"appi krismes"

translation: merry Christmas in krio

krio is the common language in the upper banta district of sierra leone.  i wasn't so good at updating my blog upon returning from sierra leone this past summer.  however, i thought this Christmas was the best time to share a little more about what God allowed me to be a part of this past summer.  just a note - this entry has multiple pics, and is long...so get ready! :)  the following is the a portion of the letter i recently sent out....

our team of 15 lived in the integrity house, one of 10 homes that provide shelter, food, and family to the orphaned children of Sierra Leone. during our visit we were treated like royalty, being provided with thick foam-like mattresses and bunk beds to sleep on, enjoying three prepared meals a day, hugged every time you walked out of the house, and reminded of God’s beauty each time you walked outside.

the majority of our time in country was spent helping lead youth camp!  our days began at 7 each morning and ended around 11:30 each night.  each camp day was filled to the brim - church services, leading arts & crafts, cheering during “futbol” matches, loving on village kids who were hanging around youth camp, more church services, and leading four precious girls during “dorm time”.  dorm time was a highlight for me; for about 20 minutes each night, my girls and i would talk about the day, discuss their questions about God, pray together, and love one other.  we even had a night where we did a little pampering.

hanging out at camp!

manicure night with my girls - please note the foam mattress we are sitting on...this is how they slept (if they were lucky enough to have a mattress)

as time allowed, we walked the country-side of Sierra Leone making our way to three different villages. ngolala (pronounced = “gwala”) is a village just across the “road”, about a 10 minute walk, from the COTN property. it was on our first walk to ngolala that I looked around and was overwhelmed by the beauty of the country. the village looks like one you might see in national geographic. i found so much joy sitting on a family’s dusty porch, just spending time with them.

the trees on the way to ngolala



make shift hair salon - i was needing some braids!



enjoying spending time with batu and her son david

we visited village of mokpangumba the second sunday we were in banta. the journey to this village consisted of a three-mile hike, including walking through two bodies of water and one scary canoe ride. i am happy to announce we arrived to the other side of the river dry! 

our captain is paddling from the back...we are just about to turn around to cross the river...let's just say i was a little nervous!!!

once in the village, we were warmly greeted and led to their church. although church had ended by the time we arrived, we spent time with the people. this village will forever hold a special place in my heart. first, because the little girl i sponsor lives here. meet theresa johnny (in the maroon dress). she is in nursery school in her village. when she starts the 2nd grade she will begin walking to the school at ngolala; until then, she will continue learning at the school in her village.

a little girl who met me once we crossed the river...she walked me to her village

meet theresa johnny!

i will also always love this visit because was able to hold a little baby the traditional “african” way. little james johnny (theresa’s little brother), 7 weeks old at the time, was strapped on my back for about 10 minutes. i was a little nervous, but his sweet mom put me at ease, and didn’t stray far from her little one, the youngest of nine children!  such a memorable moment for me...i can't wait to see both theresa and her family again! 

james' mom is helping me get started!

we don't want him falling - he's got to be strapped in tight!

i'm thinking - "please don't fall out little james!"  i'm not about to let go...although, i don't think my hand would do any good!

james, me & his sweet momma!

such a sweet baby boy!

senehun was the last village we are able to travel to. the walk to senehun, about 30 minutes from COTN, was breath-taking!!! we were surrounded by beautiful palm trees, making a hot day much cooler! the “lake” we had to walk thru to reach the village also helped with the heat! this rather small village rests at the top of a hill, and is full of beautiful, welcoming people. the afternoon in senehun was relaxing, allowing me to take everything in. i sat with two ladies while in senehun; i believe they are both grandmothers. we did not understand any words that were shared, but there were smiles just the same! 

palm trees on the way to senehun - picture the scenery from jurassic park -- this is it -- beautiful!!!

 

this body of water is at the base of the hill leading to senehun...reportedly this is the cleanest water upper banta district

sitting with these beautiful women in senehun

each and every experience in sierra leone allowed me a unique glimpse at God’s love for His people. He has met their every need; and as His children, they are content to live in His provision, whatever that might look like. as you enjoy this Christmas season with your family, may you be reminded of God's provision for each of us through a baby named Jesus!

sunset in upper banta mokelleh, sierra leone, west africa



appi krismes,  

**if you are interested in learning more about Children of the Nations (the organization we partenered with) or sponsoring a child please visit their website.