Sunday 11th January 2026

I had such a pleasant, relaxed day today. It was quite an early breakfast for a Sunday, as Krishan's brother, Wathsala was giving me a lift in his tuk-tuk to the Christian home church that he is the pastor of. It was around a 30-minute tuk-tuk ride out of Nuwara Eliya along the Kandy Road near Kelani Valley Tea Plantation. It was in a beautiful spot that felt like it was in the middle of nowhere. I received such a warm welcome - it really was a lovely experience.

I sat at the back of the room, but was then made to sit at the front, and I was welcomed with flowers (I later gave these to a rather bemused old lady next door, as I was leaving). The whole service was in Sinhala, but I still enjoyed it, especially the worship, which was only accompanied by some basic drums and tambourines. I was asked to share a song when they had their collection, so I taught them a simple chorus that had very few words and it seemed to go down well.

After the service was finished, I was swamped by children for photos - all Sri Lankans just seem to love their photo opportunities! It was then time to return via the tuk-tuk. We had picked up a member of the congregation on the way to the service, and he came all the way back to Nuwara Eliya with us, as did two of Wathsala's and two of Krishan's children. A total of 3 adults and 4 children is certainly the most people I have ever experienced in one tuk-tuk before!

We got back to Sky Heaven and I just rested this afternoon - sorting out a bit of packing, as I am out tomorrow evening and heading back to Norwood on Tuesday afternoon, and following a bit of sport. Sushila, a solicitor from the UK with Sri Lankan heritage who is volunteering with Tea Leaf, arrived late this afternoon, and she joined Tim Pare and me for dinner at Yara in the centre of town this evening, which was a rather lovely way to end a very enjoyable weekend.

Today's photos are of my trip to Wathsala's church, plus one of Tim, Sushila, and me at Yara's this evening, where the barista even presented us with a free Tea Leaf Trust monogrammed coffee!













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