Our Mission to Sri Lanka

We got up this morning at 3:30...left with Shirantha at 5:00. Once in Colombo, we ate breakfast with the Lathen's, and then we were off on an adventure with President Nishan, Sandimali, Garrett, Rylynn, and Jerell.

We left for Chilaw at 8:00 AM. We stopped at a Holiday Market to buy a papaya and a saron for Vijith's birthday.  Piyasiri, (Shermila's husband, and Shammi's stepfather) and Brother Roy wanted to have their picture taken with Elder Lee.  Niluka demonstrated how to wash rice!! Niluka's mother, Sister Melan, looked tired from all her cooking over a fire!  We sat out on the porch while it rained lightly off and on.   Vijith modeled his new saron. I love to go into the kitchens of those we visit...it’s always a party! It is common for the women to eat in the kitchen while dinner is being prepared...all over the world, women must taste the food that is being prepared!  Shamalee and President Saliya also were invited to celebrate Vijith's birthday. The food was beautifully displayed!! The guests ate at the table with the “Birthday Boy” while the rest of the family watched us eat until it was their turn! For an every-day dinner, here in Sri Lanka, the women sit down to...

We love going to "the island" to visit....we usually visit on Sunday evenings, but today, we went during the day! Waruni and Chandani are very dear! Chandani is becoming active again and Waruni wants to be baptized! Theresa’s son was mending his nets. They go out in these boats (pictured) to fish hours before the sun rises. The Fish Market opens at 6:00 AM!

Chilaw’s “Pioneer Family”...Vijith and Melan and their children were the only members in Chilaw for the longest time. They were given permission to have Church in their home three times per month, because the travel to Negombo was so far and expensive. A Chilaw Group grew from these beginnings. Now they have a rented building and will move to a nicer one sometime in the near future. They will someday be a Branch of their own! Fast Sundays, Chilaw members always come to Negombo.  When we visit Chilaw members, the highlight of our day is when we stop to visit Enos, his brothers and sister!

We took a walk today.  We saw a fisherman mending his nets, a man peddling a 3-wheeler, another man carrying a bed frame, some men playing checkers, a fancy restaurant, a funny restaurant (the sign cracked us up ), and last of all...our favorite restaurant--King Coconut.

Here we are again with "Elder Lee’s girls"! Achi, with daughter, Theresa, were happy to pose for a photo!! Sister Teresa always has a delicious meal of rice and dahl for us to eat at the conclusion of the evening.

  Samantha’s and Damayanthi’s baptism day! Aruna was very supportive!