A Letter of Thanks to Sister Bodhi Teh

From: "Lakshmi de Zoysa"
Date: February 20, 2008
To: "Sister Bodhi Teh"
Cc: "Bhante Gunaratana"

Dear Sister Bodhi Teh,
 
Thank you very much for writing and for all the help you have given. This would have been a lot of effort on your part, to coordinate with so many people. I think Rasika and Gigi especially were delighted to meet all the children and give them the gift parcels. They personally handed them over to all the children in Henepola and many people took it in turns to give them to the children in Malandeniya. So I hope that the wishes of your friends and parishoners were fulfilled. The gift parcels were beautifully prepared. The school bags were very attractive and of high quality, and the colours were ideal for school children. Colourful and beautiful but not gaudy. The factory staff worked overtime to finish making them all in time. They didn't have 450 in stock. But they did not compromise on the quality. I checked. When people work for the Dhamma, they give their best.
 
As a child, I never had a beautiful school bag. I had to carry my books in my arms, every day, and I remember how uncomfortable that was. Times have changed.
 
These gift parcels were very well timed. The cost of living went up so much these last few months that many families, even in Colombo, that normally bought their children these school supplies, had gone to the Government to see if they could recieve donations. So your Malaysian Dayakayas and friends can be especially happy with the timely and valuable gifts that they gave.
 
Today is Poya so the banks are closed. I spoke to Dr. Percy Gunatillake, our Hony. Treasurer, and informed him of your e-mail. He will contact the bank tomorrow and let us know as soon as the funds arrive.
 
With metta,
 
Lakshmi