So my scheduled posts are not completed but with some Internet problems there have been a few days without them and might be a few more- so let me interrupt for a Christmas update.
First of all Merry Christmas to all of you- I pray it was a special one for you and your families. This year I have to admit it was a bit hard to spend my first Christmas away from family but I was also excited to experience a Christmas here. A bit more of a raw Christmas, not the commercialized Christmas it has become at home. I have to say it did not disappoint. We woke in the morning to the kids outside the hut door signing, with drums and all. Jesus was knocking at our door they were singing and kept on for sometime. We then all did our chores, got ready, loaded about 75 people onto the bus (PACKED) and headed to Bandejuma where we spent the rest of the morning and afternoon. There is this beautiful river beach there.
Oh how Amy, Meghan and I loved to get into some cooler water and swim. The kids loved it too. The big boys were the first to jump in and the water games began. After Amy and I won the first few games of water chicken all the boys were out to get us so we lost a couple and that was that. There were some rapids that we were able to climb- I managed to get in on good fall, but hey. After some time some of the other kids wanted to come in so we headed back to the shore and played with the middle and younger kids for a bit. It was so much fun to watch some of them hesitate to come in- having some fear of water- and within a few minutes have them splashing around along with the others.
During this time some of the ladies from the church there along with Aunty Mary, Aunty Nana, and some of the older girls were cooking us a fine Christmas dinner. We are so thankful to all of them. When we finished swimming we were able to eat one of my favorite meals- chicken jollof rice. After some songs and prayer we were back on the bus headed home. We had some small gifts for the kids- along with a notebook and pencil each from my Minnesota friends here- and then Amy, Meghan and I got ready to head to JK's family while the kids got ready to watch a movie.
Aunty Margaret (JK's mom) and Nancy (JK's sister) cooked us some delicious food- Amy's favorite, Cassava and ground-nut soup- and JK's favorite, Green and rice. We just sat around taking afterwards, telling stories, solving riddles and hanging out. We have to say that we came home around 9 and all crashed into bed.
It was a fun day- without the snow it didn't seem quite like Christmas, but spending time with all these people talking about the real meaning of Christmas - it brought it all home and I think we celebrated Jesus birth in a way none of us will forget for sometime.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Colorado
Our friend Joe (from Sierra Leone) was able to visit America in July of this year. When he came home he told people here that America was corn fields and beans. That's because he spent most of his time in Iowa and just inside the bordering states. After hearing that one of my goals was to have JK see a bit more than just corn fields and beans, as well as more than just the forests of the great North. Colorado seemed like a place to start (and with the time we had along with the budget- it was also the place we ended- next time).
My friend Brok and his wife Amanda just recently moved out to Denver. Brok was so kind to pick us up and drop us off at the airport. Amanda cooked us a GREAT dinner and Wonderful breakfast. We were able to see a bit of downtown and just hang out and catch up a bit. 
Brok then drove us to Colorado Springs where we hooked up with Christy and Kirk. Christy was my college roommate and we managed to see a bit of the US together ourselves. Always somewhat last minute with some crazy moments- and this trip didn't let us down either. Since we only had two days (and not really even that) we had to cram a lot in. We were able to meet Kirk for lunch before Brok headed back to Denver and then the sightseeing whirlwind became. We had only 2 hours to drive to the top of Pike's Peak and back down again. With a bit of ice on the road, pretty much no guard rails (I would not call 3 corners out of 50 having guard rails), and Christy driving made for a heart pumping drive. It sure was beautiful but both JK and I were ready to kiss the ground when we got to the top. It doesn't help when your driver is saying they are freaked out and yet still accelerating. :) It makes for a good story though. We took a couple pictures at the top and then had to run inside the store as we were FREEZING. One more picture and then we started the drive back down.
We stopped a few times on the way down. There was this guy wind snowboarding (I am sure it has a much more technical name), a few drivers who were crazier than Christy- though I have to say she really impressed me on the way down- we even got passed by a grandma, and the friendliest fox ever greeted us just before the bottom. He even stopped and posed by the car and we had to eventually leave him.
Next it was straight to the Garden of the Gods as we only had about an hour of daylight left. It was beautiful and we managed to get a couple shots in before it was just too dark to see anything on film. It was beautiful in person though. The starts and moon created a perfect back drop for this place. I hadn't ever really seen something like this before. I am looking at the photos I uploaded now and realize I didn't upload a photo that really shows how thin these mountains are- and now I am not on my own computer anymore. You'll just have to take my word for it. They were like skeletons of mountains. Like paper thin mountains.
We had a great Taco dinner- JK's first taco. I haven't seen Christy and Kirk since their wedding- which seems just ridiculous, so it was good to spend some time together even if it was short. JK and I were also able to bring a thank you gift for The Well Church in Colorado Springs who gave a gift of money to our school here. We appreciated it so much and I have to say it was a lot of fun to bring them some pictures of the school and the school children as well as a sign JK's friend was able to carve for them. I love being able to connect the people here with what they have been able to help us with there.
My friend Brok and his wife Amanda just recently moved out to Denver. Brok was so kind to pick us up and drop us off at the airport. Amanda cooked us a GREAT dinner and Wonderful breakfast. We were able to see a bit of downtown and just hang out and catch up a bit. Brok then drove us to Colorado Springs where we hooked up with Christy and Kirk. Christy was my college roommate and we managed to see a bit of the US together ourselves. Always somewhat last minute with some crazy moments- and this trip didn't let us down either. Since we only had two days (and not really even that) we had to cram a lot in. We were able to meet Kirk for lunch before Brok headed back to Denver and then the sightseeing whirlwind became. We had only 2 hours to drive to the top of Pike's Peak and back down again. With a bit of ice on the road, pretty much no guard rails (I would not call 3 corners out of 50 having guard rails), and Christy driving made for a heart pumping drive. It sure was beautiful but both JK and I were ready to kiss the ground when we got to the top. It doesn't help when your driver is saying they are freaked out and yet still accelerating. :) It makes for a good story though. We took a couple pictures at the top and then had to run inside the store as we were FREEZING. One more picture and then we started the drive back down.We stopped a few times on the way down. There was this guy wind snowboarding (I am sure it has a much more technical name), a few drivers who were crazier than Christy- though I have to say she really impressed me on the way down- we even got passed by a grandma, and the friendliest fox ever greeted us just before the bottom. He even stopped and posed by the car and we had to eventually leave him.Next it was straight to the Garden of the Gods as we only had about an hour of daylight left. It was beautiful and we managed to get a couple shots in before it was just too dark to see anything on film. It was beautiful in person though. The starts and moon created a perfect back drop for this place. I hadn't ever really seen something like this before. I am looking at the photos I uploaded now and realize I didn't upload a photo that really shows how thin these mountains are- and now I am not on my own computer anymore. You'll just have to take my word for it. They were like skeletons of mountains. Like paper thin mountains.We had a great Taco dinner- JK's first taco. I haven't seen Christy and Kirk since their wedding- which seems just ridiculous, so it was good to spend some time together even if it was short. JK and I were also able to bring a thank you gift for The Well Church in Colorado Springs who gave a gift of money to our school here. We appreciated it so much and I have to say it was a lot of fun to bring them some pictures of the school and the school children as well as a sign JK's friend was able to carve for them. I love being able to connect the people here with what they have been able to help us with there.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Vermilion Falls and Gourge
The first snowfall happened to be on the Saturday we planned to go to Vermilion Falls and the Vermilion Gorge. A little snow doesn't stop us Shermers. We bundled up a bit more and headed out. Amers and I try to hit the Falls (and sometimes the Gorge) at least twice a year. Kari was up for the weekend and able to join us along with Amy's roommate Jeanine (who we just love).
Our first stop was at the Falls. The snow had started and was just starting to fully cover the ground. The water was not nearly as high as we have seen in the past but was still rushing through and beautiful. I just love water and the sound of it rushing by the rocks. 
We did spend some time getting some photos- it was a little too much like a photo shoot so I won't bother you with most of them but here is the group of us. It is nice to head to the Falls on a day like this- you tend to see no one and have the place to yourself, but it also makes it hard to get a full group shot. So we had to take a number of combinations to get everyone in there a few times. 
There was no shortage of flying snow. It didn't take JK long to figure out many different ways to get us wet. We should have learned and stuck him at the back of the line- every tree branch we passed he managed to hit it so the snow would fly back at us. It did bring out that child in us all and we loved it all. Though by the time we got back into the car we had to take all of out outer clothes off as they were soaked through.
JK and I at Vermilion Gorge. I have to say that I like the Falls but I love having to hike into the Gorge. I think it is about 1.5 miles in- not too far but enough to feel like you earned it when you get there. I love that walk through the woods- trees covered in snow and leaning over the path, going up, down, and around all the hills and corners and then you can start to hear the water rushing just ahead. All of a sudden you are on top of the Gorge with no one else around. It is one of my favorite things.
By the time we finally walked out and headed home- there was a good amount of snow on the ground and in the trees. This is the part of winter I love- and JK got to see it and be out in it for a FULL day. Next time we'll have to take this trip in the summer- or the Fall.
Our first stop was at the Falls. The snow had started and was just starting to fully cover the ground. The water was not nearly as high as we have seen in the past but was still rushing through and beautiful. I just love water and the sound of it rushing by the rocks. We did spend some time getting some photos- it was a little too much like a photo shoot so I won't bother you with most of them but here is the group of us. It is nice to head to the Falls on a day like this- you tend to see no one and have the place to yourself, but it also makes it hard to get a full group shot. So we had to take a number of combinations to get everyone in there a few times. 
There was no shortage of flying snow. It didn't take JK long to figure out many different ways to get us wet. We should have learned and stuck him at the back of the line- every tree branch we passed he managed to hit it so the snow would fly back at us. It did bring out that child in us all and we loved it all. Though by the time we got back into the car we had to take all of out outer clothes off as they were soaked through.JK and I at Vermilion Gorge. I have to say that I like the Falls but I love having to hike into the Gorge. I think it is about 1.5 miles in- not too far but enough to feel like you earned it when you get there. I love that walk through the woods- trees covered in snow and leaning over the path, going up, down, and around all the hills and corners and then you can start to hear the water rushing just ahead. All of a sudden you are on top of the Gorge with no one else around. It is one of my favorite things.By the time we finally walked out and headed home- there was a good amount of snow on the ground and in the trees. This is the part of winter I love- and JK got to see it and be out in it for a FULL day. Next time we'll have to take this trip in the summer- or the Fall.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Hunting
What would it be like to come to the Northland during Hunting Season and not get in a little hunting of your own? Good thing JK didn't have to find out. 
Nick and JK connected right away. I thought I would have some extra hands in the shop- but JK spent a few days helping Nick work on Amy's garage- Dad's apt. (no he is not moving there :)-used some power tools- went target practicing and of course a little deer hunting. There were MANY layers put on and some shorter times spent in the stand but after 3 days Nick had to head back to Duluth. Our buddy Kyler volunteered to take JK out for the last time about an hour after Nick left for Duluth. Within less than an hour I get a call from Nick letting me know JK got a deer- what??? Right after shooting it he called Nick- before even walking out to the deer. A few moments later JK called me and Amers and I headed over to the farm to check it all out.
It may have just been a spiker but it was his first deer and a good one at that. When I asked JK on the phone what kind of deer he got- he told me a stupid one. What? "Well I shot five times and he was still there- got him with my sixth and final shot". Nick gave him 6 bullets and the part Jk remembered was shoot him in the head. They were a ways off and aiming for the head wasn't as easy as target practicing. Kyler finally asked JK how many times he had shot "5" and how many bullets do you have "6"- that last shot took some time, but it was worth it. My dad says that God must have been holding that deer there for JK.
Hunter and Guide.
Not only did JK bring home the meat but he cooked it too. He used it to make us an African meal- Pepper Soup. It was spicy but good- and the first meal JK has ever cooked for me. Our friend Meghan was able to join us on the perfect night. She is coming over to Salone with Amy and needed a small introduction into the fine cuisine. What a fun day filled with some good memories and stories to share.
Nick and JK connected right away. I thought I would have some extra hands in the shop- but JK spent a few days helping Nick work on Amy's garage- Dad's apt. (no he is not moving there :)-used some power tools- went target practicing and of course a little deer hunting. There were MANY layers put on and some shorter times spent in the stand but after 3 days Nick had to head back to Duluth. Our buddy Kyler volunteered to take JK out for the last time about an hour after Nick left for Duluth. Within less than an hour I get a call from Nick letting me know JK got a deer- what??? Right after shooting it he called Nick- before even walking out to the deer. A few moments later JK called me and Amers and I headed over to the farm to check it all out.It may have just been a spiker but it was his first deer and a good one at that. When I asked JK on the phone what kind of deer he got- he told me a stupid one. What? "Well I shot five times and he was still there- got him with my sixth and final shot". Nick gave him 6 bullets and the part Jk remembered was shoot him in the head. They were a ways off and aiming for the head wasn't as easy as target practicing. Kyler finally asked JK how many times he had shot "5" and how many bullets do you have "6"- that last shot took some time, but it was worth it. My dad says that God must have been holding that deer there for JK.Hunter and Guide.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
We Did Make It
So JK and I did finally arrive home the night of Dec. 15th- well it was then that we flew into Lungi. We drove through the night and arrived in Bo around 4am. I have to say traveling the second time was not easy either. When we went to check in this time they said we were not on a flight from Chicago to London. WELL.... It was United that changed our flights and booked us on that one. I guess I was so worried about the London to Freetown flight I didn't make a bunch of noise about getting to London first. So after ANOTHER hour and some at the ticket counter we finally had our boarding passes and checked our bags. From there it went pretty smoothly- though we did have to wait in London for 5 hours and then another hour sitting on the plane before actually taking off. We did get all our bags when we landed and walked out to meet our friends Joe and Solomon. All in all we made it and it might not have been SOOO bad but I wouldn't do it again.
Right now Joe and I are sitting on the ferry waiting to cross back over to the airport and pick up Amy and Meghan. It doesn't seem like I even spent anytime at home. I am excited to see them and start our busy, fun-filled next two weeks.
I have scheduled some posts to come out- so that may be why this blog is a little confusing in it's updates but at least you are getting something.
Right now Joe and I are sitting on the ferry waiting to cross back over to the airport and pick up Amy and Meghan. It doesn't seem like I even spent anytime at home. I am excited to see them and start our busy, fun-filled next two weeks.
I have scheduled some posts to come out- so that may be why this blog is a little confusing in it's updates but at least you are getting something.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
My Great Family
It used to be that your mom would make everyone dress alike in scratchy uncomfortable clothes- when did that change to ME making everyone dress alike? In Salone it is quite common to have everyone in the same clothes. It is called Ashabi (and no that is not the way you spell it but not too many Mende people read my blog so...). When our kids had their school graduation- all the staff wore one style of clothes, the parents another. For special services at church the participants have the same clothes as well. Well that made the decision- JK and I decided that was the gift we were going to bring my family. Our friend Rachel dyed all the material and our friend Francis (along with some altering help from Auntie Irene and Grandma Syvilla) did all the sewing. I enjoyed heading to church in our African garb and I think it was fun for people to see. This was the Sunday that we sang in church and I was also able to speak for a few minutes. I think it helped having the African clothes on to get a little more into our African songs. Mom rocked out on that gourd shaker she was playing. :)
The Shermer Family
Where it all started. How blessed are we to have two such strong examples to follow?! 
JK still had a few extra layers on under these clothes- I'm not sure how African that was but...
LOVE this family!
I guess the two of us are going to get the most use out of these clothes. We will wear them often back home- not sure how often you will see the rest of the Shermer family marching around in their Blue, White, and Green (Sierra Leone flag) Bahtiek dyed clothes.
The Shermer Family
Where it all started. How blessed are we to have two such strong examples to follow?! JK still had a few extra layers on under these clothes- I'm not sure how African that was but...LOVE this family!
I guess the two of us are going to get the most use out of these clothes. We will wear them often back home- not sure how often you will see the rest of the Shermer family marching around in their Blue, White, and Green (Sierra Leone flag) Bahtiek dyed clothes.Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Finally Home
We finally made it up to Cook Sunday night in time to say a quick hello and head off to Sunday Night Alive. (Of course we did have to stop in Cloquet at the Warming Shack for some really good Cedar Crest ice cream:) It was crazy to see home- it has changed so much. Our old house is completely gone, just some grass and dirt where it once stood. The shop is now expanded and has a second story. Amy has her own house. At least I still have a bed there. It was a lot of fun and really just a quick stop as I was given the opportunity to speak at SNA so we didn't want to be late. I love the music and singing and dancing in Salone but I have to admit that I miss the worship music that I am used to- so I was thankful and excited that we would be able to attend SNA- and even more pleased that I could share a little of what is happening in Salone. 
Nick, Jamie, Alina and Koryn were home to meet us as well. I LOVE spending time with my family and love that JK can not just meet them but spend some good time with them as well. We manages to get in a few games of darts and had a blast. We only had a cheap plastic board and we all stink but we laughed and laughed.
We were all intently checking out JK's pictures from his day with dad when mom starts yelling "Y'all missed it, Y'all missed it!!!" We turn to see that she has hit a center bulls eye- she did it again a few rounds later and you can bet we were all watching for that one.
One night shortly after arriving home we had to run into town for something and were able to run over to the Glass Residence to meet little Sawyer and give April a big hug. It feels as if I already know Sawyer but it was great to see him and be able to hold him. We didn't get to stay long but a few days later we had a much needed girls night at Ape's house- with chocolate fondue- yum.
So we were all waiting for JK's first snow. He has been freezing since coming- even when it was 60 degrees. Every time he goes outside he has at least two layers on his legs and 4-5 layers on top. When he woke up and it was just starting to snow he walked straight out in just fleece pants and two t-shirts and his slippers. It was fun to watch and the snow was so wet and heavy you can guess what we ended up doing- bare hands and all.
Growing up with snow it is hard to truly imagine what people who haven't seen it think. I didn't even think about what he thought it would feel like. Obviously whenever I tell someone about snow I tell them it is so cold the rain freezes and turns to snow- so really it is frozen rain. Well JK thought it would hurt- I mean it should be ice falling from the sky. I guess I never explain the soft, fluffy part.
How happy was I that Holly and Jackson were able to come over Sunday afternoon for a few hours. I just love them both- and Aaron too. Holly is the fourth (well now maybe fifth with Jamie- however Holly was here first) Shermer sister- always has been, always will be.
Koryn and Jackson are only a few weeks apart. At first Jackson was huge and Koryn was this tiny thing- now they are really quite the same. I just love watching little ones try to figure out how to play together. Though it always seems that one is more interested in the dog that the other kid. Yes I am bummed that I will miss welcoming Baby Boy Peterson #2, but I couldn't be more happy for all of them. I think I will soon have two nieces and two nephews. :-)
A few nights at home we ended up sitting around the piano or guitar just singing songs. I know my dad loved it and the rest of us did too. JK talent was and is a blessing to us all. The part I loved the most was that we could say- hey that song is a little too high- or too low- and he would just move it for us. All this fun led mom to suggest we sing in church together Sunday morning- who can say no to mom? We even got Nick and Kari up there along with Amy, Mom, JK, and I. It was listed as James Kainwo and the Shermers in the bulletin. I think if Nick wasn't part of the group it could have been JK and the Shermettes.
While home during deer season there is no way I would miss out on getting some time in the shop. One day I happened to get done early so JK and I headed up to Tower to see mom and Amers. We picked up some good smoothies on main street and headed over to the Tower School. Walking in we ran into a couple people who knew exactly who we were- been talking much mom :). It was like Mom brought us to school for show and tell. All around the school we went on a little meet and greet tour. It was a lot of fun and great to see the people that mom and Amy talk about. We were able to get in some good times at home- but I think it's these simple memories that I really do enjoy the most. More to come (I promise Becky- I'm really going to try)
Nick, Jamie, Alina and Koryn were home to meet us as well. I LOVE spending time with my family and love that JK can not just meet them but spend some good time with them as well. We manages to get in a few games of darts and had a blast. We only had a cheap plastic board and we all stink but we laughed and laughed.We were all intently checking out JK's pictures from his day with dad when mom starts yelling "Y'all missed it, Y'all missed it!!!" We turn to see that she has hit a center bulls eye- she did it again a few rounds later and you can bet we were all watching for that one.One night shortly after arriving home we had to run into town for something and were able to run over to the Glass Residence to meet little Sawyer and give April a big hug. It feels as if I already know Sawyer but it was great to see him and be able to hold him. We didn't get to stay long but a few days later we had a much needed girls night at Ape's house- with chocolate fondue- yum.So we were all waiting for JK's first snow. He has been freezing since coming- even when it was 60 degrees. Every time he goes outside he has at least two layers on his legs and 4-5 layers on top. When he woke up and it was just starting to snow he walked straight out in just fleece pants and two t-shirts and his slippers. It was fun to watch and the snow was so wet and heavy you can guess what we ended up doing- bare hands and all.Growing up with snow it is hard to truly imagine what people who haven't seen it think. I didn't even think about what he thought it would feel like. Obviously whenever I tell someone about snow I tell them it is so cold the rain freezes and turns to snow- so really it is frozen rain. Well JK thought it would hurt- I mean it should be ice falling from the sky. I guess I never explain the soft, fluffy part.How happy was I that Holly and Jackson were able to come over Sunday afternoon for a few hours. I just love them both- and Aaron too. Holly is the fourth (well now maybe fifth with Jamie- however Holly was here first) Shermer sister- always has been, always will be.
Koryn and Jackson are only a few weeks apart. At first Jackson was huge and Koryn was this tiny thing- now they are really quite the same. I just love watching little ones try to figure out how to play together. Though it always seems that one is more interested in the dog that the other kid. Yes I am bummed that I will miss welcoming Baby Boy Peterson #2, but I couldn't be more happy for all of them. I think I will soon have two nieces and two nephews. :-)A few nights at home we ended up sitting around the piano or guitar just singing songs. I know my dad loved it and the rest of us did too. JK talent was and is a blessing to us all. The part I loved the most was that we could say- hey that song is a little too high- or too low- and he would just move it for us. All this fun led mom to suggest we sing in church together Sunday morning- who can say no to mom? We even got Nick and Kari up there along with Amy, Mom, JK, and I. It was listed as James Kainwo and the Shermers in the bulletin. I think if Nick wasn't part of the group it could have been JK and the Shermettes.While home during deer season there is no way I would miss out on getting some time in the shop. One day I happened to get done early so JK and I headed up to Tower to see mom and Amers. We picked up some good smoothies on main street and headed over to the Tower School. Walking in we ran into a couple people who knew exactly who we were- been talking much mom :). It was like Mom brought us to school for show and tell. All around the school we went on a little meet and greet tour. It was a lot of fun and great to see the people that mom and Amy talk about. We were able to get in some good times at home- but I think it's these simple memories that I really do enjoy the most. More to come (I promise Becky- I'm really going to try)
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