Day 5 - Saturday, 30th of January 2016

A thousand thank you 

We woke early to the sounds of beautiful church music as our neighbourhood was getting ready to mark the feast of Saint Sebastian. Vivid decorations in red and white colours adorned the streets while the local community prepared for the celebrations. 

Our hearts were filled with parallel excitement as we headed towards the children’s home. Our project started just about a year ago and – while we encountered many obstacles during the construction phase – neither Naomi, nor us at Sheraton Abu Dhabi failed to believe that this moment would come. 

Anticipation filled the air when we drove through the main gate and curious little faces peered at us from all corners of the property. Wrapped around the main door of the dining hall, a beautiful red ribbon twinkled in the sun expectedly.  

As we finally opened the door and the children stepped inside cautiously, sounds of delight and surprise enveloped the room. 

Opening the ceremony, we received some wonderful words of gratitude from Naomi and her father who set up the orphanage over 10 years ago.  One by one, all of the children kissed and hugged us as a way of saying thanks to all the people in Abu Dhabi and beyond who made this day possible. 

We had been showered with a thousand thanks over the last few days, but all three of us have one prevailing feeling: We are the ones indebted to these people. Leaving the comfort of our daily lives behind, we came to recognise what really matters. Work worries, everyday inconveniences seem so insignificant in light of our experiences at Kalamusu Kedella. 

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“What is your next big dream?” – we asked Naomi. 

“My main concern is ensuring that the children are properly fed.” – she answers sharing her biggest worry. “Many of them arrive severely malnourished. We try to nurse them back to health but our resources are very limited. We have a set budget for food every month and if we have any unexpected expenses – such as a medical emergency – we are down to our last rupees towards the end. I wish I could give them the best possible nourishment – this is where I will need the support of generous benefactors in the future.” 

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When the farewell is approaching, we share our concerns with Naomi about possibly upsetting some of the children with our brief visit. She is very practical about the question.

“This is the way of life. Sometimes people come into our lives, sometimes we need to say goodbye. No matter where we are we in the world, will remain in each other’s prayers and thoughts.” 

A big day for everyone in Kalutara.
Saturday, 30th of January also marked the feast of Saint Sebastian for the local community.

Nero, our hero.
Nirmal, our driver for the duration of our stay, has been our interpreter, tour guide, messenger and an overall lifesaver as we attempted to navigate around Sri Lanka. 

The beginnings...
We have started this project with Naomi because - up until now - the children haven't got a proper dining facility. Mealtimes are restricted to eating on the floor of the kitchen with the boys and girls taking turns. 

Let's go back in time.
Last spring when the construction started under the supervision of Naomi and her ever supportive husband, Ranga. 

Seems like a thousand years ago...
The dining room on the 1st day of our visit. 

Drum rolls, please.
After days of shopping trips, preparations, decorating and cleaning, the room is finally ready for the children. 

Tears of joy.
Naomi and her family opened the celebrations with beautiful words of gratitude, while we unveiled this surprise plaque to commemorate our friendship. 

Let's get this party started! 

A feast of fiery flavours.
Putting a little money aside every month, Naomi saved up for a special meal for the opening party. We were all treated to beautiful, traditional Sri Lankan dishes.  

Party in full swing.

Our little friends quickly got into the celebratory mood. Jorge was looking on proudly as all of the children used their cutlery during the meal. 

Miles apart but close at heart.
Judith is putting up pins on the map so the children can see our home countries. 

Smiles all around.
While the boys wanted to spend time with Rui and Jorge, the girls gathered by Judith's side. By the last day of our time together, they were completely at easy with our presence.   

Movie matinée.
The minions were just as big of a success at Kalamusu Kedella as anywhere else in the world.   

Having the time of our lives.
Jorge's young friend has been captivated by this watch since our arrival. He wanted to know absolutely everything about its workings. After getting Naomi's permission, Jorge gifted it to the amazed boy. 

A work of magic.
The children were looking on fascinated as we took a bunch of Polaroid photos in the afternoon. 

Say cheese!
Notice the board in the background filled with Polaroid memories of the celebrations. 

Playing our part.
We distributed all the toys in the afternoon among the children - badminton sets, bubble makers, skipping ropes, puzzles and footballs filled the yard with pure happiness. 

Jump for joy. 

Beautiful butterflies.
The new dress up costumes were a major success as little bees, princesses, knights, kings and doctors roamed around the property for the rest of the afternoon.  

Hidden treasures.
The boys were keen to show us the secrets of the garden. 

Saving precious memories. 
Our time with the children it coming to end too fast... 

"Let me makes this easier than saying goodbye.
Let me tell you hello in advance for the next time I get to see you."