Sri Lanka

This was my 5th trip to Sri Lanka since the tsunami. Dee and I have had the opportunity to lead teams to work on the orphanage at Kalapuwa Sri. Because we know so many of the staff here, it was a bit like coming home.

We were surprised to learn that Darshini, our 11 year old sponsor child, had made the 6 hour trip to meet us. I had met her before, but because of the fact that it is a grueling drive, and that Darshini must stay a couple nights at the orphanage to make the trip, I had told them they should not put her through the stress. However, she wanted to see us, so she came. She was a delight to be with. She is a Tamil, so most of the other kids do not speak her language. Both of her parents are tea pluckers on a tea plantation near Kandy, earning very little salary.

The dedication of the new Kalapuwa Sri orphanage was thrilling for us. We had not been here for over 18 months, so we were amazed with all that had been done. This is truly a home where the boys can grow in the knowledge that they are special and they are greatly valued. These are kids that have lost everything.

As we packed our bags for the trip back to the US, we talked about how so many of the missionaries and the national staff have invested everything in the lives of these kids. We return with an even greater sense of responsibility to do everything we can to support their efforts. This is where the ministry happens – and we are determined to pray for the workers and the kids – and to help them in every way possible.