Welcomed by Ama and her Clan

Before we found the house we live in, we spent 10 days in a tiny hotel in the village, looking for a suitable house.  It wasn't easy.  Many houses have outdoor cooking and bathing facilities.  The house we chose was lacking many things that we would consider basic necessities--hot water, a fridge, stove, washing machine, cushioned furniture, a decent mattress.  But what was not lacking was the warmth of the family who lived in this house.  The matriarch of the family, whom we call simply Ama ("mother" in Singhalese), lived here with her daughter and son-in-law and their baby.  Now they live next door with another of Ama’s children.  There are five adults and two young ones living next door now, while Bob and I live in this house.  Renting out their home for 10 months is a way for the family to earn some money to keep developing their property—which means building a home for each of the three children. 

Ama and her clan are among the nicest people we’ve gotten to know in Sri Lanka.  We could not ask for better neighbors or friends.  The day we arrived, Ama prayed a special prayer of blessing at the front door, and then the family handed us the house keys on a beautiful green leaf and served us the special kiri-bath, or milk-rice cakes, along with bananas and some sweets.  

A few weeks later, they took us on a drive to the famous “stone bridge” nearby, and then to their favorite bathing spot.  Here I am with the whole family--Damita and Doshanti with their son Sanule, Roshani and Sumudu with their infant son Nolita, and Ama, of course.

Ama and her family inform us when something is going on.  They invite us over for dinner or tea.  They come to our door, bringing food they’ve prepared or bananas from their trees. They have time to chat after work, and they help us with whatever we may need around the house.  It is a joy to live in Ama’s house.  We truly feel welcomed as part of their family.