We were so busy this week.  We were able to get out and visit some of the members.  We visited with Sister Sherin and her family.  We are her visiting teacher and home teacher.  We were told that her less active husband doesn't let many people in his home but we met him and he seemed to be okay with us being there.  He didn't stay but he welcomed us and left. Sherin has been a member for 17 years, I think that is what she told me.  She served a mission to the Philippines.  She has two children, a 14 year old son, Shanuka and an 11 year old daughter, Shamendri.  We had a fun visit.  Shumendri calls her brother the walking encyclopedia. They loved the banana nut bread I took them.
This week is New Years for the Sri Lankans.  New Years was on Thursday.  That was the day that we traveled to Negombo to interview a family of 5.  Four of them were getting baptized. They were a lovely family.  Some didn't speak too much English so we had to have a translated go with us.  He was the Branch Mission Leader from Negombo.  It was very difficult to get a driver to take us on New Years.  Ajith said that everyone wanted $70.00 to make the trip.  He rearranged his scheduled and took us himself for $45.00.  The Lord takes care of his servants.
President and Sister Funk came to Colombo late Thursday night.  On Friday they met with Elder and Sister Fluckiger and Scott and I for training.  I wasn't looking forward to the training but it was wonderful.  We got so many questions answered. We truly felt of the Funks love for us and our family.  When President Funk interviewed us he asked about each of our children and how they were doing.  We could feel the Spirit so strong as we talked about our love for our family and the great desire to be the Lord's servants here in Sri Lanka.  
After our training on Friday, the Fluckigers came and spent the night with us.  We had a great time visiting and getting to know them better.  Elder Fluckiger is a big teaser.  He reminds me of my Dad.  They told us that their replacements had been called.  They are from Reno and their names are Kellerstrauss.  The Fluckigers will be leaving the first of August and the new couple will be arriving the middle of August.  We are glad to know that they have another couple coming.
Saturday we attended the Priesthood/Auxiliary Training for the District.  After the training we had lunch and waited around for seminary/institute class at 3 pm.  Then at 6 pm we attended a fireside for all prospective missionaries. A wonderful day of training for all.
Today was Sunday.  We taught out Temple Prep Class.  Sister Funk attended our class.  Then she went to Primary with me and helped with the music.  All I had to do was just play the piano, not play and led at the same time.  It was great!  The Funks came home with us and had lunch with us.  We have come to really appreciate them as our Mission President and his wife.
Know that we love you and think of you often but we are happy and know that we are where we need to be at this time of our life.  We love busy weeks!!

Collin(father), Udeni(mother) and two daughters
Shalomi and Kaushalya who were baptized, with
little brother Iron