Easter and Independence Day

I am a bit bummed as the internet is too slow to upload pictures today- but that doesn't mean I can't at least tell you about our long weekend.

Our kids have been on break from school since last Friday. We have a long break because of Easter as well as April 27th being Sierra Leone's 50th Independence Day- BIG DEAL! It has been fun to have the kids home- nothing too exciting happened the first few days but I still enjoyed just getting some more time with the kids. We took a number of walks to the junction and to town. The little ones followed me EVERYWHERE. I cooked with the moms and aunties- really we just had a good time being together.

Friday came and going to Good Friday service is an important thing. After quickly cooking for the day we headed to church. We had thought that church was at 10am but got a call that it was early due to the Baptism Service at the river. So we hopped into the jeep and rushed to get there only to find out that we were right the first time. Oh well we were able to spend some time chatting with our other friends who arrived early. Service was good and afterwards I was able to have lunch with friends and spend sometime waiting for the mechanics to fix the jeep after a breakdown- since that took a good portion of my day I missed the football match my boys won but was able to get some time with the girls in the evening.

Saturday was cleaning day for all of Salone- the last Saturday of the month is a day where no one is allowed to go out before 10am. You are to use this time to clean up around your area- with the Big Day coming this week it was even more important to do this. The kids and I worked on our compound and then Fatty and I headed to the market. Our group of friends were coming over for game night so Fatty helped me make some fried plantains, sweet potatoes, and donuts with gravy- it was delicious and the game night was just what I needed. You know how I love games and it was great to just spend some fun time with friends.

Sunday morning brought an EARLY morning for all. Of course we do not have the Easter Bunny or colored eggs here- that part of Easter has not reached here. However our tradition here is to rise early and go around singing songs of how Christ has Risen- He is Alive. In some ways the time reminds me of Christmas morning. The kids are so anxious to get up and go out to sing. I heard them very close to 5am. I think the mom's may have had to hold some of them in the house until 5 and at that time the rushed out to share with those close to us just who Jesus is and what he did for us. Yes I admit- I smiled as I layed in bed, called out to them all and then went back to sleep for another hour. :)

Church services Sunday were long but filled with loud singing and dancing. If there is one thing that is done here in church it is dancing. It meant a lot to me to have so many come give me special Easter greetings as even though I enjoyed all here- I do miss being with my family at this time. The mom's here also took great care of me as I had three different meals for lunch. They all wanted me to have some of theirs and I was grateful- though I just couldn't eat it all- another blessing for the security and kids. Sunday evening I was able to spend some time with Auntie Margaret and her family. It is always nice to just sit in a house and spend some family time together.

NOW comes MONDAY- the big outing day. With it being Easter weekend and then having the big 50th Independence day on Wednesday the area UBC churches came together for an outing- a day spent at the river with loud music, food and drinks. All of our kids were able to attend thanks to a gift we received from Auntie N- who was visiting from the states. The mom's and older girls prepared some very FINE food- the kids all dressed in their JCC shirts and we headed out to the River. Our kids danced the whole day away. There were so many comments from others about how good our kids were and how much fun they were having and how they made the outing better for everyone. I loved it and so did everyone else. There was a dance competition and our kids represented us well. It was a long day though and I know the kids all collapsed into bed when we reached home. I was also able to stay a bit longer to spend time with friends. This was a great day for us. It is so good for our kids to get out and even better when we can be an example and inspiration to others. I love seeing the smiles and laughter on their faces.

So yes- we have had a wonderful Easter. Now I am headed off to Mattru and Rutile with some friends for a music launching. We will be in Mattru tonight and Rutile tomorrow night- so we will spend the Independence day there- they have a large sport competition and then our concert at night. Two of my girlfriends share their birthday with Salone's Independence and we will be there together. I look forward to how this time traveling together will continue to build these relationships. Often this is a time when we connect the most and I am blessed to have it come early in my time here.

So yeah- they are just calling that we are ready to go. This post was a bit of a rambling and I have been interupted by the kids a number of times and didn't really go back to see where I was- so I pray it makes sense. I realize that I have not posted in a while and last you all knew I was sick. I wanted to get something out to let you know I am better (still a little weak but coming up fine) and I also wanted to let you know the kids are doing well and enjoying their holiday.

Hopefully pictures will be coming soon.

It's a bit early but I got the official welcome to Africa...

MALARIA.

I honestly am shocked by how quickly this happened as well as how severe it was this time. I decided not to take Malaria meds this time- preventative meds (yes after consulting with my doctor) since I will be here for a long period, since I know the symptoms, the cost of the drugs being so high, the effects the drugs themselves have on your body long term... it was not just a rash decision. However I did not think I would be feeling the effects of this decision so soon.

Thursday I had not had much appetite but I could have attributed that to many things. As I went to bed that night I prayed for a long time. I have not been sleeping well and I was just asking God to give me a good nights rest. I awoke Friday morning with a smile on my face- I didn't remember a thing from the night before. I read my bible a bit, got out of bed to get ready to go for a walk and as I stood up I was surprised at how weak I was. After getting ready I decided to skip the walk as I was out of breath just from that. When the time came I headed up to the office and it was all I could do to make it through- answer a few questions and get back to my room.

When I made it to my chair I realized I had a high fever and was very nauseous. I was extremely weak, my whole body ached... By 11am I had emptied everything that was in me and more and was barely able to move. I knew what it sounded like (malaria) but the previous times it came on slowly, feeling a few of the symptoms and then feeling better and then a few more. This to me happened in a matter of hours. Maybe I brought the flu with me and it took forever to come out- everyone was sick before I left.

By 4:30 all my pride and sense of "just fight through it" was gone. I called Auntie Margaret. She is JK's mom but also a very qualified nurse. She came and tested me for Malaria and when it came back positive she had the treatment right there with her. This is a new kind that MSF has been using for it's medical staff so they are not down as long. She even sat with me after I took it and rubbed my back trying to help me relax and make sure the medicine stayed down.

That night I fought between being extremely hot and freezing. When the fever was so strong again I got up, washed, took more meds, and prayed for some sleep and relief. I awoke the next morning colder than ever. I had on two long sleeve shirts, my thick fleece and two blankets. Finally my fever broke but then the dry heaves were back. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I really thought this day would have been the beginning of the end. I had to fight through another whole day of it. Auntie Margaret came back to visit along with JK- as did the kids and staff all day long on and off. My dear Mabel moved into the hut and just sat near me quietly most of the day- that is until she fell asleep and snored loudly:)

Praise God when I woke up this morning the fever and nauseousness were gone. Yes I am still weak but that is to be expected and I will make it through.

I have been sleeping under my net and using bug spray but not the first night in Freetown- maybe that was it or who knows- all I know is that little bug carrying this big bug made it's way through. But through this really difficult few days have come some great blessings.

Not only have the kids and staff done their best to take care of me and comfort me, as well as Auntie Margaret and plenty other friends but today "My group of good friends" came over right after church to pray with me. They came in and say awhile but then said even though they could see that I was getting better- they had come to pray and still planned to do so. We started with a few songs and in the middle they changed the songs to personally fit me- Honestly I was so touched in that moment. They continued to all pray out loud over not only my health but my job, my house, my relationships, my emotions... I was really moved and uplifted. I know that after such and exhausting ordeal my emotions were already raw but this would have impacted me even if they weren't. My relationships in our large group times have been great and easy to get back into, but honestly at times the one on one and the depth is hard to know where it stands- then something like this happens and I have faith and confidence that it is there and will grow.

So yeah- I am sure there is more to say but my brain is not at full capacity yet. There are more struggles to come, some I am aware of and some that I am not. I stand comforted in knowing that it is not I alone here- for in my weakness he is made strong. These attacks are drawing me closer to him- so though I am not liking the attacks themselves I am thankful for that aspect and continue to focus on God, who he is, and what he is asking of me.

If there is one thing I can ask of you????

Please keep praying.
C

Market Day

Saturday Jerry, Stevie and I took off for the market with clothes shopping in mind. Jerry had some birthday money to spend thanks to Mommy Brenda and Hindalo and wanted to get some new short trousers as he calls them. I also wanted to pick up a few things for some of the other children. However I admit to being a little nervous this time. In the past the market has been nothing to scare me but being out of practice and buying things that I am not as sure of the usual price made me with I had been "working out my market muscles" a little more :) At the end of the day I think we did fine. We managed to get 13 pairs of pants and 4 shirts for under $25. I have no doubt we could have done better but I also think we could have done worse and to top it all of we came home with smiles so that is the true test of a successful shopping day. The boys wanted to "send for" their mom. That means they wanted to get her something while we were in town. Not every time am I able to buy for everyone- that would get expensive quickly- but I appreciated where their hearts were and also have been very thankful for what the moms have been doing. We decided to get something for all 5 moms. I asked them what they wanted to get and after throwing out some options they decided they wanted to get them some cream- so off to the shop we went. At this point I thought it would be easy- just buy some cream and go home. They wanted to look at and smell the different creams. The other ladies in the shop were just smiling. SO WAS I- I love these boys and was so pleased to see the effort they were taking for their mom. They love Mommy Erica dearly already- as do the other children their moms. These ladies deserved this treat as well as the care and effort that went into selecting it.

Families reunited... so great to see. Mabel and Patrick have been with us for some time now but their little sister Gifty has been staying with an Auntie in Bo #2. Their father is blind and their mother passed away after giving birth to Gifty. At that time Mabel and Patrick came to us but with Gifty being so small and requiring extra care the lady who had delivered her decided to keep her for sometime and give her the attention she needed.

I would not be able to tell you the number of times Mabel would ask me when Boi (as she calls her) was going to come live with us. Mabel is a little mother to Patrick and feels the same towards Gifty even though she has spent little time with her. Before I left last fall I visited Gifty frequently (we had sporadically since I had come)- you see Gifty's knees are turning in and we have been trying to see what the doctors can do for her. So almost twice a week I would go pick her up and bring her to the government hospital where they put casts on and off- checked things- rehabbed... you name it and each time I would arrive to take Gifty she would scream and turn away from me. I would offer her a biscuit and sweet and she still would not come- she would just turn her head away from me. Once we were in the car she would stop crying and let me take her anywhere- even only crying silent tears when they would work with her- but she never really grew to like me. SO when I saw her at the compound I expected her to cry again- instead she came right up to me and said "Hi mommy Christie" I cannot believe how much she talks- and how much she is just like her brother Patrick. Even to the point that when I tel the kids to go to their own houses- she will look at them all and tell them to go home and then she will come inside the hut and shut the door. The first time I came and Patrick was her age he used to do the same thing.

Another family reunited is Sallay and Kaddie Charles. Sallay attended our school for the past couple years. Last year while JK and I were in America her father passed away. Her mother is still alive but has a very difficult time caring for the children- providing food and place to stay. Before I returned Social Welfare had brought Sallay to us so she could continue school. For some reason at that time they decided to have Kaddie stay with her mom. I guess that situation did not work out too well and around the same time Gifty came to us so did Kaddie. She is a bright, smiley, funny, trouble causing toddler. She and Sallay are also happy to be together again and Kaddie has now also started nursery school.

This one is for MAMA B- LB your girl asked me to take a snap of her for you and this is her pose- she is all Sass. I just love Betty- and I know you do too. (As do so many more of you) Mommy Elle- here is your precious girl in her birthday dress. The shoes were a bit small but as you see the dress fits fine. Everyone danced around her and let her know how beautiful she looked. Her mom (also Alice- did you know that- Alice is in Mommy Alice's house) dressed her and added this bow along with the recent bow you sent. She is talking so much now- and still thinks she is the boss of all the little kids (even though a little bigger than she is)

Just so you know that I really am here- a quick photo of me and one of my sweet girls. Mabel has been a bit attached lately- so much so that at times I have to ask Mommy Erica to bring her back home just like they have to come for some of little kids.

There is such great love here- on both sides.

African Food

Well I am not starving by any means. I admit that I was a little worried whether I would have to ease into the food again- for the taste and for my stomach. SO far the food has been delicious and I have had plenty. For the first couple days I had 4-5 lunches and 4-5 dinners per day. This made the kids and our security VERY happy as they were able to eat a good portion of it. I thought when I arrived I would be able to loose weight quickly but at this rate... My dear friends Emmanuel and Fatty (who also happen to work for JCCM) brought me a wonderful welcome dinner that was actually a feast last night. I was also to go out to dinner with my friend Violet- so even though the mothers at the home are now on a rotation to feed me each day the food is still coming in. I feel very taken care of. This past Sunday I was able to worship with my friends and family at my church here again. It felt great to be back. The number of people who came to greet me- even while the service was on- surprised me. There is one area here that is difficult for me to get used to (and to even blog about it but in full honesty- here it is). One's size and weight is free topic of converation here. You know at home we never mention it and if so it is very carefully stated- whether you are skinny or larger. Here they walk right up to me and say "Oh- you are so fat." or the word they will use often is bump. Some comment how good I look and say I look fresh. Others say I am even more beautiful like this. Some say you will reduce as you stay here longer. Others say oh- what happend... the comments go on and on. To all of them I just say "I know" or "Thank you". I do not know how to respond- and in this area I am very much an American- I do not talk about it and don't like to. So even though church was good and it was great to see people I was a bit exhausted and ready to be home. This is the way it will go for a time now and then it will stop for a bit. As I loose weight and people notice- it will start again for a little while. I guess in some ways it is healthy, others... it is just a part of the culture here. So yes I am loving the food- yes people are very thankful to have me back- and yes I will try to walk more and enjoy the gifts of food in small portions.

Yes I am that OLD.

A few weeks before my birthday I was spending some time in Marshalltown with the Stepec family. (along with visiting a few other friends and getting things set with Jonathan House). This family is one of those closest to my heart and these boys... I cannot tell you how much I love them and truly enjoy spending time with them. The last evening I was there Jack started asking in the afternoon if we could have dessert yet- after dinner dessert. Steve would kindly tell him after dinner and swimming lessons- he struggled to wait and when he brought it out I understood why. They threw me the sweetest surprise party ever. Steve made this brownie in the shape of Africa- very good map skills. They know I love brownies a whole lot more than cake. We pretty much finished it all off- Henry eating almost ALL of the M&Ms. He had just reached over and grabbed the first one in the photo above. Our party was complete with a few rounds of ring-around-the-rosie and help opening some great for Africa gifts. This was a truly touching moment for me and one I loved sharing with this family.The weekend of my birthday my extended family got together one evening for a ton of eating and even more LOUD talking and laughter. Nick, Jamie and kids came for the weekend along with Mike, Lor and girls and even Kari surprised me. A good number of Shermers joined us Sat night. Below are three of my favorite girls. They are growing older every minute and I know coming home in October I will have to "get to know them" again. I love being able to have such real conversations with them.Sunday morning Amy, Kari and I headed to Duluth. We were meeting some friends at Grandma's in Canal Park for lunch. We went a little early to hit the Lake Walk. The ocean here in Sierra Leone is beautiful but it is crazy how much I miss the lakes. With ice break in process it was fun to watch the large chunks floating and crashing against each other. Also beyond thankful for a day with my sisters.The burger at Grandma's was fantastic- one of the best I have had (that is until my dad cooked burgers on the grill my last Sunday home- none compare to his). The company however was many times better. It is so hard to be able to travel around and say goodbye to each of my friends so this was a great chance to hang out together and be able to see them again before I left. They each are in my life from different times and each mean a great deal to me even if we are not able to get together often. At this point I thought my birthday celebrations were finished. As much as I like ice cream, love, and gifts I do not love being the center of attention so it was just fine with me that it was over. However I was wrong. The Saturday after I arrived JK came to pick me up so we could get some dinner together. When we took a tour all around Bo I started to think that something might be up as he kept checking his phone and then driving further. We pulled into the studio "to pick something up" to find our close group of friends all there (minus one). They had talked and wanted to be with me for my birthday and welcome me back. We had a great dinner together (thanks Belinda, Violet, and Monica for all their hard work- they cooked a small chicken for each one of us along with sides and fine drinks). The party itself was a gift but then they each stood up to say what they felt about me as well as welcoming me back "HOME". A precious moment and gift I will not soon forget. Honestly I was not looking forward to being 30. We have all these ideas of where we should be at thirty and I was not in many of those places. Not only am I not settled in a house with a husband and kids- here I am headed off again to an underdeveloped country in West Africa- beyond that it is a HOT country (however the lack of electricity means there are always cold "showers" to cool me off). I am okay with this. I am not ever going to be on the "American path"- how many are? I am in a place that 10 years ago I would never have envisioned but have come to love. God has brought me through difficult times and given me such an honor to be used by him here. What is 30- another number yes. AND maybe more. I have learned much more about myself. I am more confident in who I am. I know my boundaries more. I have more depth. I am okay saying no and not pleasing everyone (a big accomplishment from where I was even 5 years ago). I have grown bounds in my faith, friendship with and reliance on God. Oh there is so much more. God has done much over these years- given me experiences I will not forget and that have shaped who I am. So yes I am that old- and I am okay with it. (most days :)

My hut is still standing.

** each time I go back and edit this to add the paragraphs and breaks in this LONG post it keeps putting it back in one paragraph so- I guess it will stay that way- good luck in reading it. Praise God for a great journey here. If you talked to me at all in the last week before leaving you knew that the traveling was not something I looked forward to- especially checking in at the airport and getting through security each time I had to. (I guess from the blog you would know that as well :)) This was probably the best trip I have ever had to Salone. The worst thing was a few drops of coke spilt on my knee by the lady next to me and onto the strap of my bag. Not too bad. A moment of panic wanted to come as Amy, Mom, Dad and I walked up to the counter with my six suitcases and the lady tells me that the max you can take is five. I have called the airline once a week for the past three weeks before leaving to ask about luggage- I wanted to give her a piece of my mind and looked over to see that each member of my family was ready to do the same but the lady was so nice and helpful we just couldn't. She said she would figure it out and did. Then sent it all through and for $50 less than I expected. I made it. Well through that moment- next was having to say goodbye to my fam. A few tears were shed but we did well. I only had to go through two check points and made it through each smoothly. I think I resemble a terrorist since I am almost always chosen for the pat down and emptying my carry-on for them to check it all. I know that I am not doing anything wrong and will make it through but I do not enjoy repacking right in the middle of the airport. No need this time. This could get quite long as the trip did take two days but other than getting very tired of sitting (and for the first time having swollen feet after the trip) it was a fine trip. Arriving in Freetown I was able to call Joe and JK and knew they were just outside. After getting through customs a friend from Rutile met me and now works at the airport. He helped me through what often can be a hair raising experience of getting out of the airport with no trouble at all AND WITH ALL SIX suitcases. This is a huge deal. My family came with 8- lost 2. First time they came I think the team came with 12- lost 5. Other teams same deal so- just me and my 6 suitcases leaving the airport on the same trip was the final piece to an amazing trip that did my heart wonders. I walked out the door to see Joe and JK just past the gate. What a great feeling to walk up and get hugs from both before literally being dragged into the taxi. Here you have to take a ferry or helicopter to get to Freetown- with the helicopter being $80 and the ferry being $1.25 we always take the ferry. This time we would have had to wait for 3 hours so we decided to take one of the long wooden boats. Not the first time but definitely the first with this much luggage. After arriving on Freetown's side we headed to a fine dinner to celebrate Joe's birthday complete with ice cream for dessert. Probably my last real ice cream for some time (I guess that large dish at home was not really the last:)). We had a great night together catching up at the guest house and then walking around Ftown a little the following morning before heading to Bo. I have to admit that as excited as I was to get there and see everyone it is also a little overwhelming. We turned onto the JCC road and not too far down people started shouting "mommy Christie, Mommy Christie!" oh we laughed and it continued all the way to the gate. The kids came running . I jumped out and was met with hundreds of little hugs and smiles and laughter. Even the youngest ones who had not even met me yet came running with smiles- NO TEARS- also kinda a big deal as most small kids are afraid of the pumois. Oh yes my Patrick was there- even Sallay came RUNNING and yelled "Mommy Christie" She is talking a lot now- and I heard it the first day. However the last couple days she is around me but quiet now. I understand this about her. This is her way to show me I have to earn my way back in- I will do it but it was great to see that her first reaction was one of joy. After all the hugs and how are yous there is a moment of wondering if it will all fall back into place and I think that was a question in the back of my mind as Joe and JK pulled out of the compound. No need to worry though. We chatted and chatted that evening and I know I am home again. Many friends have come to greet me and I have been able to visit others. Church today was a bit crazy as so many came to welcome me home- and that is what they say- "You have come home." More to share when the time permits- hopefully my next post will be about the great birthday month this has been for me. The parties did not end in MN as last night a group of friends had a surprise birthday/welcome home party for me. Yes I miss my family and friends in the USA but am feeling beyond blessed and completely loved- by all these people but most of all by God as he has shown me so much through these few days. The ways in which he has given me peace and comfort, assurance and confidence... that I really am in his hands and that He IS taking care of me- I should NOT worry. I do realize you are looking forward to pictures- they will come. Thanks again for the prayers along the way. I am also loving the emails and comments when I get a chance to read them. SOOOOO MANY greetings from all here to all of you there.