Grace Review | Meet Tharshala | Returning to Grace | Volunteer Profile

Meet Tharshala, Grace Girls Home
Visitors to Grace Care Center in recent months have no difficulty identifying Tharshala Mahendran. “The one with the smile,” is the often-used description, and one easily understood.

A sweet, friendly 11-year-old, Tharshala first came to Grace home on Dec. 31, 2005, barely one year after the tsunami devastated the region. Her father has not been seen since the day of the tragedy; her mother relocated to the Middle East and is no longer in contact with Tharshala.

Tharshala fit in at Grace Girls Home from day one, and enjoys playing with the other children and singing. She hopes, one day, to become a doctor.

Those childhood enjoyments and grown-up dreams are uncertain, though. On October 18 Tharshala will undergo heart surgery in Colombo, an uncertain procedure under the best of circumstances. (Please see this issue’s Grace Review for more information.)

VeAhavta founder and President Eric Parkinson asked that thoughts and prayers be sent Tharshala’s way. For those who have had the pleasure of meeting this engaging child, the memory of her smile remains a favored moment of time spent at Grace Girls Home.

Grace Review | Meet Tharshala | Returning to Grace | Volunteer Profile