November 2009
Research paper progress
08 Sun: Schiedam Mass
11 Wed: Final date of submission of the Research paper. It was a non-stop working for the last few days. Adaikalam did some correction. Casi in Ireland spent a lot of time reading and correcting it for me. It was a great help. And I finally submitted my paper at 12.pm and slept in the afternoon. The same day Lukas from Germany arrived to celebrate my successful completion. It was great meeting him after a break of three months.
12 Thu: Sarah from Germany too reached to celebrate the end of the studies. It was great meeting her too.
13 Fri: Myself and Lukas prepared the dinner.
14 Sat: Inter-religious International conference was held at ISS. I had took all the volunteers from here like Sarah, Lukas, Valeria, Biju, Andreas and invited also fr.Antony Samy from Enschide. Later he came to stay with us here for the night. It was a great day of reflection on the message of religion as COMAPASSION.
15 Sun: I had a mass at Schiedam. It was the birth day of Andreas. We had a good celebration. Lukas left after the dinner.
16 Mon: It was the birth day of Biju. There was a hot breakfast after the mass.
17 Tue: In the free time I was watching some Tamil films online as I had a lot of free time. The tamil movie THANAM was very good.
20 -22: I attended the street children week organized by SAMEN for the new volunteers. It was a good experience to see young people getting prepared as volunteers to the developing countries.
24 Tue: Herman Spronck, the delegate was here for a meeting.
26 Thu: I attended a seminar on “God and Capital: Conversations on Religion and Poverty”. Cafe methodology was used. It was interesting.
28 Sat: I participated in the 150 year celebration at Assel with salesians and co-operators. It was a useless trip. I wasted time.
29 Sun: I had a lunch with Ramesh and his friends at Delft. Some and Indian and srilankan friends were there too. It was a great day.
Monday, December 21, 2009
OCTOBER 2009
October 2009
1st to 3 Research Paper writing
4 Sun: Henny put me in Thalys train to Paris. My first experience in the speed train and it was a great comfortable journey. In Paris Adaikalam and Uncle Benjamin were waiting for me. We had a good massala dosai in an Indian restaurant, which I enjoyed most. Later we had a good sightseeing of paris. The first was Nortedame cathedral. The colour glasses were amazing. The Cleopatra needle and the Napolean Square were fantastic. The final climax was the Eiffel Tower. We reached in the evening and waited till they put on the light. The glittering tower in the golden lights was a fantastic sight. Paris is a beautiful city, a bit more crowed and busy. We can notice more people from the developing countries in Paris. Later in the evening we reached home and aunty welcomed with Tamil dishes. It was great tasting it after a long time. We could still see the glittering Eiffel Tower from the dining table. A special glittering at every hour is a fantastic sight. After a long chat we went to bed.
5 Mon: Early morning uncle put us in the train to Lourdes. It was a long journey of 4 hours. We reached in the afternoon and in the evening went to church. We spent time praying at the grotto. Fr.Anbu, Srilankan priest took us for a tour to the historical places of St.Bernadette. It was a moving story to listen to the story of the poor girl who was chosen to suffer. In the evening he gave us a Italian dinner and later we joined the beautiful procession with candle lights lit reciting the rosary in different languages.
6 Tue: We joined the Tamil Mass organized for the Tamil Pilgrims by Anbu. It was a good moment of prayer. After taking pictures and praying at the grotto we had a good briani at a Srilankan hotel near the station. The one who was there shared his personal experience of our lady’s guidance in his life. His experience of fleeing from Srilanka was very moving as he was narrating with tears in his eyes. Later we took the train and reached Paris in the evening.
7 Wed: Today we went to the seminary of French Fathers. We met a few Tamil priests and visited the exhibition over there. The pictures depicting the martyrdom of the Vietnam missionaries were very moving. In the afternoon we had long walk to the city up to the Parliament. It was a great day on the streets of Paris. We visited the church of St.Vincent de Paul and prayed at the body of st.Vincent de Paul. We also paid a visit to the church of Our lady of miraculous medal. We met fr.Majella over there. We returned back in the evening and had good dinner and a long chat with uncle Benjamin.
8 Thu: We left for Basel to Noel by train. We reached in the afternoon and Noel received us from the station and took us home. We were happy to see his wife and child. His wife was sick and he had to go with her to the hospital. We found our way. We felt at home.
9 Fri: Noel took us around the Town where he lived.
10 Sat: We had sightseeing of Basel city. It was beautiful city.
11 Sun: Noel and his friend took us to a beautiful city nearby and we visited the Parliament. It was fantastic day.
12 Mon: We both flew back to The Hague and reached home in the evening.
13 Tue: I took Adaikalam to the city and to ISS also.
14 Wed: Hennny took him to some places of interest in nearby cities and villages.
16 Thu: Adaikalam leaves for Milan. Myself and Henny brought him to the Airport. Then I plunged myself again in the research paper work. It was a trying time but a great learning experience.
18 Sun: I had a mass in Schiedam.
Research paper progress
25 Sun: I had a mass in Schiedam.
Research paper progress
1st to 3 Research Paper writing
4 Sun: Henny put me in Thalys train to Paris. My first experience in the speed train and it was a great comfortable journey. In Paris Adaikalam and Uncle Benjamin were waiting for me. We had a good massala dosai in an Indian restaurant, which I enjoyed most. Later we had a good sightseeing of paris. The first was Nortedame cathedral. The colour glasses were amazing. The Cleopatra needle and the Napolean Square were fantastic. The final climax was the Eiffel Tower. We reached in the evening and waited till they put on the light. The glittering tower in the golden lights was a fantastic sight. Paris is a beautiful city, a bit more crowed and busy. We can notice more people from the developing countries in Paris. Later in the evening we reached home and aunty welcomed with Tamil dishes. It was great tasting it after a long time. We could still see the glittering Eiffel Tower from the dining table. A special glittering at every hour is a fantastic sight. After a long chat we went to bed.
5 Mon: Early morning uncle put us in the train to Lourdes. It was a long journey of 4 hours. We reached in the afternoon and in the evening went to church. We spent time praying at the grotto. Fr.Anbu, Srilankan priest took us for a tour to the historical places of St.Bernadette. It was a moving story to listen to the story of the poor girl who was chosen to suffer. In the evening he gave us a Italian dinner and later we joined the beautiful procession with candle lights lit reciting the rosary in different languages.
6 Tue: We joined the Tamil Mass organized for the Tamil Pilgrims by Anbu. It was a good moment of prayer. After taking pictures and praying at the grotto we had a good briani at a Srilankan hotel near the station. The one who was there shared his personal experience of our lady’s guidance in his life. His experience of fleeing from Srilanka was very moving as he was narrating with tears in his eyes. Later we took the train and reached Paris in the evening.
7 Wed: Today we went to the seminary of French Fathers. We met a few Tamil priests and visited the exhibition over there. The pictures depicting the martyrdom of the Vietnam missionaries were very moving. In the afternoon we had long walk to the city up to the Parliament. It was a great day on the streets of Paris. We visited the church of St.Vincent de Paul and prayed at the body of st.Vincent de Paul. We also paid a visit to the church of Our lady of miraculous medal. We met fr.Majella over there. We returned back in the evening and had good dinner and a long chat with uncle Benjamin.
8 Thu: We left for Basel to Noel by train. We reached in the afternoon and Noel received us from the station and took us home. We were happy to see his wife and child. His wife was sick and he had to go with her to the hospital. We found our way. We felt at home.
9 Fri: Noel took us around the Town where he lived.
10 Sat: We had sightseeing of Basel city. It was beautiful city.
11 Sun: Noel and his friend took us to a beautiful city nearby and we visited the Parliament. It was fantastic day.
12 Mon: We both flew back to The Hague and reached home in the evening.
13 Tue: I took Adaikalam to the city and to ISS also.
14 Wed: Hennny took him to some places of interest in nearby cities and villages.
16 Thu: Adaikalam leaves for Milan. Myself and Henny brought him to the Airport. Then I plunged myself again in the research paper work. It was a trying time but a great learning experience.
18 Sun: I had a mass in Schiedam.
Research paper progress
25 Sun: I had a mass in Schiedam.
Research paper progress
Friday, October 2, 2009
september 2009
September 2009
01 Tue: Visited the ISS. I accompanied Lena to the air port.
02 Wed: For the coming days it was a heavy time to transcribe the interviews for the Research paper.
06 Sun: I went for mass to Roosandal to a little shrine of Our Lady to celebrate the birth day of Mary with theTamil Christians. It was a good celebration. There were many non Christians too for the mass.
07 Mon: I had a discussion with Arjan who was my second reader.
08 Tue: The birth day of Mary mother of Jesus. I had mass privately and distributed sweets brought from India.
09 Wed: I had an appointment with Auma my research guide for clarifications.
13 Sun: I went for mass to Roermond. It was a good celebration and people were friendly and hospitable. It was far away about two hours travel from The Hague. It was a good day. Returning back I worked almost whole night to submit the First draft the next day by 12.pm.
14 Mon: I submitted the first draft of my Research. It was a good one.
15 Tue: I relaxed a lot and rested.
16 Wed: I asked Andrea to be my student Discussant. And she willingly accepted.
17 Thu: Asif asked me to be his student Discussant.
20 Sun: I went to Schiedam for Sunday mass asked by Avin.
21 Mon: I attended the seminar of Rita on under performance of migrant students in the Netherlands.
22 Tue: Asif presented his Research Seminar and I was his student discussant.
23 Wed: I attended the Research seminar of Andrea at 9.am. At 11. Am I presented mine it was a good experience to present and got a lot of hints to develop mine better. Arjan appreciated my power points. Later Asif had brought Chapathi and chicken curry for lunch.
24 Thu: It was a relaxing day. Asif came to centre and we cooked fried rice and chicken curry. It was very good.
26 Sat: I went for the kites festival to the beach with many students and people from the Don Bosco centre. It was a beautiful and fun filled day. We came back after good fish at the beach restaurant.
27 Sun: I went for the mass at Schiedam. The congregation was thin than usual.
28 Mon: I was whole day at home trying to sort out issues of research.
29 Tue: Research writing
30 Wed: Research writing. I watched an English movie with Biju and Sarah named THE AMERICAN DREAMZ...a funny comedy.
01 Tue: Visited the ISS. I accompanied Lena to the air port.
02 Wed: For the coming days it was a heavy time to transcribe the interviews for the Research paper.
06 Sun: I went for mass to Roosandal to a little shrine of Our Lady to celebrate the birth day of Mary with theTamil Christians. It was a good celebration. There were many non Christians too for the mass.
07 Mon: I had a discussion with Arjan who was my second reader.
08 Tue: The birth day of Mary mother of Jesus. I had mass privately and distributed sweets brought from India.
09 Wed: I had an appointment with Auma my research guide for clarifications.
13 Sun: I went for mass to Roermond. It was a good celebration and people were friendly and hospitable. It was far away about two hours travel from The Hague. It was a good day. Returning back I worked almost whole night to submit the First draft the next day by 12.pm.
14 Mon: I submitted the first draft of my Research. It was a good one.
15 Tue: I relaxed a lot and rested.
16 Wed: I asked Andrea to be my student Discussant. And she willingly accepted.
17 Thu: Asif asked me to be his student Discussant.
20 Sun: I went to Schiedam for Sunday mass asked by Avin.
21 Mon: I attended the seminar of Rita on under performance of migrant students in the Netherlands.
22 Tue: Asif presented his Research Seminar and I was his student discussant.
23 Wed: I attended the Research seminar of Andrea at 9.am. At 11. Am I presented mine it was a good experience to present and got a lot of hints to develop mine better. Arjan appreciated my power points. Later Asif had brought Chapathi and chicken curry for lunch.
24 Thu: It was a relaxing day. Asif came to centre and we cooked fried rice and chicken curry. It was very good.
26 Sat: I went for the kites festival to the beach with many students and people from the Don Bosco centre. It was a beautiful and fun filled day. We came back after good fish at the beach restaurant.
27 Sun: I went for the mass at Schiedam. The congregation was thin than usual.
28 Mon: I was whole day at home trying to sort out issues of research.
29 Tue: Research writing
30 Wed: Research writing. I watched an English movie with Biju and Sarah named THE AMERICAN DREAMZ...a funny comedy.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
street as home - vatican
Those Who Call the Street "Home"Vatican Studies Ministry to Those Who Work, Live on the Road
VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 29, 2009 (Zenit.org).- There is a street associated with nearly every important event in life, but for some people the street is simply "home."
This reflection was made by Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, as he introduced the first European Meeting for the Pastoral Care of the Road/Street. The meeting began today in the Vatican and ends Friday.
Before considering the four main topics of the conference -- pastoral ministry linked to transportation; prostitutes or "women of the street"; street kids; and the homeless -- the archbishop reflected on roads in general.
"Ever since society became more mobile, the paths that men and women have trodden have had special meaning," he said. "They take us to and from work and school. They take us to visit friends and relatives as the means or place of encounter. They can symbolize rites of passage -- birth of a child, an intimate relationship, a marriage, and even death. They are routes taken also by both migrants and refugees.
"There is almost always a road associated with every place we go and every important event in our lives. And along the way there are those for whom this association is more than just a journey; they are those for whom the street is simply 'home.'"
The Vatican official observed that there "is much that is obvious and seen upon our roads and in our streets," but at the same time, "there is much that is unseen, or that is prevented from being seen."
"There are people, homes, lives that are hidden from view because often they are too painful and too ‘ugly' for our society to see and acknowledge," he said.
A pulpit
Archbishop Marchetto went on to note that roads have a special place in the Gospel.
"Jesus meets people on the way, on the side of the road, in crowds and when he is alone," he said. "[...] The road is thus the place of encounter and transformation. It is the place of proclamation and evangelization, of healing and witness. In many ways it could be said that the road, the street, was both his home and pulpit."
This special significance continues today, the prelate observed, for those "who work in the service of the Gospel." The road, he suggested, "continues to be a place of both proclamation and witness and transformation and healing."
"It is the place where Christ may still be encountered," the archbishop affirmed, "where his words and life may given, through gestures and actions, where the Church may through its various apostolates channel the grace of God."
--- --- ---
On ZENIT's Web site:
Full text of Archbishop Marchetto's address: www.zenit.org/article-26995?l=english
VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 29, 2009 (Zenit.org).- There is a street associated with nearly every important event in life, but for some people the street is simply "home."
This reflection was made by Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, as he introduced the first European Meeting for the Pastoral Care of the Road/Street. The meeting began today in the Vatican and ends Friday.
Before considering the four main topics of the conference -- pastoral ministry linked to transportation; prostitutes or "women of the street"; street kids; and the homeless -- the archbishop reflected on roads in general.
"Ever since society became more mobile, the paths that men and women have trodden have had special meaning," he said. "They take us to and from work and school. They take us to visit friends and relatives as the means or place of encounter. They can symbolize rites of passage -- birth of a child, an intimate relationship, a marriage, and even death. They are routes taken also by both migrants and refugees.
"There is almost always a road associated with every place we go and every important event in our lives. And along the way there are those for whom this association is more than just a journey; they are those for whom the street is simply 'home.'"
The Vatican official observed that there "is much that is obvious and seen upon our roads and in our streets," but at the same time, "there is much that is unseen, or that is prevented from being seen."
"There are people, homes, lives that are hidden from view because often they are too painful and too ‘ugly' for our society to see and acknowledge," he said.
A pulpit
Archbishop Marchetto went on to note that roads have a special place in the Gospel.
"Jesus meets people on the way, on the side of the road, in crowds and when he is alone," he said. "[...] The road is thus the place of encounter and transformation. It is the place of proclamation and evangelization, of healing and witness. In many ways it could be said that the road, the street, was both his home and pulpit."
This special significance continues today, the prelate observed, for those "who work in the service of the Gospel." The road, he suggested, "continues to be a place of both proclamation and witness and transformation and healing."
"It is the place where Christ may still be encountered," the archbishop affirmed, "where his words and life may given, through gestures and actions, where the Church may through its various apostolates channel the grace of God."
--- --- ---
On ZENIT's Web site:
Full text of Archbishop Marchetto's address: www.zenit.org/article-26995?l=english
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
JULY & AUGUST AT SALEM - RESEARCH
JULY 2009
01 Wed: Pack up to leave for Research to Salem, Tamil Nadu. At Don Bosco Rijswijk they gave me departing dinner wishing me also for the birth day.
02 Thu: Early Morning Biju, Sarah, Ceci and Lena gave with me to the Airport at Amsterdam and I left for Chennai.
03 Fri: I landed safe and on time at Chennai but my luggage had not arrived. Adaikalam came to receive me and took me to DBAI. Elzakka also had come to receive me with tickets to salem.
04 Sat: I gave a talk for the AnbuIllam staff on children participation. Emerance came to see me and we went to the boys shelter in the evening.
05 Sun: I received my luggage in the afternoon and I claimed Rs 2000/- as compensation. I had a good lunch at Elzakka`s home.
06 Mon: Travelled by Intercity and reached Salem at 7.15 pm. Theo, Xavier, Peter, Xavier, and Meril Mecheri had come to receive me at the station.
07 Tue: I celebrated the mass and had a long chat with Theo and relaxed. He gave me his office for two months to conduct the interviews.
08 Wed: Started with Interviews and Focus Group Discussions to collect my data for research. I met Rachel and Pandian Street Youth.
09 Thu: I met Shyamla and Annathanapatti youth.
10 Fri: I travelled night to Rameswaram with Meril Mecheri and Raja for the marriage of Amos.
11 Sat: Reached home. Dad was happy. Mom wept seeing me back.
12 Sun: I accompanied Amos to the Parish Church.
13 Mon: The marriage Amos was celebrated with grand festivity. Stephen anna family did not participate in it. Theo, Adaikalam, Benji, Maran and Xavier had come for the marriage. Amalraj celebrated the mass and I blessed the marriage. And I left immediately after the mass.
15 Wed: I met Vanitha, chinnammapalyam staff.
16 Thu: I met Ponnammapet youth.
17 Fri: I met Ambedkar colony Girls.
18 Sat: I met Thamarai the staff.
19 Sun: I met NarayanaNagar Girls at Sanniyasigundu.
20 Mon: I went Dharmapuri Don Bosco College and Hosur and met Arun and Shanmugam anbuillam who are studying at Siga.
22 Tue: I met Sanniyasi gundu girls.
23 Wed: I had lunch at Kavitha`s family she celebrated my birth day without me expecting it a least.
24 Thu: The inauguration of the centre for the Infected boys at Nilavarapatti. Amalraj had come and neither he nor me spoke except wishing. Mr.Joseph gave me treat. Mr.Amstrong from Bangalore came to see me.
26 Sun: I spent the full day at DB Tharangampadi. It was happy day. Maran had arranged a big celebration for my birth day. It was good to meet staff and children.
27 Mon: Theo, Benji, Maran, Adaikalam and me went to Pondy to celebrate my birth day. It was a very good day.
28 Tue: I reached back salem same evening.
AUGUST 2009
01 Sat: DBAI Old Boys Meeting. About 35 boys had come for the meeting. It was a good experience. Fr.Theo gave a introductory talk. I took the following sessions. It was a great meeting together. They were so proud of coming back. There was a good volley ball match as a climax and few boys also went to see adivaram.
02 Sun: Lunch at Meril Mecheri house.
03 Mon: Data collection went on, and other activities such as animation of stall, Drop out youth animation and conducting children and youth training.
08 Sat: Youth Fest Organized for the Young women at Sanniyasigundu. It was the first model for the youth and the Staff. It was a full day programme. The youth enjoyed it and wanted to be conducted every month. The staff also learned to conduct it.
There was the ordination of the cousin of Fr.Felix belonging to the African Missionary Society. All of us participated in the ordination. After the ordination we took a walk to the National hotel.
There was also the ADIVASI KALAIVIZHA conducted in the CSI school campus. It was good effort of the local NGOs to bring to light the dying arts of the adivasi people.
09 Sun: We participated in the First Mass of the Missionary who was newly ordained with the boys.
We also conducted the first Youth Fest for the boys. It was a good beginning. The staff tried to conduct it. It was a good experience for the youth.
10 Mon: I had breakfast in Kavitha`s house and left for Adivaram and Yercaud. I had lunch at Narmadha`s family at Yercaud. I went by bike. I also visited St.Anne`s convent at yercaud.
11 Tue: Early morning I left for Tiruppur. I met Paulraj, Arokiasamy, Doss and visited the Canteen of George. Returned back late at night.
13 Thu: Elzakka came by Kovai Express. In the evening we visited Nilavarapatti and Adivaram with Theo, Peter and volunteers.
14 Fri: Elzakka and myself left for Namakkal by bus early in the morning. We were glad to see the new house for the affected boys who were 72 in total. It was well organized and all required facilities were in place and boys were used to regular life.
While returning back to Salem in Don Bosco Jeep we met with an accident. A two wheeler with its rider was hit. We spent the whole day at Namakkal. He was safe without any serious injury. Jancy came immediately for help. Theo, Xavier, and coordinator and Peter also came for the help.
15 Sat: It was Independence day and Assumption. Elzakka and myself had breakfast at Lakshimi and bought sweets for home and for boys. Then there was the hoisting of the flag. Then I celebrated mass. Then later Elzakka left by Kovai express to Katpadi.
Then I went to fix up my teeth. Later Arokiamary arrived to meet me.
16 Sun: Late in the evening I left for Rameswaram. Arokiamary left for Madras.
17 Mon: I arrived home with a good rain. It was good to be back. Amos and his wife Jenny were also at home with my parents to welcome me. In the evening I went to visit Stephen anna home. Austina and Abi were also there. Ajaramma and Jeni arrived and we all came back after a little snacks there.
18 Tue: We went in the auto to meet Amalraj family at Nochuvadi. Periappa was very sick and it was hard to see him suffer. Later we went to the church of Santiagappar at Thangachimadam.
19 Wed: Simon anna gave us a lunch. Amos left with his wife to Katpadi. I went to the station to leave him. We went to Thanushkodi and we came back with barrotta for supper.
20 Thu: I was at home. Later in the evening Jeni and Ahil went to the beach behind our house. We saw the people working with sea moss.
21 Fri: Late in the evening I left for Salem with a little dinner at the house of Stephen anna. I almost missed the bus because of the tyre puncture of the twowheeler.
22 Sat: I took a session for the children on participation.
23 Sun: Vinayaka chathurthi and Kavitha brought me sundal and kozhukattai and invited me for a dinner at Selvi Mess with Uma. It was a good treat for her bonus in the office. We shared a lot of many good old things.
At 8.pm I joined the staff tour to Kerala by train to Trivandrum.
24 Mon: We were at Trivandram to several spots guided by fr.... Mr.Joseph gave a treat often during the trip with cool drinks. Mr.Lourdu gave a good breakfast and Lunch. There was lots of fun with teasing each other especially Rachel for her make ups.
25 Tue: We had a long journey to Baranganam to the Tomb of st.Alphonsa visiting many churches on the way. I was entertaining the crowd all the way. I conducted a Vivatha Medai on the topic `Is symbols needed for the married men?`. It was interesting and all spoke with lots of fun and points. In the evening we returned back by night train. This is what Xavier wrote to me later: Dear Rayan,
Thanks for your visit. We enjoyed your company. You did a lot of animation for the youth, old students and staff. The boys too enjoyed your presence. We await your return and look forward to it. The picnic was a memorable one because of your coming. The bus tripe was very well animated and also was an entertainment. We will keep in touch and your study will help us to improve our work for the youth. Kindly give your suggestions for my improvement.
Once again thanking you, With regards,
Fr. Xavier
26 wed: I packed up and in the evening joined the birth day celebrations of fr.Xavier.
27 Thu: Early morning left with Theo in the jeep to Tiruchy to meet Amalraj who asked me get back next year and do my studies in the province. Had a dinner with Adaikalam and Theo later i left for Chennai. Andrew received me and gave me a dinner and took me to DBAI.
28 Fri: I met people at CESVI at Chennai. Later I met Emerance and Murthi and had dinner in the convent. She had bought me eatables and fruits.
29 Sat: Theo gave me a dinner at Breeze and left me at the Air Port. Kavitha sent me bouquet to the air port and Muthaiha came to see me at the Air port.
30 Sun: left for Mumbai but the next flight delayed by 2 hours. I lost the connecting flights at Frankfurt so arrived late by 4 hours. Biju came to pick me up at the air port.
Later evening there was farewell party for the volunteers Camillo, Sarah, Ceci, Lena and Luka.
31 Mon: Early morning Ceci, Luka and Sarah left. I went to the station to leave them. I slept the whole day.
01 Wed: Pack up to leave for Research to Salem, Tamil Nadu. At Don Bosco Rijswijk they gave me departing dinner wishing me also for the birth day.
02 Thu: Early Morning Biju, Sarah, Ceci and Lena gave with me to the Airport at Amsterdam and I left for Chennai.
03 Fri: I landed safe and on time at Chennai but my luggage had not arrived. Adaikalam came to receive me and took me to DBAI. Elzakka also had come to receive me with tickets to salem.
04 Sat: I gave a talk for the AnbuIllam staff on children participation. Emerance came to see me and we went to the boys shelter in the evening.
05 Sun: I received my luggage in the afternoon and I claimed Rs 2000/- as compensation. I had a good lunch at Elzakka`s home.
06 Mon: Travelled by Intercity and reached Salem at 7.15 pm. Theo, Xavier, Peter, Xavier, and Meril Mecheri had come to receive me at the station.
07 Tue: I celebrated the mass and had a long chat with Theo and relaxed. He gave me his office for two months to conduct the interviews.
08 Wed: Started with Interviews and Focus Group Discussions to collect my data for research. I met Rachel and Pandian Street Youth.
09 Thu: I met Shyamla and Annathanapatti youth.
10 Fri: I travelled night to Rameswaram with Meril Mecheri and Raja for the marriage of Amos.
11 Sat: Reached home. Dad was happy. Mom wept seeing me back.
12 Sun: I accompanied Amos to the Parish Church.
13 Mon: The marriage Amos was celebrated with grand festivity. Stephen anna family did not participate in it. Theo, Adaikalam, Benji, Maran and Xavier had come for the marriage. Amalraj celebrated the mass and I blessed the marriage. And I left immediately after the mass.
15 Wed: I met Vanitha, chinnammapalyam staff.
16 Thu: I met Ponnammapet youth.
17 Fri: I met Ambedkar colony Girls.
18 Sat: I met Thamarai the staff.
19 Sun: I met NarayanaNagar Girls at Sanniyasigundu.
20 Mon: I went Dharmapuri Don Bosco College and Hosur and met Arun and Shanmugam anbuillam who are studying at Siga.
22 Tue: I met Sanniyasi gundu girls.
23 Wed: I had lunch at Kavitha`s family she celebrated my birth day without me expecting it a least.
24 Thu: The inauguration of the centre for the Infected boys at Nilavarapatti. Amalraj had come and neither he nor me spoke except wishing. Mr.Joseph gave me treat. Mr.Amstrong from Bangalore came to see me.
26 Sun: I spent the full day at DB Tharangampadi. It was happy day. Maran had arranged a big celebration for my birth day. It was good to meet staff and children.
27 Mon: Theo, Benji, Maran, Adaikalam and me went to Pondy to celebrate my birth day. It was a very good day.
28 Tue: I reached back salem same evening.
AUGUST 2009
01 Sat: DBAI Old Boys Meeting. About 35 boys had come for the meeting. It was a good experience. Fr.Theo gave a introductory talk. I took the following sessions. It was a great meeting together. They were so proud of coming back. There was a good volley ball match as a climax and few boys also went to see adivaram.
02 Sun: Lunch at Meril Mecheri house.
03 Mon: Data collection went on, and other activities such as animation of stall, Drop out youth animation and conducting children and youth training.
08 Sat: Youth Fest Organized for the Young women at Sanniyasigundu. It was the first model for the youth and the Staff. It was a full day programme. The youth enjoyed it and wanted to be conducted every month. The staff also learned to conduct it.
There was the ordination of the cousin of Fr.Felix belonging to the African Missionary Society. All of us participated in the ordination. After the ordination we took a walk to the National hotel.
There was also the ADIVASI KALAIVIZHA conducted in the CSI school campus. It was good effort of the local NGOs to bring to light the dying arts of the adivasi people.
09 Sun: We participated in the First Mass of the Missionary who was newly ordained with the boys.
We also conducted the first Youth Fest for the boys. It was a good beginning. The staff tried to conduct it. It was a good experience for the youth.
10 Mon: I had breakfast in Kavitha`s house and left for Adivaram and Yercaud. I had lunch at Narmadha`s family at Yercaud. I went by bike. I also visited St.Anne`s convent at yercaud.
11 Tue: Early morning I left for Tiruppur. I met Paulraj, Arokiasamy, Doss and visited the Canteen of George. Returned back late at night.
13 Thu: Elzakka came by Kovai Express. In the evening we visited Nilavarapatti and Adivaram with Theo, Peter and volunteers.
14 Fri: Elzakka and myself left for Namakkal by bus early in the morning. We were glad to see the new house for the affected boys who were 72 in total. It was well organized and all required facilities were in place and boys were used to regular life.
While returning back to Salem in Don Bosco Jeep we met with an accident. A two wheeler with its rider was hit. We spent the whole day at Namakkal. He was safe without any serious injury. Jancy came immediately for help. Theo, Xavier, and coordinator and Peter also came for the help.
15 Sat: It was Independence day and Assumption. Elzakka and myself had breakfast at Lakshimi and bought sweets for home and for boys. Then there was the hoisting of the flag. Then I celebrated mass. Then later Elzakka left by Kovai express to Katpadi.
Then I went to fix up my teeth. Later Arokiamary arrived to meet me.
16 Sun: Late in the evening I left for Rameswaram. Arokiamary left for Madras.
17 Mon: I arrived home with a good rain. It was good to be back. Amos and his wife Jenny were also at home with my parents to welcome me. In the evening I went to visit Stephen anna home. Austina and Abi were also there. Ajaramma and Jeni arrived and we all came back after a little snacks there.
18 Tue: We went in the auto to meet Amalraj family at Nochuvadi. Periappa was very sick and it was hard to see him suffer. Later we went to the church of Santiagappar at Thangachimadam.
19 Wed: Simon anna gave us a lunch. Amos left with his wife to Katpadi. I went to the station to leave him. We went to Thanushkodi and we came back with barrotta for supper.
20 Thu: I was at home. Later in the evening Jeni and Ahil went to the beach behind our house. We saw the people working with sea moss.
21 Fri: Late in the evening I left for Salem with a little dinner at the house of Stephen anna. I almost missed the bus because of the tyre puncture of the twowheeler.
22 Sat: I took a session for the children on participation.
23 Sun: Vinayaka chathurthi and Kavitha brought me sundal and kozhukattai and invited me for a dinner at Selvi Mess with Uma. It was a good treat for her bonus in the office. We shared a lot of many good old things.
At 8.pm I joined the staff tour to Kerala by train to Trivandrum.
24 Mon: We were at Trivandram to several spots guided by fr.... Mr.Joseph gave a treat often during the trip with cool drinks. Mr.Lourdu gave a good breakfast and Lunch. There was lots of fun with teasing each other especially Rachel for her make ups.
25 Tue: We had a long journey to Baranganam to the Tomb of st.Alphonsa visiting many churches on the way. I was entertaining the crowd all the way. I conducted a Vivatha Medai on the topic `Is symbols needed for the married men?`. It was interesting and all spoke with lots of fun and points. In the evening we returned back by night train. This is what Xavier wrote to me later: Dear Rayan,
Thanks for your visit. We enjoyed your company. You did a lot of animation for the youth, old students and staff. The boys too enjoyed your presence. We await your return and look forward to it. The picnic was a memorable one because of your coming. The bus tripe was very well animated and also was an entertainment. We will keep in touch and your study will help us to improve our work for the youth. Kindly give your suggestions for my improvement.
Once again thanking you, With regards,
Fr. Xavier
26 wed: I packed up and in the evening joined the birth day celebrations of fr.Xavier.
27 Thu: Early morning left with Theo in the jeep to Tiruchy to meet Amalraj who asked me get back next year and do my studies in the province. Had a dinner with Adaikalam and Theo later i left for Chennai. Andrew received me and gave me a dinner and took me to DBAI.
28 Fri: I met people at CESVI at Chennai. Later I met Emerance and Murthi and had dinner in the convent. She had bought me eatables and fruits.
29 Sat: Theo gave me a dinner at Breeze and left me at the Air Port. Kavitha sent me bouquet to the air port and Muthaiha came to see me at the Air port.
30 Sun: left for Mumbai but the next flight delayed by 2 hours. I lost the connecting flights at Frankfurt so arrived late by 4 hours. Biju came to pick me up at the air port.
Later evening there was farewell party for the volunteers Camillo, Sarah, Ceci, Lena and Luka.
31 Mon: Early morning Ceci, Luka and Sarah left. I went to the station to leave them. I slept the whole day.
Kites festival
Last week end i had been to the kites festival at the beach at the Hague.
You can see a few pictures here.
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/arayansdb/KITES?authkey=Gv1sRgCIah04qmgcPj-AE#
You can see a few pictures here.
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/arayansdb/KITES?authkey=Gv1sRgCIah04qmgcPj-AE#
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
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