From:  Conny Baumann
Date:  Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005
Subject: "Meant to be!!!"

Well, my last email was a slight end of trip mail, not sure where I was at, but not sure where I wanted to be at either.....But... you all know that I had tried to change my flight, and no luck, after two days of trying I had resigned that Early Thursday morning I would be on a Bus to Colombo, if they were working.  There are two main travel places here, one just for Sri Lakan airlines and another that does the rest.  I kept having this nudging feeling to go inside and ask...but no they couldn't help either, so to cheer myself up I came and emailed for an hour.  Anyways.....I went downstairs, walked around the main street and next thing this man jumps in front of me and says "We have flight for you, come quickly"  How is that hey?  How cool.  So it's obviously meant to be!  I must also tell you about lunch at the family roof people.  It was amazing, I have never eaten such gorgeous food, they were so appreciative and excited to complete their roof.  The following day, I got JJ (a friend from last time) to come and help, Caroline came to help me cook....(yes have cooking lessons now, not that I can cook after it all) and they fed us all the most amazing food.  I think Caroline thought JJ and I were over playing how good the food was from the day before, but was definitely a follower half way through the meal.  Well the roof is done, everyone is now happy, and it's so nice to just get one place done!  They also found their fridge, six months and 1 day later after the Tsunami.  It had a few dents, but still works perfectly.  They love that story, and laugh every time, it had moved 1500metres from their house.  So there you go, staying still Sunday, well really Saturday night, will go straight to the airport and should be in London by 9:20 am on Sunday morning if anyone feels like fetching me that would be a lovely thing to do!!!! :-)  It will be Heathrow terminal 4

I hope you are all well, I now have four people staying in the house I am house sitting, and today we made the most awesome breakfast.  I really am happy, I even feel happy and that's a miracle.  Life here is not easy, neither is being white and a girl, but somehow I feel that my army of tuk tuk drivers are constantly watching out for me, and keeping the baddies away.  It's amazing what a little time, a cup of tea and a chat can do!  Lotsa love, hope to see you soon, and hopefully will see one of you in Terminal 4! 

Also, went to my study centre yesterday, and had a session with the kids for two hours, Caroline had offered to help, and as we got there we realized they thought we would be doing it all!  But is was good fun, and nice to know that this place was a safe, fun place for children to be.  We did our famous Skinny ma dink, I love you song, it's a great hit over here, all the kids love it.

Lotsa love conny