Sri Lanka

A couple of weeks ago myself and Warren got back from Sri Lanka. It was an extraordinary month, such a different experience from when i went before. We mainly visited the East coast and North with a burst of Colombo and Kandy in between. 

It was a true adventure, we felt very much part of the community there and less like tourists - we worked with a charity out there, and connected deeply with two of the guys who live in and run centres in the East and up in the North. These centres care, love, feed and teach the poorest of the poor amongst the rural communities. 

Many of the children have experienced the effects of the civil war, and through conversation we learnt alot about how the war has damaged the homes and livelihood of families. Although the war is over, there is still a great feeling of unsettlement amongst the land in the north. We drove over what once was a battlefield and the striking bareness of vast grey sand, made me think of the crimes taken place. We passed miles of land where de-mining was happening, and ruins of buildings line every street. 

Despite what has happened in Sri lanka the people we encountered were the most gentlest and welcoming. It was a joy and honour to spend time with the staff and children, we formed friendships over rice and curry and got the chance to serve them in what felt like such small ways. 

My most treasured moments were.... 

1. Having the opportunity to simply listen to the most amazing people tell stories about the country and its people. 
2. Share food with new friends
3. Watch the beautiful girls sing and dance in the lake.
4. Creating, making and playing with the children
5. Moments of worship and prayer with individuals. 

Friendship bracelet making.

Bracelet Making with the teachers (there only around 19/20 themselves!)

Butterfly colouring.

A community on the East coast.

Girls dancing amongst the fishing boats.

A community centre.

Drumming on water tanks.

Sewing hair accessories.

The centre in the North.

Bag making & decorating.

Colours of Slave Island.

Ramadan in Slave Island.