Still here

It has been crazy around here. I have so many things to post about but not the battery or the time, so a quick run down it will have to be.

- Monday as my mom said I traveled to Kenema for JK's birthday. He had to work for the day so that left me being able to spend it with my dear friend Theresa (Tenneh) She is actually not Amy's age- she is older than me, married with one child. I think she is 32- but I did say she is a lot like Amy and me. (with those nice delays on the phone and my mom's fine hearing- sorry mom- I can see how it got a little mixed up) I have missed her and truly enjoyed some good girl time with some deeper conversations. Also she is teaching me to be a better African cook. I have built a pretty close connection with this family and all the people staying with them (Tenneh and Reuben have only one child, but with his brothers- friends- and some children who have lost parents- there are 9 other people who live with them) It is always a great time with them. One of the older boys is on a local football team so we went to watch his game in the afternoon. It was quite funny because at one point during the game a small fight broke out between two boys right near me. All the players on the field just kept playing (as they should) except Renner who ran right over to me to make sure I was fine- even though we were with about 10 other people I knew. They do look out for me. That evening JK and I went out for dinner and found this GREAT place. I wish it was in Bo. You can even get sandwiches- those of you who know me well know that is really my favorite food. So yeah- sandwiches, burgers, chicken, spaghetti, even pizza- though I am sure it is not PIZZA- are on the menu. It was a cute place and very friendly. It'll be fun to return again. Some of these teams here are going to be staying in Kenema so it'll be a fun place to take them. JK and I had a large meal- chicken, salad, bread, french fries, drinks all for $10. Anyway it was a really fun time and I look forward to being able to go for a full weekend as I left early Tuesday morning.

-I arrived back in Bo and started moving into my hut. I'll post photos soon. It is so nice. I do admit to having to change a few things and knowing me you know how hard it was to ask at first. I mean they did this great thing for me and I wanted to change it- they were so understanding and love what I have done. My room was a bit dark so I asked what it would take to put another window it- $13. Let's do it. I would like a screen door on my room as well $17. Painting in my room and the bathroom- $15. Some shelving in my room and the bathroom $5- (they even used the extra wood to make wooden hooks (5 on a board) to hand on the back of my room and bathroom doors) After moving the bed, wardrobe, and desk that I had in to the room, hooking up my battery operated fan to the canopy thing, attaching my nice battery light to the wall- it is now what they like to call "small America". I am very blessed and love my new home. The place is so cool and there is a great breeze at night. Now I just need some furniture for the sitting room and a few other things. Maybe Karen'll help me when she comes- we talked about playing "design on a dime" and I have to say that if we used what they say is a dime on that show ($1000) I would truly be living in the lap of luxury. One thing we are working on is wiring the hut for a generator. This would be a big thing for me and I am looking forward to it.

-After moving in I had to get all the rooms ready for the teams that are coming. Wednesday I went to visit my MN friends in Bo #2 and received 10 boxes of books and games and such- it was great and we are going to really be able to do some fun things. I love giving books to the kids in the villages. On my way home from them I ran out of fuel- but don't worry I managed to somehow coast into the fuel station- but I had no money with me. I knew this as I realized I was running low (the gauge doesn't work- I could just feel it but the way it was running) so I went to my "usual" place knowing they would borrow me the money. As I was there I did look into my wallet and in some little secret compartment I found the 15,000 Leones I needed- well actually it was a few more than I needed but... As I was fueling up I got a call that the team was here. Now this is where life gets TRULY busy.

-It has been none stop for me since the team has arrived. There are 9 people here now and on Monday Joe and I will travel to Freetown to get 7 more. I still have some of my office and home duties but also have become host to the teams. Driver, getting things from town, nurse, sharing my room as well as hut... it is fun. The hard part is that almost every member of the team has been sick at one point. I know it is not easy to be sick far from home. So "small America" has had someone in it 24 hours a day since Wed. Kayla- the team leader is also sick so that makes me interim team leader as well.

- Last night we went to a village near the farm (oh and Dad I spent part of the last two days at the farm- coming along well. LOTS of crops growing- fruit trees- I see the pineapples in them as well as bananas that are already producing- large pepper farm, cassava- so much more. They even have a fish pond now stocked with over 200 fish- Harry misses you and Haja made us some more Benny Cake). back to the village near the farm- we went to show the Jesus Film. It was in Mende and to see them watch the film- it is truly a special thing. I love how every time they see Jesus on the film they clap and cheer. When miracle takes place they cheer again. They were truly involved and moved- as was I.

- I have so much more to say but have to get to my meeting and then to town. Soon I pray I will be able to share the things I would really like to with you.

Thanks so much for your prayers and support- especially through these next few BUSY weeks.