Day 1 - Tuesday, 26th of January 2016

Start of a beautiful friendship 

After many months of preparations, this morning we have finally made our way to Kalutara, located south of Colombo to visit our friends at the Kalamusu Kedella Children’s Home. 

And what a first sight it was! 

All 50 of the home’s current residents were waiting for us in front of the main porch. They have prepared beautiful flower necklaces for us as a gift. We felt genuinely welcome and appreciated for the interested that our hotel expressed in the children’s life. 

A tour of the home revealed a series of modest, but very well-maintained bedrooms where the children are housed. The facility heavily relies on donations which are used to improve the everyday life of the children. 

Our hosts are Naomi and her family – husband, mother, father and two beautiful children - who are responsible for the running of the orphanage. You could not picture a more caring, warm and genuine group of people… We were left speechless at times hearing about the hardship and suffering some of the children have experienced during their short lives. 

We are heading to a nearby town tomorrow to purchase all kind of supplies for the children. We will be back to you again with more about the life behind the tall gates of Kalamusu Kedella. 

It is well after midnight here now, so off to bed quickly, we have a very busy day ahead of us.

En route to Kalutara from Colombo.

Driving on the busy roads of  Colombo, sometimes we had to agree with the philosophy of this tuk-tuk driver.
"I am happy just because I am alive." 

Delicious coconuts are sold by the side of the main road - just chop off the top, pop in a straw and your refreshment is ready.  

Finally, we are only a few hundred meters away! Signpost showing the way to our destination, Kalamusu Kedella Child Development Centre. 

What a welcome! All 50 children of the home are waiting for our arrival on the porch of the main building. 

Compliments to the boys. Their bedrooms are arranged very neat and tidy. 

Dumbo, do you hear me? We have to get our homework done before dinner. 

Most of the children are sharing communal bedrooms but some of the older girls get to have more privacy. 

Smiley, but cautious introductions, While they understand some English, most of the children do not speak the language.  

The teddy bears and the bed linen are donations of generous benefactors from overseas. 

The youngest children are the quickest to interact with us. Wherever we go, curious little eyes follow our steps. 

The children are all attending a nearby school. 

So how much is this? Jorge is helping out with the maths homework. 

Some of the boys are proudly showing off their artworks.