And it took a day and a half to open an account………………………………….

There are many acres of unoccupied land just outside of Freetown – green and lush and well watered with many tributaries. With all of this, we wondered why so many people prefer to live in the overcrowded conditions of Freetown. We were told because of the war many of the young moved to the city, leaving the older generation to farm the land and the new generation have become strangers to farming, preferring to haggle wares and services or just to plain beg. We see too many beggars in Freetown. There is a need for a new sense of survival and empowerment of the people.

We found out (the hard way) how much we take little things (like opening a bank account and changing flights) for granted, esp. how very tedious it can be, when done manually. But that’s how things are done here.

We finally came to the time to travel to Segbwema. The plan was to have a one day retreat to meet the staff of the hospital before we finally went. This was done in a Catholic guest house in Kenema (the catholics were the only religious body to have the vision to invest by building guest houses all over the country). The retreat was well attended and was very effective in highlighting the current problems, suggesting solutions and creating a pathway to reaching the solutions. The day went fast for us as we were anxious to see the end of our 4 week journey. At last, at 4:30 we set off from Kenema. We had only 27 miles to go – but we were told these were worse than the 100 plus miles we had already travelled. All the warning couldn’t have prepared us for the roads to Segbwema. It was worse than ‘river bottom’!!!!!! It took nearly 2 and half hours to travel. We were appalled. It seems it rains nearly on a daily basis and the roads reflected this. At one point we went through a muddy section where we could reach out of the window of the 4x4 and touch the ‘ground’. The more we drove the more it looked and felt remote – like driving into a jungle. We saw less and less concrete houses and more and more collection of mud huts with grass roof (villages). It was then it slowly dawned on us, we were really going in deep deep deep rural. It’s not going to be easy if we wanted to leave ( physically).
When we finally reached our destination it was dusk. The hospital grounds is not much to look at ( esp. in the dark – no electricity) and we were further alarmed. Was this really a hospital? We saw dilapidated buildings, overgrown premises, and few people milling around. Then we came to our new home. Of course, it was dark. The neighbour’s children came out to greet him ( he is the head of the nursing school) and they of course greeted us too. Everyone seemed pleased to have us. We found some light (our rechargeable lantern) and headed indoors – holding our breath for the surprise. And…………..we were pleasantly surprised. Our bungalow has 2 large bedrooms, both large enough to hold a king size bed, dresser, wardrobe, desk and chair, and also our many suitcases and bags and still find space to walk around without bucking our toes. We have a large living and dining area, toilet and bath (separated) and an ok kitchen. We have a fridge ( electric) and a gas operated stove. The corridors are huge!!!!!!!!! and Little J fell in love with the space. She also fell in play with the neighbour’s children. We were well looked after as person after person came with items for our comfort – food, water ( we have to get this at the communal source), light ( the generator was turned on for the hospital), somebody to kill the spiders ( they seem to just love the place) and someone to quickly give the tour. It was amazingly overwhelming.
We went to bed tired yet not, and woke at 3 a.m. to talk about our feelings. At 4:30 we heard crying (we’re approx 30 yards from the hospital) as it appeared there was a death. It turned out to be a maternal death ( obstructed labour ). This was the second in 2 days, and it seemed they are regular because of the practise and mentality of the people. They tend to go to TBAs even though the hospital is close by. But that’s another post.
Prayer warriors, please pray for team spirit to quickly grow on the workers and students; for the spirit of peace to descend when damaging old behaviour is confronted; and for people to want to change for the better. Don’t be alarmed or worried, we are all very, very well and learning to love the place more everyday. God has gone ahead and prepared the way. We are confident he will continue to be there for us. We are happy. With every blessing.
M,J and Little J.