I talked with Christie on the phone this evening (about 9:30 p.m. Sierra Leone time) and she was able to meet the team at the plane! Five people from Iowa and Mark, Kari and Amy all arrived safely in Freetown - however only 9 of 16 checked bags made it to Freetown. Of the 7 that didn't make it, we know that the fence posts didn't and the bag containing Kari's clothes and one other of our bags didn't. Clothing took up a minute fraction of the space in the bags we sent. Our bags were filled with medical supplies, formula, school supplies etc. Kari had bought all new clothes, more than she would need for the trip, intending to leave them all there for the children and staff at Jonathan House. Mark's bag with the insulators, fence wire and solar fence charger did make it, so he'll still be able to do the perimeter of the fence, they just won't be able to do the center divisions as they had hoped. Jordyn Boland, one of the team members from Iowa didn't get either of her bags!
Please pray for a miracle that these bags of supplies will make it to the airport in Freetown and that Pastor Peter will be notified at the orphanage. The team that went a week ago lost one of their bags, and it still hasn't shown up. We know that God knows where these bags are and He can get them to their destination. Please pray them home! The team still had a 4 to 7 hour ride in a poda-poda from Freetown to Bo (depending on the weather and the road conditions) before they reach Jonathan House.
We know that the travelers will be exhausted tomorrow - but God can give them extra strength to make it through the day. Please pray for HIS strength in their time there at JCC. Thanks for your prayers that brought them safely there! We are praising God for their safe arrival!
Christie told me that Pastor Peter said that they do have a mailbox now (although it isn't used very much). If you would like to try out their mail system with a letter or small package, here is the address:
Christie Shermer
c/o Jonathan's House
Box 177
Bo, Sierra Leone, West Africa
There is no zip code. We don't know how long mail will take - so try now so we see if she get's it before she leaves!!!
Thanks for your prayers,
Love in Jesus,
Karen
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
The Pumoi's are multiplying - by Karen
This is it - we think they're ready! Yesterday at church there was a commissioning service for Mark, Kari and Amy. They told what they will be doing while in Salone. Mark said that he's bringing the electric wire, fence posts, grounding wire (donated by a friend) and solar charger - but it's God who's gonna hafta keep the goats in! Mark has had horses, pigs, cows, chickens and four children and he was never able to fence any of them in!!! Amy let everyone know that she and Kari will be helping Christie in the orphanage with the children, and whatever else is needed, cooking, cleaning, laundry (which of course they both do all the time!). Kari thanked the church for giving her the roots that brought her back into a stable relationship with God and she's excited to see what God has in store for her and through her in this trip. Please keep praying for all four of them as God works in and through them in the next two weeks.
After church, some of both of our family members came down for lunch, and then Randy and Dean went to help mom in her new home (she's living there now - altho it's quite a mess and a lot still needs to be done to get her unpacked). Syvilla, Irene, Alex, Mantha and Kennedy helped with final needs for the trip (winding flashlights, sharpening pencils, vacuuming jerky, bagging candy, hemming clothes and packing! It was a marathon time of packing - but six 50 lb bags and two (as heavy as they can carry) backpacks (Kari has her carry-on in the Cities) later, we think they are ready!
Tuesday morning, May 27th, Amy and Mark will leave bright and early and meet Kar-Beth at her work. Everyone there is excited to send them all off also. Then it is off to her church to be commissioned by her pastor as well. We are so grateful for all the prayers and support behind this trip. I am anxious to see what God will be doing through all of you and your prayers!! They must be at the Airport by 1:00 p.m. or so and they fly out at 3:30 p.m. They will meet up with the rest of the team from Marshalltown in Chicago. I sent a family picture to Marshalltown and said "You know Christie, our son and I aren't going . . . so look for the other three". I didn't have a picture of just Mark and Kari and Amy. Whatever works! They have the short flight from Minneapolis to Chicago, then and then two 7-hour flights. The first is from Chicago to Heathrow in London and then from London to Freetown in Africa, for a total of 24 hours. Then 4 to 7 hours by Poda-poda (van with board seats) over pot-holed roads until they reach the orphanage. Please pray that they will have safe travel, that all of the luggage will get there and that they'll be able to rest on the plane.
Thanks for taking this journey with all of us,
Karen
After church, some of both of our family members came down for lunch, and then Randy and Dean went to help mom in her new home (she's living there now - altho it's quite a mess and a lot still needs to be done to get her unpacked). Syvilla, Irene, Alex, Mantha and Kennedy helped with final needs for the trip (winding flashlights, sharpening pencils, vacuuming jerky, bagging candy, hemming clothes and packing! It was a marathon time of packing - but six 50 lb bags and two (as heavy as they can carry) backpacks (Kari has her carry-on in the Cities) later, we think they are ready!
Tuesday morning, May 27th, Amy and Mark will leave bright and early and meet Kar-Beth at her work. Everyone there is excited to send them all off also. Then it is off to her church to be commissioned by her pastor as well. We are so grateful for all the prayers and support behind this trip. I am anxious to see what God will be doing through all of you and your prayers!! They must be at the Airport by 1:00 p.m. or so and they fly out at 3:30 p.m. They will meet up with the rest of the team from Marshalltown in Chicago. I sent a family picture to Marshalltown and said "You know Christie, our son and I aren't going . . . so look for the other three". I didn't have a picture of just Mark and Kari and Amy. Whatever works! They have the short flight from Minneapolis to Chicago, then and then two 7-hour flights. The first is from Chicago to Heathrow in London and then from London to Freetown in Africa, for a total of 24 hours. Then 4 to 7 hours by Poda-poda (van with board seats) over pot-holed roads until they reach the orphanage. Please pray that they will have safe travel, that all of the luggage will get there and that they'll be able to rest on the plane.
Thanks for taking this journey with all of us,
Karen
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Slumber Parties - posted by Karen
Well - sorry to say you're stuck with me again. The Internet Cafe in Freetown is not working right now. Christie was so excited to get e-mail and update her BLOG. She tries so hard not to be devastated when the Internet is not working. Fortunately she made a friend at the Cafe and she can now text to find out if the Internet is working before walking four miles to be disappointed.
Christie thoroughly enjoyed the Thanksgiving service off campus last Sunday. Her African dress was very special, altho she created quite a stir as she walked thru town. People kept pointing her out saying, "Look at the Pumoi wearing African Dress"!
The Pumoi's are multiplying at JCC! Kayla (Roger's daughter), Jeremy, Rachel and Dillon (who was on the Impact team with Christie when she went in 2006) all arrived a coupla days ago. The team members encourage Christie and they all went to a football game last night. Ceek, our sports fanatic, thoroughly enjoyed this get away! She's had quite an adjustment - being herself in a community of "gender roles". The women cook and clean and the men gather wood - but you know Christie - she'd rather gather wood!! They all have to make adjustments as she's trying to be more of a "girl" and yet be herself and enjoy sports and the outdoors and just be who God has created her to be!
They have already moved three mattresses into her room for Kari, Amy and Jordyn (Karen and Mark Boland's daughter), so until the team arrives there have been "slumber parties in Ceek's room each night. Fatmata and her young (18 month old) charge, Jessica have been staples, but then other kids take turns sleeping with them. Christie said it's been fun and interesting to see how much the kids enjoy being the special ones!
She's been doing lotsa tutoring with the older kids as the school year winds down. She's especially enjoying helping with math. She's finding it soooo fulfilling to come from a different angle and see the kids "get it"!! The only draw back is that this tutoring is done after hours - so that sometimes it is after midnight or 1:00 a.m. before they finish. She says the kids are handling it just fine - but she's not a college student anymore - so she's getting tired! Please pray for physical, spiritual and emotional strength for her as she is serving in this way!
Christie has been using the Honda sometimes when she goes somewhere. The price has just doubled because of the cost of gas. She said it has gone from 33¢ to 66¢ and she really feels it! She has a budget she must live within - and just like the price of gas is hurting us - it is affecting her and everyone in their country as well!
She is exceedingly grateful for all your donations for their school and medicines! Now we just hafta get them over there! United did allow two 50 lb bags for each of the travelers - so that helps a lot. But Mark's fence posts, wire, insulators and solar charger will take up most of his two bags - he'll be lucky to take many clothes. That means that Kari and Amy hafta get the rest of the stuff in their bags. We can pay $50.00 per bag extra to bring them up to the 70 lb limit that British Airways will let us carry. Packing an extra 50 lb bag will be $100.00. Lotsa decisions to be made in the next few days!! Please pray for wisdom for us!
Also - please pray for wisdom for the team as they decide whether to bring Internet onto the compound. They are researching whether the provider they have in mind would have reliable service and make it worth the expense that Christie would be shelling out. Would it be the wisest investment of her money?
Thanks for all your encouragement! You are wonderful supporters!
Love in Jesus,
Karen
Christie thoroughly enjoyed the Thanksgiving service off campus last Sunday. Her African dress was very special, altho she created quite a stir as she walked thru town. People kept pointing her out saying, "Look at the Pumoi wearing African Dress"!
The Pumoi's are multiplying at JCC! Kayla (Roger's daughter), Jeremy, Rachel and Dillon (who was on the Impact team with Christie when she went in 2006) all arrived a coupla days ago. The team members encourage Christie and they all went to a football game last night. Ceek, our sports fanatic, thoroughly enjoyed this get away! She's had quite an adjustment - being herself in a community of "gender roles". The women cook and clean and the men gather wood - but you know Christie - she'd rather gather wood!! They all have to make adjustments as she's trying to be more of a "girl" and yet be herself and enjoy sports and the outdoors and just be who God has created her to be!
They have already moved three mattresses into her room for Kari, Amy and Jordyn (Karen and Mark Boland's daughter), so until the team arrives there have been "slumber parties in Ceek's room each night. Fatmata and her young (18 month old) charge, Jessica have been staples, but then other kids take turns sleeping with them. Christie said it's been fun and interesting to see how much the kids enjoy being the special ones!
She's been doing lotsa tutoring with the older kids as the school year winds down. She's especially enjoying helping with math. She's finding it soooo fulfilling to come from a different angle and see the kids "get it"!! The only draw back is that this tutoring is done after hours - so that sometimes it is after midnight or 1:00 a.m. before they finish. She says the kids are handling it just fine - but she's not a college student anymore - so she's getting tired! Please pray for physical, spiritual and emotional strength for her as she is serving in this way!
Christie has been using the Honda sometimes when she goes somewhere. The price has just doubled because of the cost of gas. She said it has gone from 33¢ to 66¢ and she really feels it! She has a budget she must live within - and just like the price of gas is hurting us - it is affecting her and everyone in their country as well!
She is exceedingly grateful for all your donations for their school and medicines! Now we just hafta get them over there! United did allow two 50 lb bags for each of the travelers - so that helps a lot. But Mark's fence posts, wire, insulators and solar charger will take up most of his two bags - he'll be lucky to take many clothes. That means that Kari and Amy hafta get the rest of the stuff in their bags. We can pay $50.00 per bag extra to bring them up to the 70 lb limit that British Airways will let us carry. Packing an extra 50 lb bag will be $100.00. Lotsa decisions to be made in the next few days!! Please pray for wisdom for us!
Also - please pray for wisdom for the team as they decide whether to bring Internet onto the compound. They are researching whether the provider they have in mind would have reliable service and make it worth the expense that Christie would be shelling out. Would it be the wisest investment of her money?
Thanks for all your encouragement! You are wonderful supporters!
Love in Jesus,
Karen
Saturday, May 17, 2008
"African Tractor" - posted by Karen
Christie and Auntie Mary went to town the beginning of this week and she had two posts ready to upload - complete with pictures! But for some reason, the upload didn't work. Hopefully she'll have more success next week. Til then, you're stuck with me.
I talked with Christie yesterday - she and the "team" (staff and youth from JCC) were on their way home with their wood supply. When told that one of their jobs that day was to "get a tractor full of wood" she excitedly asked, "We have a tractor?". "Sure - right here" . . . led her to our version of a farm wagon with sides and a tongue (which our "tractor" would pull). She was laughing as she told me that their team was the human "tractor" who pushed/pulled the empty wagon 2 miles or so over a rutted, pot holed road to the place where they loaded it. Then they walked another 3/4 mile to get the wood, loaded it on their heads and carried it back to the "tractor", and continued this process until the "tractor" was loaded. When I called they were push/pulling the loaded "tractor" home. My phone call actually gave her a few minutes to walk without pushing! It also gave her the opportunity to ask for her sisters to bring smaller Capri's - her belt is a necessity at this point!! And she loves it!! Imagine the closeness you develop when you work so closely together. Mark and all four kids usedta work in the shop together over deer season - and there were many times I remember hearing lotsa laughter as they all got the job done together. Maybe we've lost something in America when we don't hafta work so closely together so much anymore. Forgive me, I digress . . .
Anyway - Ceek is getting new African clothes for a special Thanksgiving Service tomorrow! Auntie Mary and other staff members are going to a church off campus and they are bringing Ceek with them. They are making her a skirt and shirt outta bright African fabric. I had a hard time knowing which she was most excited about . . . she is looking forward to both!! This will be her special "Sunday Outfit" from now on.
She was also relating a funny story, again concerning Patrick - who is actually two - just so smart he seems three! JCC has a locked storeroom, called the "store", where the food is kept and their daily bread is made off campus and delivered to this "store". Christie's morning job is to get this bread from the store and slice and butter it for everyone's breakfast. A coupla evenings ago the key was missing for the store and everyone was enlisted to look for it - with no success. Finally they were told that there would be no bread for breakfast since the delivery person would not be able to find the key. Little Patrick took Christie's hand and led her to his mattress where he had hidden his "treasure". It had been left on a table and the more that people looked for it, the more he knew his treasure was worth - until he found out there would be no breakfast! What a little cutie!
Thanks for your generosity in contributing to the Neck Cooler Project and to Christie's wish list for Jonathan's House. We haven't packed yet - but it looks like we may need to take an extra bag in order to get everything over to Sierra Leone!! United Airlines has imposed new weight restrictions - and the leg from MPLS to Chicago will be the stickler for our three! If ANY of their bags goes over 50 lbs it'll cost $100.00 extra for each bag that does - or we can just pay $100.00 for the extra bag. I may not be real bright - but I can do the math here!! (Actually - I researched British Airways from Chicago on - I thot we were fine . . . Ceek told me the glitch was from Minneapolis to Chicago!!!!) Thanks for being God's tools to minister to the dear people in Bo. I'm beginning to feel like they are family as I talk with Christie. They sure are her family right now!!
God's Blessings to all of you,
Karen
I talked with Christie yesterday - she and the "team" (staff and youth from JCC) were on their way home with their wood supply. When told that one of their jobs that day was to "get a tractor full of wood" she excitedly asked, "We have a tractor?". "Sure - right here" . . . led her to our version of a farm wagon with sides and a tongue (which our "tractor" would pull). She was laughing as she told me that their team was the human "tractor" who pushed/pulled the empty wagon 2 miles or so over a rutted, pot holed road to the place where they loaded it. Then they walked another 3/4 mile to get the wood, loaded it on their heads and carried it back to the "tractor", and continued this process until the "tractor" was loaded. When I called they were push/pulling the loaded "tractor" home. My phone call actually gave her a few minutes to walk without pushing! It also gave her the opportunity to ask for her sisters to bring smaller Capri's - her belt is a necessity at this point!! And she loves it!! Imagine the closeness you develop when you work so closely together. Mark and all four kids usedta work in the shop together over deer season - and there were many times I remember hearing lotsa laughter as they all got the job done together. Maybe we've lost something in America when we don't hafta work so closely together so much anymore. Forgive me, I digress . . .
Anyway - Ceek is getting new African clothes for a special Thanksgiving Service tomorrow! Auntie Mary and other staff members are going to a church off campus and they are bringing Ceek with them. They are making her a skirt and shirt outta bright African fabric. I had a hard time knowing which she was most excited about . . . she is looking forward to both!! This will be her special "Sunday Outfit" from now on.
She was also relating a funny story, again concerning Patrick - who is actually two - just so smart he seems three! JCC has a locked storeroom, called the "store", where the food is kept and their daily bread is made off campus and delivered to this "store". Christie's morning job is to get this bread from the store and slice and butter it for everyone's breakfast. A coupla evenings ago the key was missing for the store and everyone was enlisted to look for it - with no success. Finally they were told that there would be no bread for breakfast since the delivery person would not be able to find the key. Little Patrick took Christie's hand and led her to his mattress where he had hidden his "treasure". It had been left on a table and the more that people looked for it, the more he knew his treasure was worth - until he found out there would be no breakfast! What a little cutie!
Thanks for your generosity in contributing to the Neck Cooler Project and to Christie's wish list for Jonathan's House. We haven't packed yet - but it looks like we may need to take an extra bag in order to get everything over to Sierra Leone!! United Airlines has imposed new weight restrictions - and the leg from MPLS to Chicago will be the stickler for our three! If ANY of their bags goes over 50 lbs it'll cost $100.00 extra for each bag that does - or we can just pay $100.00 for the extra bag. I may not be real bright - but I can do the math here!! (Actually - I researched British Airways from Chicago on - I thot we were fine . . . Ceek told me the glitch was from Minneapolis to Chicago!!!!) Thanks for being God's tools to minister to the dear people in Bo. I'm beginning to feel like they are family as I talk with Christie. They sure are her family right now!!
God's Blessings to all of you,
Karen
Monday, May 12, 2008
Busy Fun Filled Weekend
I cannot tell you how many times over the last three days I have thought "I need to post that" and now that I sit down to do so it is hard to remember it all but I will just have to share what I do.
After I got home from the internet on Friday Aunty Mary was waiting on my back steps and we just sat and had some great girl talk for the next hour or so. It really boosted my spirits- not that they were down, but you girls know what it is like after you have a good chat with lots of laughter. That evening I received a phone call from my good friend April- she made my whole week. I was so surprised to answer and hear her voice. Shortly after I hung up with her my sister Amy called and then Kayla- who is Roger's daughter and is coming to visit soon (who knows when though right Kayla?!?! ;) She happen to call me by accident thinking it was someone elses phone, but it was so great to talk to her. She has been here many times and has a deep connection to this place- I think at heart she is truly a Mendemoi. IT is such a blessing to be able to share with her and get her thoughts and advice on things and I am looking forward to sharing this experience with her soon. So Friday was a great night for me and I went to bed with a huge smile stuck on my face- it is good to feel so loved.
Saturday came around and the two Mohameds and I went to town on bicycles. I think I like my feet better. I know that I can ride and have riden plenty of times with the kids I watch in the states- however here I was riding a small bike and with all the smooth roads around here I got a bit tired of having my legs scrunched up and going over, around, and through all the bumps- I need to bulled up my leg muscles a little more and then it will be easier. Saturday night I was invited to a birthday party at HANCI- it is a ministry on the same road as us. They used to have children, but now they have a school to teach girls tailoring and such, as well as a program for teenage mothers, helping street children with school and a few other things. One of the girls who is in university was having a party and was kind enough to invite me. Aunty Mary came with me and we headed over about 7. It was great to see another place and be able to hang out with people outside of JCC for an evening of fun. They fed us dinner and I also drank a cold Fanta- it is such a treat to have a cold beverage. The dinner was a little more interesting. We did not have rice which I was so thankful for- we had a salad and something like french fries and then everyone and I mean everyone except Aunty Mary and I had chicken- you guess what I had right? FISH. They wanted to gives us the best and so we each had a WHOLE LARGE FISH. You know me and my need to please- I had to eat the fish. I admit that they seasoned it very well and I actually enjoyed the part we would eat in America- but I could not bring myself to eat the outside and especially not the head- I think I did well though and none of them know that I do not like fish. The walk home was great as well for the evening was cool and the moon and stars were bright. I kinda miss going out at night- we are usually at the home before it gets dark and though we still go outside it is different being off the compound. After we got back some of the older boys and girls were still up. We ended up in my backyard area with a cassette player (yes that is what they still use here) playing music while I received an African dance lesson. Oh how we laughed. The movements are a little different than we are used to and you know my ability to dance so putting them together made for quite the entertainment. The kids loved it though and have told me than I can join the dance group. The funny thing was though that when Pastor Ibrihim came over we had to quickly shut off the music and sit down- I guess the kids were supposed to be in bed and Aunty Mary and I were causing trouble- he laughed though and soon joined us until Pastor Kutubu- the other staff parent came and told us all to head to bed. I think for all my help i do cause a bit of trouble as well- but we all knew that would happen. It was one of my best nights here so far- just some good old fun and laughter.
Sunday rolls around and it is time for Aunty Mary and I to cook together- we cook her dish early in the morning before church. It ends up being kinda like little fry bread circles with a sauce on top- good- you know anything fried is usually quite tastey. Maybe not so good for the slimming down but hey. We then had church and after church I was invited to go to the cinema to watch a football game so the cooking was put off for a bit. I know that my love of sports is no secret and I have to admit that I miss the competition so even though I do not know a whole lot about football (soccer) it was a great game to watch. It was for the Premire League Championship and we watched United Manchester play Wigin. I have to say that I have not wanted to like Manchester. They for some reason remind me of the Cowboys in the 90's and the Patriots today- the power house team that is always in the top and for some reason I don't like to route for them- however since some of the people I was with are big fans I cheered them on and since they are the only team I have really watched- I think I am beginning to like them- at least get to know them so... I may have a new team for while I am here. It is a funny thing to go to the cinema to watch the game. It costs 1000 Leones which is about 30 cents. We all go and sit inside this building and watch the game on two roughly 21" TVs. (My roommate Derek would never be able to handle it- or beleive it) There had to be a couple hundered of us in there glued to the TV. Ahhh the thrill of the game- it was a good one and I loved shouting with everyone. I think I will have to go again however there is only one more game and then they have a break for a couple months.
After getting back from the game we decided it was time to try to make some good old American cookies. They were going to have to be M&M since I couldn't find any chocolate chips and yet I have to say it was a bit hard to go into my stash and share- seeing their faces was worth it though. I found most of the ingredients at the market or the supermarket so we set off to do the mixing- the easy part. Then came the baking- the experiment. We all had ideas and tried a few and really just the fun of trying to figure it out together was great. By the time we finished the cookies may have been a bit more fried than baked but they still tasted great and the kids loved it. We had to break each Cookie into thirds or fourths so everyone only got a bite but it was at least something- So sweet they say. So many kids came to say that they had seen pictures of cookies but never had one- I know they have something kind of similar here, but not the same so that was fun to be able to share with them.
Now for today it was a bit crazy but with the temperature being around 75 and there being a breeze I might have been a touch cold at times. Most here say it is cold and I like to tell them I enjoy this weather and though I do I can tell I have been here a bit longer because I did feel the cold they were talking about- I still love the break though and think it is great- I hope it hangs on for tonight so it will be great sleeping weather.
As you can hear I am doing great and feeling a bit more at home everyday. God is so loving and blesses me greatly. Again I say thank you to you and your prayers are strongly felt.
After I got home from the internet on Friday Aunty Mary was waiting on my back steps and we just sat and had some great girl talk for the next hour or so. It really boosted my spirits- not that they were down, but you girls know what it is like after you have a good chat with lots of laughter. That evening I received a phone call from my good friend April- she made my whole week. I was so surprised to answer and hear her voice. Shortly after I hung up with her my sister Amy called and then Kayla- who is Roger's daughter and is coming to visit soon (who knows when though right Kayla?!?! ;) She happen to call me by accident thinking it was someone elses phone, but it was so great to talk to her. She has been here many times and has a deep connection to this place- I think at heart she is truly a Mendemoi. IT is such a blessing to be able to share with her and get her thoughts and advice on things and I am looking forward to sharing this experience with her soon. So Friday was a great night for me and I went to bed with a huge smile stuck on my face- it is good to feel so loved.
Saturday came around and the two Mohameds and I went to town on bicycles. I think I like my feet better. I know that I can ride and have riden plenty of times with the kids I watch in the states- however here I was riding a small bike and with all the smooth roads around here I got a bit tired of having my legs scrunched up and going over, around, and through all the bumps- I need to bulled up my leg muscles a little more and then it will be easier. Saturday night I was invited to a birthday party at HANCI- it is a ministry on the same road as us. They used to have children, but now they have a school to teach girls tailoring and such, as well as a program for teenage mothers, helping street children with school and a few other things. One of the girls who is in university was having a party and was kind enough to invite me. Aunty Mary came with me and we headed over about 7. It was great to see another place and be able to hang out with people outside of JCC for an evening of fun. They fed us dinner and I also drank a cold Fanta- it is such a treat to have a cold beverage. The dinner was a little more interesting. We did not have rice which I was so thankful for- we had a salad and something like french fries and then everyone and I mean everyone except Aunty Mary and I had chicken- you guess what I had right? FISH. They wanted to gives us the best and so we each had a WHOLE LARGE FISH. You know me and my need to please- I had to eat the fish. I admit that they seasoned it very well and I actually enjoyed the part we would eat in America- but I could not bring myself to eat the outside and especially not the head- I think I did well though and none of them know that I do not like fish. The walk home was great as well for the evening was cool and the moon and stars were bright. I kinda miss going out at night- we are usually at the home before it gets dark and though we still go outside it is different being off the compound. After we got back some of the older boys and girls were still up. We ended up in my backyard area with a cassette player (yes that is what they still use here) playing music while I received an African dance lesson. Oh how we laughed. The movements are a little different than we are used to and you know my ability to dance so putting them together made for quite the entertainment. The kids loved it though and have told me than I can join the dance group. The funny thing was though that when Pastor Ibrihim came over we had to quickly shut off the music and sit down- I guess the kids were supposed to be in bed and Aunty Mary and I were causing trouble- he laughed though and soon joined us until Pastor Kutubu- the other staff parent came and told us all to head to bed. I think for all my help i do cause a bit of trouble as well- but we all knew that would happen. It was one of my best nights here so far- just some good old fun and laughter.
Sunday rolls around and it is time for Aunty Mary and I to cook together- we cook her dish early in the morning before church. It ends up being kinda like little fry bread circles with a sauce on top- good- you know anything fried is usually quite tastey. Maybe not so good for the slimming down but hey. We then had church and after church I was invited to go to the cinema to watch a football game so the cooking was put off for a bit. I know that my love of sports is no secret and I have to admit that I miss the competition so even though I do not know a whole lot about football (soccer) it was a great game to watch. It was for the Premire League Championship and we watched United Manchester play Wigin. I have to say that I have not wanted to like Manchester. They for some reason remind me of the Cowboys in the 90's and the Patriots today- the power house team that is always in the top and for some reason I don't like to route for them- however since some of the people I was with are big fans I cheered them on and since they are the only team I have really watched- I think I am beginning to like them- at least get to know them so... I may have a new team for while I am here. It is a funny thing to go to the cinema to watch the game. It costs 1000 Leones which is about 30 cents. We all go and sit inside this building and watch the game on two roughly 21" TVs. (My roommate Derek would never be able to handle it- or beleive it) There had to be a couple hundered of us in there glued to the TV. Ahhh the thrill of the game- it was a good one and I loved shouting with everyone. I think I will have to go again however there is only one more game and then they have a break for a couple months.
After getting back from the game we decided it was time to try to make some good old American cookies. They were going to have to be M&M since I couldn't find any chocolate chips and yet I have to say it was a bit hard to go into my stash and share- seeing their faces was worth it though. I found most of the ingredients at the market or the supermarket so we set off to do the mixing- the easy part. Then came the baking- the experiment. We all had ideas and tried a few and really just the fun of trying to figure it out together was great. By the time we finished the cookies may have been a bit more fried than baked but they still tasted great and the kids loved it. We had to break each Cookie into thirds or fourths so everyone only got a bite but it was at least something- So sweet they say. So many kids came to say that they had seen pictures of cookies but never had one- I know they have something kind of similar here, but not the same so that was fun to be able to share with them.
Now for today it was a bit crazy but with the temperature being around 75 and there being a breeze I might have been a touch cold at times. Most here say it is cold and I like to tell them I enjoy this weather and though I do I can tell I have been here a bit longer because I did feel the cold they were talking about- I still love the break though and think it is great- I hope it hangs on for tonight so it will be great sleeping weather.
As you can hear I am doing great and feeling a bit more at home everyday. God is so loving and blesses me greatly. Again I say thank you to you and your prayers are strongly felt.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Going to the Market
Today Aunty Mary and I went to the Market. When I go to town along I only go to the Supermarket (I think I may have already mentioned this but I can't remember my own posts) because it is the only place with set prices. Anyway, Aunty Mary and I are going to cook for each other on Sunday. I am going to try to make M&M cookies and she is going to make this other cake thing. She learns American food while I learn Sierra Leonian food. We will see how it all turns out as we "bake" them over the fire so I am not sure what is going to happen, but if nothing else I always love the cookie dough.
I am getting better and better and cutting the leaves and onions and whatever else we cut, however it was bound to happen that I would cut myself and I did that yesterday. It was just a little one but when the kids were telling me how good the food was I told them it was because it was flavored with a little Christie- after a few looks of shock I laughed and it was all in fun. As you all know my humor is a bit sarcastic and though most of it goes over well there are times when I need to explain myself and then it is no longer funny.
I love when it rains here though I am sure almost no one else is. You see the rain just seems to hang in the air until it finally lets go so the humidity is not so kind to me. I would rather have the sun. I am not too hot all the time but the last few days find myself sticky and wet. I know what a nice picture to share with you. Then today I very comfortable on the walk to town and Aunty Mary was hot and sweaty- it is not nice for her, but it was nice for me to know that others are warm here too. My color is getting darker and you know how we love that so I guess it is one bonus. I did get some black grease on my skin yesterday and the kids were laughing running around saying I am finally becoming a Mendemoi (instead of a Pumoi).
I have had the chance to have some one-on-one time with the kids more often and it has been so good for me to hear more of who they are and their own stories. I wonder if it would be hard to talk about why you are at Jonathan House and your past, but it seems to give the kids a chance to share and they do not mind. To see the joy they have and the unquestioned faith in Jesus... it is an inspiration and a blessing to me. God is working in big ways in the hearts of these kids and they are the ones teaching me. They know SOOOOO much of the bible and love to share it. No one is afraid to get up in front of the group to share a verse, pray, or sing a song. What a special thing to have.
My mom is doing a good job of keeping you up to date and I am thankful for that. You all are such an encouragement to me. This is a crazy, wonderful journey we are all on together. To know that each time my mom requests anything it is right there for us... God bless you and let you know just how much you all mean to the kids here. They ask about many of you and when they say they are going to pray for our friends in America- THEY DO! It is not something said in passing and they remember each detail I share about you. Know that you are thought of as well- you are not just thinking of all of us.
I'll be back again soon I hope- I have found a place where I can come and use my own computer so hopefully I will be able to email and update from home and then just come here to send- being that I can charge my computer enough. Then pictures will come as well.
I am getting better and better and cutting the leaves and onions and whatever else we cut, however it was bound to happen that I would cut myself and I did that yesterday. It was just a little one but when the kids were telling me how good the food was I told them it was because it was flavored with a little Christie- after a few looks of shock I laughed and it was all in fun. As you all know my humor is a bit sarcastic and though most of it goes over well there are times when I need to explain myself and then it is no longer funny.
I love when it rains here though I am sure almost no one else is. You see the rain just seems to hang in the air until it finally lets go so the humidity is not so kind to me. I would rather have the sun. I am not too hot all the time but the last few days find myself sticky and wet. I know what a nice picture to share with you. Then today I very comfortable on the walk to town and Aunty Mary was hot and sweaty- it is not nice for her, but it was nice for me to know that others are warm here too. My color is getting darker and you know how we love that so I guess it is one bonus. I did get some black grease on my skin yesterday and the kids were laughing running around saying I am finally becoming a Mendemoi (instead of a Pumoi).
I have had the chance to have some one-on-one time with the kids more often and it has been so good for me to hear more of who they are and their own stories. I wonder if it would be hard to talk about why you are at Jonathan House and your past, but it seems to give the kids a chance to share and they do not mind. To see the joy they have and the unquestioned faith in Jesus... it is an inspiration and a blessing to me. God is working in big ways in the hearts of these kids and they are the ones teaching me. They know SOOOOO much of the bible and love to share it. No one is afraid to get up in front of the group to share a verse, pray, or sing a song. What a special thing to have.
My mom is doing a good job of keeping you up to date and I am thankful for that. You all are such an encouragement to me. This is a crazy, wonderful journey we are all on together. To know that each time my mom requests anything it is right there for us... God bless you and let you know just how much you all mean to the kids here. They ask about many of you and when they say they are going to pray for our friends in America- THEY DO! It is not something said in passing and they remember each detail I share about you. Know that you are thought of as well- you are not just thinking of all of us.
I'll be back again soon I hope- I have found a place where I can come and use my own computer so hopefully I will be able to email and update from home and then just come here to send- being that I can charge my computer enough. Then pictures will come as well.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Medic Christie - Posted by Karen
I talked with Christie today. She is finding there are many needs there that she is hoping the team will be able to bring when they come in May. The Medic is no longer on the compound so she has become the person everyone turns to with their medical needs. She has asked that we send large bottles of Children's Tylenol and Ibuprofen as well as Adult Tylenol and Ibuprofen. She also needs lotsa tubes of triple antibiotics, Band-aids of all sizes and Hydrogen Peroxide. She is asking for your prayer as she deals with boils, cuts, infections and illnesses that she hasta make gut decisions on. She is relying on God to give her wisdom - and she would like to know that you are praying for her to hear His still small voice as she deals with these different situations. If any of you knows of a home remedy book that we could take to her (preferably soft cover for weight restrictions) - please let me know so that I can find it ASAP!!
She is totally out of the paper she brought so they could use reams of lined paper and lots and lots of cheap pens. She'd also like cheap, light craft items, like floss for friendship bracelets, pipe cleaners, and light colored paper. She's also finding she needs a small sewing kit with lotsa buttons. It's amazing what you realize you need after you get there. Fortunately, Mark, Kari and Amy can bring these things to her.
Thank you for your response to the Neck Coolers. Christie is looking forward to getting hers. She said that it is hard to sleep at night because she is so warm and that her neck seems to sweat the most! This will be a blessing to her! We already have payment for all the team members going over on May 27th and 23 neckbands for the children and staff at Jonathan's House! Thank you for your faithfulness in helping these people!!
Christie asks that we also pray for her for emotional stamina. She is finding that she is emotionally drained with all that is going on around her. Their culture really is different from the one in which she grew up and constantly adjusting to someone else's culture is very draining. She is continually praying for God to give her patience and wisdom, and would appreciate your prayers along these lines as well. She is thoroughly enjoying herself and is thankful for that as well.
She has felt a bit isolated since the Internet doesn't work. The only connection to the outside world is through phone calls from those who are willing to buy a phone card and call her. We can, however send letters to her with Mark, Kari and Amy. If you would like to send letters to her, please have it to me no later than May 23rd, as we will be packing then. She will then be able to pull these letters out over the course of the next four months and read them when she gets lonely.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
From my grateful heart,
Karen
She is totally out of the paper she brought so they could use reams of lined paper and lots and lots of cheap pens. She'd also like cheap, light craft items, like floss for friendship bracelets, pipe cleaners, and light colored paper. She's also finding she needs a small sewing kit with lotsa buttons. It's amazing what you realize you need after you get there. Fortunately, Mark, Kari and Amy can bring these things to her.
Thank you for your response to the Neck Coolers. Christie is looking forward to getting hers. She said that it is hard to sleep at night because she is so warm and that her neck seems to sweat the most! This will be a blessing to her! We already have payment for all the team members going over on May 27th and 23 neckbands for the children and staff at Jonathan's House! Thank you for your faithfulness in helping these people!!
Christie asks that we also pray for her for emotional stamina. She is finding that she is emotionally drained with all that is going on around her. Their culture really is different from the one in which she grew up and constantly adjusting to someone else's culture is very draining. She is continually praying for God to give her patience and wisdom, and would appreciate your prayers along these lines as well. She is thoroughly enjoying herself and is thankful for that as well.
She has felt a bit isolated since the Internet doesn't work. The only connection to the outside world is through phone calls from those who are willing to buy a phone card and call her. We can, however send letters to her with Mark, Kari and Amy. If you would like to send letters to her, please have it to me no later than May 23rd, as we will be packing then. She will then be able to pull these letters out over the course of the next four months and read them when she gets lonely.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
From my grateful heart,
Karen
Monday, May 5, 2008
Ministry Opportunity - Posted by Karen
Christie's Auntie Ruth made neck coolers to send to the troops in Iraq. They are filled with water absorbing crystals, and after you soak them in cold water you wear them around your neck and they help keep you cooler in the heat of the day. She has offered to make enough to send to all the orphans and staff at JCC. The cost of the neck coolers is $3.00 each. The JCC Board here in the States enthusiastically supports this idea. They said that the most meaningful part of gifts to those at JCC are personal notes to the recipients. They request that if you donate to this program that you write a note on a 4" x 5" piece of paper that will be pinned to the neck bands so that there will be personal contact between the gifts and the givers. If God lays it on your heart to contribute to this project (we need 125 to 150), please send a check for the number of neck bands you wish to send along with the 4 x 5 notes to me and I will get the money to Ruth and the Neck Bands to Iowa. My address is 9092 Hannula Road Angora, MN 55703. I need to have everything here by May 15th.
There is a Ministry Team going to Jonathan's House from Iowa May 27th. Mark, Kari and Amy will be joining this team. Mark will be working with a goat fencing project. He has researched the right kind of fencing (termites are a problem) and wire and solar generator and he will be carrying that as part of his luggage. Amy and Kari will be working with Christie in the orphanage and carrying things that Christie still needs for her 6 months so the neck coolers need to travel with the rest of the team.
Please keep the entire ministry team in your prayers as they prepare physically, mentally and spiritually to go and minister to the orphans and staff at Jonathan's house.
There is a Ministry Team going to Jonathan's House from Iowa May 27th. Mark, Kari and Amy will be joining this team. Mark will be working with a goat fencing project. He has researched the right kind of fencing (termites are a problem) and wire and solar generator and he will be carrying that as part of his luggage. Amy and Kari will be working with Christie in the orphanage and carrying things that Christie still needs for her 6 months so the neck coolers need to travel with the rest of the team.
Please keep the entire ministry team in your prayers as they prepare physically, mentally and spiritually to go and minister to the orphans and staff at Jonathan's house.
Finally it's me- and it's long
I am here at the internet cafe and I have a little time to try to fill you in on the most filled 3 weeks of my life- how am I going to do that? I will try to paint a picture as best I can so you can see a little of what my life is like here. Even as I type this and I say a little I also realize this post may be a bit long so I do give you permission to skim it and just look at the cliff notes if you want.
- My arrival. My trip went very smoothly and I am thankful for the friendly people I met along the whole trip. We arrived in Lungi at the airport on time and I made it through guite quickly. Joe Freeman was right at the door to pull me into a hug and then whisk me off to a waiting car. It wasn't until we were almost there that I realized Pa Conteh was with us as well. We made it to the ferry (I guess I should explain that the airport is not in Freetown and we have take a ferry across- about a 30-45 minute ride I think) by 9:45- early compared to many of the other flights. Well this night the ferry had decided to leave early- sometimes it is still there at midnight, but not this night. After many calls and pleas to come for us (or to use the other ferry that was docked right there) we learned we would not be going over that night. I cannot tell you how thankful I was that it was Joe that met me at this point. I think that I am most comportable with him and therefore even though this was a completely unexpected thing and we had no idea where we would stay- I trusted him completely and wasn't at all worried. He found us a place to stay- two rooms with a somewhat metal roof and open air in between- no bathroom but there was a shower to use. So off we went. Most of my things went into Joe and Conteh's room for safe keeping and when we found that there was no lock on my door everything else went as well- except for me. Now I am thankful for the open air above the walls so I feel as though they are close enough and can here me. I really am not worried and laugh about it all. So now Joe says they have gotten me some water for a shower and it is time to go. Now I have already assumed this would be a bucket shower, however I did not realize how much of a "welcome to Africa" this experience would be. I get what I need and folow Joe- OUTSIDE into the open yard that many houses share. There is a 2ft by 3ft building with no front on it and this is where I am to shower- no curtain or door and all these houses along with the door of our building left open. Needless to say I didn't really shower but it was nice to wash up. I lay in bed laughing myslef to sleep. you may think I should wonder what I got myself into, but having Joe and conteh there- it was just a funny story I will never forget.
- My arrival at JCC (Jonathan House) came Friday afternoon. We pulled in and all the kids were down in this hut we call a Barri (spelling?) It was so great to see them all. One thing I have been worried about is if I could put names with faces. I write all of them letters and of course they will know who I am, but I wanted to be able to recongize them and to my surprise I did most of them. Now of course I have them all down and am learning most of their personalities as well.
- Weather. yes it is hot. This is the hot time but soon the rainy season is coming so they keep telling me that will help. The days are around 95 and the evenings 85 and the way my room is I do not get much breeze so it helps that I am exhausted at the end of each day so I can sleep no matter what. My family will be happy to know that my light sleeping is being cured. There seems to be noise all night and with the well right out my door I cannot believe the times in which people are pumping water- even 3 and 4 in the morning. Praise God that I just hear it and go right back to sleep. I am getting a bit darker but not dark enough to keep the sunburn away yet. I used a lot of sunscreen and have burned only twice so I think that is good.
- Independence. I am learning how to go places by myself. This has been so nice because the easiest time for me to go is while the kids are in school and yet I always needed one of tho older kids to go with me so then I had to wait until after they got home. Now not only can I go by myself- I am learning how to take a Honda and get to more than a few places. If only my skin would become a ton darker you might be able to think I am a local in a few more months. By the time my family gets here I will be able to take the girls to town and show them my skills.
- Yesterday I went to Kenema with Pastor Peter, his wife Ina, and a friend J.K. we went there for church. It is about a 45 minute ride on actually good roads. However we still traveled African style. That means a little toyota camery (an old small one) carries at least 7 people. On the way there the driver, J.K. and I all sat in the front and it was a stick shift. then on the way home 4 of us sat in the back. The funny thing is that everyone is so used to it that I looked over and say Pastor Peter sleeping on the guy next to him and the two in the front sleeping as well as I tried my best not to lean to much into anyone- so American am I. At one point on the drive we ran into a bunch of cattle on the road- first I was surprised to see any cows then I had to laugh as it was a scene taken from a movie. They were in the road all around our car and we couldn't move until they were past and they were not walking in a straight line past us. they went where they pleased and the guy who was with them was in no hurry. We made it through and back to Bo. When you travel somewhere you go to a car park to get a vehicle to bring you and that is also where you get dropped off. This time however I had taken a large keyboard (well J.K. took it but did not travel back with us so it became my responsibility) so I have to ride a Honda while carrying the keyboard back to JCC. I did it just fine (mind you all while wearing a skirt since we had come from church)
- Food and Cooking. It is a good thing I like rice since we have it twice a day everyday. though I do not. there is good fruit here so usually I have pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, mangos- something for one meal and rice for the next. The sauces as my mom has said are different, but there are a couple that I like so that impresses the kids. I am learning to help cook, though everything is done differently. Everything you but you hold and cut with a large knife. Usually they don't let the Pumoi's do this as we tend to cut ourselves- however I was raised by a good butcher so I have some skills. They are impressed and I haven't cut myself once- however I am sure it will happen sooner or later. SPICY that is the food- all of it. It is a good thing I like spicy food- but I have to have extra rice and little sauce in order to not cry through my meal- Amy is going to love it.
- I have so much more to say and yet my time is coming to an end. I will come again soon- I have figured out a good cafe and their hours so I hope to come once a week and since I can come on my own it will be much easier.
- THANK YOU!!! Your prayers are not only needed but felt. It was a little harder than I thought it would be. I think I went in thinking the first few weeks would be the honeymoon phase and then get difficult- it seemed to be the opposite. It wasn't terrible, just harder than expected to adjust and I wondered if I could make 6 months- now I am loving it and wondering how I will leave (though I am also looking forward to coming home) God is good and I rely on him more everyday. He surprises me with the love and care he has given me. I know I shouldn't be, but I am. He carries me through and is so tender with me when I need it and gives me a push when I need it too. He is in the big and small things and I know that your prayers and support are making a HUGE difference. I miss you all more than you know. It is hard not to know what is going on with everyone, but I guess that makes me turn to God all the more so...
- My love and heartfelt thanks I send to you.
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