sri lanka build is well and truly flying along!

we've just had some wonderful news from sri lanka! it seems like only the other day we heard the build had begun.
today we had a txt and email to say the building project is flying along despite the monsoon rains!
the builders express their own gratitude for allowing them to be involved in such a worthwhile endeavour and, of course, the family themselves are overwhelmed with joy and continue tho thank you from the bottom of their hearts.

meanwhile, as we strongly requested, the family have been accommodated nearby while the work progresses but - you'll never guess what...

the most senior member of the family, the old lady in the photos, has pleaded to be allowed to live ON SITE so she can see and enjoy with her own eyes the miracle which is unfolding around her!!!

the builders have had to create a special temporary structure on site for her to live in!!!

we hope to get more recent pics as soon as possible so we can all stay in touch

but the most encouraging news of all is the project manager has said AT THIS RATE THE BUILD SHOULD BE COMPLETE IN 5 WEEKS!!!

that means early september

this is so wonderful and congratulations again for helping to make it all happen!

another pic!

This photo is slightly happier! The old lady and 2 of the children [right] still look confused and dazed.
Their neighbour [teenage girl on the left] and local builder and project-manager [behind] have come to break the good news and to assess the ruin and site for building.
They are all such good people and can be trusted totally to look after our Sri Lankan family.

Some updated photos from Sri Lanka

We really want to preserve the dignity of these beautiful people so we will try to publish some happier pictures as soon as we get some. However, in the meantime, just look at the state of this ruin! And this is obviously the best and most lived-in part of the house!

Your Sri Lankan Family thank you from the bottom of their hearts!!!

THANKS TO YOUR BIG-HEARTED GENEROSITY, we have raised our target amount of 10,000 euro!!!
This means the family have now been told they are to have a brand new house!
We've been told they are in shock and delighted beyond words
They wish to send you all their heartfelt gratitude!!

This must have been the best-kept secret ever!
They had no idea til the project-manager and surveyor arrived on site and told them the great news.

Myself and my partner, Michael, have the funds in a special appeal account and are transferring to Sri Lanka as required, in small amounts.

We will update the website www.srilanka.freewebspace.com
with any pictures or news of progress we receive.
We will also update you via this blog from time to time - so don't forget to subscribe to it and you will be informed directly by email of any new posts.

The family will be rehoused while the build goes on.

We have left the appeal bank account open just incase anyone else you know would like to contribute-
every building project goes over budget and this will be no exception so we want to make sure it is finished and the family not only gets a house [furnished] but the means to support themselves afterwards-
as we said before, a sewing machine and/or a bread oven could provide these wonderfully resourceful people with the tools to make a good living in their own neighbourhood.

All their neighbours are absolutely thrilled for them!
The neighbours have pretty good houses by comparison and they told us this family is really the poorest of the poor and nobody there can afford to help them at all.

So, THANK YOU everybody!!!

You are so kind to have contributed your prayers and best wishes, and of course your money too.

It is our great pleasure to co-ordinate this project on your behalf.

Please rest assured it will be completed as promised and all funds will be accounted for. Your money will only be used to buy materials and to pay the local building-project manager.

Love and Best Wishes,

bruno