Sri Lanka

Lua moved to Kandy, Sri Lanka, when she was 2 years old. Five years the family lived together. I worked for a development project, and was also elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Sri Lanka, where I served the whole period. In addition, I started a Bahá’í school, called the Bahá’í Teaching Institute of Kadagannawa. This picture was taken at the BTI.

Lua’s life was full and happy. Aileen always complained that Lua was the favourite child, and although there was no truth to this, I did refer to her, jokingly, as the easiest one, and the one who could always talk herself out of trouble. She was always pleasant, and locally she was loved by all.

At home she had a nanny, a Sri Lankan women who lived in our home. Lua spent lots of time with her, and I think imprinted many ways on her soul. Sri Lanka women are all well educated, and play a significant role in Sri Lanka culture (unlike some of the neighbouring Indian states).