Bede Griffiths Charitable Trusts - Muttom

My first visit to Muttom

So where to start as I slowly recover from the rigours of my trip to Colachel and Muttom in Kanyakumari District, S India.? One week on I feel at last that I can start to take a look at where I have been without a sense of panic and anxiety. Quite a journey!!!

Why did I go? A number of times I wished I hadn’t and wondered if I could cope with everything alone. Felt scared that I had, have burdened myself to the extent that I will suffer Post-traumatic stress disorder and yet I know that really it wasn’t so bad and as I start to feel a little stronger this morning I even felt the sense of gratitude returning. How blest I was/am to have had the experiences I have had.

Why did I go? We were staying at Shantivanam Ashram near Trichy S India for Christmas and being so near the Tsunami when it struck on 26 December somehow meant I had to go. A disaster on my doorstep. 100 kms away what an opportunity! Did I want to just gawp? Like a tourist, slowing the car to see the accident on the motorway? I am truly glad I didn’t go immediately, although I was tempted, to be confronted with bodies and extreme trauma, I am sure I couldn’t have coped with that.

Tsunami Appeal

The people of Muttom a fishing village in South West India are suffering greatly. The Tsunami devastated their village killing 69 people, destroying 409 houses, 600 fishing boats and 810 nets. Many people lost all their possessions. The homeless are living in temporary camps almost totally dependent on aid from outside sources.

The people I met during my stay in Muttom were very eager to rebuild their lives. but they need our help. They need our money to buy boats, nets and engines, to rebuild their houses.

The Fishermen of Muttom also asked if we can help them build a computer and tailoring centre so that their young people can learn new skills. The centre would also provide Day care for elderly widows and play facilities for the small children. A homework club is also requested.

A Vallam boat fully equipped costs £3250, a catamaran about £300 and the cost of building the centre would be about £15,000.

Thank you for your support. I can promise you the people of Muttom will be so very grateful.

Jill Hemmings

Note: This blog entry was originally published in Selling Parish magazine.