The last member of our team to write a report in this last week is Gael, and she says...
Greetings from sunny Sri Lanka. Although by the time you read this we will be touching down in Auckland.
Thursday
We picked up our many bags and walked next door to the Training College where we met nine cadets and the training principal, Major Lapena. We spent the day sharing about the wordless book, flannel graph stories, memory verses, puppets and played Bible quiz tic-tac-toe with them. They all joined in enthusiastically and their puppet plays where a delight to see.
After taking twelve meters of wincyette in my suitcase it was great to see them making up their flannel graph boards. They also took with them individually created sock puppets and wordless bracelets. They were a lovely bunch of young people who had a great love for the Lord. They were heard to say about a few mistakes we had made, that ‘we were as old as their parents. It was very hot and we were probably tired’.
It was great to sit down together for lunch. They must have learned a few things because they asked the Training Principal if they could use some of the ideas on the ten day crusade they were leaving for on Saturday.
Friday
Daryl and Ian went to paint at Rajagiriya boys home while G, G and G went shopping for supplies. We made our way through puddles, people, tuk-tuks, cars, trucks, buses and motor bikes with whole families on. We did really well considering the roads in Sri Lanka are chaotic.
We joined up for lunch at the home and did a programme with the boys. They enjoyed balloon stomp, but not as much as Ian and the Manager (Major Shelton) who continued on for quite some time after the boys had finished. Again, the sock puppets we made with them were a great hit.
Saturday
G, G and G were not looking forward to their three hour journey to the Teenager’s camp at Rambukkana, but after a breakfast of roti brought by Major Nihal we climbed aboard and set off. Driving on Sri Lankan roads has to be seen to be believed, we haven’t worked out if there are any road rules, with a lot of honking of horns everyone moves, turns, stops, passes and yet it seems to work. This time we had Major Nihal driving so it was a much smoother ride. We did our normal programme including a marvelous drama that somehow got lost in translation and had Gay throwing a tantrum three times instead of once. I think the last time was for real. We finished with games which were completely out of control.
Sunday
We took the meeting at Colombo Central Corps where we met an amazing ninety-six year old retired Colonel. We then went up stairs for a youth meeting. In the afternoon we shopped until Ian dropped.
Monday
We went to Swedlanka boys home which was a one and a quarter hour drive from Colombo. The boys sang for us and played flute, guitar and drums. They were really good. There was a lovely family atmosphere and they joined in enthusiastically with the games. The boys were really pleased to each receive a new pair of black leather school shoes bought with the money raised by The Meeting House (Mt Albert Corps).
Tuesday
In the morning at Rajagiriya eventide hostel we met the retired men and ladies who live there. It was nice to be the young ones for once. We sang songs, Ian shared his testimony and we did craft with them. After a beautiful lunch, we went next door to the Boy’s Home to paint their chapel.
I can’t believe this is our last week in Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful country and we have learned a lot form the Salvationists here. They have so little yet their hearts are so big and they share so much with us.
