Sarah Whittaker, UK

I look back on the time I spent at the foundation of Goodness and reflect on the complete irony of my experience.  A s a keen Assistant psychologist, and a thirst to do some good, I went to Sri Lanka and The Foundation of Goodness, in hope to make some sort of difference, to change things for the better and educate people in mental health.

Yet, ironically it was the foundation and the people that have educated me on the true beauty of humanity and changed me for the better. I cannot comment on the usefulness of the training I provided for the Rebuilding Lives Project (hopefully it was received well) but what I can say is that I left there feeling like I had been the student, and that the Rebuilding Lives Project Team had been my tutors. They invited me in to their lives and their project; I left a different person, with a different outlook and drive for life. 

The Rebuilding Lives Project Team are a beautiful warm hearted group! Their eagerness to learn, to give to others was obvious from the start. I have every faith that they will continue to grow from strength to strength and that they will bring awareness of mental health to a much needed community. On a personal level, their kindness and compassion towards me was overwhelming. I have taken a leaf from their book and hope that I have learnt to treat my family, friends and associates in much the same manner.

As a whole, the Foundation of Goodness, and its many sectors, represents everything that is good in life and the human race. It demonstrates what can be achieved when people work together, from the heart, for the good of others and in complete humility. I have certainly been left begging the question; why is this not happening all over around the world? 

I have met certain individuals that have completely changed my life. From enlightening the compassion within me, changing the way I want to live my life and the goals I want to achieve. For this I will be eternally thankful. I also know that these people I have met will continue to play a huge, inspirational role in my life and be friends for life.

I should also mention the hospitality. I can describe how gorgeous the food was! I am still craving the food today! The Villa was more than comfortable and I could not have asked to be looked after any better.

It is with great thanks I give to the Foundation of Goodness for this unique opportunity to be apart of something great, and to the teachings it has given me! I will continue to pray that the waves of compassion keep flowing. And to all my friends out there, I hope to see you soon!