Sunday- Beginning of our long journey home
This morning we woke up at 6am, finished packing and had our last delicious meal cooked by the famous Fadia. The bus was right on time; he pulled in the gate at 7:00 to pick us up. We loaded up the van with our luggage and off we were to Freetown. Our goal was to make the 11:00 ferry to Lungi, we were the last vehicle to make it on the ferry.
Once we arrived at Lungi we headed to Sierra Paradise Hotel. We had no idea where we were going but the bus driver promised us it was “close” and beautiful. We started down a long bumpy dirt road. Not knowing where we were going it seemed like the road that never ends. We went through village after village, through a police check point, through what seemed like the jungle, and over a “bridge” (which by the way I was scared to death to go over). Finally, an hour later we hit a beautiful white sand beach. There were actually people there vacationing. Everyone on the team was talking about how nice it would be to vacation there. Not me, it was way too remote for this girl.
After some of the team had lunch at the beach resort and we got the bus unstuck (sorry forgot to mention that excitement), we headed back down the long bumpy jungle road and headed to Lungi Airport Hotel. We showered (the water was actually hot) and relaxed for a few hours then off we were to Lungi Airport where the next stop in our long journey home would take place.
Well I showered and felt much better just to stand in line for hours at the Lungi airport to go through multiple check points and security checks because they don’t have metal detectors there. I believe I pulled my passport out eight times before I finally got to sit in my seat on the airplane. We had a pretty good dinner at the Lungi Airport restaurant. The only weird thing we encountered is when one of the customs guys asked for one of our TSA locks. He didn’t know what it was. When Laura handed one over, he asked if we had a key to go with it. Too bad he didn’t know he was the one that should have had the key. Now he has a TSA lock that has no use to it because he doesn’t know the code to unlock it, loser. We took off right on time, 11:45pm.
The flight to Heathrow, London was uneventful. We had a MUCH nicer crew on the BMI then we had going to Freetown. I slept off and on; it was only about a 6 hour flight so it was hard to sleep because we had a meal right when we got on and again an hour before we landed. The group did have the exit row so we had a lot of leg room. It was ALMOST like a free upgrade to first class.
We arrived right on time at Heathrow. I was totally jealous because Scott was home when we got off and the rest of us had a 5 hour layover and 8.5 hour flight still ahead of us before we finally reached our home and final destination. Once we got checked in and through security for the British airways flight we had very British breakfast at the Giraffe at the airport, can’t wait for American food!! I relaxed for the rest of our layover and thought about how EXCITED I was to get home. It will feel good to be back on American soil.
I was SO happy when our plane finally landed at Dulles. I couldn’t wait to see my family, get a clean shower, sleep in my own bed, and it lost of food. I wanted to start singing “God Bless America,” I was so happy and relieved to finally be home.
I had a wonderful time in Africa; it was an experience of a lifetime. Those children will forever be in my heart.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Day #8
Saturday
It is our final day here at the CRC in Bo and how bittersweet it is. This morning we woke up and had scrambled eggs, bread, and cucumbers made by the famous cook, Fadia. We spend the morning packing up and doing various things around the compound. Some people went into the Bo market to run some errands and others stayed back to finish some last minute project items.
This afternoon was just crazy! We had 175 child support program kids over for a “Let’s Read” party. It was just out of control. The kids had a great time so that is all that matters.
Tonight Fadia made me happy again by popping more popcorn for me! I am going to miss that popcorn so much. We also had delicious grouper for dinner, my favorite meal yet!
After dinner we went next door for our final VESPERS with the children and a farewell party to follow. It was a sad goodbye for everyone. I didn’t think it would be so difficult to say goodbye to these children, but let me tell you, it was!
We are getting up very early to start our journey home. The bus is coming at 7am then we will head back to Freetown where we are hoping to catch the 11:00 ferry back to Lungi. Once we get to Lungi we are going to be tourists and go to a beach resort for the day and then head back to the Lungi Airport Hotel where our trip began to shower before heading to the airport. It will be a long couple of days traveling back to the states but this was a trip of a lifetime and it is totally worth the bus, ferry, and two planes that it takes for us to get home.
Goodnight, one last time from Africa. See you all back in the states!
It is our final day here at the CRC in Bo and how bittersweet it is. This morning we woke up and had scrambled eggs, bread, and cucumbers made by the famous cook, Fadia. We spend the morning packing up and doing various things around the compound. Some people went into the Bo market to run some errands and others stayed back to finish some last minute project items.
This afternoon was just crazy! We had 175 child support program kids over for a “Let’s Read” party. It was just out of control. The kids had a great time so that is all that matters.
Tonight Fadia made me happy again by popping more popcorn for me! I am going to miss that popcorn so much. We also had delicious grouper for dinner, my favorite meal yet!
After dinner we went next door for our final VESPERS with the children and a farewell party to follow. It was a sad goodbye for everyone. I didn’t think it would be so difficult to say goodbye to these children, but let me tell you, it was!
We are getting up very early to start our journey home. The bus is coming at 7am then we will head back to Freetown where we are hoping to catch the 11:00 ferry back to Lungi. Once we get to Lungi we are going to be tourists and go to a beach resort for the day and then head back to the Lungi Airport Hotel where our trip began to shower before heading to the airport. It will be a long couple of days traveling back to the states but this was a trip of a lifetime and it is totally worth the bus, ferry, and two planes that it takes for us to get home.
Goodnight, one last time from Africa. See you all back in the states!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Day #7
Friday
What a HOT day it was in Bo today! Today we woke up around 7:30 and had delicious hard boiled eggs, bread, and bananas for breakfast. Everyone hung around the MTC for the day to get several projects completed while the children were at school. The men worked on a drainage system while the ladies got things done for the party we are having for the children tomorrow. I did however get to use some electric saw sort of thing, and paint!!
For lunch today we had french-fries (YUMMY), popcorn, and some vegetable stew! We all started packing this afternoon because of the fun filled day we have planned for tomorrow. I can’t believe this week has almost come to an end. When the week first began I didn’t think I would one, survive this trip, and two see the end of the week. Once I finally got more comfortable with being here I quickly started enjoying every moment of this trip and unfortunately it started flying by.
Tonight we had some spicy pasta, pineapple and chicken for dinner. After dinner we went to the CRC for VESPERS. It was a short VESPERS tonight because the children had to vote for their new “Children’s Voice” representative. Let me tell you, they take their voting VERY seriously here. You don’t want to mess with those Sierra Leonean people when they are voting. An hour later… we FINALLY had a winner.
Today ended with a very cool and heavy rain. The men were happy to see that their drainage system was a success. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, a “Let’s Read Party” for the 175 Child Support Program children from 2-4, followed by a farewell party with the CRC children tomorrow night. There will be a lot of happy children around here tomorrow, a great way to end a fantastic week.
What a HOT day it was in Bo today! Today we woke up around 7:30 and had delicious hard boiled eggs, bread, and bananas for breakfast. Everyone hung around the MTC for the day to get several projects completed while the children were at school. The men worked on a drainage system while the ladies got things done for the party we are having for the children tomorrow. I did however get to use some electric saw sort of thing, and paint!!
For lunch today we had french-fries (YUMMY), popcorn, and some vegetable stew! We all started packing this afternoon because of the fun filled day we have planned for tomorrow. I can’t believe this week has almost come to an end. When the week first began I didn’t think I would one, survive this trip, and two see the end of the week. Once I finally got more comfortable with being here I quickly started enjoying every moment of this trip and unfortunately it started flying by.
Tonight we had some spicy pasta, pineapple and chicken for dinner. After dinner we went to the CRC for VESPERS. It was a short VESPERS tonight because the children had to vote for their new “Children’s Voice” representative. Let me tell you, they take their voting VERY seriously here. You don’t want to mess with those Sierra Leonean people when they are voting. An hour later… we FINALLY had a winner.
Today ended with a very cool and heavy rain. The men were happy to see that their drainage system was a success. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, a “Let’s Read Party” for the 175 Child Support Program children from 2-4, followed by a farewell party with the CRC children tomorrow night. There will be a lot of happy children around here tomorrow, a great way to end a fantastic week.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Day #6
Thursday
Well the week is slowly coming to an end here in Africa. For breakfast we had bread, bananas and hot dogs. Today we went to the upper primary and senior secondary schools. I observed Language Arts in the fourth and sixth grades. It was a difficult morning at the school because one of the CRC children got flauged and was really upset. It is part of the African culture as an act of punishment in the schools. I was hoping we wouldn't have to experience that but unfortunately we did.
On our way home from the schools we had to do a little party shopping in downtown Bo for our farewell party on Saturday. Running errands in Bo is definitely a little different than “running to the grocery store at home.” We did however run into some Americans today, from Louisiana. When we got back the men decided they didn’t want to join us for lunch until they completed painting the girls dorm…men! For lunch we had some sort of stew and rice? I stuck with gram crackers and peanut butter.
All afternoon Laura, Mary, and I gave reading assessments to about 40 of the children so when the summer school team comes down in May they are able to place them in reading groups. What a long afternoon that was. It was really hard listening to those children struggle through basic reading that they should be able to read at their grade level. Hopefully this will truly benefit them this summer.
For dinner we had some potato stew I think? I don’t know anymore. We had the usual routine, vespers, then went to the girl’s dorm and read a chapter of Charlotte’s Web to them. I enjoy vespers every night because they end the night by singing several songs that they just sing beautifully.
It has been another super, super hot and humid day. Unfortunately I got my first mosquito bite of the week. I can’t believe tomorrow is already Friday; the second part of this week has really flown by. Goodnight from half a world away.
Well the week is slowly coming to an end here in Africa. For breakfast we had bread, bananas and hot dogs. Today we went to the upper primary and senior secondary schools. I observed Language Arts in the fourth and sixth grades. It was a difficult morning at the school because one of the CRC children got flauged and was really upset. It is part of the African culture as an act of punishment in the schools. I was hoping we wouldn't have to experience that but unfortunately we did.
On our way home from the schools we had to do a little party shopping in downtown Bo for our farewell party on Saturday. Running errands in Bo is definitely a little different than “running to the grocery store at home.” We did however run into some Americans today, from Louisiana. When we got back the men decided they didn’t want to join us for lunch until they completed painting the girls dorm…men! For lunch we had some sort of stew and rice? I stuck with gram crackers and peanut butter.
All afternoon Laura, Mary, and I gave reading assessments to about 40 of the children so when the summer school team comes down in May they are able to place them in reading groups. What a long afternoon that was. It was really hard listening to those children struggle through basic reading that they should be able to read at their grade level. Hopefully this will truly benefit them this summer.
For dinner we had some potato stew I think? I don’t know anymore. We had the usual routine, vespers, then went to the girl’s dorm and read a chapter of Charlotte’s Web to them. I enjoy vespers every night because they end the night by singing several songs that they just sing beautifully.
It has been another super, super hot and humid day. Unfortunately I got my first mosquito bite of the week. I can’t believe tomorrow is already Friday; the second part of this week has really flown by. Goodnight from half a world away.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Day #5
Wednesday
It is another hot day in Africa today. This morning I woke up had a little breakfast and headed to Zenith to do some more school observations. Today I had the opportunity to observe second grade all morning today I then got to play at recess with some of the kiddos for a little bit. Playing consisted of me running around with 100 kids chasing after me…So cute.
After we observed the schools we went to the market in Bo to pick up some items for the party we are having on Saturday for the kids. I bought a bunch of fabric for 55000 Leones (about $14 dollars) that the tailor is going to make into skirts and dresses for me before I leave.
For lunch we had the most amazing french-fries, cucumbers, and something else (no idea what it was). This afternoon I continued to tackle the children’s books in the library and helped paint the boy’s dorm (yes I painted). After a busy and exhausting afternoon painting in the heat I spent the rest of the day hanging out with the children.
Tonight we had the Director, Mr. Jimmy Lamboi over to the MTC for dinner along with a few of the college children that have been helping with all the paint work that the team has been doing. It was a good time had by all. For dinner we had fired chicken, pineapple, popcorn, and some kind of spicy rice. It was really good. We then went next door to the CRC for VESPERS and listened to the girls sing for us in their doom for a little while before bed, my favorite part of the day.
Today was just an uncomfortable hot and humid day. I really hope it will cool down tonight and/or we get a rain storm at some point. The week is starting to go by a lot quicker than the beginning of the week did. I never thought I’d say this, but I am really getting used to this Africa “lifestyle” in which I have had to come accustomed to over the past couple of days.
Goodnight from Bo.
It is another hot day in Africa today. This morning I woke up had a little breakfast and headed to Zenith to do some more school observations. Today I had the opportunity to observe second grade all morning today I then got to play at recess with some of the kiddos for a little bit. Playing consisted of me running around with 100 kids chasing after me…So cute.
After we observed the schools we went to the market in Bo to pick up some items for the party we are having on Saturday for the kids. I bought a bunch of fabric for 55000 Leones (about $14 dollars) that the tailor is going to make into skirts and dresses for me before I leave.
For lunch we had the most amazing french-fries, cucumbers, and something else (no idea what it was). This afternoon I continued to tackle the children’s books in the library and helped paint the boy’s dorm (yes I painted). After a busy and exhausting afternoon painting in the heat I spent the rest of the day hanging out with the children.
Tonight we had the Director, Mr. Jimmy Lamboi over to the MTC for dinner along with a few of the college children that have been helping with all the paint work that the team has been doing. It was a good time had by all. For dinner we had fired chicken, pineapple, popcorn, and some kind of spicy rice. It was really good. We then went next door to the CRC for VESPERS and listened to the girls sing for us in their doom for a little while before bed, my favorite part of the day.
Today was just an uncomfortable hot and humid day. I really hope it will cool down tonight and/or we get a rain storm at some point. The week is starting to go by a lot quicker than the beginning of the week did. I never thought I’d say this, but I am really getting used to this Africa “lifestyle” in which I have had to come accustomed to over the past couple of days.
Goodnight from Bo.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Day #4
Tuesday
Last night I fell asleep to pouring rain on the tin roof of our building. It put me right asleep and kept me asleep through the night. I woke up this morning feeling very homesick. I know I will get through this week though. I never thought it would be this hard to be in a third world country this far away from my family and friends, but it is.
For breakfast this morning we had hard boiled eggs, pineapple, and bread. We then got ready and Laura, Mary, and I headed to Zenith to do some more school
observations. Today I got to observe a fourth and seventh grade class. I really enjoyed sitting in on the fourth grade class. I had the opportunity to observe a little bit of science (electricity) and math (division). When I was sitting in the classrooms and started to think about the lack of educational tools these children have to learn with. They sit had desks sometimes two-three per desk; they have a pen and pencil, a composition notebook, and a chalkboard. There are no lights in the classrooms, no textbooks, children books to read, computers, or educational posters. I couldn’t believe that these children were learning so much with barely any educational tools to learn with. In the United States schools spend millions of dollars a year to make sure there are copy machines, each teacher has a laptop, paper, textbooks, posters, smart boards, and the list can go on and on. Even though the children have the barest of essentials to learn with it blows me away when I see how excited the children are here about learning and receiving an education. They truly feel privileged that they are receiving and education, something that American kids don’t feel because it is a way of everyday life.
We finally had a break in the weather today. It has been a bit “cooler” and overcast. I spent the afternoon chopping away at the library some more and spent some time with the children when they got home from school. I have totally fallen in love with a six year old named Saffie. She is coming home with me in my suite case. She hasn’t said anything to me since we have been here but would hang on to me and want me to constantly pick her up and give her a piggyback ride. When I saw her afterschool today, she ran up to me and gave me a hug and said, “hi Lindsey,” and starting talking up a storm. She is the youngest child here at the CRC and I can’t get over how happy she is. I saw her off to school yesterday morning and I couldn’t even imagine how it would feel to not have my parents around to see me off to school when I was that age. Yet, she always has a big smile on her face.
For dinner we had fish stew, popcorn, cucumbers, yams, and potatoes, quite tasty. I am craving my mom’s food though, that’s for sure. After dinner we went over to see the children for VESPERS. The girls decided to go to the boy’s dorm to hear them tell goodnight stories and sing a few songs to us before they went to sleep.
Another day has come to an end here in Bo. Although I am feeling more homesick than I have all week, this experience has already been life changing and I know it will be one that I remember for the rest of my life.
Last night I fell asleep to pouring rain on the tin roof of our building. It put me right asleep and kept me asleep through the night. I woke up this morning feeling very homesick. I know I will get through this week though. I never thought it would be this hard to be in a third world country this far away from my family and friends, but it is.
For breakfast this morning we had hard boiled eggs, pineapple, and bread. We then got ready and Laura, Mary, and I headed to Zenith to do some more school
observations. Today I got to observe a fourth and seventh grade class. I really enjoyed sitting in on the fourth grade class. I had the opportunity to observe a little bit of science (electricity) and math (division). When I was sitting in the classrooms and started to think about the lack of educational tools these children have to learn with. They sit had desks sometimes two-three per desk; they have a pen and pencil, a composition notebook, and a chalkboard. There are no lights in the classrooms, no textbooks, children books to read, computers, or educational posters. I couldn’t believe that these children were learning so much with barely any educational tools to learn with. In the United States schools spend millions of dollars a year to make sure there are copy machines, each teacher has a laptop, paper, textbooks, posters, smart boards, and the list can go on and on. Even though the children have the barest of essentials to learn with it blows me away when I see how excited the children are here about learning and receiving an education. They truly feel privileged that they are receiving and education, something that American kids don’t feel because it is a way of everyday life.
We finally had a break in the weather today. It has been a bit “cooler” and overcast. I spent the afternoon chopping away at the library some more and spent some time with the children when they got home from school. I have totally fallen in love with a six year old named Saffie. She is coming home with me in my suite case. She hasn’t said anything to me since we have been here but would hang on to me and want me to constantly pick her up and give her a piggyback ride. When I saw her afterschool today, she ran up to me and gave me a hug and said, “hi Lindsey,” and starting talking up a storm. She is the youngest child here at the CRC and I can’t get over how happy she is. I saw her off to school yesterday morning and I couldn’t even imagine how it would feel to not have my parents around to see me off to school when I was that age. Yet, she always has a big smile on her face.
For dinner we had fish stew, popcorn, cucumbers, yams, and potatoes, quite tasty. I am craving my mom’s food though, that’s for sure. After dinner we went over to see the children for VESPERS. The girls decided to go to the boy’s dorm to hear them tell goodnight stories and sing a few songs to us before they went to sleep.
Another day has come to an end here in Bo. Although I am feeling more homesick than I have all week, this experience has already been life changing and I know it will be one that I remember for the rest of my life.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Day #3
Today we woke up around 7:30 and ate breakfast as a team. We then got ready and the girls departed for Zenith where we spent the morning observing classrooms. I had the opportunity to observe a Kindergarten, 1st, and 3rd class today. From the short amount of time I spent in each of the classrooms there were many things that were similar to how schools are ran in the States and there were many things that were very different as well.
The kindergarten class was talking about nouns. I know for a fact that we don’t even mention nouns till first or second grade in the United States. They are learning on a different level than students in America.
We then left the day school and went to the upper elementary Zenith school where 4th through 12th attend school. There I had the opportunity to observe a 9th grade class who was learning about pig reproduction… very interesting. Definitely didn’t think I would come here to learn about pig reproduction, but I did. I had a very difficult time understating what the teacher was saying even though he was speaking English. I understood the primary teachers very well but in the upper grades I found myself having a very difficult time understanding what they were saying.
Around 12:00 we came back to the CRC for a delicious lunch. Before we came down here I was told by many people how great the popcorn was. I was so happy when I heard we were going to have popcorn with lunch today. I will confirm it was the BEST popcorn I have ever had!
For the rest of the afternoon Laura, Mary, Scott, and myself started to tackle the VERY unorganized library. This is a task that we will not complete this week. They children have so many great books but it lacks any kind of organization.
Right before dinner we had a heavy rain storm. I decided to take advantage of the rain and go outside in my clothes and take a “shower.” It cooled me off and felt amazing! For dinner we had rice and some sort of green stuff and pineapple for a side. We then went next door for Vespers. The children got their pen pal letters tonight. I really enjoyed reading the letters to them. I loved seeing all the smiles on the children’s faces.
Another day has come to an end here in Bo. Today has been the hottest day yet. Hopefully it will “cool” down a little tonight. The good thing is the generator came on around 4:00 today so we will at least have some fans blowing as we fall asleep! The team had never seen someone so happy when I saw lights come on in the bathroom this afternoon. They thought I ran into someone I knew in Africa. I wish! The electricity made me happy though.
The kindergarten class was talking about nouns. I know for a fact that we don’t even mention nouns till first or second grade in the United States. They are learning on a different level than students in America.
We then left the day school and went to the upper elementary Zenith school where 4th through 12th attend school. There I had the opportunity to observe a 9th grade class who was learning about pig reproduction… very interesting. Definitely didn’t think I would come here to learn about pig reproduction, but I did. I had a very difficult time understating what the teacher was saying even though he was speaking English. I understood the primary teachers very well but in the upper grades I found myself having a very difficult time understanding what they were saying.
Around 12:00 we came back to the CRC for a delicious lunch. Before we came down here I was told by many people how great the popcorn was. I was so happy when I heard we were going to have popcorn with lunch today. I will confirm it was the BEST popcorn I have ever had!
For the rest of the afternoon Laura, Mary, Scott, and myself started to tackle the VERY unorganized library. This is a task that we will not complete this week. They children have so many great books but it lacks any kind of organization.
Right before dinner we had a heavy rain storm. I decided to take advantage of the rain and go outside in my clothes and take a “shower.” It cooled me off and felt amazing! For dinner we had rice and some sort of green stuff and pineapple for a side. We then went next door for Vespers. The children got their pen pal letters tonight. I really enjoyed reading the letters to them. I loved seeing all the smiles on the children’s faces.
Another day has come to an end here in Bo. Today has been the hottest day yet. Hopefully it will “cool” down a little tonight. The good thing is the generator came on around 4:00 today so we will at least have some fans blowing as we fall asleep! The team had never seen someone so happy when I saw lights come on in the bathroom this afternoon. They thought I ran into someone I knew in Africa. I wish! The electricity made me happy though.
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