I’ve always known I’m a lucky person.  After a long flight from London to Colombo, a good night’s sleep at our partner organisation, Sarvodaya Shramadana Society to recover from the journey was extremely welcome.  The Team set off on our journey to our base in Matara to following morning, arriving at Panadura station sweating in the sticky heat to await our train, which arrived a fashionable 20 minutes late in typical Sri Lankan style!  Whilst heaving two huge packs, one on my back, one on my front over the bridge and down to the platform, I managed to trip and fall down the stairs.  Because I am a lucky person.  As I crumpled in a heap at the bottom and heard the snap in my ankle, I gave a yell and was immediately surrounded by a crown of concerned Sri Lankan’s.  After a couple of minutes and with the train puffing into the station, I was helped to my feet and supported into the carriage.  Once seated, I quickly noticed an enormous swelling on my ankle.  The shock of the accident and the pain in my leg made me feel very unwell and I nearly pass out.  But I am a lucky person.  At the next train station, I was unloaded and taken to hospital where the junior doctor made an initial diagnosis of a fractured, dislocated ankle.  An x-ray subsequently revealed it to be only ligament damage, so I was discharged with a cast and met up with the team at our accommodation.  As I’ve said, I am a lucky person.  For the past few days, I have been recuperating in my room, elevating my leg whilst the team have been visiting some of Project Sri Lanka’s adopted villages close to Matara.  Today I felt well enough to potter around and do some chores.  My dirty washing had been accumulating over the last couple of days and was top priority on my ‘to do list’.  Washing machines in Sri Lanka are a toy for the rich.  As there is not one where we are staying, I had to do my laundry Sri Lankan style using a bucket, soap, coconut string to scrub the grime and wringing the water out with my hands – not an easy job with a cast on your leg and ill-fitting crutches to hobble around on.  I nearly fell on more than one occasion and after several hours, returned to my bed, my ankle throbbing and swollen again.  But then, I am a lucky person…..

I am a lucky person in so many ways.  When the Team arrived in Matara, we found the monsoon had come early this year; the weather has been stormy and blustery.  Located on the South coast, the villages here are fishing communities.  Our host Lenard told me that last month, the storms had been so severe that 56 fishermen and 31 boats in the area were lost at sea.  Mothers have lost their sons; women, their husbands; children their fathers; families, their livelihoods.  Conditions are so bad that the Sri Lankan Government have temporarily banned boats from going to sea, enforced by the Sri Lankan navy who are patrolling the waters.  Fishing folk are some of the poorest in country and the temporary ban will prevent them from earning, thus have a devastating effect on the people who can least afford it.  When I fell down the stairs at Panadura train station, I was immediately taken to a private hospital where I was afforded the best care available in Sri Lanka.  I am a lucky person; my travel insurance company has agreed to cover the medical bill.  I’ve not been able to work since the accident, but I am not worried.  I have good painkillers, my food is still provide; my accommodation secure, and I have an amazing Team around me to make sure I have everything I need.  In time, I will heal and be back on my feet, but should there be any problems I can return home to my humble flat with my washing machine, vacuum cleaner and cupboard full of food.  Whilst I may not be a wealthy person, luck is on my side; I have the security of knowing I can afford to meet my basic needs.  And I am blessed with good health, the freedom and means to live an independent and happy life and am surrounded by the loving support of the many good people around me.  As I have said, I am a lucky person and always have been.  My accident just helped remind me of this.