Hoping y’all are happy – approximately 5000, or so, miles away from us.
Certainly so, today has been simultaneously exhasperating and incredible.
First of all we divided our international team into two, one group worked with the smalluns in the preschool and the other begun on the majestic mural project. Towards lunchtime the groups merged and with the beautiful little children we saw their eyes twinkle as they ran under a multicoloured parachute and the sun shone through the rainbow pattern. After another divine lunch from the cooking team, Seb worked particularly hard to wash the dishes clean.
We all travelled in this fresh bus we have for the two weeks to go and purchase saris and sarongs. The culture of the Sri
Lankans is something to appreciate without a single doubt and the people define selflessness and humility.
The Artisan shop amazed us with sarongs and pottery and saris, many of the boys bought sarongs here. However we ventured further into Hambantota to a market shop. The saris in this shop mimicked the delicate, intricate embroidery and shimmer of that of the Indian Vogue. Each and every sari was overwhelmingly beautiful. The girls each bought a sari. After a pacey drive back home in the legendary bus we prepared for the arrival of our buddies.
Today was Christian’s birthday, throughout the day we have been wishing him all the wishes and he even got given a crown at the preschool. However, his buddy bought him flowers, this was a stunning gesture from her. With our buddies we decorated our tote bags and played many a games. The very last activity consisted of sitting in a circle and singing songs. First Matt, then Emily and finally Sam and Lily each showed bravery and courage as they led this wonderful time. Throughout the day I have laughed muchly with everyone and additionally, with my newly found friends, I am sure everyone has. Both the girls and boys from Tzu Chi are truly fantastic.
We do most definitely miss everyone a little/lot but are having a time greater than a king first placed upon his throne.
Peace out;
Elodie.
Thank you Elodie for today’s update. We have been reading all the updates and following your adventures daily. It all looks so wonderful, creating a lifetime of memories. We have missed Christian terribly today on his birthday. Happy birthday son! The cake will be waiting to be lit on your return. Mum x
Sounds like so much fun! We’re loving all your news and photos 🙂 Can’t believe you’rve been gone a week already – Farnham is quiet without you all! X
It sounds like you’ve had a memorable day, another fantastic blog, well done Elodie 🙂 The saris sounds beautiful, looking forward to seeing you all in them!
Happy Birthday Christian lots of love from all the Chappell’s!! Xx
We love reading all your posts, but Elodie’s bring a certain je ne c’est quoi to proceedings! Sounds like a busy day and looking forward to seeing everyone in their saris and sarongs. Great to hear about all the good things you’re doing to help the schools and the children.
Thank you all so much for writing the blogs … we’re really grateful to you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences & let us share the journey .. we’re very proud of all of you. The blogs are genuinely impressive .. some budding news reporters amongst you and the odd comedian too .. clearly a special experience for you all .. Take care, keep it going and have fun… x
Elodie ❤❤❤ We miss you so much but what a lovely piece of writing and what lovely pictures of you all. We are so pleased you are all having such an adventure. Keep taking it all in ❤❤❤
Hi Jonny. I hope you are feeling better and have been having a great time. I’m going to scout camp and I really miss you! Can’t wait to see you! From olly
What an exciting trip. It’s amazing what you are achieving in such a short time.
That was a fresh update Els. Love Dad and the others xxx