Miss You!

Amers and I at our dad's favorite place in Sierra Leone. Harry's farm. The Cassava has now grown taller than the both of us.

Security

We have a fine group of security at JCCM. Two watchmen come each night at 6pm. They are Brima and Munda. They stay through the night until Pa Ben comes at 7am- he is then on duty each day. I have to say that I love each of them and am thankful for what they do at JH, however I definitely see a lot more of Pa Ben. He has been a great influence on the kids. You can often find Pa Ben sitting at the gate with his Bible open on the chair next to him. He is willing to have the kids come sit with him and you will find even the little ones wandering down to visit Pa Ben. (or as Patrick used to call him- "uncle gate man").

One of the things I personally appreciate most about Pa Ben- is that he is a good buffer for me. We even joked about him hanging a sign on the gate: If you are here to see the Pumoi (white) for a job- she doesn't do the hiring. If you are here to see the pumoi for money- she is not the one to give it out. If you are here because you want to date the pumoi- she is not available. If you have any other reason please see the security and he will deem if it is acceptable.

He really does ask everyone why they are here to see me and will even have my good friends sign in at the gate when they come. If he is not sure who they are and does not agree with their reason for visiting- he will send them away. If he finds it might be a good reason he will come find me first- leaving the person at the gate. I appreciate this greatly as it would be very difficult to get a break otherwise. I am also not so fond of all the male attention and would rather have Pa Ben deal with that.

To show just how tight our security is Pa Ben even screens all the animals that would like to enter. Just last week he decided that the following visitor was not welcome- not only was he not welcome (well to be honest I have no clue if it is a male of female but...that is beside the point)- I guess it was also the last trip this fella would be attempting to visit JCC or any other place.

I have seen a few cobras during my time here- 3 of them on our compound. (2 were babies and one was a large one- but 3 in the time I have spent here off and on since 2006 is not as many as it may sound like). This one was very large. The largest I have seen, though I hear there are some larger. So you could get a small idea of it's size I had Bockarie come stand by it. Bock is a 17 year old boy from JH. He is about my height- so you can see that this cobra was no small worm. (Though speaking of worms- I also saw a worm that looked like it was from some reverse world where the small things are huge. It was almost 2 feet long- I am not lying. Looked exactly like our earthworms only greatly enlarged. It also would spray water like a sprinkler when you got close to it- no messing around with these things here)

You can all rest assured that our security here at JCCM are doing their jobs. I for one would not be very good at this job so how blessed am I that we are all one family- each doing our part to work together. For now I will leave Pa Ben to his gate and will stay inside a bit further.

Loss

It is so hard to deal with loss- even if it is something that occurs more frequently in your life.

This morning we got word that one of our cooks- Aunty Kadie lost her son Jesse.

Aunty Kadie is one of the strongest, sweetest, kindest, most humble person I know. She lost her husband a few years ago and has been raising her children on her own. She comes to work here at JCC with the best attitude even if she is not feeling well, her children are sick, she is tired, she doesn't have money for the things they need. Whatever is going on in her life- she is still kind and appreciative to others- and she doesn't ask for things. Even though she is one who probably needs it most- I do not remember even one time when Aunty Kadie has asked me for anything. (If you've been here you know that numerous times each day people are coming to me) I just love her and respect her more than I can say.

One of her children is her son Jesse. He is a 9 year old boy who is quiet and respectful- just like his mother. For the the past 3 years he has struggled with illness. A few different times he has had large growths appear on his body. This last one was about the size of a cantaloupe on his shoulder. We have tried for sometime to go to different doctors and hospitals. Not too long before I left for my visit home Jesse spent a couple weeks at Gondama (a Doctors without borders hospital). While I was away they visited Dr. Boima a surgeon who comes to Bo on the weekends. He was sorry to tell them that the illness had spread throughout Jesse's body. He did not think that doing surgery would benefit Jesse at all and it would also cost Kadie more than she could ever repay. Even with our (JCC's) help financially he did not feel surgery would change Jesse's situation. After visiting a few more doctors, Aunty Kadie decided to take Jesse home.

A difficult thing for me to get used to here is that often unless you ask the right questions you will not know what is going on. When I arrived back I spent most of my time with my sister and others who were here. It wasn't until after they left that I asked Aunty Kadie how Jesse was doing. She had been coming to work each day and when I left all I knew was that we had an appointment with Dr. Boima and Jesse was walking around, talking and attending school when he could. To hear what she had to say- that she has "given him up"... it was hard for me to accept. I wanted to talk to the doctors- try something. Aunty Kadie said she had had enough and so had Jesse. They were trusting God and he would take Jesse home when it was time. This was less than a week ago.

On Thursday during our Leadership Team meeting Aunty Mary went to visit Jesse. When she returned she told me Jesse was asking for me. I visited him as often as I could when he was in Gondama and a few times at home. I felt special that he asked for me. I told Aunty Kadie that I would like to pick Jesse up and bring him to JCC to watch some movies. She said if he felt up to it that would be fine.

We didn't get the chance. Word came to the compound this morning that Jesse had passed away in the night.

Aunty mary, Aunty Nanna and I got ready and went to Aunty K's. It was so interesting to me. I felt sorry for Aunty Kadie and Jesse- and yet I felt a bit removed. We have been through this process a few times and as we all got into the Jeep we were talking somewhat as usual. We knew where we were going and why, but the emotions were just not there. I wondered at myself and these ladies- can you get used to this. However as soon as we walked into the door- Aunty Nanna and Aunty Mary began wailing, I walked over to Aunty Kadie- she looked numb. As we hugged she shed just a few tears- I started to lose it. She walked over to Aunty Mary and Aunty Nanna and started comforting them. How comes to often it seems that way. The one who the loss effects the most is the one to have to bring some comfort and peace to those around them. At first I have to admit some slight irritation at Aunty Mary and Nanna, but they truly feel her loss. Even after all the loss they have seen and personally experienced- they felt Aunty Kadie's loss to their cores.

Once again, they washed, wrapped, and prepared Jesse's body in the home and the burial service was held right away. Aunty Kadie continued to hold up her older sister, her other children, those who came to help HER mourn. I know it will be difficult for some time to come. I know there will be times when she is completely broken herself, times when her children feel the loss of their brother, times when she doesn't want to get up- and certainly doesn't want to work- and yet she will. With Jesus by her side- she will. With our prayers and love- she will.

Darlington

This is my friend Darlington. I have to admit that the first time I met Darlington I didn't give him the time and credit he deserved. I am thankful and blessed that he gave me another chance. During my first visit to Sierra Leone I remember this young teenage boy coming up to me wanting me to video tape a message to show people back home. He was asking for help with his school fees. Talking about how his father died long ago and his mother couldn't care for him. Now this is a story we hear often and it is not always true. The other thing was- this kid had NICE clothes and NICE shoes. I had so many people asking for things and for some reason on that day I didn't really listen. So many kids came in and out of JCCM while we were here- some the staff and kids here didn't even know. Coming back last time- I ran into Darlington again. Turns out he lives on the JCCM road and is friends with many of the kids at the home. He did ask me if I remembered him and from then on we talked about many different things- especially music (they all want to know if I KNOW people- Akon, Usher, Jackson,- like are they my close friends- hard to explain we don't really see these people). He came to the home often and would help out with different projects. Whenever I met Darlington on the road he would offer to carry whatever I was carrying all the way to my room- even when it was a good distance past where he was going. It took a long time before he asked me for school fees and when he did I was wondering this time why I didn't offer them to him sooner. Last year that was my Christmas gift to my parents and grandmas- paying for a child's school fees here. Grandma Syvilla was Darlington. She took the card I wrote on him- placed in by her microwave and prayed for Darlington all the time. She continues to pray for him and send school support and the way that he appreciates it brings me such joy. The two of them have really developed a special relationship in a way we should all hope to have. They are encourage and inspired by each other. They each think they are getting something more from the other- truly placing the other first. I am learning a lot from these two people. Darlington lives with his mother in a mud house that is FAR from finished. It is all open except for one room that has a door and wood to cover the window. Often Darlington is found sleeping at a neighbors house and going where ever he can to find enough light to study. Sometimes when I am out for my walk I will stop in to say hello. Darlington and his mom will always offer me something to eat- even when they hardly have anything. Often it will be just rice as there is no money to buy even just oil to put on it let alone everything it would take to make a sauce. A few times it is just cassava boiled as they don't have any rice. No matter what they always want me to eat with them. Anytime something is harvested from their garden- they share with me. When my hut flooded Darlington was there before school to do whatever he could and even coming back afterwards. They have sent gifts for grandma Syvilla and even made some material for both Amy and Meghan when they were here. I love that they are willing to give- sometimes it is hard for me to accept their gifts, but I realize it is something they need to do- for me and themselves. The more I see others just taking and taking- I am honored to have a relationship with these two people who are willing to give even when they have so little to give. It shows that we can all find something.Below is where they store their water. During the rainy season there entire supply of water comes from rain water they keep in this container that Darlington made himself. I was in awe and kinda wanted one for myself- more for decoration than storing water but...Darlington is also a member of the BO area Student Advocacy group. He is heavily involved. I have been able to attend some of their events and meetings. I am impressed with these kids. They feel they are the ones who can make a difference for Sierra Leone and they are willing to spend their time doing it. There are kids of all ages- they put on plays (which they write themselves) to educate others. They do service projects. They try to put on events that are healthy and safe for kids. They are people who are deserve a lot of credit and encouragement.
Sierra Leone is FAR from perfect and at times it can be a bit overwhelming with all the corruption and dependency. All these hands out- wanting a free ride. Then you see what people like Darlington are doing- with the little they have- making a difference in more people's lives than those with so much more money and power. But hey that's not what it's about is it- how great that D knows that now.

DETAINED AGAIN?!?!?!

On our last little get away together we decided to head just past Freetown to stay with our friend David near the beach. The little red jeep had done well for us. We had a few problems here and there, but by now we were getting pretty good at being our own mechanics. On the way to Rutile on the BUMPY roads we lost the right brake and then eventually the brakes went out completely as we were driving in the hills of the Rutile mines. Not too fun, but being a manual I was able to manage it until we got to town. Turns out the break line rusted through. In not too much time and not too much money (about $10- for two cans of hydraulic fluid, a new line, and their time) we were back on the road. However later that night I had no pressure in the gas pedal. Open the hood Amy, Rainny and I look around- we find this wire on the carburetor that if it is hooked in this other part we have pressure if not- none. So we just hook it there and continue on our way. Back in Bo we go to my buddy Abu and they do some things and the next day we are on our way to Freetown. We do fine until we get on the road to Charlotte Falls. Lots of bumps and rumbling around. The car keeps dying. We sit for a bit it runs again. We find some things to move around that work so we continue on again. Well after a day and a half of this it starts to go out too frequently. the last time it quits in front of a garage so we decide to have them check it out. After some dinking around they say they are ready for a test drive. At this time Meghan was sitting in the front seat resting so she just went along with the mechanic for the ride.

After about 20 minutes I turn to JK and Amy and ask when we start worrying that they broke down or that the mechanic has taken Meghan for more than the car test drive. Say a little pray and not more than a minute later a guy walks up to JK to ask if he is with the White girls. When he says yes the guys tells him that he was sent to get us because the other girl is being held by the police. WHAT?!?! Amy and I take off walking in quite a Huff. All I can think is that it should be me or at least Amy- Meghan is not the one to deal with this and secondly my time detained at Immigration is running through my head and I am just not sure Meghan can handle that. Oh the further we walk the hotter Amy and I are. JK finally tells us not to talk and let him handle it. I tell him that I am willing to do that- I trust him but he needs to take it and be strong. I can't just sit and watch it something is not happening. We continue to talk about it and try to guess what is really happening when we come over the hill and see Meghan HUGGING the two cops. Amy and I burst out laughing. Oh the stress had built up and that was not the site we expected. Walking up we find out that our mechanic did not have a license and the police officer had come over to Meghan and told her he was taking her off to jail. She got a bit worked up and teary and told him she didn't know the man and the officer could take him. I am sure there is more to the story, but not long after the female officer came over which made Meghan feel better instantly. After much talk- it turns out the officers knew the guy and were giving him trouble- and Meghan as well. We all laughed and took photos together. It all seemed fine- until we passed the officers 6 more times on different test drives being it took 5 hours to find the simple fix to our problem. The officers were no longer smiling after the 3rd time. I am not sure if we are still friends or not.

I stood firm with what little mechanic skills I had and didn't let them talk me into the things they wanted until they solved the real problem (and even after that I didn't buy anything I didn't need) it is a good thing my dad and brother taught us a little so we could at least reason through some of it. After all was said and done- one wire needed to be untied. 5 HOURS in the dust and heat missing out on time at the market and beach, telling them I didn't need a new carburetor or spark plugs or battery- it all came down to one wire- and one that Amy and I had talked about undoing earlier in our troubles- AAGGHH next time.

By the end the boss at the garage felt so bad- he gave us his number and didn't charge us much. We went back to our friend's had a Fanta and decided to start a new day- at 5pm. We headed to the most beautiful beach and watched the sunset while swimming and drinking more cokes and fanta. It truly was a new day and a perfect ending.

House Guests

Yes Amy and Meghan were here with me for almost 3 weeks, but Christmas day Elle and Lynea arrived as well. Elle came to Jonathan House this past May for 6 weeks and fell in love. This time she came back with her good friend Lynea. When they first reached we didn't get to spend a whole lot of time together as Amy, Meghan, others and I were traveling around the country, but we did get some time together New Years Eve and Day. When I came back from Freetown they moved into the hut with me. We've had some trouble getting to bed on time, but at least we are enjoying ourselves. they have been really good for the kids, spending a large amount of their time investing in each child and showing them love and taking the time with them they each crave.

I also had one other house guest this holiday season that was not quite as welcome. If you remember a relative of his visited me once before- back in May- so I guess it probably was about time for another visit.

One thing you need to know is that I have tenants (who have yet to pay their rent) living in my "attic". Up above the ceiling in the thatch part are some rats. I have tired a few times to get rid of them, but it just is not as easy as it looks. So we have (or had) come to an agreement that they could live up there and I would live down here. They've been pretty good but they also realize that the holidays are here. They have parties from about 3-5am each morning and get noisier each night. Running, squeaking, and causing a lot of racket. Amy and I were sleeping in my room together when I thought I heard something fall- being that we fall into bed completely exhausted each night- I wanted to care but just didn't. I could deal with whatever it was in the morning. I am not sure how much later it was I woke to some scratching that sounded a bit lower than it should have been. I got my flashlight (always kept under my pillow) but didn't see anything so went back to sleep. Next time I woke the scratching was very near my head. I quickly grabbed my light and this time saw a little friend run across the floor. The door to my room is close enough to the floor that he couldn't get out (which in some ways was good and others meant we were stuck in the room with our friend). Good thing he was a small friend- but you could tell by his tail that he wouldn't be small for long.

By now Amy was up too and we were deciding whether we wanted to open the net and check it out or what. I know it is completely illogical- but that thing little net seems to give more comfort than it is capable of. We looked at each other and decided that we two Shermer girls could deal with this. I went out to get more light and left Amy with our new friend. I came back to find her not too please to watch buddy climb up the chair onto the desk. Knowing he could go there meant he could go anywhere (which we knew already but seeing it is different). What buddy didn't know was that the desk was the perfect place for him. We got a little box and worked for about 20 minutes trying to trap him (jumping, gasping, and screaming a little each time we got close). Oh how we really wanted to get him ourselves. Too many times her got close to getting off the desk. We had to admit defeat and call for help. Amy was not to keen on staying in the room with buddy yet again so I sent her to Jerry's window. She returned with a half still asleep Jerry who walked into the room- saw where I had cornered the mouse- grabbed one of my socks reached down and picked up the rat- JUST LIKE THAT. I am not exaggerating when I say it was all over within 2 minutes. We tried- we really did. But I think I learned for next time- go to Jerry right away.

Buddy's friends have stayed in their part of the hut since, but I think it might be time to fix the hole in my ceiling so we no longer share an entrance. A few months back someone pulled my room door shut with the keys left inside. Being a thatch hut with woven grass ceilings the solution was to crawl up into the attic and spread the grass mat apart and crawl through into my room. The room was unlocked but the mat never fixed- now I just might have a good reason to do just that. Fix it and leave my friends to their own parties.

They are gone

We have just arrived at the guest house after dropping Amy and Meghan off at the airport. It was hard to say goodbye this time. I always love being with Amers and Meg was a great addition. Spending 6 weeks in the states and then having Amy come here for almost 3 weeks... I needed that extra time with Amy and yet it makes it a bit harder to let her go. We will be alright- instead I guess I should be thankful to have a sister who is also my best friend.

We packed as much as we could into our time together. We started with a couple day with the kids getting ready for a bible school we put on in a neighboring village. We had 20 of our kids come with us to help as well as all the kids helping get the crafts, snacks, and whatever else we needed ready. It was good to have our JCC kids participate in giving to others- time, service, and gifts as well as to have their own opportunity to share their faith and what God has done in their lives. We had a blast. The village could not have been better. We put on a few plays, had some fun craft times, sang, danced, learned some verses and had a GREAT time.

After our last day we headed out to the farm- gotta check out the place that is close to dad's heart. It was great to see Harry, Haja and family and the workers. I just love them. They have done a lot of work on the farm- a lot still needs to be done but you can see all they have put into it. We put in an order for Benny Cake that we would pick up on Saturday on our way to Rutile. That night we went out to see JK and his group perform a couple of their songs. Amy and Meghan both rode home on our friend Rainny's Honda- it was a funny site but they all made it back to the hut safely. It was now my turn to show my African cooking skills. The next night I cooked a fine meal for the 5 of us and then we started the generator and watch a good old American movie while putting up Christmas decorations.

Our next adventure was a day trip to Kenema. We stopped in Jembe on the way to see Tenneh (JK's sister) where she works and then went to JK's work. Rainny also came with us and since his brother is married to Tenneh- he spends quite a bit of time in Kenema as well (Tenneh and Rueben live in Kenema and that is where JK stays while he is working). JK had to stay a work a bit longer so Rainny took us on a little tour of Kenema. We saw this litle river where they have some of their baptism services and learned a lot about the war and were able to see some of the after effects still visible today and get a good explanation from Rainny on what it was really like.

When JK finished work we met up with him, Renner, and Rico to head out in search of Monkey Soup. That seems to be the mission each time a new person visits Kenema. We had a great walk- climbed a few trees, discussed which paths to take more than once, tasted a little of the palm whine, but were not able to get Monkey soup. The lady traveled for Christmas. Next time. After dinner out we headed back to Bo a bit late but filled the car ride with plenty of questions and good conversation.

Christmas had arrived. Christmas Eve we had dinner with my Minnesota friends- a good old chicken, yams with gravy, cranberries and stuffing dinner complete with pumpkin pie. It was nice to have a bit of home for the holidays. After our usual game of darts the girls and I went home to crash. Christmas was here and we had a lot to do. We had arranged for a fine meal and a trip to the River beach in Bandajuma. It was a blast to swim with the kids- watching the ones who have never been in the water like that get over their fear and splash around with huge smiles was something I won't soon forget. That evening Meg, Amers and I headed to JK's families for a dinner they made especially for us. Good conversation, food, and time spent together was a fine way to spend Christmas.

We were now in for a treat. Our first Boxing Day. This is a big day here- the parties bigger than Christmas Day. Amy, Meg, Rainny, JK and I headed for Rutile. We toured the mines with our friends Abu and Peter and headed to JK's dad's village where the Paramount Chief had a place for us to stay- and in style. After getting our things settled and spending some time with them we headed to the big Outing. We ran into a number of other people we knew, had some laughs and danced a bit before heading back to the village. After a good nights rest and plenty of food prepared for us we left for Mattru Jong. We took a wooden ferry boat that was pulled across the river by guys using a pulley system. It was a bit interesting getting the jeep on board and off- but we did. Our friend Solomon French's family lives in Mattru and we arrived at their house to find they had prepared a delicious lunch for us. After our bellies were full we headed back to the river for a swim. Amy and I swam across and got a few crazy looks from those watching us- but yeah it wasn't the first time or the last. Once again we headed back to Bo in the dark and filled our time with more questions, songs and bouncing around on the road to keep us all up.

We managed to sneak in one day at home spent mostly with the kids and then it was off to Freetown, Charlotte Falls and the beach. We spent two nights at David's and tried to get in as much as we could here too. Our favorite part had to be our visit to River #2 beach. It was BEAUTIFUL. The sand was so white, the sunset was pink, the water was warm but not too warm- we could have stayed a whole lot longer. I know we will be going back again in the not too far future.

Back to Bo for New Years Eve. Service with the kids at the home before heading into town for church with friends until we rang in the New Year. After all our traveling we pretty much went straight home and were in bed by 1. New Years day we had an appointment with my friend Violet for Meg and Amy to get their hair done. I was back and forth to the home and other places while Violet worked hard for 6 hours to get the girls to be African beauties. We finished just in time to get home for the New Years Day party with the kids once again. A perfect way to end our trip- a night of singing, eating and dancing with the kids.

This morning we finished packing up, leaded the car and headed to Freetown. We met Rainny at the ferry and took a fine wooden boat filled with 100 people across to the airport. One last African meal of rice and stew and it was time for our goodbyes. Yes I might have cried. Maybe because I am a little tired, maybe because I am sad, and maybe because we had such a great time.

It is hard to capture everything- especially since I am writing this while prying my eyes open because I want to sleep so bad- I didn't want to leave you hanging any longer though. Maybe next time I will have to fill you in on everything else- like the staff party the night we arrived, all our car trouble and how Amy and I have become quite the jeep mechanics, flat tires, Meghan getting scared by the police that she would be arrested, trips to the market, new friends, trouble walking, Christmas boots, oh and so much more.

Next time.... It is time to get a little sleep before getting up so we can head back to Bo by 5 and it is on to my time with Elle and Lynea who are here visiting from America as well. I can say that after 6 weeks traveling at home- 3 weeks here with Amy and Meg- 1 1/2 weeks with Elle and Lynea- I am going to be ready for a bit of R&R- maybe even some time completely to myself.

Thanks for your continues prayers and support- I pray you had a great Christmas with your families and friends and a good New Year as well.