in
every situation I find myself in.
We all have the abiltity
to love, and unconditional love costs us nothing. Spread
your love each and every way. It's amazing how really "love
is all we need" and the rest seems to come
in abundance when you give it out.
Everyone deserves love.
Show people you meet how easy it is to show love - open
a door for someone, help someone with their shopping, take
time to speak to an elderly person at the bus stop, call
and tell someone you love them. These small acts of love
and kindness may make someone's day and costs you nothing.
See how it makes you feel!
Warm your heart and someone
elses.
"Ultimately,
the reason why love and compassion bring the greatest happiness
is simply that our nature cherishes them above all else.
The need for love lies at the very foundation of our human
existence" Dalai Lama
9. Please share
one special moment during your project that made it all
seem so worthwhile.
Already it has made my
life worthwhile - it has changed me into the person I desire
to be.
The time that
will make it 'special' for me will be the moment I see a
smile on an orphan child's face!
Love and Light
Geniene Burchett,
Brighton, UK
23rd December
2005
