My Curry-Charmed Life: Exploring Faith, Food, Family, and Friends in Sri Lanka

What happens when an unexpected opportunity takes you halfway around the world?

In My Curry-Charmed Life, John Buterbaugh shares the remarkable journey that began with a simple “yes.” After years teaching in the United States, he joined the Episcopal Church’s Young Adult Service Corps and became the program's first missionary placed in Sri Lanka—a country he knew little about but would soon come to love deeply.

Part memoir, part travelogue, and part spiritual reflection, this book invites readers into the vibrant, complex world of Sri Lanka. From the bustling streets of Colombo to the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya and the historic temples of Kandy, Buterbaugh recounts the people, flavors, and traditions that shaped his experience.

Along the way, he encounters:

• The warmth and generosity of Sri Lankan communities

• The rich cultural and religious diversity of the island

• The challenges of living through an economic crisis and political protests

• The everyday joys of food, friendship, and shared faith across cultures

Through teaching, ministry, and travel across the island, Buterbaugh discovers that the most meaningful experiences often come from the most unexpected places. His journey reveals how faith, curiosity, and openness can transform strangers into family and turn unfamiliar places into a second home.

Honest, thoughtful, and not without the author's unique humor, My Curry-Charmed Life is a story about cross-cultural friendship, spiritual growth, and the surprising ways God works through life’s detours.

Perfect for readers who enjoy travel memoirs, faith journeys, and stories of meaningful service abroad.