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.