Samagama Shops Open!

Indika, along with his wife Nadika, have recently opened the village grocery store, The villagers can now purchase the everyday essential iems such as fruits, vegetables, spices, bread, as well as soap, toothpaste, and other dry goods. Also Gunasiri has opened his frame and glass shop. He has recently framed several pictures for us including the world map that Donna uses in reaching the children English. Tony, the baker, is currently away in Afghanistan, cooking for our troops at one of the Air Force bases. He will return in several months and open the new bakery in the village. Village life is normal for the 62 families living here and also the surrounding neighbors! We also enjoy picking up our fresh bread and fruit each morning!!

University Bound!

When we first met Thilika (blue blouse) 4 years ago, she and her 3 children were living in a mud hut. Her husband had died leaving her with 3 young children to raise. As a single mom she worked hard as a cleaning lady at the local school, but she instilled in her children the need for an education. After overcoming almost impossible odds by studying from a kerosene lantern for years, her daughter Nilanthi entered the University this August. All of her classes are in English and she quickly scanned the village library for books that might help her in her Business and Accounting courses. Being an accountant myself, I might have a few books at home collecting dust that might come in handy for her or someone else following in her footsteps. Today we are smiling also with Nilanthi and Thilika and are once again humbled at her accomplishments. She has two younger brothers who are following her lead and hope one day to get the same good news! University Bound!!

Arts & Crafts Lesson

In addition to lugging library books, dolls and toys, Donna has also brought beads for stringing bracelets and necklaces. One day a week they have an "arts and crafts" hour and our kitchen table becomes the assembly area for kids to pick just the right beads for their treasures! Donna never misses a chance to teach even though this is considered "fun time" as she has them all count the number of beads on their bracelets and necklaces once they are finished. We have noticed that a few days after they are finished, their necklaces are missing a few beads. Their little sister or brother then walks in and shows off the bracelet that big sister or brother has made them. Donna has had to set an age limit because the little ones require too much supervision. The older ones have found another way too learn to share! This is easy for us because we have so much. We are humbled because they have so little!

Nimal's Family

Nimal and his wife Nilanthi, standing next to Donna, are the proud parents of four daughters and one son. What makes this organic farmer and housewife so unique here in Sri Lanka is that their oldest daughter has graduated from the University and is currently a teacher. Her next two oldest sisters are currently in the University. The thirteen year old son, standing next to me, is in the 9th grade and 1st in his class. He will probably follow his sisters in 4 more years. To have three and possible all five of his children go to the University is almost unheard of here. Joining Nimal's two daughters this year in the University are two more Samagama young ladies. We'll get their pictures posted later. We are proud of these four young University students who are setting an example for the next generation in Samagama.