With over 100 residents and another 100 orphans that are currently placed in foster programs in and around Kegalle, the St. Joseph's orphanage is operating beyond capacity. The 96 year old facility is run by Sister Benignus de Silva of the Sisters of Charity, just one of the many amazing people we met on our March 2006 trip. While the orphanage was not directly affected by the tsunami, the scant government resources which might have once been directed to the orphans is obviously being distributed elsewhere. Oddly enough the orphanage has received more visitors since the tsunami simply because it is on the road out to the eastern province of Batticoloa. A grand total of four visitors . . . . .

Sister Benignus also aids single mothers and their children. Sadly, many of the children are abandoned once the mothers understand that their children are in a good place and will be taken care of.

ZI and Rob were amazed at how well adjusted the children are. Incredible personalities, completely selfless, and seemingly unaffected by their plight.

We're currently trying to raise funds for basic structural improvements and will begin setting up programs to sponsor children.