Home Life

This is the mongoose that is a pet to one of our neighbors. A little funny story: One day the kids were in the front room and started screaming, "mommy a rat!!!!" I ran in to see what they were talking about. I saw "Anchor" and reassured my kids that he was harmless. Well, needless to say, my kids didn't buy it. They ran around the house and even out the front door. Kenai climbed stacks of chairs and Koda made his way up the bamboo patio pole. Anchor was chasing them up poles and chairs, and I had to kind of stand back and laugh. Wish I had a video camera for sure!!! After they really were freaking out, I got them in the house and we closed the door, leaving Anchor outside. We soon realized that Anchor new how to jump through windows. He was a persistent one though, and made his way under cracks in the doors and all ways possible. His owners came to get him and we haven't seen him since. As you can see below, the kids came to realize he was a pet and started to like him. If he wasn't so annoying in finding every way possible in our house, I wouldn't mind having him around the yard. Mongooses are known for killing cobra snakes- and that is very comforting, especially with how many snake sitings there has been around our area. Cody just killed one this week that was poisonous. Papa help us all! 

This is the way the boys take their nap in the afternoons when theres no electricity. Chonies in the hammock. I usually walk by them and shoo the flies every now and then. We are so excited to announce though, that this month we bought a generator, and will no longer have to battle to extreme heat and flies and candles for light when the power is out! PTL! 

Randomness in Pottuvil

I feel like I never take the "touristy" shots anymore of our surroundings, because it has become so much   home for us. Just thought I would throw in some random shots of "town" 

Food for a Grieving Family

This month our village experienced a tragic loss of a great woman. One of the Liluxin, whom hangs out around our house and area, lost his mom to liver failure caused by diabetes. Diabetes is probably one of the leading life takers in Sri Lanka, with the amount of sugar one consumes. The "funeral" was like nothing I'd ever seen before and so sad. I got to love on Liluxin's two older sisters after the men took their mom's body away to be buried. As I held them both, while they were trembling and wailing, I couldn't force myself enough to hold back the tears from falling. I began crying with them, as so is the feelings in my heart of losing a precious parent. And because of my loss this year, and those girls understanding that- I was able to tell them that I was praying for them and also there to talk with them if ever they needed. Though it was so hard to lose my dad this year, I am thankful that I was able to relate with those girls and love on them and minister to them in way that I never could have if I hadn't experienced something so similar. His plans surely fulfill a purpose.  

After the funeral, I talked with my Ladies Tea girls. The next day was family night, and I thought that instead of just having our normal fun dinner party, that we could bless the entire family/ extended family that lost their precious loved one. The girls loved the idea. Babyrunny and I began our morning off shopping for enough food for 50 people. The girls arrived at my house around noon and we cut, cleaned and cooked until 6:00 that evening. It was a great team effort and the family was so blessed when we showed up with all of the food. We huddled in a group around the family and I prayed for them in English. Though they probably didn't understand much of my words, I felt the Lord's presence and I know he will hold their hearts like he has mine and my family's.

It's Fishing Season in A-Bay

Andy and Babu on our boat out for a day of fishing

What many boat bottoms look like

Bringing in the fish on the oxen cart

The boys deciding which parts they want to eat- Koda- the eyes, Kenai- the mouth

They love when daddy brings home fish :)

It's such a blessing that Papa put a passion in Cody's heart for diving and spearfishing. Because, usually when the water is clean for diving, no other boats go out or are able to catch fish with their nets due to the clean water. So Cody and the boys that go with, are able to bless our oikos with fish when they have gone days without fish for meals (their main source of food, besides rice).

Cody even got Johnson out there fishing this month, with rod and reel and had a great day with two of his best friends, loving on each other and great fellowship

The Land

This is the property that we are in the process of purchasing. Please be praying with us that all goes well with the documents and such. 

The concrete and wooden fences are the boundaries and right next to the orange building is the line. It overlooks the bay and was safe last time in the tsunami. Its open land for us to build what Papa has put in our hearts :)

Surf And Swim Saturdays Coming to An End

One of our last Saturdays for Surf and Swim was a busy one. All the fishermen were out and by late morning had caught tons of fish. The boats come into the bay at the exact spot where we have surfing lessons and practice. Its all about dodging the boats and the boats dodging the surfers. A lot of our kids help the fishermen out by pushing in the boats once they beach. They then get to keep some of the fish, in which they take home for their families and sell to make money. 

 Here, Ajaiy and Salojen are carrying fish from the boats to the oxen carts to take in for weighing and selling. 

 Here, Cody is helping to get a boat in

These are the oxen carts being loaded with fish 

One of the fishermen protecting his fish on his boat, as there are always lingering people on the beach stealing the fish from the boats.

Somme surfing; one of STN's good friends that we've helped out for years- a Muslim family 

Pontus giving a new Muslim boy first lessons on surfing

Now for the practice paddle and pop-up

Koda and Kenai hanging out with some of our fishermen friends 

Our wonderful STN Sri Lanka Surf Club

Andy pushing in a beginner on his first wave

Stoked to see them catching some of their first waves ever on a board

A couple of our younger Muslim boys

Ajaiy, all smiles after a fun surf sesh

Some Muslim girls on the beach, we tried talking into learning to surf

Atta and Cody playing around 

Koda on a short board now.  Passing up mommy! 

Too Hilarious! Tandem at its best :)

Vava Roof Project After Heavy Winds

We experienced a super heavy wind this month that was so powerful it knocked over a really old tree at Vava's house. The tree unfortunately fell on Vava's patio roof and covered her entire front yard. Cody went over and rebuilt the entire patio for her. Pontus (one of our STN staff) and the local pastor went over and cut up most of the tree; and myself and few girls cleaned up the yard by removing all the branches and debris. Vava had prayed the night before, that someone would help her clean and fix her yard and roof. She was so thankful for the help, and most importantly for her prayers being answered. I love seeing people's faith increase :)