In the Deep End

Friday 24^th.

Buvana, Kiran and I arrived in country save and sound. After setting in to our respective accommodation B & K in a guest hse, I'm with family) we met Sister Concepta ( the inspirational nun who heads up the work in Athidiya) , Mrs Vallapulla and Rosmary at the centre where we were honoured with garlands and a wonderful welcome speech delivered by one of the children. Sis C took us on a short tour of Athidiya where B & K asked a number of the local women about their diets, usual foods and where they purchase their food. It became clear that all only eat one good meal a day at best and at times even this is a struggle.

For dinner we went to a cafe/restaurant that have the most wonderful Kiri Appa (milk hoppers) which a kind pancake but crispy on the outside and stodgy in the middle. Buvana was reminiscing on how she had used to have Kiri Appa for breakfast cooked by her grandmother. so dinner was a big success.

Sat 25^th

Attended the ‘life education’ session that Sister C runs each Saturday. Buvana & Kiran were thrown in the deep end by being asked to deliver a session on food & health. After a quick flurry of activity searching for paper and colouring pencils and using Sis C as interpretor they delivered an impromptu session of the 5 food groups. Of course they did very well but the more important thing was the massive learning crave that took place, both in the delivery as well as a greater understanding of the issues. As a result they are a lot more confident about delivering the sessions next week. These sessions will take place in the school during the morning with yrs 10 & 11, sisters centre in the afternoon ,followed by another session at the school for some of the women for a very challenging patch adjacent to the school.

Tomorrow will be an easy day , Kiran wants to visit the street market at Petta and I’m sure we will find ourselves at Odel’s (Colombo’s answer to John Lewis) at some point. Any orders?