April 16th 2008 found me at the MSP airport with tears in my eyes as I said goodbye to my family in order to spend the next 6 months at Jonathan House in Sierra Leone. October 16th found me in the same position at the Lungi airport; tears in my eyes, saying goodbye to a new family only this time not knowing for how long. I have you to thank for this- not so much the tears but for supporting me and allowing me the opportunity to go to Sierra Leone and build these relationships, becoming a part of a community that has now become another home for me.
When I first arrived at JH I was exhausted, covered in red dust, uncomfortably hot and yet smiling from ear to ear. I walked into the barri where all the kids and home staff were waiting for me. I admit that having over 80 people watching my every move was not the most comfortable experience but it didn’t last long and soon we were chatting, laughing and just catching up. I was taken to my new home and given a chance to settle it. I felt like I was given the pent house. I had my own room complete with bed and canopy (for the bed net), desk, a couple chairs, wardrobe, clothesline, and more as well as my own bathroom. Granted there is no running water, but I was also supplied with a 50-gallon drum to store water for a shower or other bathroom needs. I admit it took me a few weeks to settle in, but it did happen fairly quickly. My family came for a couple weeks in the end of May and by the time they left I may have been sad to see them go but was nowhere near ready to go with them.
I had many jobs while at JH, many of them coming up in the moment. My main job was being a house mom and I LOVED it. During school I helped the kids get breakfast in the mornings (I learned to drop the R in Butter if I wanted them to understand me- “butter or no butter” got me a dead stare; “butta or no butta” got an answer). Helping with study times in the evenings, prayer time before bedtime, watching our football team, dance team, singing groups and so on, cooking, mending clothes as well as kids cuts and bruises- you know pretty much doing what all moms do. My favorite part was really getting to know the kids, spending time one on one or in small groups sharing with each other. Trying to guide them and help mold them into the people God planned for them to be and at the same time being guided and molded through them. People ask me all the time who my favorites are and I honestly cannot tell you. It seems whichever child I am talking about at the moment is my favorite. I love them dearly and truly think of them as my kids. Shortly after returning home I received the news that Emmanuel- a 14 yr old boy who lives at the home- had passed away. This was one of the most difficult moments I have gone through. Not in just missing Emmanuel and wanting to be there to say goodbye- but in not being able to be there with “my kids” to help them through this time. However I think that is the other big part of being a parent- placing your children in God’s hands knowing that is where they belong, trusting him to take care of them.
Being the “school parent” became my unofficial (soon to be official) position. Our Elementary school kids go to school on our compound while our Secondary kids go to school in town. I became the link between our kids and the teachers, as well as the principal in town. At one meeting the principal told me that our kids are and always have been the best behaved and work the hardest at his school. They not only do their work, but they do it without being told; they clean the compound as soon as they arrive each morning and lead morning devotions for the whole school.
I was also able to travel around the country helping with a few other ministries. We took a trip into the Pujehn District where there are few if any churches. It is a largely Muslim area where some people have never even heard of Jesus Christ. It was an experience I will never forget. After showing the Jesus Film and meeting with the elders of the villages, we were told that they would like their children to be raised Christian- they cannot change their religion but they want this for their kids. That’s huge. I traveled to other villages with Pastor TY. Being able to encourage each other in our faith, sharing our experiences as well as our hopes- this was a blessing to us all. I was able to be part of a few medical clinics we put on. Most of the country is not able to afford medical treatment so we would go to a village and set up for the day treating as many people as we could. People would walk for miles to come. I spent most of my time talking to the parents and playing with the kids.
I feel that one of my most unexpected blessings was building relationships out in the community and finding a group of friends to be a part of. I went to the cinema often to watch football (soccer) games. Going to the same cinema on the corner not far from JH gave me a group of buddies who not only welcomed me in but saved me a seat up front when it was my team playing. In the market I would visit many of the same places and often would arrive with them already knowing what I was looking for that day. I would often hear “Mommy Christie” or “Hopanda” (a Mende nickname) as I walked down the street. At one point I was off “the streets” for a few weeks as I battled Malaria (all fine now) and the first day back out I had questions from everyone all the way to town about where I had been and how I was now. I knew at that point that I had officially become part of Bo. I was able to find a group of friends to not only travel with and go out with on weekends, but to be able to rely on them and have a support system.
I LOVE the children, the staff and my job; and I love the community and my friends. However I do admit that it wasn’t always easy. We went through some staff changes that were not at all easy. We worked with UNICEF and the government in reuniting some of our children with family members. I had to learn and learn how to fit within a new culture. Witchcraft, Secret Societies, and other evils that I have never experienced became something I not only had to learn about but had to deal with in the community as well as those trying to get to our children or staff. I missed my family and friends, and at times running water and a subway sandwich. All this however made me turn to my Savior and Best Friend learning to rely on Him in a whole new way.
Before my Gramps passed away he wrote each of us a letter and in the letter he mentioned the great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews. He said he didn’t know what that looked like or if it meant he would be able to see us or not, but if he could he would be there watching us. My Gramps went through trying to observe and be a part of a different culture; he went through trying to decide what is good culture and what is culture that goes against biblical beliefs. He also knew me, and I wished I could talk to him often. Many times it led me back to Hebrews and this passage became one that carried me through. Hebrews 12:1-3 says "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." At first I looked at this verse for comfort thinking of those with me. It then became encouragement thinking about those who have run this race- Noah was provoked, Moses was asked to do something he didn’t feel equipped for, Daniel had to trust God all the way to the Lion’s Den. The things I go through- someone has gone through before and chose to persevere through. How was I running my race? Towards the end the last part of this passage became my guide. Fix my eyes on Jesus. It’s not always going to be easy but if my focus is where it is supposed to be I can get through. The road is narrow and bumpy, filled with trials and those who want us to fail. But I know who I am doing this for. When I get tired and feel beaten down, I have to look up and refocus, throw off what is holding me down. You know what? Through all the tough stuff- I have never felt more joy. I knew my purpose and there is more joy in that than leading an easy life filled with all the worldly comforts we have.
I have so much to thank you for and I do thank you with all my heart. Your support brought me over and allowed me to stay; your prayers truly carried me through and believe me when I tell you I felt them; and your emails and words of encouragement gave me the boost and feeling of being part of a team that I needed. I believe with all that I am that we did this together and I am grateful. THANK YOU!!! I guess this leads to the big question of what’s next. I boarded that plane October 16th knowing I wanted to return. I needed to pray about it making sure this was God’s plan and not just mine. In so many ways he has affirmed to me since that this is where He has called me to be. After meeting with Roger and others in Iowa we came to the conclusion that all sides were in agreement with me being at Jonathan House for an extended period of time. So… it seems that May 19th will find me headed back to Salone. I will be doing many of the same jobs I had last time with maybe a few more. Being there for the full school year is important to me so I will not be coming home until sometime in July 2010. It is a long time to be away from family and friends and yet I have been blessed with people who love and support me here as well as there. This is the race God has called me to run. At this point it leads me to JH. I have to tell you that being in the place He has called me to be, having my purpose so much more defined- makes everything feel like less of a sacrifice and so much more like a blessing. There are times I cannot believe this is my life. For me being called a missionary and going to Africa sounds like such a big thing and something that doesn’t always fit me. FOr me, I firmly believe it is about loving God and building relationships. Getting to know people and loving them the way God has called me to and in turn sharing Jesus when the opportunity is presented- even if it takes years. For me it is not Africa I am going to, it is the people of Sierra Leone and more specifically Bo. I’m going to be a part of the team; one member of Jonathan House staff.

When my family was visiting me, a friendly battle developed between my sister Amy and Pastor Ibrahim (well actually pretty much all of JH). Amy would tell them they could have me but come October, I was going back to my family. Pst. Ibrahim would then tell her there was no October in 2008. Once October did come, they all began telling Amy to enjoy my "visit" because I was coming back to them. Soon after learning I would be returning Pst. Ibrahim told Amy that he'd won. He also mentioned that she is always welcome to come visit, but in order to see me she'll have to come to Jonathan House, because I am coming "home".

It will be HARD to leave Amy as well as the rest of my family and friends, but I am anxious to return. I LOVE being a part of these children's lives.

I do this on a volunteer basis and in turn need to raise support. If this is something you are interested in or if you are interested in sponsoring a child or supporting Jonathan's House itself please click on the following link.

http://www.geocities.com/ceekshermer/SupportChristie.html

I also know without a doubt that I cannot do this without prayer and encouragement. I have loved the connection this blog has given me with so many of you- many I would have never expected. Those tough days as well as those great days- knowing others are sharing in this with me and sending notes of encouragement- or even just sharing what is going on in their lives means a great amount to me. I thank you for what you have already done for me and for considering being a part of the next step in this journey. Every time I talk to someone from JH they tell me to greet my family and friends. They pray for you often and when I say it I mean it. Many nights at prayer time I would hear one of the kids saying let’s pray for Christie’s family, church, friends, or supporters (well they would say “suppotas” –no Rs but…). So please let me pass on their greetings to you. They realize that we are in this together and so do I.

Thanks again and God Bless,

Christie
ceekshermer@yahoo.com