The Interview.
Damien Senn: What inspired you to leave your home in Brighton, United Kingdom, to work with Tsunami orphans in Sri Lanka?
Geniene Burchett: I have always loved children and have always tried my best to help others.
I was looking for a way to blend my creative skills with my passion for helping people. Travelling to Sri Lanka to help the Tsunami victims just seemed to be the perfect match. The Sri Lankan people have had to endure incredible trauma caused by this huge natural disaster. Many people have no remaining family left with which to rebuild their lives.
It has been amazing to bring smiles back to the children of this beautiful country.
Damien Senn: You arrived in Sri Lanka in early February what have been your first impressions?
Geniene Burchett: It has certainly been challenging to witness the devastation.
One camp I visited was on the edge of the ocean Kaharva. This particular camp really affected my feelings. Witnessing the complete devastation and the remainders of peoples livelihoods and properties smashed to pieces with only foundations remaining is hard to accept. Some homes still haven't had the rubble removed and there are no signs of it being cleared. All the way along the coast there are permanent reminders ...white strip flags of sympathy, grave yards and broken homes.
Each time I look out at the sea, I can't imagine how these peoples lives have been affected and destroyed by something so calm and beautiful. The image of this massive wave overturning this lovely landscape and beautiful Sinhalese families and communities tears me up inside.
The children are so content and it surprises me every time I see such big smiles and laughter, for what they have been through.... a true inspiration to everyone. Deep down I am sure the pain of their memories causes them much sadness...But still they shine on and make the best of what they have.
Damien Senn: What do you hope to achieve while you're in Sri Lanka and how long do you plan to stay?
Geniene Burchett: I am hoping to stay in Sri Lanka for 5 months. It is such an inspiringly beautiful country and the people are extremely hospitable. I have made many new friends on my journey so far and am sure Iwill make many more.
My aim is to bring a smile to each and every person I meet to show them unconditional love and kindness..... with a lot of faerie sparkles too! If I get smiles from people I am with then I know that I have achieved what I am supposed to.
Damien Senn: Now I understand that you did extensive fundraising for over 6 months in order to make your trip a reality. What activities did you get up to and how supportive have you found people to be?
Geniene Burchett: I did various fundraising activities. It started off with a small idea by doing a sponsored silence! The more support that people offered the more silence I committed to! I ended up doing a 24 hour silence!
Other fundraising activities included, putting on a club night in my home town... I organised and collected over 80 items from local businesses in Brighton to hold an on line auction... I also painted a doctors surgery to cover my flight and insurance.
Damien Senn: What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome in order to make your dream a reality?
Geniene Burchett: My biggest challenge was raising enough money so I could purchase art materials.
I was working full time in a nursery school and part time with young carers project some evenings and weekends. Combining this with fundraising and social life was pretty full on!
Damien Senn: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far?
Geniene Burchett: Wow being here is just amazing ... challenging but very satisfying! To hear families stories and to see broken homes is very hard to accept. It is hard to appreciate and understand how these people really feel.
To see a smile I have made on an beautiful orphans face is just warming and quite overwhelming for my heart. To know that I am bringing the smallest bit of joy to these people is a very rewarding and fulfilling. Makes the dream to come here and help seem absolutely perfect.
Damien Senn: What are some little things that people can do in their daily lives to help make the world a more compassionate place?
Geniene Burchett: My motto is to always treat others how you would like to be treated and to always act kindly towards others. It makes a real difference in peoples lives and it has the added benefit of making you feel good as well! If you treat others in a good way the kindness will always come back to you ten fold!
Damien Senn: What advice would you give to other people aspiring to make a difference in the world?
Geniene Burchett: Just go for it! If you have an idea to help others all you have to do is take the steps to make it happen. Fear is what holds us back - BUT DON'T LET IT STOP YOU!
I've found that if you are aspiring to make a difference in the best possible way - it will happen. Trust you can make it happen and it will unfold before you.... I started off with a dream a year ago. I began with very small steps. Those small steps have built big bridges and now here i am helping others.
Be Brave.... if you start it you'll be amazed at how many others want to help you build the bridges!
Damien Senn: Do you think anyone can live an inspired life?
Geniene Burchett: Yes I do! Many people that I have met along the way have said they are unable to live their dream because of commitments and responsibilities. I do understand that it may be harder to make a true dream come true like mine and I appreciate that I am lucky to have no such ties. The only true tie I believe is being a parent or a carer. Otherwise it's the fear inside of us that's stops us from achieving who we can really be. Fear of change and or failure.
I left my job, home and boyfriend to live my dream. If it is something you are really wanting to achieve while you are here in this lifetime then your partner will 100% support you. Don't miss your chance, you only have one!
Everyone is able to help in a small way; that's how big things happen! I had lots of help from large donators, to a child giving 20p for a face painting, it all helps and we CAN all make a difference! But you're the one who has to make it happen for you!
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