So we finally arrived in Sri Lanka, a few hours earlier than anyone expected as the pilot decided not to bother stopping in Male.While waiting for Bandulla from Sarvodaya to collect us and the sports team we sat in the entrance of the airport struggling to cope with the heat – not something we’re used to in Durham. On our journey to the head quarters Bandulla stopped the bus to get us a weird spiky looking red fruit, locally known as ramputan. When we’d mastered getting to the actual fruit we all quite liked it and didn’t shy away from going back for more.
After a warm welcome at Sarvodaya headquarters and a quick curry, we headed to bed to recover from the journey.  
The following morning we woke up to our first monsoon and some bizarre animal squawking at 5 am. After a curry breakfast we met the founder of the organisation and learnt more about Sarvoydoya before being shown around the buildings: Where we then discovered the unit for abandoned and malnourished children.The centre cares for children up to the age of 5 from all sorts of different backgrounds, some of which were pretty hard to take in. It was a great experience and we felt truly honoured to be taken into their world, we have great admiration for all those involved in caring for these children, they do a truly amazing job.  
Even having only just arrived in Sri Lanka it is clear to see that we really do take what we have for granted, which has made us realise how important the next few weeks will be.  
What we have seen so far has been truly amazing and we are even more enthusiastic about the experiences to come.