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November 4, 2005

As reported previously, our tsunami reconstruction project in Sri Lanka is in full swing and we’re focused on continuing to assist those in dire need – those victims still languishing in relief camps throughout the coastal villages.

It is hard to imagine that we’re approaching the one-year mark; nearly an entire year has passed since that devastating day. Yet, there is much to be done here towards housing and feeding the poor who have suffered greatly; and ensure that their children have the necessary supplies needed to attend their respective schools.


Some of the Samson Family. Pictured (from left) Mrs. Nalani Samson, daughter Madusha and son Ruwan-Sampath
Three members of the Kumarapperuma Family. Pictured (from Left) Mrs. Padma, her son Delan, and brother Chamendra


With over 375 families awaiting housing in the Matara District alone, we’re continuing to concentrate our efforts there, specifically within the village of Polhena. Although the village is abuzz with housing projects at various stages of construction, some of the work was beginning to wane eleven months hence. Within the past few weeks however, a surge of energy has overtaken many NGO’s and various volunteers, and a sense of lively solidarity and purpose has taken affect. It’s just what we all needed in order to stay focused on the overall task.

During this second phase of our project, LifeNets will provide habitat for a further 14 victims in desperate need of housing – the Samson family comprising of 6 members and the Kumarapperuma’s with a total of 8 in their family. As pictured, construction has already begun on the two second-phase houses we are funding for them. The foundations have been laid and its stilts set for the living level to be constructed.

By the time you receive our next report, we hope to have a lot more work completed….
 

November 1, 2005

Greetings from Sri Lanka! We have settled in nicely and well into our work for our LifeNets Tsunami Reconstruction Project in Polhena, Sri Lanka. We are experiencing a late Monsoon season and it has therefore rained on and off since our arrival here. However, it hasn't hampered our progress greatly and we're steadily working towards the completion of our five houses.

The walls are near complete on four houses thus far. The masons are working hard to ensure they dry quickly before a rain spell hampers them. Imagine this.... each brick is hand-made and then dried in the sun. They can only build to a level of five feet a day, so that the cement is allowed to dry completely.

What has been accomplished so far

One of the many rain spells! Putting plastic over a fresh
made wall to protect from the rain

Supplying blocks to the masons

Buckets of sand are hauled to the building level. It is mixed
with cement to make the mortar for the blocks.

After the walls are complete, the roofs will be installed. After that, the plaster on the walls will follow. Then, the floors will be slurried with cement. Stay tuned to our blog for details of each exciting building phase and to learn more about our second phase efforts.

Will write again in a few short days!

Kevin and Sonali

 

October 30, 2005

Sonali Fiske is interviewed about the Walk for Hope that was held in Long Beach, California to benefit our work for Tsunami relief in Sri Lanka. Hear her interview in the following formats. Then, please view the TV interview on Orange County television

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Be the Cause (www.bethecause.org) Sonali Fiske is interviewed for the Walk for Hope on August 21, 2005 to raise money for our project in Sri Lanka - 9 minutes. (posted October 30, 2005)

     

 

Oct. 30th, 2005 09:36 am Kevin/Sonali Fiske on Orange County TV talking about LifeNets Tsunami Project in Sri Lanka

Kevin and Sonali Fiske appear on Orange County, California television and talk about the LifeNets Sri Lanka Reconstruction Project after the December 26, 2004 Tsunami.  Format is Real Player.   Click below to watch.

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Kevin and Sonali Fiske are interviewed on KOCE-TV in Orange County, California about the LifeNets Tsunami Reconstruction Project on September 27, 2005 -Time: 4:40 (posted October 30, 2005)

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You can see our entire story about the Sri Lanka Reconstruction Project at www.lifenets.org/tsunami. Also, you can hear the latest audio interview about the Tsunami project at www.lifenets.org/audio-video Kevin and Sonali are back in Sri Lanka working on phase two of our project where will be building additional houses to the five already started and almost finished.

Thank you for your interest.

 

October 13, 2005

On October 3, 2005 Sonali Fiske attended the Sri Lanka Cultural Show at UCLA where they were invited to exhibit our project. It's part of a fundraising effort in the Los Angeles area to raise money for our LifeNets Lankan Reconstruction project. See the article in the UCLA Bruin newspape about the Cultural Show.

 

From left: Sonali, Ethan and Kevin Fiske

October 11, 2005

LIFENETS TSUNAMI RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT

“PHASE TWO”   SRI LANKA

 We’re Back at Work!

Within two short weeks, we will launch phase two of our tsunami reconstruction project in Sri Lanka. Nearly a year after that fateful day, much has been done to meet the immediate needs of those living in relief camps, however there is still much to be accomplished on the massive reconstruction front.

Progress of phase one which will be complete
by the end of October

Since we are hard pressed to find any news coverage regarding the post-tsunami recovery efforts in Asia, we thought the following report would be of interest to all our dedicated sponsors, supporters and friends. Upon becoming directly involved there, we began to gain perspective on some of the essential facts that are not always apparent through the mainstream media outlets.

It is worth considering the following:

Despite these challenges and our considerably smaller second phase budget, we are proceeding to Sri Lanka this month with the intention of (1) building low cost housing, (2) and conducting further livelihood development programs for the over 800,000 Sri Lankans still languishing in relief camps throughout the country.

Please come by often to see our progress and view our work in words and pictures. As before, this blog will be updated at least weekly with our progress from the field. Please help support our work to ensure we assist as many victims as possible! Please feel free to share your thoughts and/or questions and we will make very effort to respond as quickly as possible.

Stay tuned for more exciting news from Sri Lanka!

October 10, 2005

Walk For Hope, 2005

Long Beach, California 

On September 24, Be The Cause, a volunteer-run charitable organization (www.bethecause.org), held it’s 4th annual Walk For Hope. This event is unlike any walk-a-thon every experienced as its purpose is to cultivate compassion and inspire service to one’s fellow man. 

Along the 3-mile walk route were hundreds of powerful quotes and stirring messages. There were also several ‘activity stations’ along the way, enabling walkers to discuss global issues, express creativity, and connect with other walkers in a deep and meaningful way. 

Along with live international entertainment and free ethnic food, many humanitarian organizations displayed information on various causes around the world.

This year, our very own LifeNets Tsunami Reconstruction Project was on display and a direct beneficiary of the Walk For Hope. Proceeds from the event will benefit our continued work to build habitat and provide livelihood for the hundreds of thousands of tsunami victims living in relief camps throughout Sri Lanka.


LifeNets on display at the Walk For Hope


One of the many inspiring quotes along the walk route


Children's inspiring art work  

September 22, 2005

Church of God 7th Day Donates $12,132.73 to LifeNets for Sri Lanka Tsunami Reconstruction

I was invited as a fraternal delegate to the Church of God 7th July 2005 Conference in Denver, Colorado.  My friend Bill Hicks who is General Conference Ministries director and I keep in regular contact with each other. On the ministerial side of things we cover some of the same ground around the world, namely in Ukraine where we interface with some of the same people....also in Malawi, India and Kachinland. 

The Church of God has a Disaster Relief Fund that is administered by Bill Hicks. They wished to donate it to an area that needed help with tsunami relief, but wanted the aid to go through those of the same faith. None of the areas of the hard-hit tsunami damage had any of their members. They saw on our LifeNets website that we had started an initiative to rebuild in Sri Lanka through Kevin and Sonali Fiske. Bill Hicks called me and offered to give their Tsunami disaster relief money to LifeNets.  In addition, he invited me to come to Denver as a fraternal delegate at their conference. 

It was a wonderful experience. I was able to attend some of the helpful workshops. I had also met people I hadn't seen in years. 

A public presentation of the donation was made Thursday evening July 7th by President Whaid Rose.  I was greatly moved by the generosity.  They money will go to build several more homes in phase two of our Tsunami Reconstruction project.  See also www.lifenets.org/cog7.

Victor Kubik

Bill Hicks and Victor Kubik at the GC Ministries booth at the Conference

Thanking the General Conference for the $12,132 donation to LifeNets

Albert Adamson Tembo from Malawi along with Ivan Senina, a Ukrainian from Portland, OR. Both are pastors

With Church of God 7th leader Calvin Burrell

 

 

Progress Report, 07/15/05

So far, the concrete slabs on the living level of four homes have been poured. This will take approximately seven days to cure after which we will begin to construct the walls with cinder blocks. From this point on, the rest of the construction should be completed in about 65 days or so.

This week, the cinder blocks will be delivered to the job site, the masons are supposed to arrive and the construction should commence on the block walls by Tuesday, 7/19. Simultaneously, concrete will be prepped and poured on the fifth home in order to keep the project rolling.

Stay tuned for more reports from the construction site of our tsunami housing project in Sri Lanka… .
 

July 6, 2005

Kevin and Sonali Fiske returned to the United States on July 5th.  All is well with our project is in the safe and capable hands of Mark Ranchigoda. This is the last on-site report as we prepare for the next phase of this project. 




Kevin Fiske holding son Ethan along with Mark Ranchigoda
 

Progress Report, 07/04/05

So far, the concrete slabs on the living level of two homes have been poured. This will take approximately seven days to cure after which we will begin to construct the walls with cinder blocks. From this point on, the rest of the construction should be completed in about 65 days or so.

This week, the cinder blocks will be delivered to the job site, the masons are supposed to arrive and the construction should commence on the block walls. Simultaneously, concrete will be prepped and poured on the other three homes in order to keep the project rolling.

Stay tuned for more reports from the construction site of our tsunami housing project in Sri Lanka… .

A view of the concrete at the living level

 

Kevin inspects the concrete at the living level structure


July 3, 2005

LifeNets Assists Another Family in Need

In addition to our housing reconstruction project, LifeNets has sought various ways in which to help tsunami victims attain some form of normalcy in their lives. We achieve this through our livelihood development initiatives – helping families to re-establish their respective trades or aid in establishing some type of income generation.

So far, we have helped a local photographer and welder achieve self-sufficiency by jump-starting their businesses. We have launched yet another micro-enterprise effort – to help a disabled and tsunami-affected family in desperate need of some income. 35-year-old Lasith, husband and father, is entirely hearing impaired. His family lost most of their clothing and meager possessions when the tsunami attacked.


Lasith receives his supplies


Kevin, holding Ethan, with Lasith and his family

Since their home is currently uninhabitable, they are living with area relatives until Lasith can afford to be out on his own. Before the tsunami, Lasith was accustomed to helping his local villagers with sporadic odd jobs; patching up a leaky roof, carpentry work, masonry, and tile work. It was Lasith’s greatest desire to establish a more substantial and stable trade so that he may support his family throughout.

We are happy to make his dream a reality. LifeNets has been able to purchase a complete set of supplies for Lasith to start a small tile work business.
Despite his disability, he is very skilled at this trade and believes he can generate enough income to re-start a normal life for his wife who is also deaf, and three kids, Ravindra aged 9, Nepchuan, aged 4, and little Kavisha a mere 9 months old.

We will keep you updated of Lasith and his family’s welfare in our future progress reports….

Supplies Purchased for Lasith

    1. Grinder
    2. Drill
    3. Cutter
    4. Tile Snapper
    5. Square
    6. Pliers
    7. Trowel
    8. Spade
    9. Rubber Mallet
    10. Small Level (2 foot)
    11. Tape Measure
    12. Extension Cord (25 foot)
    13. Dust Mask
    14. Knee Guards
    15. Safety Glasses
    16. Bucket
 

June 21, 2005

Labeema Relief Camp

In between our time spent at the job site in Polhena, we are often compelled to return to the many men, women and children enduring camp life. Each visit provides many insights into the various psycho-social issues so common among many tsunami victims. Apart from their grief and struggle to come to terms with their losses, they suffer from numerous post-tsunami stress disorders.

Constant nightmares, eating and sleeping disorders, suicidal thoughts, and feelings of alienation from society continue to plague them almost 6 months past.

A harsh reality - many pregnant women endure camp life

They are so happy to received visitors to their lonely camp!

Through the eyes of a child...their expressive drawings relate the hardship endured

A widower, and his two children receive donations from Levi Hemingway

We recently visited a small relief camp in the village of Labeema along with our visitors from Arizona, Tim Fiske, his 11-year-old son Kile, Eric Hemingway and son Levi, aged 9. In Labeema, over 15 families abide in wooden huts, sharing a space of about 1600 square feet. Here, we met a father of two small children who lost his wife; a mother mourning the death of her teenaged daughter; and a boy orphaned by the tsunami’s instant devastation. We can scarcely contain our sorrow, yet we quietly absorb each of their tearful accounts of that horrible day.

We were also able to present each family with a care package, full of essential items provided by the National Housing Development Authority. Each parcel consisted of: flour, rice, lentils, canned food, 1 bed sheet, 1 towel, and a bar of soap. With each visit, we are faced with the inevitable and painful task of having to leave the relief camp and head home. They, as well as us, can hardly wait for our return.

Kevin and Sonali


June 17, 2005

Progress Report, 06/17/05

We have some very exciting news to share concerning Sunil, Kusumali and their children! You may remember them – the welder and his family who lost virtually everything after the tsunami and have continued to endure living in interim shelter for the past five months (see blog update below, dated 5/06). In addition, Kusumali suffered the loss of her father and grandmother that fateful day. She is still struggling to recover from her tragic loss.

Since the after effects of the tsunami, Sunil has been fervently attempting to revive his livelihood, so that he could start a renewed life for his family. You see, the temporary “food basket” currently offered by the government is no longer sufficient to sustain a family of six. Ultimately, Sunil knew he needed to restore his business so that his children could return to a relatively normal life. He also hopes that by achieving self-sufficiency he may ultimately extend help to his surrounding neighbors and villagers.
 

Sunil and his family are all smiles--thankful
 for their donation

Taking in Sunil's hospitality following
 the donation ceremony



Sunil (left) receiving his welding supplies
 from Eric Hemingway, the Deputy Minister Gajadeera

Unloading all of Sunil's supplies


LifeNets supporters Tim Fiske and Eric Hemingway, currently in Sri Lanka, upon hearing Sunil’s plight, immediately offered to help him restore his welding business. They hurriedly appealed to their friends and family in the U.S., and in 3 short weeks collected enough funds to help purchase the essential welding supplies for Sunil.

With their help, we have purchased all the necessary materials needed for Sunil to commence work (See supply list below)! When it came time to hand-deliver the  supplies, it gained widespread attention among the villagers – so much so that it captured the attention of the local new media.

As a genuine gesture of thanks, we were invited to Sunil’s modest home for a taste of king coconut and traditional sweetmeats. Sunil was filled with gratitude and appreciation for the donations he received. We were all truly touched by the warmth and hospitality extended toward us by his engaging family.

LifeNets donated the following supplies to re-establish Sunil’s welding workshop:

· Oxygen Tank Gauge
· Acetylene Tank Gauge
· Oxygen Wire Set
· Oxygen Torch
· Acetylene Tank
· Arc Welding Unit, 250 Amps
· (Dewalt) Metal Cut-off Saw
· Grinder
· Floor Drill Press
· Bench Drill Press
· Hand Drill
· Bench Vise
· Box Panel Set
· Set of Keys
· Socket Set
· Pop Rivet Machine
· Paint Spray Gun
· Hacksaw
· Set of Screwdrivers
· Face Shield/Mask
· Protective Gloves
 

 

June 10, 2005

This week, we have been fortunate to welcome a few of LifeNets supporters to Sri Lanka. Kevin’s brother, Tim Fiske and friend Eric Hemingway traveled from Arizona, U.S.A. to witness our tsunami reconstruction project first-hand.

While in Matara, they lent us a hand on the construction site. They were able to achieve the time-consuming task of laying ˝ inch rebar in preparation for the pouring of concrete. The first-story concrete columns have cured and ready for the living level to be primed for the second phase of concrete. The concrete slab will be 4 inches thick and 9 inches at the bond beam.

They laid over 100 steel rebar as 8” grids in preparation to pour the concrete on the living level of the house. First, red plastic was laid down on top of the plywood form boards and the rebar was laid on top of that. The red plastic prevents the concrete from sticking to the form boards, so they can be reused. Being resourceful is a necessity here – no material is ever wasted or discarded.

They will repeat the process on the other four houses so that the hand-mixed cement can be poured on Monday.

Kevin and Sonali Fiske

Laying the plastic to protect the plastic form boards

Tim Fiske, Kevin Fiske and Eric Hemingway laying rebar

Stick braces are placed to hold the concrete

Tying the bond beam to the columns

June 5, 2005

There are so many tsunami victims still lying in tents, interim shelters and various relief camps throughout the country. Although the reconstruction efforts are prodding on at a moderate pace, so many families still lie in wait. While their permanent homes are being constructed, many victims anxiously linger by the roadside for the random sight of NGO trucks bearing food supplies.

LifeNets had the opportunity to assemble care packages for some of these people. We were able to distribute powdered milk and flour to over 1,000 victims located on a hillside within the grounds of a Buddhist temple in Matara.

Despite their hardship and obvious shortcomings, it was amazing to witness their sheer gratitude for the few donations we brought them. For instance, last week, a smaller, locally based NGO contributed kitchen utensils, comprising of a fork and spoon per family. Although that may not appear as much, the people gratefully accept whatever was given. As one refugee so profoundly shared: “ We take so much for granted when things are going well; when we lose everything we value everything.”

Kevin and Sonali Fiske


Assembling parcels of powdered milk and flour for the
tsunami victims


Temporary relief camp where we distributed donations

 

May 27, 2005

During the course of our project, we encounter so many victims who have been virtually stripped of everything – from their family members to every stitch of clothing they own. Although LifeNets is not in a position to help every victim encountered, we attempt to help those we can.

Mrs. Yapa receives her camera

One such victim in need is a widow and mother named K.R. Yapa. She was running a modest photography business out of her home. It was a small-scale operation – a tiny storage room as her “studio,” an old Nikon FM10, 35 MM camera with an electronic flash, some film and a few poor folk in the village that needed to capture wedding or birth memories. It was an outdated camera, but technology doesn’t advance all that hastily here as it does in the West.

On December 26, she was stripped of everything she owned, including her cherished camera. Although the tsunami tore through her house, it spared the home’s main structure and merely damaged a few walls and windows. She is grateful to not have to endure the relief camps. “I am thankful I still have my own roof and the loving embrace of my children,” she tells us.

Mrs. Yapa’s priority was to restore her livelihood – just so she could purchase food for her family. But to save enough funds to purchase a camera would take her up to a year – she couldn’t achieve this without outside help. LifeNets is happy to help Mrs. Yapa restore her home business! We have provided her with a 2003 model, Nikon FM 55, 35 MM camera with a built-in flash and tripod. Her face lit up and tears filled her eyes as she gently held our donation in her hands. As she gingerly placed the camera in her crumpled bag, she relates, “I never expected such a beautiful camera… all I anticipated was a disposable at best.” For certain, moments like these are the definite rewards of our mission here in Sri Lanka.
 

May 20, 2005 Progress report

As reported last week, the foundations have been set on all five houses. In addition, the concrete reinforced stilts have been poured and they will be allowed to cure over the next few days. Today, the columns’ wooden form boards were removed and prepared for the all-important second stage of building – constructing the first floor, concrete platforms.

Concrete Columns are up!

Colorful Buddhist flag

Another significant Buddhist holiday is upon us. Vesak, the commemoration of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing into nirvana, is a colorful two-day celebratory journey. Predominantly kept in Southeast Asia, vibrant processions take place in the temple, bodhi trees are sprinkled with scented water, lanterns are lit, and street stalls are erected. Children take to the streets in multi-colored costumes, waving festive flags and paper lanterns.
 

 

Workers removing form boards

In our case, the workers on our job site are given the opportunity to go home to their individual villages, visit their families and celebrate Vesak in style. They have spent the last month or so, living in an abandoned building adjacent to our job site. This short, 3-day work break is a much-welcomed rest for them. 

Kevin and Sonali Fiske

May 14, 2005

We are whistling while we work on the job site in Polhena, Matara! So far, the concrete has been poured for the foundations on all five houses. We are all hurriedly working in pursuit of the project deadline. As of this date, we have a total of 20 workers on onsite. Despite the archaic hand tools and conventional equipment available to these men, we are truly amazed at the progress being made!  

Achieving a level line using a plastic tube with water

Ethan Fiske - Sri Lanka's youngest tsunami relief worker

For instance, the required concrete for our project is mixed by hand using raw materials. Truckloads of sand, gravel, and cement are delivered onsite and the workers laboriously mix the cement using buckets of water hand-carried onsite. They do not have the ease of a cement mixer, ready mix truck, or water hose as readily available in the U.S. Rebar is cut using a hacksaw, cement is mixed with a shovel, and necessary wood is cut with the use of a hand saw. There are no powered tools on hand! 

Despite the lack of modern conveniences, remarkably, they work cohesively together and possess an incredibly resourceful work ethic. We’re very encouraged that we can achieve the proposed completion date of 3-5 months. Stay tuned for more exciting reports from the field!


Workers sawing wood with handsaws

May 6, 2005

As the rebuilding efforts prod on the plight of those victims still lying in refugee camps is of prime concern to those involved with the rehabilitation efforts here. The common talk among everyone concerned is that restoring Sri Lanka takes second place to providing housing, clothing and feeding the multitudes still languishing in various “tent villages” along the coastline. The ongoing predicament of over a half a million displaced people is a serious one, and of those victims, it appears that the children are both the most affected and tenacious among them.  

Left to Right - Kevin with Chamaka, Chaturni, Kaushaliya, and Ruwani-350

Sunil's beautiful family350.jpg

Take Sunil, Kusumali and their children for example. With four children in tow – Chamaka, 16; Ruwani, 13, Kaushaliya, 10; and Chaturni aged 6, they eked out a meager existence albeit living a simple and contented life by the shores of Polhena. They currently live close to our work site and we often look forward to visiting them on our work breaks.  

Within their small property, Sunil ran a welding business. His earnings barely enabled him to purchase the necessary textbooks needed to send his children to school. In order to supplement their income, Kusumali often sold coconuts to neighboring villagers or bartered for rice, oil or mangoes. In other words, Sunil and Kusumali were making do. Their situation makes it apparent, that those hardest hit by the tsunami were hit-hard to begin with.

On that fateful morning, inexplicably, Sunil and his family were spared their lives. His oldest son suffered deep wounds on his right thigh and foot from oncoming debris, while Kusumali suffered lesions on her arms while dangling from a coconut tree. They were stripped of all their modest possessions. All that remained were the clothes on their back. 

Their next unsettling weeks ahead were spent at a Buddhist temple, a preschool, and an abandoned building respectively. Two months following the disaster, a foreign NGO granted them interim housing, a constricted 10 by 15 foot shelter, devoid of electricity or running water. As we entered their “home,” the children greeted us with vibrant smiles and laughter. Despite their hardship and the numerous psycho-social issues prevalent among tsunami-affected children, there was no evidence of it here.

Although they currently live a hand-to-mouth existence and survive on morsels of rice and lentils obtained from the 50 dollar monthly stipend supplemented by the government, they possess a remarkable outlook on their situation. With their hope still intact, Sunil relates “We don’t know why we have been chosen to live… we are grateful to have all of our children with us.” When they hear our footsteps towards their shelter, the children amusingly bound towards us with shouts of laughter. Little do they know the sheer pleasure we feel in seeing their charm


April 29, 2005

We are making good progress on stage one of our housing reconstruction project in Polhena, Matara. Although we have had a few rain spells and two public holidays back-to-back, the project is advancing well. The pillar footings on two houses have been dug. Today, the rebar, is being sized and formed in preparation for pouring concrete for the foundation.

A rapid production line will begin work on the remaining houses until all five reach completion. Along with up to 12 laborers on hand, we have a construction contractor, an on site supervisor, and an assistant engineer of the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA).

Mrs. Evanona and Sonali Fiske

The beautiful shores of Polhena

Laborers size the rebar

Mrs. Evanona's temporary wooden hut

 


The village of Polhena, an idyllic beach setting, is well known among travelers as a diving and tourist haven. Although a beautiful coral reef protects its shoreline, Polhena suffered extensive damage from the tsunami. Along with structural damages incurred up to 80 per cent, fractured sewage lines and a massive accumulation of debris on the shallow seabed contaminated its coastline. Furthermore, the sand has shifted below the waterline, making it treacherous underfoot.

Specifically related to our housing project is the issue of sand extraction. The monumental construction efforts to re-house almost a million displaced people will require massive amounts of sand. Residents of Polhena have already witnessed the erosion resulting from sand removal after the tsunami.

While there are many such post-tsunami problems in existence, the country is doing its best to deal with the crisis. Although the ecological threats are clear, housing those victims still lying in interim shelter is taking obvious precedence. Many such victims are tiring of tent living and long to be with their children separated from them in several relief camps and/or living with various relatives and Good Samaritans in the area.

LifeNets is able to assist several such affected families. Mrs. Evanona of Polhena, Matara is one such recipient. Mrs. Evanona, her husband and children lost their home and all their belongings from the onslaught of the tsunami. What little they did have, comprising of three beds, scarce furniture, and precious photographs taken at birth were all washed away within an instant. Her husband suffered permanent hearing loss while hanging onto the limb of a Del tree, waiting for the water to subside.

As dire as their situation is, it doesn’t describe the full extent of their distress. You see, Mrs. Evanona suffers from breast cancer. It is her deepest hope that despite what her future holds, her children may live together, under one roof – a place to call their own. As she spends her time laying on a coarse bed, within the make-shift walls of a bare wooden hut, our laborers are hurriedly working outside – sanding, sawing and preparing materials to build Mrs. Evanona the permanent refuge she so deserves. As we observe them work, she tells me “I am the fortunate one. At least I’m alive and my children are safe. What more could I ask for?”

 

 

April 20, 2005

We've included three articles from three different local newspapers featuring our project. They are variations of the same information, however I wanted you to see the kind of exposure LifeNets is receiving here.

Also, I've included another article addressing the situation of fishing vessels. I thought it might be helpful for those who are wondering why we've taken a turn into providing housing.

The project is progressing very well over here

April 15, 2005

The following is our report covering the launch of LifeNets Rebuilding Project for the victims of the tsunami. On Thursday, April 07, we traveled to Matara, approximately four hours south of Colombo, the country’s capital. Located in a small fishing hamlet called Epitamulla, we officially broke ground on building five dwellings for those victims whose homes directly stood within the tsunami’s path. We toured the site of their former houses – all that remain are heaps of rubble and debris, disfiguring any resemblance of a dwelling these people once called “home.”

The morning began with an auspicious ceremony attended by most of the locals within the community, the architect and engineer of the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) and the Deputy Minister of Housing, Mr. Ariyasena Gajadeera. Also present was the local news media, comprising of 3 newspaper journalists and cameramen from Rupavahini – the country’s national TV news station.

Kevin and Ethan Fiske beside official LifeNets banner

House plans submitted by NHDA Engineer

Kevin Fiske lays the official foundation stone

Signing the contract and other papers

Kevin and Sonali Fiske alongside project beneficiaries

Sonali Fiske talking to reporters about LifeNets project

Visiting one of the many temporary relief camps


The ritual enabled the homeowners to give thanks to their donors, open the process in prayer, and lay the ceremonial cornerstone of each individual house to be built. Then, as a gesture of gratitude and warmth, we were invited to a traditional meal of milk rice and bananas. Sri Lanka is a country steeped in tradition and as such, it was very enriching to be a part of this practice and watch it unfold before us.

The Housing Minister, Mr. Gajadeera, then proceeded to greet all attendees and formally introduced LifeNets to all those present. He encouraged the surrounding community to participate in the rebuilding project and asked that they pledge their full support towards LifeNets. We then proceeded to sign the official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which outlines the terms of our housing project.

Some of the details of the MOU agreement are as follows:

· LifeNets will bear the cost of construction up to $3,500; the government will supplement a further $1,750 for add-on’s and furnishings
· A blue print was furnished for the construction of each house
· The NHDA will play a supervisory role during construction
· The date of completion will be between 3-5 months
· We placed an initial deposit of $2,250 to seal the deal


Overall, everyone was very accommodating and the ceremony was a great success. Incidentally, we appeared on this evening’s news! It will be a great boost for LifeNets and we feel it helps establish an official presence in Sri Lanka among the gang of other NGO’s that are here. For instance, within our surrounding building site, there are two other humanitarian envoys from Italy and Hungary.

We will make every effort to obtain a copy of the film footage and send it to you. Further, we’ve been told an article may appear in the Sunday newspaper.
If so, we’ll be sure that too.

Well, that's a wrap.
 
Sonali
 

April 7, 2005

Kevin and Sonali Fiske are getting right into our reconstruction project.  We are building a 36 foot boat that will benefit ten fishing families.  We are also building five homes that were destroyed for fishing families. Each will be about 650 square feet.  We have stayed away from the very small oru boats. After the devastation a great supply was delivered because they are cheap.  However, there are too many of them in the shallow waters and territorial issues along with overfishing and territorial issues are becoming a consideration.  The oru boats only net about $60 a month income for the fisherman.  The larger boat is able to go further off the coast and stays out longer. This benefits more fisherman by doubling the monthly incom per fishing family. We feel we've made the best choices of what is REALLY NEEDED.  Thanks to everyone's support! Here's Kevin and Sonali's latest report:

March 30

We’re off to a great start!

LifeNets will provide a fishing boat to benefit ten fishermen and will then proceed to build five homes for tsunami-affected families.

We have met with Dr. Nalinda, who is the Personal Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and identified ten fishermen in dire need of a vessel. Within the next few days, we will begin construction on a 36-foot, fiberglass resin boat, locally known as a Madalle Walam. The boat will be managed as a co-op, within the village and will be collectively owned by these men (Many of the rural villages in Sri Lanka operate as co-operative societies).

We will oversee and participate in the entire manufacturing process, ensuring LifeNets name/logo is conspicuously placed on its hull. The entire cost, inclusive of materials, labor, engine, and fishing gear totals $4,500. This will be a great outcome considering the boat will benefit ten families at once.
 

Site of basic homes in the Matara District

Fisherman with destroyed 19 foot flat bottom boat

Site of basic homes for victims in Payagala

Over-supplied oru boats


The boat will set sail under a small ribbon-cutting ceremony. Also present will be the district Grama Sevakaya (village chief), a representative from the Ministry of Fisheries, and a local reporter. We will send you a special field report and related photographs of the ceremony.

On Thursday, April 7, we will launch phase two of our Reconstruction Project – the building of homes for the tsunami victims. Located in Polhena, within the Matara District, these fisher families’ homes will be built well within the 300-foot tsunami buffer zone ordinance. We have met with the Housing Authority Minister and will proceed to sign the essential Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the building specifications and project terms. We will then meet with the individual homeowners to sign contractual agreements with them as well. It’s a process, but all these documents are essential to ensure there aren’t any issues later on.

We will break ground by Friday, April 8, following an auspicious ceremony, as is the formal custom and tradition in Sri Lanka. The construction of all  five houses will simultaneously commence by then. A LifeNets project banner will be positioned at the entrance to the building site. The cost to build each house inclusive of building materials and labor amounts to $3,500 – that’s less than what we proposed in our last progress report.

Once we return from Matara on Friday, April 8, we will send you some along with our next report.

March 30, 2005

We completed an interview for a documentary, hosted by 1993 Miss Australia, Shivaune Christina. Masoud Farand an Afghan/American filmmaker, who seeks to make a documentary about the post-tsunami efforts, came to Sri Lanka last week to document the devastation and formulate his story. He will be returning to the U.S. in a few days, edit the piece in two short weeks and proceed to sell it to the network stations. It will be an excellent promotional tool for LifeNets. Our son Ethan is shown in the photo with Shivaune and Massoud.

 

March 29, 2005

An 8.7 magnitude earthquake hit again in the Indian Ocean. We were very concerned about Kevin and Sonali in Colombo, Sri Lanka....we have just heard from them on email

 
Tue 3/29/2005 1:52 AM

Hello there!

Firstly, yes, we're ok. It was pretty scary last night, not knowing whether a tsunami would hit Sri Lanka again. All those along the shore, especially the victims still living in tents were evacuated 2 miles inland until local geologists were able to rule out the possiblity of another tsunami.

Everyone was taking precautionary measures -- there was no widespread panic.

Thanks so much for your concern. We are just a little shaken but ok.

Will report again soon. Take care.

Kevin and Sonali

 

March 27, 2005

Our experience at ground zero Sri Lanka's Tsunami Zone 

We weren't fully prepared to accept what our eyes beheld as we approached the tsunami zone in Southern Sri Lanka. Three months later, the remaining ruin appears as much as it did on CNN in the immediate aftermath of the Tsunami. Although much of the debris has been cleared and the roads more accessible, there's a lot left to do.

Here lies an irreparable boat along the shores of Payagala

 

Although victims still lie in relief tents supplied by the big name NGO's and fresh water stations are positioned every mile, the rebuilding phase has begun! Sri Lanka's government has accomplished a lot in supplying victims with their immediate needs and they have dispelled the fear of waterborne disease. Many kit homes are already under construction and the government hopes to have victims adequately housed before the Monsoon season arrives.

With trepidation, we approached the villages, careful not to impede on the victims small space of serenity they collectively share. One man built a makeshift house 40 feet above in a coconut tree, fearing the tsunami's return. They bombarded us with harrowing tales of a crashing 10-foot wave that ravaged their lives, taking their children, few belongings, and homes of up to a  mile inland. Many of them lack sleep at night, fearing that the roaring waves within earshot will ravage their villages once again. We gazed at them, teary-eyed and sorrowful.

We found that some fisher folk have been given a fresh new start by various organizations including a Belgian Army Unit whom we befriended. Similarly, within the coming weeks, LifeNets will supply several affected fishing families a vessel, in order to restore their livelihood and feed their children. We have identified and personally met fishermen who are simply longing for such a rebirth. It is our turn to extend our hearts and hands in aid and enable these men to charge back out to sea-- what a privilege!

 

 

There are many such vessels dotted along the beach

A local fisherman in Kalutara attempts to make peace with the sea

Beautiful Sri Lankan children biding time at one of the many interim relief camps

Oru boat

Here's the latest, as of 11:33 a.m., Sunday, March 27....

Although the country has faced a humanitarian crisis, locals are so matter-of-fact about what happened and display no sense of urgency about it. Things proceed quite slowly in Sri Lanka, it's just the island-style, no hurry approach. For instance, Friday was a monthly Buddhist mandatory holiday and as such all government offices, banks, and municipalities were closed. Despite that, and the slow pace here, we have achieved much towards our goal.

Here is what we have so far:

We made visits to numerous fishing villages including: Payagala, Kalutara, Matara, Mirissa, and Galle. It was an eye-opening look into the folkloric practices of local fishermen .

We met with the District Minister of Housing and Redevelopment in Matara, also responsible for boat distribution. They will get back to us by Tuesday, March 29, with fishermen in the Matara District who are still in need.

We have found a boat manufacturer who has agreed to build each non-motorized, two-man, Oru boat for approx. $450; a dramatic decrease in price from the original quote of $750 in our original proposal! And, if we are able to place a bulk order, we may receive a further discount. ETA on the construction of each: approx. 9 days.

We will personally oversee and supervise the boat construction and intend to take a hands-on role in sanding, finishing, and painting of vessels. Once completed, each donated vessel will be affixed with LifeNets name and logo. Following production, the ceremonial distribution process will be covered by the local news media and each benefactor will receive a LifeNets document, certifying their ownership and receipt of vessel. We hope to place an initial order within the next 7 days.

Our next step:

Today, we will once again head out to Payagala where we have been told are some fishermen in need. We will obtain official documentation from the Grama Sevakaya (village chief) to ensure each boat goes to a fisherman who lost a vessel. 

On Monday, we are meeting with the personal advisor to Sri Lanka's Prime Minister. He compiles the most current, accurate, and reliable information on the fisheries rebuilding efforts and of those still in need. Each fishermen having lost his vessel, was told to file a police report and then was subsequently handed a document of verification. From these documents we will know where our efforts need to be placed.

Shortly thereafter we will schedule an informal meeting with the local USAID office in Colombo. I will let you know the result of that.

As you can see, our path becomes clearer every day. There may be days where production stalls and things aren't getting done as precisely and quickly as we'd like, however we are steadily making progress. Will report again soon¦.
 

March 21, 2005

Hello All,

We have arrived safe and sound in Colombo. We are feeling great, not jet-lagged at all -- all's well. We are currently in search of an apartment for rent, which we hope to have established by week end.

We will write again shortly with address and other contact details. Hope all is well with you.

God bless.

Kevin and Sonali