We are pleased to report that formal acceptance of the "Conceptual Plan for House of Peace Ecumenical Centre ('HOPE Centre')" by the Roman Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has been communicated to VeAhavta.

The Church's acceptance was provided by Rt. Rev. Dr. J. Kingsley Swampillai, the Bishop of the Diocese of Trincomalee and Batticaloa, and can be read here.

To read more about HOPE Centre, please click here. Donations to the program may be made on-line or by mail.

VeAhavta expects to begin construction of HOPE Centre sometime in 2007.

Permalink

We received the following message this morning from Diane McLaughlin, the Grace Care Center manager:

"It's been one heck of a journey here these past 3 weeks with our resident hero. But after a long road of ups and downs, of anxiety and struggle, laughter and tears, our Gandhi is finally at peace. Our Lord called him home at 7:15 last evening. From what I was told (this morning), he went peacefully. I was there up until 7 p.m. last night, and we were enjoying one another's company to the fullest -- still laughing, some tears, and everything in between. I feel he was prepared, he was at peace with leaving us here on earth for what may be next. He thanked all of us for everything we have ever done for him, and taking such good care of his needs. He fully understood his failing health and knew his time was coming to an end.

"What I found most beautiful of all, was that after arranging a small service for him tonight, the funeral parlor was jammed packed. His siblings, friends, relations and neighbors came out in the pouring rain to pay their respects. And I know for a fact, that Gandhi never expected such a turn out. He truly thought he would be alone. He has not seen nor spoken to his family members in years, and thought of Mercy Home as his 'new born' family. What I witnessed this evening was unconditional love, forgiveness, and respect for their fellow human being, their 'brother.' I wish to share some photos of tonight's service with you [see photos below]. More to follow from Trinco.

"Our plan will be to travel to Trinco tomorrow around 6 am, and we will have his funeral service/burial in the evening after we arrive. Rev. Gnana will officiate the occasion, and he will, once again, be surround by his loved ones. I know it has been a very difficult day for many of us, both here and around the globe, but what we must all realize, is that he is no longer suffering. He put up the best fight he had in him, and he held his head high, treating everyone with dignity, respect and kindness. Even in the worst of times, he was gentle with his words and forgiving with his heart.

"I cannot explain what these 3 weeks have meant to me, what I have learned from such a man -- I would not have traded it for the world. I feel blessed to have been here with him through this time, and I thank you for all your love, support and prayers.

"Please know that he spoke of you all daily, and knew your prayers and thoughts were with him. He is at peace now, in more ways than one.

"Signing out from Colombo, Diane."

Permalink

Grace Care Center manager Diane McLaughlin reports that Mr. Chandradasa (aka "Mr. Gandhi") has improved in the hospital since our last report. He was experiencing some memory loss and other complications due to a decrease in the amount of oxygen flowing to his brain, but those symptoms have now gone away and he is "back to his good ol self," as Diane reports, although no hospital discharge date has yet been given.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

Permalink

By James A. Mitchell
VeAhavta Press Officer

Grace Care Center manager Diane McLaughlin reports that the beloved resident of Mercy Home Mr. Chandradasa -- known fondly as 'Mr. Gandhi' -- is recovering well from his amputation surgery last month.

After clearing early concerns of jaundice, Diane said by Tuesday the patient was feeling more like himself.
"His spirits are up, and he was joking around a bit," Diane said. She joined her friend for a lunch, which the patient enjoyed while seated at a table for the first time since the procedure.

Diane lovingly told VeAhavta friends and doctors that by Wednesday, the patient was recovering many functions, including bodily ones that were taken as a good sign.

"Fascinating, huh?" Diane said that everyone enjoyed the basic accomplishment. "He was so proud. He can't wait to get back to Mercy Home."

Ann Arbor Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam confirmed the evidence of progress, and gave additional credit to Diane's efforts as a caregiver.

"He is on the upswing," said Gunaratnam. "Diane's efforts in caring for Mr. Gandhi are above and beyond what would be expected from anyone. The 'big guy' upstairs is surely pleased."

Diane was waiting on arrangements to return to Trincomalee, and Grace Care Center.

Permalink

Here is the latest report from Diane McLaughlin, the Grace Care Center manager, regarding the condition of Mercy Home elder Mr. Chandradasa (aka "Mr. Gandhi"): "A bit of a set back for Gandhi last night. He began to bleed excessively from his wound around 7:00 p.m. They gave him some blood clotting meds and oxygen, and the doctors came in around 9:00 to check on him. They have stopped the bleeding, but he was pretty much out of it today. They are not certain as to the cause, but are watching him carefully. He is weak but was able to talk to me a little today. We'll keep our fingers crossed. He's eating very little, but seems to be comfortable with the morphine that he is receiving. Keep the prayers coming!"

Please check back frequently for updates and thank you for your support.

Permalink

We are so happy to report that Mr. Chandradasa went in for surgery to remove his leg on Friday morning at 9:00 (Sri Lankan time) and that -- despite the slim odds for survival given him by the doctors -- the surgery was a success.

We received the report this morning from Diane McLaughlin, the Grace Care Center manager; here is what she said: "It is with great pleasure that I write to you this evening. Our resident hero Mr. Gandhi has made it out of surgery -- successfully and without complications!!! I was called in yesterday [Thursday] at 11:30 a.m. stating that they were taking him in. I waited with him for 4 hours and the doctor rolled in to say, 'Diane, you can get him something to eat again tonight; we will wait until morning.' They had been saying the same thing each day, but this morning [Friday] I was there at 6:00 a.m. and the doctors came in at 7. They told me they were 'prepping' him and that he would have the operation today. They needed to monitor his urine output as it had become dark with blood. They also had changed meds from Warfin (blood thinner) to Heparin (blood thickener) and said that another day would help his case. They medicated him for the hiccups and they seemed to ease up a bit during the night. Then they took him into surgery around 9-9:30 and he was back to his ward by 2:30!!! No I.C.U.; he went directly back to his ward. He was awake and alert and by the grace of God he looked better than he has in the past 4 days. I was baffled, but did not question it. The love and prayers he has received from everyone around this world has certainly shown its power! No tubes, nothing! Let's pray that he remains stable. I cannot describe all that has happened, but I will tell you this: he was in 'the Big Man's hands' and came out on top! I will keep you updated daily, and will send him all your well wishes for a speedy recovery. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. It wasn't his time yet; he wanted to get back to Mercy Home."

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Keep 'em coming because he's not out of danger yet.

We are going to be sending Diane another email to read to Mr. Chandradasa this Monday (Nov. 6) at 5:00 p.m. PST, so if you'd like to include your get-well-wishes in it, please email them to us as soon as possible at info@you-shall-love.org.

Mr. Chandradasa in a photo this year with Ramya Kanchandran and fellow Mercy Home resident, Mrs. Gunawathy

Permalink

We are very pleased to pass on a report from Grace Care Center manager Diane McLaughlin that 11-year-old Tharshala was released from the Nowaloka Hospital at 3:00 p.m. (Sri Lankan time) on Wednesday following her successful open-heart surgery.

Diane and Daisy picked Tharshala up from the hospital and delivered a cake to all the nurses who took such good care of her. On Sunday she will travel back to Grace with Daisy where she will remain on bed rest for one month. Diane reports that Tharshala's spirits are high and that her attendant at the hospital, a wonderful lady named Susila, was "absolutely amazing." "We could not have done this without her!" Diane wrote.

Unfortunately, the news regarding Mr. Chandradasa (dubbed "Gandhi" by some of his friends) is not so glowing. Diane reports that he cannot eat, was nauseous all day, and seems to be getting very weak. It appears that he may go in for surgery now on Friday. We will post the next news update as soon as it is received but in the meantime please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

Tharshala poses for a photo with (L-R) Daisy, Diane and Susila

Permalink