Entry 1 - December 31, 2005

After two long days of airports, taxis, and buses, our plane finally landed on Sri Lankan soil. It was hard to believe we had finally made it. This trip that we have talked about and discussed for the past several months was actually becoming a reality. Wow, I am in Asia. I am in Sri Lanka. These are the first thoughts that ran through my head, halfway around the world from anything familiar. It's been three full days of traveling since we first arrived.

From the start, it's been one adventure after another. Our days begin early in the morning and last late in the evening, but every minute is well worth it. In the past three days I have: helped feed a baby elephant, witnessed a herd of elephants enter a river for an afternoon bath, visited the famous Cave Temple of Dambulla, conquered the rock fortress of Sigiriya, and journeyed through a swamp riding an elephant. It's amazing how many experiences we have encountered so far, and I look forward to the adventures that lay ahead.

I came to Sri Lanka with hopes that I could give something to this country, but Sri Lanka has given me so much in return. The kindness and generosity of the people here is so inviting. Everywhere we go we are greeted with a smile. Our tour guide, our driver, and the other man accompanying us we call our "bodyguard" have gone above and beyond to make our trip memorable. The people here want to teach you about their culture and traditions. They want you to fall in love with Sri Lanka just as they do. And it's working.

In addition to enjoying the beautiful sights, my heart goes out to the not so lovely sights. Everywhere we go there are dogs - not cute fluffy dogs, but sick dogs. The dogs suffered from malnutrition and a skin disease. It just breaks my heart to see them lying on the road so helpless, and no way to help them.