MY LIFE WAS EXCITING SAYS EX-STC TEACHER IN GERMANY

June Greiner (nee Boralessa) came from Sri Lanka to Schwaebisch Hall, Germany 41 years ago, where she still teaches English in the Institute for Languages. Written by Sonja Alexa Vollman for the local paper “Haller Tagblatt” Schwaebisch Hall in Germany. Translated by Nimka Udapola.

On her 80th birthday, a city official from the Town Hall came to congratulate her (which is normal) and asked if her mother was at home. June Greiner didn’t look 80 at the age of 80 and five years later her age is just as little noticeable. It is in our genes, she says almost apologetically, we just don’t get as many wrinkles in addition we are more relaxed.

In addition to her genes and the relaxed life age does something to neither feel old nor look old. She whose name corresponds to the month in which she was born, goes for an hour’s walk with a friend every day, does exercise at home and goes to the gym once a week. Of course, she pays attention to a healthy diet and keeps a close eye on the scales.

June Greiner still likes to wear the traditional saree of her homeland on special occasions in Germany, where she feels comfortable. This is where her personality lies, as well as her language English. German has never become a really familiar language to her. That was also the reason when she went to Schwaebisch Hall in the early 80’s she didn’t dare to go into her old job.

Before that, she worked in different areas. First as a Music Teacher at St. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, then as a Music Producer at SLBC and finally at the Goethe Institute in public relations. My work was my life. She proudly shows off the good references her superiors gave her. They bear witness to the work of a talented energetic young lady.

She met her husband at the Goethe Institute in Colombo Sri Lanka, Dr. Dietrich Greiner, who was the head of the Institute. Because of his two sons, he wanted to go back to Germany and of course his wife came with him. Starting again in her mid 40’s wasn’t easy. The first winter was a rude awakening for an islander and she didn’t understand Swabian language. In the church we say, I give my life to Christ.

The vivacious lady drew strength from her faith. As a child she gave her life to Christ. I put my life in God’s hands. She took every valley, like every mountain in her life trusting God.

My life was exciting, she says. As soon as she came, she gave English courses. At the Adult Education Center, she started with four or five courses and has not stopped with this beloved activity to this day. Now there are still two courses but they have existed for a good ten years with loyal participants.

Although she could hardly speak the language when she came, she dared to lead the male choir in Hessental, she twirled her hands and feet and her good mood there for four years.

Her husband died two years ago. It was a difficult time for her who is used to living in a family setting. She is in regular contact with her siblings in Sri Lanka and in July she will fly home again for six weeks. And if a bouquet of flowers is handed over again today, then you can be sure that this sentence will be spoken ” She really doesn’t look like 85.”

The couple went to Togo for four years as he was posted as Director in the Goethe Institute and came back to Schwaebisch Hall where he worked in the Goethe Institute as a Lecturer. June Greiner gave English Courses in the VHS, conducted the Male Choir and gave cookery courses. She has no children of her own.