Greetings from Sierra Leone!
We have arrived safely and are working on recovering from jet lag. We found out today that the ship with the barrels has been delayed but the good news is that the second shipment of barrels "caught" up so we both of them will arrive November 3rd (fingers crossed).
It's hard to believe we are here, it seemed like a long time coming but truly we only left Haiti the first week of July. Somewhere between Paris and Sierra Leone I had a "small" meltdown that lasted about 10 minutes. All of the sudden I felt homeless.. You know that feeling of being homesick? Well it was like that except God reminded me again (through my husbands' words) that home is where I am.
Last night was our first night in our house, it was filled with adventure:) At this count, we have met several different types of spiders (big and small) and have not freaked out once (ok a little at the really HUGE one)!!! Me with no weapons, they are all in the barrels. Outside noises, monsoon rains and the HUM of the generator. There are no power lines here so we will always run off a generator.
When we arrived, our house guard jumped into the vehicle and began hugging David and I. We met him when we visited in June and he was so happy to see us. Very funny to watch Davids' face...
The things we take for granted, there are no cupboards, few shelves and no closets and David with no tools... He's going crazy, lol. He would happily build me something. The refrigerator is one of those small apartment size so we should lose weight as storing lots of food won't be possible.
The bathroom is so interesting... I will post pictures on our website. When you walk in the sink is on the right side then as you continue walking the floor slopes and you are in the shower, complete with a floor drain...then uphill and onto the toilet. Unique but it's indoor plumbing and we are happy!
This morning while cleaning a variety of people stopped at the house to meet with us and a few small "stores" on the top of womens' heads stopped by to sell me things. African fabric, brooms, rice and ... drum roll please.... Barack Obama underwear!
It is "warm" here and David is thrilled! Me, I am adjusting and will be fine in a few weeks. Getting used to sweating while standing still and wishing I was like my sister who does not sweat, under any circumstances. Something in her biological makeup that didn't get passed on to me:(
First thing I did when we arrived was put up our cuckoo clock (our oldest gave it to us years ago for Christmas and Africans are fascinated by it) and put out pictures of the kids and friends. Next came our traveling bible and devotionals, now it is home.
We went shopping for groceries and supplies yesterday, what an experience. A large store full of many things I had no idea existed. We managed to buy household items (mop, broom, sheet and towels) we had to have and enough food to get us by until the barrels arrive. What an adventure, things are called by different names and labels are not always accurate. But they did have staples like bread, peanut butter, spaghetti and margarine so we will be fine! I'm going to try to make something from a few of the mystery food in cans...stay tuned...
Traveling through the streets and countryside here is indescribable. The laughing children, beautifully attired women, "markets" on the side of the road, freshly baked bread, fried plantains and the smiles, oh the smiles. They are contagious. Unlike Zambia, where the culture is rather quiet and nonemotional, Sierra Leoneans are similar to Americans, vocal, talking with their hands and very animated. We feel right at home. Driving at night is challenging, to say the least, most vehicles have no headlights (or don't use them) and few taillights, then... all the pedestrians. Once outside of Freetown there are few places that have electricity and it is DARK DARK... like can't see your hand dark.
There is a family with three small children that live behind our home. Guess where David is? Yesterday we were in Freetown at First Step offices, I turn around and he's gone. I look around and there he is out on the street talking to people and playing with kids.
We are both excited to get settled in and begin what God sent us here to do, and whatever else he asks... Thank you for all the encouraging words these past few weeks and the out pouring of additional support funds which made our journey last week possible. We are feeling blessed knowing we are in your thoughts and prayers as you are in ours. May Christ continue to keep his loving hand on you and keep your path safe and straight.
Blessings,
David and Mommy (which is what everyone is calling me) I "think" it's a sign of respect
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