JAYMON'S BIRTHDAY

Jaymon is now five. Although his birthday was on Friday, according to him that was only the day that he was turning five. He wouldn't actually be five until after his party on Saturday. You can't argue with that logic. I know - I tried and failed.

As is the tradition, we had a party and - against the tradition for children's parties - we didn't go to Maccas. We thought that a pool party would be great. It is always warm and we wouldn't have to organise many activities.

Then came the rain or, should I say, and the rain kept coming. We have had maybe two dry days in the last two weeks. So we went to plan B and moved the party inside, which was quite successful although more work! I bought some huge balloons which popped proportionally louder than their smaller cousins, like crackers going off. There was literally a cheer from the parents when the last one popped. After some inside games the kids were getting restless. Fortunately the rain stopped enough for a game of lolly hunt in the garden and by the time cake was eaten and I let off another a king size party popper (it was as big as a roll of wrapping paper and fires a wheelbarrow full of streamers, all for $4.00-bargain) the show was begining to wind down.
Finally we were able to use the pool. How great is that?! Even though it rained all morning it was still warm enough for a swim.

NIWTON AND WINNETHA

As part of our priorities here we are providing money to Sri Lankans to start their own small businesses. I have given an insight into one of these already (see The Eggman - Niwton).



The other is Winnetha, a single mother who previously had a sewing business until her machine broke beyond repair. As so often is the case, she didn't have enough money to buy a new one. We gave her a loan so that she could buy a new machine. She currently makes pillow cases and sheets from offcuts from the large garment factories that are in her area. Any offcuts that are too small for this are used to make doormats. The thread that she uses is also from the garment factories, now too small to be used in the automated machines.



The business has progressed in the last two months and she now has a regular order of 100 pillow cases a month. Her son makes these deliveries and sells the goods on a bike she was able to buy from the profits. He also maintains the machines and assists with the cutting and is learning some basic tailoring. Here in Sri Lanka, most of the tailors are men so this hopefully will give him some opportunity in that field.


On my last visit we collected the monthly repayment and got some feedback on her business and how it is impacting her. She tells me, "Having the business has given me a hope for the future because I am in control of my income." Previously Winnetha relied on odd jobs and the generosity of others in her community and family to survive. She also mentions that having to make repayments keeps her accountable and committed to her work.



Winnetha hopes in the next 12 months to sell her machine so that someone else can start a small business in another area and buy a more sophisticated machine. She will then be able to make more than just simple items and increase her profit.



We are currently looking at three more businesses to start up in the next few weeks. This is something that is making an obvious change in people and we are excited with what the future holds.

FLASH THOSE PEARLY WHITES!

Living in a country where English is not the mother tongue, I have come to a greater appreciation of how vital communication is to each of us. Almost every moment of every day we are communicating to those around us, or afar, often without being aware of it. And yet, after months of developing new language skills, it is only fairly recently I came to a greater awareness of the significance of a communication tool that transcends language, is learnt in infancy and can be used by all.

The smile. There is some piece of trivia that surfaces occasionally (I'm sure you will be familiar with it) exhorting us to smile as

frowning requires the use of many more muscles. It seems like a trite piece of trivia but
further thought might encourage us to put those smiling muscles to

work. We all know that a smile can show that you're happy but so much more can also be communicated with a simple smile

A smile can be disarming. It can show that I come in peace and mean no harm. It can ask you to trust me and can indicate that I only intend to treat you with kindness.

With a shy smile, accompanied perhaps with a drop of the head or lowered eyes, one can show deference to another, humbly requesting that they treat you with kindness and sympathy. Or one might use a broad smile and a nod of the head for a confident greeting.

A stranger can be made to feel welcome and accepted with a friendly beam. Without a word, they can be made to feel safe and at ease. A smile in return can communicate appreciation for these simplest of kindnesses.










A smile allows us to tease or flirt. A coquettish smile and fluttered eyelashes can win a heart. Yet a leery grin can have completely the opposite effect. And, girls, don't we well understand the importance of knowing when a smile should be absent!














A goofy grin can be our apology when we are feeling socially awkward. In return, a friendly smile can ease the discomfort of the one who feels so very out of their depth.










A smile can show our approval; for a tasty meal, a child's artwork or someone's hard efforts. Our smile can bring encouragement to others who have possibly poured their heart and soul into what they have done and simply want to feel appreciated.










All without a word! It's amazing how much can be communicated in a fleeting moment and how little we realise what we are 'saying'. What's more, do we ever fully appreciate how much effect these communications can have on others? So, smile! Besides, it takes much less effort than frowning.