Journal Entries : 1 | 2

Entry 1

I never thought I could be as lucky as I was today. I knew that going to an elephant orphanage would jerk my emotions, but I did not realize the emotions would be laugher and squeals of joy—somewhat like a child! When we walked into the orphanage the scenery reminded me of a zoo. The vast lands of open air made me give a sigh of relief, for I knew that the elephants had plenty of open space and trees to lounge under and eat. We walked to the left end of the orphanage and upon three Sri Lankan men who were feeding four elephants. The elephants ranged in age and size; the smallest one about the size of a Volkswagen Beetle. They fed the elephants with, what looked like baby bottles on steroids, filled with milk. The elephants looked so cute and happy gulping down the milk! We left the feeding and walked alongside enormous elephants to the other side of the orphanage. Here we were able to take pictures right next to elephants. I have never in my life been so close to an elephant!

We left the orphanage gates and proceeded through the small Sri Lankan town. We walked down a dirt hill and came upon the most gorgeous scenery I have ever seen. The flowing river was sprinkled with rocks and the sides were spotted with beautiful trees and a tall river bank. We were all so amazed at the almost fake looking backdrop; we jumped when we turned around to see the vast herd of elephants trotting down the road we had just walked down. The elephants moved right past us and walked right into the river. As soon as they hit the water they all started splashing water at one another and wading in the water. All the elephants from the orphanage came to the river, even the smallest ones and the elephant with only three legs (his other leg was blown off in a land mine accident). I watched in complete awe as they bathed one another and enjoyed their afternoon time in the cool water and sunshine. Betty Webb walked over to me and asked if I wanted to go down to the river and bathe one of the elephants. I had told Dr. Webb that when my mom lived in Sri Lanka years ago, she had bathed one. Following in my mom’s footsteps, I walked down to the river bank and began splashing water on the adorable elephant before me. The elephant orphanage is the best stop we have made thus far on our Sri Lankan tour and the memories of it will forever be embedded in my head.