Captain Kirk and crew arrive in Seenigama
Often we are in awe of sportsmen for their unfathomable athletic ability and mastery of skill on the field. Ocassionally you are awed by the longevity of an athletes career and consistency of phenomenal performances. Such athletes fall to the category of “LEGEND”. Some sportsmen fuel the enthusiasm of their fans by the manner in which they carry themselves on and off the field. It’s rare when you are able to truly admire a sports legend for more than what they have achieved on the sports field, for who they are as individuals and for their character.
I am a Sri Lankan. I no next to nothing about Aussie rules footy. I may have watched a match once or twice on cable…that’s about it. However, I find myself along with many Sri Lankans being absolute fans of the AFL legend, Brett Kirk. The irony is I don’t know the game he plays, I haven’t seen him play (apart from a few youtube highlights – induced by curiosity after meeting him) and he has just retired. However, I am a fan… and most likely will remain to be one for quite some time. Why you may ask? Simple, the man is made of grit, genuine to the bone and a kind heart for humanity. Yes a sports legend is cool, but a legend who loves to serve humanity and lives a life of a true role model…the cool scale can’t contain that neither can it quantify.
Brett’s passion to serve humanity, humility to learn from those who serve humanity and commitment to love all humanity is as genuine as one could define. After his initial visit to Sri Lanka and the Foundation of Goodness he said the following words “ I’LL BE BACK” not in a terminator tone…but rather an endearing voice that translated to us his commitment to a long-term friendship. True to his words he did come back with the addition of a bonus, his wonderful family. Brett and his family are on a world tour “Captain Kirk’s Odyssey” and we Sri Lankans were honoured that we were the first destination on their global tour.
The Kirk family graced the foundation of goodness and spent a week at Seenigama. During their time here the Kirk children interacted with the Lahiru pre school kids. Brett introduced Australian footy to kids from the Seenigama and the entire family had an in depth look at the foundation. They saw first hand who we are as an organization, how we serve and who we serve…what’s more they served alongside us. Brett and his awesome wife Hailey were consistently teaching their children rich lessons about life - being grateful for what you had, being kind and loving and generous to others. These were not lesson taught for a benefit of a third party audience, rather these were lessons with a deep passion that reflected them to be core values to them as a family. This sums up why we are fans of the Kirks. Much love and many blessing to them on their voyage.
Ayubowan (May you have long life) - from Sri Lanka!
Goodness is the only investment that never fails.
You can follow the Kirk families global travel: http://brettkirk.com.au/
Here are some glimpses from their blog them recalling their time at FoG.
There is a man with a good brain. Where is the man with the good heart?
There is a man with good abilities. Where is the man with good behaviour?
There is a man with good creativity. Where is the man with good spirituality?
There is a man who has responsibilities. Where is the man who has fulfilled his duties?
There is a man who has power. Where is the man who has valuable feelings?
There is a man who has money. Where is the man who has humanity?
I have found him!
The property LAHIRU which means the light rays of the sun originated from the ancestors of the Gunasekera family which was inherited by the founder/trustee of the Foundation of Goodness, Mr Kushil Gunasekera.
Kushil has created development from destruction and devastation. The 2004 Tsunami claimed the lives of 120 children, youth and elders of the Seenigama village. The stories of survival and desperation leave you speechless. Kushil talks of how after the first wave came through at about 3ft. high he made his way to the Lahiru Pre School and took the 30 children to safety up high in the temple. From there he watched as the second wave came in over 30ft. high easily clearing the coconut trees along the coastline.
I am so very pleased to see the ‘light rays of the sun’ Kushil and the Foundation of Goodness is shining on women of the villages. They are employed as teachers, cleaners, and empowered through education in computers, haberdashery, English, hair/beauty and photography and encouraged and assisted to move into micro businesses. My heart shines every day in Seenigama.
2011.03.01 |
