I will never forget the holy moment at the village of Palakayatippa when we distributed 16 kg rice to the poorest of the poor, the 22 families of scheduled tribe, Anadij.

Tomas, lives with his parents in Sotra, Norway. When he heard of the Tsunami, he wanted to do something to help the survivors. He went to his father’s workshop and started to make things he could sell to raise funds for the Tsunami victims. He made toilet paper holders, and he made small bird’s houses. Then he went to his neighbours and friends to sell the items he had made. After a few weeks he had raised 700 Norwegian Kroner, a little bit more than 100 US Dollars.

The money he gave to Oddmund Ro to take to the Tsunami victims in India. We looked for a suitable project for the money he had raised, during the days we were visiting the villages and getting the information of the damage the Tsunami had caused. This was the last day of visiting the Tsunami stricken areas.

Then suddenly we were face to face with these poor people. They didn’t have anything. Even their tents were not really tents, but just some plastic rags. Here they lived, 22 families, under such condition we can’t even imagine. All of us were convinced, these are the people that need the help from Tomas.

The 700 Norwegian Kroner came to 5000 Indian Rupies. For that amount we were able to buy 16 kg rice for each of the 22 families. Each family will have sufficient supply of rice for one full month. The initiative of the nine years old Tomas provides for 22 families for one month!

When we told the story of Tomas to the other villagers, were we very pleased with their response. They were so happy to hear of the boy  and what he had done, and they were happy that the poorest of the poor received the help! One lady ran home and prepared tea for all of us, saying: When this boy has given so much, the least we can do is to give tea to show our gratitude!

Tears were running down our cheeks when we left the village. I will never forget the poverty, and I will never forget the faces of those who received the rice!