Day 3 - Thursday, 28th of January 2016

Music is a universal language 

Another action packed day of getting supplies for the children. With Naomi joining us, we headed towards Colombo early in the morning. 

As construction of the new dining room has now finished, all was left to do is to purchase necessities such as plates, cups, cutlery, water jugs, serving dishes and table clothes. Recalling memories of our own old classrooms and childhood bedrooms, we are also keen on making the new hall as inviting and warm as possible so we picked out a range of decorative items. 

Slowly ticking off every item on list, we filled our car with a set of new clothes for every child, ordered 60 sets of bedsheets and pillowcases and had great fun selecting all sorts of toys for our little friends. 

We can’t wait to put everything into place on Friday! 

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Without a doubt the highlight of our day was when we finally returned to Kalamusu Kedella in the afternoon. And we planned a special surprise for the children! We all settled down on the grass out in the garden when Rui suddenly appeared with his guitar. 

While we do not speak each other languages, the classic sounds of “Old MacDonald had a farm” and “If you're happy and you know it” magically broke down all our communications barriers. Some of the children were quicker than others to join us in shouting “Hurray!”, but eventually they all happily sang along 

Rui singing "We are one" from the Lion King had all of us grown-ups close to tears and the power of music slowly cast its spell on the children too. 

Nelum was keen on translating the meaning of the lyrics – she felt that it carries a very important message: 

“Tears of pain, tears of joy

One thing nothing can destroy

Is our pride, deep inside

We are one.”

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While we are on the road, we try to fit in as many conversations with Naomi as possible to find out more about their everyday lives. We were curious to know the cost of feeding the children. Like in many families, one of the most significant expenses Naomi is faced with is doing groceries for the home. The overall cost of meals is approximately 10.000 Sri Lankan Rupee per day for entire orphanage – about 200 LKR (circa 1.4 USD or 5 AED). 

Since we received a number of message from all over the world asking how you could help out, we are sharing details of the home here. If you would like to contribute, you can donate to Kalamusu Kedella directly or reach out to Judith at Judith.Duffy@Sheraton.com for more information.

BANK DETAILS

Name of account: People for Care and Learning Society

Account no: 0050-02359328-001

SWIFT code: SEYBLKLX

Address: Seylan Bank, Galle Road, Panadura

Rise & shine.
Leaving for Colombo at the crack of dawn. 

Swinging into high gear.
Early morning traffic on our way to Colombo to pick up more supplies for the children. 

Since the home is run on a very tight budget and can only afford to buy the most necessary items, there is just no money left at the end of the month for treats or toys. Keen to show the children a good time, we picked up a bunch of balls, badminton sets, skipping ropes and board games during our visit to the stores. 

A basket of fun.
We can not wait to share them with the children. 

Portugal vs. Spain: 0:0.
The guys are fitting in some football practice before their upcoming match with the kids. 

Lullaby and good night.
Judith is picking out materials for new bed sheets and pillows. 

So what is your last price again?
Jorge and Rui are negotiating rates to get the best possible deals for the home.
After a lengthy discussion, we purchased crockery, cutlery and serving dishes for the new dining room. 

When you are shopping for 50 boys and girls, you got to be super organised.
Naomi is expertly navigating the store when we go to pick up new trousers and T-shirts for the children. While she has detailed notes and sizes, she closes her eyes and pictures each and every child before making the final decision. 

Girls will be girls.
Instead of buying bulk of the same colour and design, Judith picked out individual T-shirts for all of the girls. 

Happy customers, happy merchant.
Upon hearing the purpose of our trip, this well-meaning merchant offered 12% discount on all items bought and promised Naomi that he will keep her in mind when he has excess stock. 

A friendship in the making.
Judith and Naomi are lost in discussion while navigating the lively streets of Colombo. 

Sing your heart out.
Our Hungarian - Portuguese musical duo is busy practicing their songs on the way home. 

Rolling out the welcome mat.
Victor, the host in our guesthouse, Feel Homestay is treating us to true Sri Lankan hospitality.
Always on hand with recommendations, he wants to ensure that we have the best possible experience of his country. 

Finally, you are back! 

Music to our ears.
While initially some of the children were a little shy, slowly all of them opened up as Rui played the guitar and we sang together popular nursery rhymes.   

Up above the world so high...
Although only a handful of children speak a little English, they picked up the lyrics of "Twinkle, twinkle little star" remarkably quickly. 

Twinkle, twinkle, all the night...
We slowly - slowly fall asleep as bedtime is approaching.

Have a look at some of our videos signing together with the children. It will surely put a smile on your face.

"Old MacDonald had a farm" is always a hit with children - no matter where you are in the world.

We all well up a little as Rui sings beautifully "We are one" from the Lion King.

Continuing with our trip's international theme, Judith is singing her mother's favourite lullaby in Hungarian.