Today started early for most of us - although it didn't have to. Our minds were still operating on NZ time so early in the morning Gay and Gael were up drinking tea on the balcony and listening to the sounds of the rest of the area waking up.
We began the day with the Leaders of The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka: they shared their dreams and challenges and introduced us to the work of The Army here. It was fantastic to hear that despite the political and other challenges of the country at the moment there is a very positive optimism about the people and the ministry. "It is a good time to be the Leaders in Sri Lanka", said Colonel Lalzamlova the Territorial Leader.
After a tour of the Army's headquarters and a briefing on the program with our in country liaison, Major Nihal Hettiararchchi, we shared lunch with the leaders, (see photo) before the keys to the vehicle were handed to Daryl and we ventured out to but the materials and supplies we need to fulfil events in the expanding program. (Gill, Gay and Gael already have an extra days activity on Saturday when they will attend a District Women's Rally and conduct the Craft session.)
Its been a good day and all are well and happy - not even driving on Colombo roads with Daryl driving has dampened the spirits so far. But tomorrow is an early start and a three hour drive (80km) down to Hikkaduwa, the centre of the Army's Tsunami Recovery work in the South West.
