Special women...outstanding hospitality

Special women greeted us from the moment we first arrived in Freetown.  How can we every say "thank you" to Matilda?   Matilda is the United Methodist Women's Organization (UMWO) national president of Sierra Leone.  She greeted us at noon our first day with the women of West District preparing a  wonderful lunch. 

She then sent us back to the hotel for a bit of rest before we all returned to the church for some sigining, dancing and refreshments that evening.   Such joy they shared as they welcomed us to their country, church and community life.  



Randie, Vickie, Miss Lauren (director of WTC) , Matilda

Thanks Matilda.   She had so much to be doing in preparation for their annual meeting but she made time for us nearly each and every day.   Traveling with us to Konomusu to visit the Women's Training Center was just the best and returning with little time remaining to repack for the 7 day UMWO Annual Convention was sure to make her weary but we never knew that.   We couldn't have done it without her.   THANK YOU for everything.   We are still basking in the glow of RADICAL HOSPITALITY.   
Meeting the women who come to the WTC was one of our highlights.   Great work is being done to lift women and families out of poverty and into a life with dignity. Thanks UMW and UMWO.    

   

Message from Bishop Yambasu and more

Dear Vicki and all all my sisters on the 2012 Ubuntu team to Sierra Leone,

A big THANK YOU to all of you for choosing to come and share with us the love of Christ in Sierra Leone. You may not have known this but you all were a true blessing to all the women with whom you came in contact a tthe various places you visited. Thank you also for enduring the our Bumpy roads, hot and humid weather, mosquitoes and for sharing meals you may never have eating before all in the name of Jesus Christ. You warmed our hearts and made us feel that we are because you are and that you are because we are. Thank you for the light you brought into our lives and the joys you shared.Together with God, we all learnt what it means to "launch out into the deep" and by the grace of God, we will commit ourselves to doing just that.

May the joy of Christmas and the peace of a blessed new year be yours
now and always.    Bishop Yambasu

Vickie writes: 

As we continue to de-brief, un-pack and 'launch out' into our ordinary daily lives, we come to know God has surely imparted to us anything BUT an ordinary life! We have experienced the EXTRA ordinary and this experience is now part of who we are, in mind, body and spirit.

We are working to get in the spirit of Christmas after having such wonderful times, meaningful encounters, and making incredible new friends through Christ.   I really think our season of Advent began on December 2 when we departed on our Ubuntu Journey.  When asked how our new friends from SL celebrated Christmas, nearly everyone said....by attending church and sharing a meal with family and friends.   For us Northern folks, to be thinking and decorating and planning for Christmas seemed different.   Don't we have to be cold when doing so?   Enjoy the Christmas store we passed in Freetown.  Merry Christmas wherever you are.   

Santa is way over dressed... only about 90 degrees that day.

 

 

Being in the spirit of Ubuntu

Whenever there was singing, there was dancing.   Worship
is experienced fully.  

Gathered in a shady spot, the "Pink House" discussed issues
of gender equality and violence against women. Rita and Randie
lead  a discussion with biblical input and small group discussion.    

One day the USA Ubuntu team lead workshops for the UMWO membership gathered for their annual meeting.  We were facilitators and found common ground for our concerns in issues discussed and studied.    

Many of these women have also great expeiences with School of Christian Mission (now Mission U) studies.   UMW leadership empowers women throuigh education. 

 

 

 

 

 

We have much to be share with our women at home about how eager these women are for the opportunity to come together.   Remember.. this is their annual meeting.  It lasts for 7 days and some women walked for 3 days to arrive in time.  

 

In the weeks ahead, this blog will tell the story of the women's ministries that our Mission Pledge supports in Sierra Leone.   We are supporting amazing projects  and giving hope to many.  Hope you will return after the holidays to learn more about these projects.    

 

40 plus sets of knitting needles were put to use teaching
women to knit.   A big hit thanks to Mary and Cindy.

Some adventures never end

What a way to bring to a close our Ubuntu Journey to Sierra Leone!!!     We've been 8 since December 2 and for awhile we were going out 2 by 2.   

 

As we rode the ferry to the airport we had heard rumblings that our plane was going to be delayed 5 hours.    We were on the 2 o'clock ferry to make our 8:00 p.m. flight so another 5 hours seemed long.   IT WAS!!  

 

It began to be appearant that our flight was not going to depart at 1:00 a.m.  The new word that was spread about was our flight would depart at 3:15 a.m.    What's another few hours?    Hot and tired all 8 entered the plane and were on our way to Brussel's by 4:00 a.m. and only dreamed of making the connecting flight to Chicago.

Well, it was a nightmare turned into a dream as we arrived in Brussel's just a few minutes after the plane to Chicago departed. So the nightmare of ticketing (along with several other delayed passengers) the 8 of us.   As I write this afternoon we are praying Carol and Sally have found their way to the US as directed.   Bonnie, Vickie, Cindy, Rita, Mary, and Randie have been given a new lease on life...they have to spend the night in the Brussell's Airport Sheraton Hotel.   We are enjoying showers, a great drink of refreshing water in the midst of cooler temperatures.  This is not how we had planned to bring the actual journey to a close.

 

Please continue to lift us up in prayer as we one by one are once again home.   

 

 

The Day of Ubuntu

After our worship and commissioning, women of the conference were sent out in our "house" groups to villages around Lunsar on Wednesday. Women attending the convention had brought items from home to share with the families in the villages. Lots of blue bags had been prepared until 3 in the morning to be carried on this day.
Having no control over the photo placement, you should find Cindy in a sea of yellow and green shirts and all with blue bags on their heads. You will also see Matilda from the pink house all ready for the journey to the village assigned to pink. Another photo shows a woman (yellow) getting her offering adjusted for the walk. Another photo shows a proud young man sporting a new suit of clothing. Thanks Rita for capturing that moment.
The Day of Ubuntu was an amazing journey and what made it amazing was it was shared with our sisters in Sierra Leone. Memories were made, friendships were deepened and we will be moved as we continue to pray for and with our new family. We are one in the spirit...we are one in The Lord.

As you can tell, we are back in Freetown

We traced just 4 hours today and two of those hours were just getting through Freetown traffic. Unbelievable! Doesn't seem to matter the time of day... Traffic is bad and it isn't all vehicle traffic. Street vendors and shoppers make their way through the narrow streets as well.

UMWO 1st morning.

After arriving Monday afternoon we got settled in to the Baptist Retreat Center for the Annual UMWO Convention. The evening service ... No words to describe it. All of the Sierra Leonean Women were dressed in white, and we had worn dark skirts and white tops with a red scarf. The service was beautiful, full of the spirit of women inspired by God's call to make a difference in the world.
On Tuesday morning we dressed in our special house shirts. A house was a way of grouping the women for the conference and throughout the year. Two by two we were divided between the 4 houses. Great way to build community among the women at the conference. We were blessed.  When I return home I will use a different team picture...one that includes "green" Vickie.
To open the morning session we gathered as houses and marched into town singing choruses.
In the pink house one of the cooks got our singing started in full swing. Mary didn't have her pink shirt  on as she was to be cleaning up from breakfast. Sing Mary, sing... Her joy was every where. Thanks for getting us in tune. Not long after that photo of Mary was taken , someone reminded her of her responsibilities and off she went to serve us all.

Lunsar is our next stop

We are leaving soon for the Women's Conference. We are gathered in the lobby waiting for our faith filled driver, Abu. Some are talking with staff, some read the newspaper, and others are watching real world news (when electricity is on) as they wait. We seem quiet and reflective today as we prepare our heart and mind for our time with the UMW of SL. Thanks for your prayers. we may not be able to post from Lunsar but will return on Thursday to shuffle our belongings once again.

Prayers for the people of the Philippines

The women of the Sierra Leone Ubuntu Journey offer prayer for all those whose family members have died or are still missing and for those who have been uprooted by the recent typhoon in the Philippines. Please join us.  Vickie Newkirk, team leader.

Abu has his hands full...

After our nearly 11 hour trip to Kono, we encouraged Abu to stop for a stretch break about every 2 to 3 hours. When driving on the Bone Shaker road (we misunderstood and thought they said Bun Shaker ... And that one describes it completely) stops along the roadside provided opportunities to get acquainted with the village people. Our cameras are a big attraction. Click and let the kids see what appears is the MO. Carol was the "click and show" at a fruit stand. Kids loved seeing themselves.
Abu keeps us hydrated knowing where to by water. However, getting to understand Abu means one has to have a new definition for the word ALMOST. That is always the answer to "are we there yet?" We have arrived at our destination any where between one hour and four hours after.

Blessings abound at the training school

The women in leadership roles provide love and care for the 116 women who come in for vocational training and in the process, they learn about a loving God. Bonnie and Randie meet briefly a survivor of the war. With only one arm she is given hope and support at the center and in return demonstrates to the younger ones how one can go on in the midst of adversity. Even though we do not know her name she has put a face to the stories we've read about surrounding. the atrocities of war. We will remember her for the story that one day may keep another war from beginning.
Embroidery work adorns decorative pillows, bed sheets, table cloths and clothing. Girls used the treadle machines with the pressor foot removed to create amazing designs by moving the material various distances and it really looked like the pattern they create.
In the training center they also learn to style hair. Girls select a hair style from among the posters on the wall and then another girl "practices" on the volunteer model. Lots of action in this area.
We were so blessed to meet the staff and budding artists at the training center.  Even though it was developed primarily for women, men with physical limitations are included in the program. One young girl in the program is deaf.   Her smile and thank you dance tells us she feels good about herself and the possibilities for her future.  Thanks for your continued prayers.
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Harford girls

When we finally arrived at the Harford School for Girls, we were greeted warmly by staff and 6 "seniors" who drew water for our bathrooms. Once functioning bathroom plumbing was no longer functional so these girls were given the responsibility of taking care of us which included keeping petro in the generator, carrying suitcases up stairs for us in the dark because the generator doesn't start until around 7:00 p.m., cleaning a gathering room floor to remove the continual dust, and whatever else was needed for our care.
After a wonderful meal, singing and dancing (photos would have provided some real moves by Cindy) near the home of the district superintendent we moved back to our sleeping quarters. Being early (for Bonnie and Cindy) we gathered with our girls for a fun evening of photography, printing and crafting a candy cane ornament. Cindy and Bonnie shared the story of the candy cane and taught the girls how to make the Ornaments.  They in turn will help the pre-school children make them some time next week.
While at our gathering with the pre-school children, Marina (girl in the white) told the story of the candy cane and showed the examples of the bead craft for another day. Empowering young women to lead was exciting. Marina was exquisite! A prospective UMW member, we hope.
Also that evening Bonnie and Cindy took individual photos of the girls and printed the while the generator was still on. Allison loved having the sheet of 4 wallet size to share.  Princess did refuel the generator (which meant the generator was off for a short time) but not until the last print was made. Great evening with some of the "senior" girls. They also slept in our house with us to insure our safety. I guess it was an old fashioned sleepover!

An important decision in the making

As we departed from Freetown to begin our journey in-country, we had finally made it out of high volume traffic and were on open road when Abu quickly guided us to the side of the road where he offered us our first stretch break.  Traffic moved at high speeds with horns blaring  past us while Abu and our new best friend changed our tire. A young man from across the highway had come to the rescue by not only bringing a tire iron with which to jack up the van but he also crawled under the vehicle to set the jack.
After the tire was changed, our young new friend went back across the road and return with a special offer. "Would you like to purchase a tire iron to carry on your journey?" A discussion of terms and finances were properly conducted and an important decision was made. Abu and Matilda sealed that deal and we were soon on our way to Kono Disrtict via Bo.
As the journey grew longer and longer, and the time grew later and later, we sang songs to keep our minds off the bouncing in back of the van, the knees that felt locked in one position and at times we were concerned about the lateness of the night.  We passed many villages without even being aware they were there because of the darkness.  Once again Abu needed to pull over...our tire was flat.  We were blessed by God's guidance as Abu had gotten the tire repaired in Bo when had stopped for lunch and Matilda had wisely purchased the tire iron.  A day we will never forget.

Reconnecting with a woman from 2008

Both Mary and Vickie came to Sierra Leone in 2008 and on our Tuesday morning Kissy stop were able to greet Kadie Hope.  Kadie heads the Kissy nutrition program and she receives the dried milk to improve the nutrition of the babies in the program. Vickie brought this woman a new UMW Bible. The very worn Bible is tucked under her arm. The transition between the use of the old Bible and the new one has already begun.

Meeting women and listening to stories.

Cindy and Kathleen get acquainted our first morning at the United Methodist Church of Sierra Leone office complex. We have been blessed with many opportunities such as this. Sally meets Sally the dressmaker. Language was difficult but Sally from Sierra Leone made it clear she wanted to make us each a dress so measurements were taken. A new dress is being made.

The real journey begins... .

We're back in Freetown after a wild ride with the best driver (Abu), we travelled in country after a quick stop at Kissy Hospital where equipment and envelopes were delivered, well baby clinic got a visit, PT stop with Therapist Steven, check up on the walkways that had been built with a team from Texas and Valparaiso, IN and of course a stop at the expectant moms area of the hospital.  The young women who have come to Kissy to give birth and rest up before delivery take turns giving one another a new hair style.

Our first day...

 Our day began with a greeting and a long term visioning from Bishop Yambasu. and we met our local hosts Smart and Beatrice at the UMC House. The Bishop laid out a vision for the church in Sierra Leone which included adding two floors to the UMC House to be rented out thus providing income for the church to support a pension program for their retired clergy and an ambitious plan to build a University which would begin with a school of Agriculture and Theology.  Within school of theology he talked about addressing the issues of violence against women.
We have been moved by the radical hospitality that has been shown to us by our Sisters in Sierra Leone. The women of the West District prepared and served a wonderful lunch, allowed us to go home and have a bit of rest, so we could be ready to be part of their UMW social night in our honor. Now they did some serious singing!!!!
Tonight we are sorting all of the ministry items that were brought. Thanks so much to all who shared a pin for the women's conference next week. We will have suitcases for the women's training center, the pre school, the Hartford Girls school, as well as our personal things for the next 3 days. Tomorrow we need to be packed and ready to load the bus for a few days of exploring...all before 7:30 am.
We may not have wifi for the next 3 days but we will be enjoying our continuing adventure...and we appreciate all you prayers during this time.  Blessings,  Vickie, Sally, Randie, Carol,  Cindy, Rita, Mary and Bonnie.

Planes, a ferry ride, and a van..we are here.

View from the penthouse suite

We have arrived... we were several hours behind schedule but we were blessed with a good night's sleep in Freetown. The  sorting of our ministry items has begun as we little by little empty or rearrange the contents of our 17 pieces of luggage.   

Our plan is to meet our hosts for the journey, organize our selves and bags of things, and to visit the church center plus lots of surprises.  
Thanks for your prayers for our safe journey...we are blessed with new sites and sounds...our journey has begun.  Love to all for your support of us and the journey ahead. 

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