Tuesday 10th November

It rained so hard for the rest of yesterday that we couldn't do the building work. In fact the power cut out many times across the evening and the whole site was plunged into darkness. When we left the internet cafe we had a phone call to say that Suresh had been taken ill and needed to go to hospital. That meant that we had to go straight back to Bellwood through the monsoon.

When we got there we found Suresh had recovered somewhat but still had to see a doctor. He took some persuasion and only agreed after Dave spoke to him. He went to hospital and they changed some of his medication. He spent the night in Kandy too exhausted to come back to Bellwood. Please pray for him as he still needs healing.

The team spent the evening playing a hilarious game of Trivial Pursuit which the women's team won!!

We waited up until midnight but the drivers did not return until about 2.00pm from taking Suresh into Kandy.

Throughout the evening we had 1000's of bugs somewhat resembling flying ants only about 10 times bigger flying into the room through the ventilation between the walls and the roof. The men attempted to clear the room especially Ian, Dave and Bob C with the aid of brooms and flip flops. It made a very funny photo opportunity!

Today Ian, Dave, Sue J, both Helens and Alice have come into Kandy to shop with Mercy and Danny. This gave us the opportunity to visit Suresh at his sister-in-law's and to catch up with his medical news (see above). We've looked at a lot of shops and now we are due to go back to Bellwood with food for 28 including the team and the students and staff at Bellwood for a final farewell meal. Tomorrow we will be heading for Columbo where we are due to stay in a hotel before flying on Thursday. Hopefully we will be able to get hot showers in mud free water for a change!

The two Bobs have stayed in Bellwood with Sue C today. The two Bobs are working with the students on the new chicken shed. They will be laying the foundations in the morning and if we are able to we will build the concrete block walls this evening. That depends on the rain holding off and the concrete foundations setting well enough to take the weight. The chicken shed is on a very steep hill on a flat place with magnificent views and just below the tea bushes. This morning there were a team of three workers picking the tea ready for processing. Helen L spent some time with them learning how to pick the right leaves.

We will try and put some photos on but have been unsuccessful for a couple of days as the connections are slow and unreliable. If they don't come through it will be because we've had to leave to catch up with the shoppers.

We miss you all at home and are really looking forward to being back with you again and sharing our stories and photos. God has really blessed our time and already are hearing very encouraging reports from the pastors all over the island that we have worked with (either them or in their churches).

Blessings, Dave and Alice