Buddhist's Flag



Pandal of Buddha's life



Lanterns in daytime

Nighttime lanterns

It was Vesak here in Sri Lanka.  For those of you that don't what Vesak is I will write what the Insight Guide to Sri Lanka says: Vesak, celebrated on the day of the full moon in May, is the most hallowed of Buddhist festivals, celebrating the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death,  all of which are believed to have occurred on this one day.  Buses and cars are decorated with streamers and garlands, while shops and streets are decked out with myriad paper lanterns.  Tiny clay coconut oil lamps are lit in villages, while in the cities electrically illuminated pandals are put up, depicting events in the Buddha's life. Because it is considered meritorious to offer gifts of food and drink during the festival, you will find specially constructed roadside booths(dansal) where both are offered free of charge.  The fare on offer ranges from rice and curry to Vesak sweetmeats.  The devout dress in white and visit their local temples to spend the day performing religious observances, fasting and praying.
We got to enjoy Vesak a little when we returned from a dinner appointment at Raj's house.  Raj is the only member in his family that has remained active in the Church.  His mother, sister and father also joined years ago but are now less active.  Raj's mother invited us to dinner.  She had a lovely meal.  She started out by serving us butter cake and a fruit juice.  Other members of the family didn't partake.  Then after awhile they sat us at the table and brought a small dish filled with water.  We washed our hands and asked for some silverware.  Since everyone here eats with their fingers.  They brought forks for us to use. We asked if they were going to join us.  They replied that they were only feeding us.  They served us: string hoppers, potatoes cooked in coconut milk, curry, and a chicken curry dish.  The father kept saying, "eat more."  We were both stuffed when dinner was over.  On the way home it took us over an hour and half to get home.  It would usually only take a half hour.  It was a wonderful evening.  Anura kept driving around the block to show us the sights.  There were so many people all over the place.  We've never seen so many people like this.
The Colombo District Relief Society held its birthday celebration on Saturday.  The sisters from Kandy and Negombo joined us in Colombo.  We had 95 sisters in attendance.  They demonstrated macrame, facials, talked about a proper diet, and had a sister talk about journaling.  Then a simple journal was given to each sister.  We also were treated to a dance by the sisters from Negombo.  Everyone received a rice pack for lunch.  Elder Meyers and Elder Fluckiger spent their time caring for 22 children.  They showed videos, colored, played games and other activities.  All had a wonderful day!
On Sunday Sister Meyers was released as Branch Primary 2nd Counselor.  The new president Sister Premila was sustained with counselors Sister Primali and Sister Meyers.


Children playing duck, duck, goose



Negombo sisters dancing



Kristina-recent convert



New Primary Presidency: Sister Primali,
President Premila and Sister Meyers