Our forest walk

I’ve recently finished reading a mindfulness walking book that a friend gave me for Christmas. It captures some of what I’m looking forward to during our 4 days of trekking in the Sri Lankan rainforest – ‘walking among trees, breathing the air and light of the ancient forest, looking between and beyond the bush, the branches and trunks, probing the half light and shadows.’ I’d like to be more alert this time though to the sounds of the forest and not just the sights. I’ll be listening more by ‘turning down the dimmer switch and turning up the volume’ – a mindfulness exercise I’ve been practising to help improve my levels of awareness. I’ll let you know through my blogs what I hear. Just 50 days now before we set off!

Sri Lanka current situation

Whilst the news in the UK at the moment is quiet on the Sri Lanka front, the situation is still very difficult and depressing for many living there, especially those we seek to help. With the country’s milk shortages, finding enough to feed new-born babies in orphanages remains a frightening challenge. Their Future Today (TFT) is appealing for help from anyone with family or friends in Sri Lanka to urgently source milk powder which can be bought in pharmacies and supermarkets. Or if you know anyone travelling to Sri Lanka please contact TFT directly at info@theirfututretoday.com to help support their mission to purchase as many packets of milk as possible for the babies staying in orphanages.

Some good news to report is that the wi-fi, installed in the refuge in Galle during the pandemic, has enabled online self-development classes to run for the girls staying there. Furthermore, the bakery that was set up with funds raised has provided a lifeline for the 80 girls. They learnt baking skills while the institution was closed to teachers during lockdown. Teaching has now resumed and some care leavers have developed a real passion for cooking and are now being given the opportunity to continue vocational training at a local training centre.

Chandrathilika’s Mango Curry

Mango curry is a traditional Sri Lankan dish which uses locally produced fruit and spices. When I asked Chandrathilika what her favourite curry was this is what she said: ‘I still remember the first day I ate mango curry – it was at my Aunt’s home when I was just 9 years’ old. I’d not been well with a bad flu and had no appetite. When my Aunt offered me tea and biscuits I said ‘no’ but then she started to cook the mango curry together with a dry fish and coconut sambol. It smelt so good I said ‘yes’ to that and it was amazing. I ate a whole plateful with my mother watching in amazement. After that day, 40 years ago, my mother and Aunt always prepared mango curry for me. Now my Aunt and mother are no longer with me but whenever I cook mango curry it brings their memory to my mind and my childhood experience.’

My attempt at Mango curry below – de-lic-ious!

Ingredients

• 500g green mango
• 1/4 tsp mustard seed
• 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
• 1/4 tsp fennel seeds
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 cardamoms
• 4 cloves
• 1 onion
• Curry leaves
• Pandan (Rampe) leaves
• 2 green chilies
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped ginger
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp roasted curry powder
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 ½ cup water

Method

Pour oil in pan. Once hot add fenugreek seeds, cloves, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, cinnamon and cardamom. Mix together then add onion, chillies, curry leaves, pandan leaves, garlic and ginger and sauté well. Then add turmeric powder, curry powder, roasted curry powder and chilli powder. Add mango pieces and salt to taste and stir well. Add the water. Cook with lid on for approx 15-20 mins. Add sugar, mix well and serve with rice or a bread of your choice.

If you give it a go I’d love to know what you think – comments below – and pictures please.

Fundraising update

I’ve now reached 91% (£18,210) of my £20,000 target.

Since last month my friend Kate at Pure-Therapy raised £350 through offering a self-care facial massage workshop. A further £125 was raised from hosting some embroidery events with Caroline teaching us. Pre-loved clothes are still selling on Ebay with 100% of all sales going straight to Sri Lanka as soon as it’s donated.

Final collection

With just 7 weeks left to go, Gill and I are putting out a call for donations of items to take with us – if you have any of the following you’d like to donate then please get in touch with one of us to arrange drop off or collection by 19th March, and earlier if possible.

These are the items we’re collecting:

• powdered milk for new-born babies – tins or packets
• stationary items eg; pens, pencils, pencil cases etc
• baby and infant clothes
• paracetamol and other first aid kit items
• cloth nappies or waterproof material such as PUL fabric to make nappies
• unwanted new and used spectacle frames – (optician in Sri Lanka can make prescription for them)

If you missed the last blog then here it is.

Further sponsorship – if you’d like to help those in need in Sri Lanka at this incredibly troubled time, whilst being assured every penny will go to those who need it, then please donate by clicking on this link. Don’t forget that if you’re a tax payer to declare gift aid when doing so which will increase your donation by 25% at no cost to you. Alternatively, if you know of anyone or any organisation who may have an interest in this cause please share this blog link with them