Sri Lanka and the Orphanage

---

Sorry. Don't know if I'll get back to cover Jaipur and the India road stories. Computer access is a little harder to come by these days, so I thought I would stay current and fill in the gaps later. I'll leave some stories to tell when we get back.

We arrived in Sri Lanka safe and sound. The first full day here we retraced our steps and found Rachel's orphanage. Two of the workers (a nun and a civilian) were there when Rachel was processed through in 1994 (They don't remember her, but they recognize their handwriting on the documents. We stayed for about 90 minutes and toured the facilities. We also visited another Convent in Colombo, this one run by the Sisters of Mother Teresa. Rachel's birth mother had stayed there a while with her as well. But because that a short-time temporary stay, they had no record of it in their log.

Sri Lanka as a whole is much more peaceful and laid back than the places we visited in India. While the traffic is wild compared to the U.S., it is a virtual walk in the park compared to India. One point of trivia: Yesterday, we had lunch the Pagoda Tea Room, it's claim to fame being that the 80s British pop band Duran Duran record the video for Hungry Like the Wolf there. Who new? I guess this trip will keep bumping in the 80s tunes all along the way (remember, we get One Night in Bangkok on the next leg?)

Now we are in the mountain city of Kandy for three days and will do more exploring from here. Then back to Colombo, then a short two-day trip to the souther beaches where the effects of the tsunami are supposedly still very visible.

Henry

---

Comments

[Lynn Rodgers-Kuperman]

Most Amazing...
I think these are the most amazing pictures thus far. I also think this must be an amazing journey for the kids. As an adoptive mother myself I can only imagine how many emotions both parents and kids are processing right now, especially the kids. I'm sure it's a joyful yet sometimes sad and poignant experience for all. Stay strong and enjoy everything this trip has to offer. We still miss you Debbie!

[Anne Pauls]

WOW
How incredible is it that the same people that were at Rachel's adoption years ago, are still there!! Henry, you are doing an amazing job - I am so enjoying reading all of the entries and seeing the pictures. Thanks for doing the blog! Debbie - it is quiet and boring here without you. Stay safe! Love, Anne

[Effie]

great pic's
I really like the reflective picture of Rachel and the beach shots. Good to hear from you again. Love the blogs, spoke to Mark yeasterday about next years reunion. I hope you can still remember detail to share with us then.

[Noemi]

Hello Dunbar Family I've been catching up with your travel blog. What an amazing trip! Can't wait to get together and hear more. I wish Anna had access to a computer so she could read the entries as well. Rachel will have to fill her in personally. Debbie, I hope you bought a sari for yourself I think you would look lovely in one. Thanks for taking the time to write the blog. Take care and stay safe. Noemi

[Carol F]

your photos
The picture of Rachel on the beach is exquisite. Sounds like you are having the trip of a lifetime. What a wonderful gift to give your children! All is fine here--the Backyard Deck that Ate Douglas Park is still in the works. We'll have you over to christen it upon your return to Western Civ.! CF