Our Mission to Sri Lanka

We had the young adults to our home to play games...none of the girls are aloud to travel alone at night  

We went to CHILAW.   We visited Kumar’s and Sumithra’s family. They were proud of their well that was dug by hand! We visited Shamali’s children...Rumesh taught a lesson. Afterward, we stopped to teach Asela’s family. On the way home, we stopped to see Sister Selin, Sister Shamali’s (Brother Saliya's wife) Aunt. She wanted a blessing and also to have her house blessed to have evil cast out. She has two sons and one daughter. The unmarried son, Pradeep, is 34 and lives at home. The married children live close by. She has 5 grandchildren.

We went for a walk to the beach today for P-day. The canal featured fishing boats and men pulling in their nets. I love Sri Lankan handmade brooms!...we saw some at a shop on our way.  There was an old tractor parked alongside the road.  We invited Hari, Amama, and Praveen to watch the sunset with us. The dogs that live on the beach eat birds and fish.  

Sandun brought his “friend”, Divya, to Church. She is his classmate and a Buddhist. After Church we visited Sister Teresa's island bungalow...Waruni 17 (friend), Tharushi 17 (niece), Dinithi, 18 (Expectant daughter-in-law), Chandani 29 (daughter),  her husband, Janaka. and Sister Theresa. They have a beautiful view of the beach...if our trishaw were not in the way! Theresa has two sons--Asanka 30 and Asitha 34...his new wife is Dinithi.  

We went out to Samantha's house when it was still light. The chickens were wandering around while their chained-up dog complained as we discussed the last commandments before baptism. Anusha and Kelum had their first discussion tonight. She was reluctant at first, but in the end, she agreed to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know the truth. Renuka sat in and said she would pray also

We had a leadership training meeting today after Church .  In the evening, we drove out to teach Samantha and Damayanthi and found  that they had been working on a leaking pipe all day. I took a picture of their homemade scarecrow...it is so cute that he looks like a Sri Lankan! They have chickens that they cage-up at night.  I guess they brush their teeth outside...like camping! I love it!  Finally...the repairs are finished and the water pump is working again!!

Today, Brother Roy was baptized by Elder Lee...We love him so much!   He loves the Savior and is so grateful for this day! He had a stroke a few years ago which caused paralysis on his right side. His speech has gotten so much better! Brother Roy is Brother Vijith’s older brother’s son...he is about 10 years younger than Vijith...more like a little brother and uncle to his children, though he is their (Niluka’s and Shammi’s) cousin.  

  Darshika recites English poetry...like Anne of Green Gables. She has won first place for the entire island in several competitions!  Wasantha is the Father; Renuka is the Mother; Children: Kelum, 22, Isuru, 18, Darshika, 15.  We are hoping to teach Kelum, his wife, and the parents. Darshika and Isuru were baptized a year ago.   In the evening, we had a traveling Hindu Temple come down our road!...of course, we ran out and snapped pictures. Their Music, Dancing, and Food are all so colorful!!

Midori 13, Mayumi 10, Mother-Nalika, and Father-Lasantha Fernando are pictured with their long time friend, Brother Jay, who lives in Japan, but comes to Sri Lanka on business regularly.  Nalika and her girls are not members. Lasantha was baptized by Brother Jay years ago. Brother Prem was called as a Branch Missionary last week and this week he is teaching Samantha’s family like a pro!!

We went to Chilaw today. We saw monkeys along the roadside...we call it “Monkey Road”. The road is more like a pathway through a jungle! Wasanthi's mother, Sister Manel, and Father, Vijith, invited us for lunch. Elder Lee showed a video afterward. Frank's wife, Samanthi,  showed us pictures of her baptism...she said Frank is attending another church in Colombo. He works and lives there and only comes home for a few days once a month. We took a picture of Samanthi and the children. We then visited Sumithra’s family.  Samudra is Sumithra's older sister holding her little boy. Sumithra and Mother, Rathnawathi, are being taught the Plan of Salvation today. Sumithra' s son and nephew are listening too. Nadeera, is the nephew and Nimsara the son of Sumithra.  Arosha 2 is Nadeera's brother...they are Samudra's sons. Malini 4 is the daughter of Sumithra's younger sister. We gave the boys new tennis balls for playing cricket.