• David and Judy Figi Wisconsin
• Richard and Catherine Frazier Missouri
• Kira Gruzinski Colorado
• Lisa Kieb Michigan
• Liz Kostas Missouri
• Hope and Les Law Colorado
• Carol Owen Hawaii
• Chuck Saxton Colorado
• Matthew Stolte Colorado
• Dan Kamanda Rhode Island
• Ali Kamanda Temporary/Part time --- California

THE JOURNAL

July 4

THE BEGINNING: The journey started from several locations in the hope that we could all find each other in London.  After a tearful and sad farewell in Denver the Colorado group began our journey with great anticipation.  The energy level was high.  Soon after we arrived at our first layover in Atlanta, we realized that we were the prisoners of TSA.  We could not leave our terminal.  We began marking the walls to keep track of the minutes and hours until we could continue. Then the Figi’s arrived from Wisconsin and our spirits brightened.  Our plan was working – 1⁄2 of our TEAM was together.  We departed for London in the hopes that the other TEAM members were successful in meeting each other in Cincinnati and Newark.  The flight to London was uneventful and we landed ahead of time.  There we found our Newark departees in the immigration line, now 2/3 of our TEAM was together.  We left for our Hotel, the Holiday Inn Express in Crawley.  It took 4 taxis to get us there with our 20+ heavy bags.  To our disappointment, our advance scout, Chuck, was not at the door of the hotel to greet us.  Where was he? It was past 9:00 in the morning.  This life long construction worker must be up.  His days always start early.  Was he lost? Had he partied into the wee hours the night before.  Soon we found his room number and called.  He was there, claiming to have slept late for the first time in his life.  We were relieved to find that now 3⁄4 of our TEAM was together. We are now read to be tourists in London as soon as the Cincinnati departees arrive.  They are here.  Our TEAM is complete.  We are ready to rumble. Some slept in the hotel room while others toured London and perhaps slept with their eyes open.  Lisa and Liz were quite excited to be in London.  They bounced around and smiled a lot but only took a few pictures.  NOT!!!! Perhaps a few hundred.  None of us knew how many angles you could take of Big Ben.  All went really well until someone suggested that we stay on the tour boat to return to where we started.  The boat went the wrong way so we toured the commercial and industrial district of London.  But then again, how many people have toured there! How many know where GMT originates. The tour is over – take the train back to Crawley.  Fortunately the train stops at Gatwick and goes back to London or we may have slept right through the stop.  Had supper at the Harvester Restaurant, had a good night sleep and went to Gatwick on Friday a. m. Return

July 6

The journey begins with the experienced travelers, Hope, Les, and Carol, getting ripped off by stored baggage fees.  Why should we pay more to store a bag than what the contents are worth? I don’t have an answer.  Maybe because we had no choice. Flight was good, and Joseph met us at the door to immigration in Sierra Leone Airport.  We sailed thru – even when the power went off.  Saffa met us as we exited the airport and off we went to wait for the ferry.  After a 4 hour wait we were on our last leg of the trip. Return

July 7

Sleep? What is that? Dorcas had two of us up at 7:00 taking one of us to Kabala.  Oh well! We can sleep when we get back to London.  Figi’s slept at Doris’ house and Fraziers/Kostas slept at Jay’s Guest house.  Fraziers and Liz had lunch and dinner there while the rest of us had lunch at Doris’ house.  We have no idea where Chuck ate or slept as Dorcas kept him to herself.  Ali also disappeared.  Is he well cared for? We did a little sight seeing, exchanged some money with the help of Saffa.  We had our tickets confirmed, packed the van and headed out to Makeni at around 5:00.  By 7:00 we finally left town after many stops.  We saw Jeanette Kay and the rest of Abu;s family.  We arrived in Makeni at 10:30 without Fraziers and Liz as they stayed in Freetown for a birthday party.  We had jallof rice late and went to bed. Return

July 8

Sunday is here.  Breakfast at the church, went to a Church Service the usual 2 hours with the usual announcements, songs and sermons.  However after the church service we had an impromptu dance and picture taking session. We had a chance to unpack and repack and went to see the school and prep for the Math Workshop.  We had cassava leaves for supper, had our first evening meeting, and waited for Frazier’s and Liz to join us.  They came around 9:00.  Our team is together again.  We are ready! It was great to see our old friends and meet new friends.  Rev.  Kamara, Mr.  Barzey, Mr.  Sesay and many others.  We also met Rev.  Kargbo who had driven down from Magburaka to greet us. Return

July 9

The workshops have now begun.  Hope, David, and Carol worked with the secondary teachers on mathematics.  The secondary teachers were very pleased to have such excellent teachers, who often had to work with the sound of hammers pounding in the background.  Hope and the rest were very pleased with the new building.  The working conditions are much better. The science teachers spent much of the day planning.  Some members of the team had the chance to shop around town in a crowded marketplace.  The school has been whitewashed on the outside, now.  This will serve as the primer for the paint, which we will purchase tomorrow from Wak a Fast. Return

July 10

We were invited to join the primary school for the parent meeting (made compulsory) in order to receive their grade cards.  My, My what a celebration in the new multi-purpose building! What a joy! Even a stage! All of us sat on the stage as the guests of honor. Mr.  Sesay was the headmaster and gave a powerful talk about the responsibility of parents related to their children’s education.  He is such a visionary administrator that thinks school and community should share a relationship. It is such a great joy to be with such a fantastic team.  Mr.  Sesay asked me to introduce the whole team… I was so proud! He asked me because I could do it all in Kiro.  It was a proud moment! Each and every individual was unique and wonderful.  We met with Barzey and Sesay about the conference for 2008! It is so exciting! There was some discussion about a “palaver” but I’m happy to know things seemed to resolve! Happy Day. Return

July 11

Wednesday.  First day of the Mothers’ Workshop and we all were excited.  Just as we were leaving Buya’s the heavy rain began and I had left my umbrella at the school.  Haw for do? But Nana came to the rescue by loaning me one and we sloshed through big puddles to breakfast. The mothers straggled in due to the heavy rain but again we had a capacity group with Aminata turning away those not on her list.  Again, what fun to sing and dance with the mothers and children: Five Little Ducks, Hokey Pokey and Ants Go Marching in – laughter and joy all around.  We passed out books and mothers and children practiced.  Such bright and eager children and caring mothers! We ended with prayer, snacks and songs and plans to gather again tomorrow. In the afternoon Catherine, Lizzy, Lisa and I met with Mr.  Barzey and Mr.  Sesey to present scholarship money to them.  It ended up to be a large amount! Their heartfelt speeches of gratitude were so moving.  I wish those who had donated the money could have heard them. Back to the motel, I was hot and tired but enjoyed a little breeze in “the cage”.  After dinner, back to “the cage” for devotions, friendship, laughter and a Star. I so enjoy to camaraderie of this team! Return

July 12

The real washday! I once again find myself under my mosquito net pretending to camp.  I am thinking of my husband and children far, far away and missing them something terrible.  However, I remind myself that it has been an incredible day once again.  The day started with breakfast and everyone went on to his or her duties.  The workshop people headed to school and the mother’s group went to the church.  The workshop has reported success to date and I assume that will continue through today.  The mother’s group was wonderful.  Once again moms and children kept coming.  Today it did not rain and we started more on time and had a larger group throughout.  People seemed to enjoy themselves and they are always so appreciative! It makes us feel good.  The one thing I have found throughout my life and travels is that children are a sense of joy, pride and worry.  However, this was once again apparent when the mothers and child drew during the developmental exercise.  Some moms were worried if their child scribbled, and (I think) some of them got onto their kids.  Then we would let them know their kids did great and that their work was expected of their age.  You could then see pride in their faces and hear the joy in their voices.  It was wonderful! From listening to the secondary people I believe they have experienced the same joy in their workshops.  However, theirs comes from a participant getting on the internet (fingers crossed) or understanding the math concept.  I was fascinated by watching all of the boys eat from a huge tray set on the floor.  There was one for the girls as well.  I have never seen this in real life – only “National Geographic”.  They were all hungry and licked their hands and went back for more.  Only Americans wanted to give them germs X between licks.  They were as happy as could be.  It was also a pleasure to see the Moms sit and enjoy their lunch.  I know this was a treat by the looks on their faces.  They ate lunch and their children were feed and someone else prepared it! I’m thinking that doesn’t happen everyday?!?! I soon realized what an enjoyable lunch these moms had, when I happened upon several of them preparing our supper later that afternoon.  Once again, I pretended I was camping and that’s how I would need to make supper for my family.  I also saw them wash our clothes and dishes from lunch.  I thought to myself that camping isn’t so bad if you can have all the fun and enjoyment, eat out and stay at Holiday Inn! The strength behind the survival of this town is incredible and I know I have only experienced a tiny fragment of its personality.  Mary, one of the primary teachers, took a group of us on a walking tour thru town to see how they did the tie-dye.  This was fabulous! At first the artisans were a little rude and stand offish.  However, once we started visiting and they discovered our genuine interest , they became very friendly and even asked to pose for pictures.  In the US, we just rubber band the T-shirts, here it is a true art! We then traveled to a place where they were batiking.  We only happened upon this workshop because of Mary.  We visited with the artists and they showed us how they applied the wax and then died it.  They were very patient with the “portos”! (We seemed to have a bit of a problem with the complexity of their trade!) WOW – how gorgeous! I had no idea how involved either process was.  How generous of them to give us an uninvited tour.  By this time – it had become a tour! There were many, many others all around us and I’m sure they did not find the art as interesting as we did.  It was raining and the man was probably out of patience so we left and found a cold (yea right!) drink.  We ended our evening among friends for dinner and small talk.  We then went back to the Buya (5*’s) and convened on the patio for evening conversation.  Another great day had by all!!! Return

July 13

This was the last day of a busy Math Workshop.  We had 33 math teachers (24 Secondary – 7 Primary – 2 Student teachers).  Out of these we had 16 teachers who have come for three years in a row.  They are so bright and eager to learn more about mathematics and how to teach the concepts to their students.  We were able to have Matthew present a mini lesson that challenged them and Carol to help us present the computer to many teachers who have never touched one before.  The computer lab time from 6 to 8 in the evening and the mini lessons in class were a high light for many.  We were so glad to be able to open up a whole new world to them.  Now they can begin to dream BIG! One of our teachers will have the opportunity (with scholarship money) to get computer classes this next year. The other challenge we gave the teachers was to --- Now find ways to share their new knowledge and excitement with other math teachers in their school and community. We have 11 teachers that will share (present to) Math Workshops for the Primary teachers of Makeni on Monday afternoon.  They worked so hard to present new ideas to make math concepts easier to teach and FUN while learning for their students.  Today they practiced on the Secondary teachers and we all enjoyed them!!!! (of course the secondary teachers gave them a hard time!! – in fun of course!)Then the big challenge was to help the Secondary and Primary teachers to plan a Workshop for their community Secondary and Primary schools sometime this next school year.  They worked so hard and we are so excited to be able to do this with the support and funding from the Rocky Mt.  Conference in Colorado.  Eight communities will receive a 2-day workshop for math teachers at all levels.  What a great opportunity to let the Master Teachers in Sierra Leone have an opportunity to share their new and old knowledge. The week of the workshop was filled with so many challenges – no shipment to have the supplies we wanted – some transportation challenges and misunderstandings – moved from room to room – the sounds of construction and children – the additional responsibilities for the Makeni teachers – the computers and materials not available – etc.  BUT!!!! Every one of us involved in this week felt that we were so very successful and blessed to be part of this 3-year celebration! The support of everyone to help and to understand the challenges was amazing.  Plus the faith the teachers have in us and now the faith we have in them to continue to teach and help the students of Sierra Leone will take all of us to a new level.  Thanks for this opportunity to work with Dave the past three years --- What a Joy to learn from the greatest!!! Return

July 14

AT THE CLOSE OF DAY:A small hand of a child in mine at the top of a mountain, before us a valley and beyond hills covered in the green of trees and bush, and wild grass; sky and stars above.  The feeling and sense of awe at the beauty and magnitude of the view along with the sense of being a small speck.  We two connected by chance and the love of God.  If there were one moment in time to capture for all people this would be mine to give. Saturday the morning begins with the sounds of roosters, voices, water, scuffling feet and the voice of the “good fairy” wake up alarm.  Breakfast at the UMC Parish Hall provided by the women’s group is greatly appreciated!!! A usual hurry then wait, today’s cause to wait is due to the van being repaired and other miscellaneous tasks. Departure Time: unknown as there are stops on the way out of town.  There are many people walking along the road with carts of wood, produce, pans on head going --- (?to market?) The first “photo moment” is the Camel Mountain.  Soon after this there are many drowsy people who miss the rice fields, the variety of green colors, the villages, children and adults waving. We begin to climb North/Northeast toward our destination of Kabala.  The terrain becomes mountainous, the sky darkened by clouds with the hope of rain for the land.  The road varies between smooth and deep potholes, unleveled road-bridge transitions, “speed bumps”, and checkpoints some official and some for money. We see the bush of Africa we have imagined and seen in movies – it is awesome and breathe taking.  The Land and the People Call to our Hearts!!!We suddenly arrive in Kabala; a quick stop at the house of Sarah, mother of Dorcas, Peacemaker, and Theresa where we pick up lunch to take to the NarSarah Clinic. We tour the grounds and the clinic under the guide of Peacemaker.  The clinic building is up and the roof on.  It looks wonderful – the dreams of many have become reality.  There are some changes to be made to door locations, which Chuck says are minor and easy to do.  The veranda is very nice to allow walking from room to room under cover.  The views toward town and the mountains are a delight to the eye.  Returning to the land we walk through the groundnut garden, see baby goats, and Peacemakers’ new home.  This will be a Celebration Lunch and Day!!! Lunch is unloaded from the van and after a time we lunch between the house and the original clinic building.  The children gather to sing “Happy Birthday” to Les.  We see the material available from the women’s weaving group.  The women give us vegetables and groundnuts. The new toilet is still a squat style – without a door.  We creatively hang a piece of cloth and stood guard for each other. Dorcas has another surprise for Les – a football game to continue to celebrate his birthday.  We take a short walk to the field along with many children.  The time comes when the land rover arrives to take us to “the village”.  Peacemaker drives his motorbike with Hope on the back.  The rough road in Kabala is smooth compared to the road to the village.  Les films the road and I snap pictures holding the camera out the window.  Of the 1,000 pictures taken I suspect 10 to be good.  The trees hanging over the road, the bridges, and the sun light filtering through the trees created a mystical setting.  We arrive at the top of a hill; a large flat area before us AND “THE VILLAGE”. Soon the musicians arrive and the women begin dancing in a line, which we join and also take turns taking pictures.  Then one of the women begins a special dance followed by another and we are encouraged to participate.  Kira, Liz and Lisa make an appearance and the crowd loves them – laughing and clapping.  Chuck joins then with his own dance technique.  We must hurry to walk to the land set aside for CITA and the village to raise crops and share the proceeds.  We begin a walk down a very steep hill at the bottom is a creek and the place where the village wash clothes and gets water to carry back up the hill.  We continue up another hill and are shown where 3 acres have been cleared, groundnuts planted, and the ground staked for the planting of 200 palm trees, which will be the source of palm oil.  Some of the team walked through the field, others stay and talk to Dorcas.  The sun is beginning to approach the horizon; it is time to return to the village before dark. One more thing to do: see the site for the school! We walk between homes and through gardens to a large open area.  There is a 2-room mud building they have built for a school.  Les and Dorcas talk to three men one being the section chief.  The men are asking when the school will be built.  Les asks how they will be able to get cement and sand and water to build.  Response “we get timber out, we can get cement in” They ask when it will be started? Dorcas and Les explain: 1) approval by the bishop is required, 2) funds must be raised, 3) arrangements for materials….  The response “when?” and “….  You are part of this village” Les responds “ I feel like this is my village because Dorcas is my daughter…. ” He is then introduced to the brother of Sarah (Dorcas’ mother) the uncle of Sarah’s Father. We leave in the dark with Kira on the bike with Peacemaker.  What a wonderful visit with people who are so excited to have their children educated they can hardly wait --- they know they are a part of this bigger Dream for CITA and Operation Classroom.  It is such a privilege to be part of this miracle and be here at this place and time.  As we sleep and prepare for our Sunday and the Amputee Camp we have a lot to think about and be thankful for!!! Return

July 15

For the first time, I slept like a rock!! The hotel we stayed at was definitely 5 Star woot woot – the toilets actually flushed.  Liz and I had the hopes that the shower would work but we still had to use buckets! But it was still a huge improvement from the Buya.  After our night in luxury we were asked by the pastor of one of the Kabala churches to attend at 9:30 in the morning.  Church as usual was the biggest fashion show in town, these ladies have really opt STYLE! The fashion was definitely different from Makeni, which was very interesting.  There were boys in the form who were about 6 or 7 years old playing the drums, they had a blast pounding away on those things! Apparently though the service was only supposed to last an hour, yeah right! More like 2 hours.  Well after the X-tra long church service ended we trekked up to the Amputee Camp to present the gifts from Heritage High School, my “Academy Award” winning moment.  But what a moving experience! I have never seen such happiness in my life! They were so grateful for the little we were contributing.  There were a couple of times when I started crying, which is unusual because I don’t usually cry at all.  Some of them mentioned how we had brought HOPE back and how we were their HOPE.  There was one part where they were clapping and cheering after we said we were going to give them rice for 4 months they had said “I wish we could clap louder” since most of them didn’t have both of their hands to clap with and were slapping their legs or trying to clap instead.  I was supposed to give a speech, which absolutely terrified me when Hope and Les told me, thankfully I was able to force Ali to talk for me instead, just kidding! Afterward, though they still wanted me to say a few words, I froze!!! I have awesome friends though, because Hope totally backed me up and said exactly what I wanted to say! It was such a moving experience for me.  It was the greatest moment I had so far here in Africa! After the Amputee Camp we packed up the van for the thousandth time and headed out on the 3-hour bouncy, bouncy journey back to Makeni.  I can definitely say it was a very, very, long day, but a worthwhile one!!!!! Return

July 16

(by unshaven Chuck)And paint is splattered.  Bought donut holes hot out of the pot for breakfast.  Rolled in sugar-yum, yum! To elementary school at approximately 9 a. m.  for opening ceremonies for this week of teacher’s class.  ZZZZZZZZZ.  Talk,talk,talk,talk, as Ishmael and I say to each other.  Finally got started on our own painting effort.  Trying to create order out to chaos was a Heavenly Effort! Achieved partial success! We moved all the “desks” to the middle of the room and tired to clear and sweep the floor.  Used a shovel for a scrape and a “broom” as a broom.  Legions of helpers, everyone wants to help us, partly out of gratitude, partly out of getting to watch the freak (porto) show, partly in hopes of getting $, or food, or establishing a “special friend” status and thereby qualifying for a scholarship (in there eyes) of $50 to $150.  In this poor country, all of this is legitimate in my eyes, but difficult to learn where and how to say “no thanks”! There is almost no one here who can’t be helped with money.  Anyway, that entire aside, we managed to paint some ceilings and walls today.  I succeeded in thinning out our helpers some, most of our best paint supplies have walked off the job.  My fault for not monitoring more closely! Kira brought lunch over so we could work longer.  Richard, Catherine, Kira and Matt walked home.  They intercepted Liz, Lisa and me and then went back to the boutique artist to shop and pick up my elephant boutique.  Dinner for all and then Star Beers.  Tomorrow Richard and Danial start their classes’ full time, today was only part time.  Cathy, Judy, Liz and Lisa all are teaching as well.  Lost group service tonight since we all will be busy till departure.  Actually, it was a group meeting for making financial decisions.  So many good places to help! Dave said “It is like having one life line and 5 people who need it. ” Excitement!! Return

July 17

(by even less shaven and more spattered Chuck)More sugar donut holes for breakfast, rode taxi to the round about, bought pens for the girls’ classes, and then to school.  Van showed up with “students” but not my paint crew….  Till 10:30 a. m.  More organized.  Threw all non-team members out of the room, except for Sesay, the old guy painter.  We painted the ceiling and after lunch, the walls.  Finished about 2:30.  Drove and walked to town, had cold drinks with Les, Hope, Carol, Matt, and Kira.  Then to the artist boutique.  Bought more stuff! Teachers still working so hard!!!! Judy hurt her ankle and had a ride by bike to the church.  Many activities tonight after dinner – computer lab, traders, drinkers, etc.  Return

July 18

Time!! Unlike my life in the USA where the media reminds us of time in a constant repetition of the time, weather and traffic my concept of time has gone to the bottom of my list of priorities.  My alarm clock has not been used once! With a variety of built in alarms in Makeni it is easy to get up between 6 and 6:30 a. m.  Today “variety” was the theme for the type of alarms.  At about 2:30 a. m.  a car alarm went off.  Then about 10 minutes later the same sound came drifting down Ladys Mile.  The owner must have hit the snooze button as the alarm again went off at around 2:50 a. m.  The car alarm probably announced to the neighbors that a secret visit for a romantic meeting was no longer a secret.  The ring of a bell at 6:00 am, prayers from a nearby Mosque, a nearby cat demonstrating its vocal amplification, radio’s coming on and the building commotion on the streets near Buya's Motel all acted as backups to our travel alarm system. Today, as all the days of our adventure in Makeni, will be filled with activities.  Painting, the Science, and Primary Workshops and a visit to the Makeni Amputee Camp will proceed the two-hour session in the Fatima College computer lab. In the morning while Chuck and his paint crew were finishing classroom painting Kira, Hope, Les, Dave and Rev.  Kamara formed a scooter brigade in order to travel to the Amputee Camp in Makeni.  Kira’s hard work and the results of her high schools’ fund drive were shared at the Amputee Camp. Scholarships (10), equipment, building supplies and two bicycles were supplied.  Mr.  Abraham Shariff from the camp expressed his Thanks for all that Kira’s high school did to help the amputees and their families. Distribution of balloons caused a minor riot before the camp elders restored order.  The camp will also receive bags of rice.  The camp adults kept stressing “Do not forget us!” As the scooter brigade returned to the UMC Church we each had our own thoughts on the amputees and how they were coping.  To me the amputees were inspiring.  To be dealt such a terrible fate and then to plow ahead with everyday life is a living testament to the best type of person that God could create. Our paint czar had the paint crew well organized.  Other than a shortage of paint, everything went as planned.  Seeing the six classrooms come alive with color was neat.  The campus of the UMC Schools in Makeni is now anchored by the new primary activity center and six new secondary classrooms.  So many people have contributed to the project over the last 3 years, Truly a Team Effort! The long day ended with the science workshop working in the Fatima College computer lab from 6 to 8:00 p. m. Return

July 19

How would I have faired if I were introduced to the computer when I was 30, 40, 50 or 60 years old? The true answer is sealed and unknown. This much I remember.  I was in my 20s when I first set in front of a monitor, and I was already typing somewhat on a manual typewriter.  Yet this beautiful piece of new technology called computer did not fail to intimidate me.  I press a button and a screen lights up, words and numbers roll off the screen, an arrow appears, etc.  Several “clicks” of a “mouse” and I am “in word”, and can begin to type what I am thinking.  If I make a mistake I can delete with the press of a key.  Oh! I should start a “folder” and a “file” to “save” my “document” on a “diskette” or “floppy” or “hard drive”.  I was called to think in front of the computer.  Before now I thought with pen or pencil in hand and a writing pad or notebook in front of me.  This new environment was quite a challenge.  It was down right intimidating.  Against my background I admired our participants so much as I watched them learn how to use the computer.  Among them were senior teachers and department heads who did not want to appear stupid.  By the third night most if not all of them were seeing themselves learning to use the computer.  Operation Classroom has planted another seed.  Perhaps by next year there will be some new plants growing in the field of computing. Return

July 20

(This was Richard’s day to write – But it must have been a day that could not be described with WORDS!!!)Hope’s Take: A great day for the Science Workshop teachers – they had a field trip to the Prostheses Clinic and rehabilitation center for amputees and birth disabilities.  The Sierra Leone man in charge described the complete process involved in helping this mass population now in Sierra Leone.  The process will not only help them physically but also mentally to become a viable part of the communities where they live.  He is working now for no salary and no money from the Sierra Leone government.  We can only hope that Sierra Leone can keep him and his services! His life story was told to us and touched us all with his dedication and love for his fellow people.  They have helped over 166 clients and are working with over 100 more – all in the last 9 months.  What an opportunity to see this service given to the many, many amputees in our country. Kira and her helpers visited the Amputee Camp again! We were able to deliver 14 bags of rice (one per household), cement to change the floor of the bakery, and two bikes to help the bread delivering service to Makeni town.  We were met by the children and adults not working – singing and dancing with songs of thanks.  (It was very emotional since most of them haven’t eaten in 3 days!) The children didn’t even care that we had no balloons – they were going to eat tonight! This camp also received 10 Secondary School scholarships from Kira’s school! What a great feeling that we were able to help with the future and the very present need! After saying our good bye and giving 4 more children scholarships and making final arrangements for the 4 teacher scholarships, the team met with the two principals to hear their plan for the Teacher Conference to be held in the summer of 2008. Return

July 20 in Makeni Les’s Final Report:

Friday the 20th was significant in many ways.  It not only marked the end of the Science Workshop and the Primary School Workshop but also marked the near end of our construction project. We started construction three years ago in 2004 and 3 years later our fourth visit to Makeni, a new usable 6-classroom structure is in place.  The staff of the school and the people of Makeni are very pleased.  Our four teams should take humble pride in what they have accomplished.  It is to bad it could not have been done a little faster but the finished product is great! Finishing is enhanced as a staff room (and/or resource center) was added connecting the old and new structures (Thanks Chuck).  The painting will be completed by Abu this month and he will oversee the finishing of the soffits.  WE ARE FINISHED! Of course more needs are apparent.  The building is wired for electricity so we need a generator.  (Electrification was one of our original goals even the possibility of solar power).  Now Principal Barzey wants science equipment, home economics equipment, (I want a copy machine to replace the mimeograph we sent him), wood working equipment, and of course the ever present need for text books, teaching supplies and aids, exercise books, and now the computers, etc. Mr.  Barzey is overseeing the building of all the desks and chairs needed for the new classrooms.  (Where did the funds come from?)The students of Makeni UMC Secondary School will now have a chance of receiving a better education!!!! We closed the day with presenting the plaque to be placed on the outside wall of the new building to the Principal.  It represented the work of many, many people to see this dream come true. Return

July 21

Today began as a sad day as we prepared to leave Makeni.  I now know why people are compelled to return once they have been here.  The people have a way of creeping into your heart and pulling up a chair as if they had always belonged there.  They are beautiful people and I will miss them. We left Makeni after packing the van and waiting…. .  and waiting – something I am getting used to doing.  The reason we waited was to say good-bye to Mr.  Sesay and Mr.  Barzey.  It was worth the wait – not only to say goodbye to these remarkable men, but also because they presented us with the most beautiful gowns for the women and pantsuits for the men.  It was a very generous and thoughtful gift.  We will think of our friends in Africa every time we wear them. The ride to Freetown was fairly uneventful – at least until we got to Waterloo.  Chuck, Kira, and Liz were asleep in the back seat – typical.  The repeat travelers shared stories from the Peace Corps.  The rest of us stared at the beautiful scenery and tried to snap pictures at 65 mph. We stopped at Waterloo to see the orphanage that Abu and his brother are building.  It is a very ambitious project and very needed.  It will have six bedrooms – each with its own bathroom! A very large living room and a dining room.  I was very impressed with the work they are doing and the love they have for these children. After viewing the orphanage we started to pile in the van again.  It was then that we realized the tire was almost flat.  I flashed back to a couple hours before when we were traveling on curvy roads in the rain, passing people pushing broken down trucks down the middle of the street.  I was glad we didn’t lose the tire then! And it really all worked out.  We changed the tire, put some more air into it, and we were on our way again --- until we hit Freetown. More waiting.  Freetown was buzzing with activity.  Parts of the road were closed to make room for the political rallies.  There were cars and people everywhere.  People were typing to make traffic lanes were there were no lanes and everyone wanted to be were someone else was. It was in this chaos that our adventure REALLY began.  People were shoulder to shoulder, cars were bumper to bumper and in between those places were carts and bikes.  This is when we had an encounter with a man and his cart.  We went his way, he went our way and his cart ended up puncturing our tire.  As the van and the cart became entangled, Kira summed up the situation by stating “oh, that’s a flat tire!” She had actually felt the air blow out of the tire. So here we were in the worst part of Freetown, the tire is flat, the spare tire is flat (why didn’t we think to fix the spare at Waterloo?), and 12 PORTOS are parading behind a van piled high with suitcases and flapping a completely blown tire.  Needless to say, this was all very amusing to the locals.  We looked like we were having our own political rally.  GO PORTOS! We finally came to a place where we could park the van.  Ishmael and Abu got the spare tire fixed.  Catherine, Liz, Kira and I found a place to ease ourselves in a gutter.  (actually Kira got to use the fancy schmontzy flush potty we didn’t know was there).  We happened to park around the corner from the chicken restaurant we wanted to go to for dinner.  And the day ended with a peaceful evening of watching the sunset over Freetown. Return

July 22

Wow! What a fun filled day full of new adventures.  Up early to get ready for church and to have our breakfast of bread – groundnut (peanut) butter and water, also a few bananas and two small pineapples! For a few of us it was a SAD breakfast because there was NO COFFEE! We will try hard to make it through the day without this morning help! We finally give up on the van coming to take us to church and start the walk down the rock & roll hill to catch a taxi.  Just as we were getting it the van showed up (maybe another flat tire???!!!).  Off to church with only minutes to spare! Dave, Judy, and Doris are there, now joined by Lisa, Carol, Matt, Les and Hope.  Saffa and Dan and Dorcas also join our group in the front row.  We enjoy the 2 hour services filled with singing and 4 offerings presented by singing and dancing to the front – being in the front row gave us a special chance to see the happiness of being able to give. Kira and her bodyguard went ahead to the beach to check out the “Duds” and the water.  The rest of us collected items from the street for our picnic lunch and up the terror hill to change clothes! We found KIra in the Ocean and her trusty bodyguard watching from the grassy hill! We have our groundnut sandwich, bananas, mangos and water! Then off to walk the beach.  Kira twisted Hope’s hand (and mind) to go in with her – then they convinced Matt to also go try the waves! Great fun riding the waves – being smacked to the ground and spit ashore to start over again! The rest walked along filming the scene and being ready to come to save us if needed.  What fun!! And such a beautiful beach with many football games going on and families out for an afternoon of fun.  Very peaceful and relaxing in this place constant noise and activity. Then off to the “Arts & Crafts” place across the street to bargain until we drop (some of us dropping off quickly) some bargaining until the van was really blowing it’s horn to warn us of departure!! Kira wins the prize for the most bought and the best prices.  What a fun place to practice that art of bargaining.  These vendors are student’s at the Craft school in Freetown and sell to support their families and have a chance to share their talent.  It is getting late and we have to fight the traffic back to the OC house to change to our finest new African clothes for our final evening of dining on the beach.  All our team joined us to celebrate this Team s work in Sierra Leone over the last 2 1⁄2 weeks.  We presented Saffa with a gift and recognized him for his direction and love.  The food was wonderful and the company the greatest.  Then to our different homes to rest up for the last day in Sierra Leone! Some of us do not want to leave – Some are waiting anxiously to go home to families and some are somewhere in between! We all do leave with many new friends and memories of a land filled with challenges – But also Hopes and Faith in their God and in each other --- And In US! Thanks Team for a Great couple of weeks filled with giving and receiving --- You Are the Greatest!!! Return

July 23

4 a. m.  – Dogs barking.  Awake, for now, here in the Freetown OC guesthouse atop the rocky hill.  Should I shower now? No.  Someone else is in there already.  Too early to chase bugs.  Back to bed and up again when it is lighter.  We have to be packed and ready to go by eight am.  The Figis arrive spot on time.  Awhile later, the van makes it to the guesthouse.  Now I’m awake! The first thing that needed to be done on this, our last day in Sierra Leone, was to visit the local bishop.  He is a very soft-spoken man and greeted us warmly with an American handshake and a long, quiet speech, of which the important part can be summarized by this: Our task in this world is not achieved in great strides but through slowly inching towards the good. My next stop today was the post office.  I wanted to get some stamps for someone I know who may like them in the States.  Carol, Lisa, Dave, Chuck, Kira and I set off by foot from the UMC house, while the van went off on an errand.  Chuck and Kira stopped at a bakery.  Dave stopped for an errand.  Carol, Lisa, and I made it all the way to the post office.  Carol helped us get into the back room behind closed doors where the postmaster apparently sells the good stamps.  He brought out a dusty cardboard box and laid out two white sheets of paper on his desk on which he would presently display the collectors’ stamps.  Bird stamps and flower stamps, reasonably nice.  Carol asked about the fancy foil stamps they had in the sixties.  The postmaster smiled, he vaguely remembered them but would have been three years old at the time.  We all bought something. Upon returning to the UMC House to wait for the van we discovered that Chuck and Kira’s bakery journey was especially fruitful.  We returned to the bakery for banana muffins and cinnamon raisin bread.  The van pulled up to meet us, now with a fresh spare tire.  Five tires, now, capable of moving the van along.  But the van did not move for quite a long time: Freetown traffic! Chuck, Kira, and I got down to stretch our legs, walk about and observe the lovely chaos of thousands of individuals each pursuing their own purposes without any real order overlaying their collective action. The van did move a bit, never achieving great strides but slowly inching toward the good ferry (not to be confused with Chuck, the Good Fairy, who apparently had a story of his own today). A nice ferry ride, the airport, get in line, guard the bags, order the food (the Crain Crain is good – don’t order anything with mayonnaise), say goodbye to Saffa, to Ali, wait, read, sleep, in time load up the plane.  ……. .  And the plane was delayed …. .  But it’s nighttime anyway, and I’ve been up for awhile, so I can probably dose through it. !!BLOOD DIAMONDS!! ARE FOREVER While waiting to board the ferry the Good Fairy was approached by a Mr.  Kamara who was a government official involved with building a huge dam.  Since I was a contractor he thought I could help him buy a house in the US to be rented out and we’d share the profit.  This kind of sounded OK until he said a million dollar house!!!!! And paid for with diamonds!!! And I was not to tell anyone about it.  He was sweating profusely… apparently very nervous.  Being naïve and confused and becoming rapidly suspicious, I said I could not, would not take diamonds.  He said “OK, we’ll fly to Antwerp in a few weeks and exchange the diamonds for cash”.  Wiggling harder, I announced I was a lousy landlord and couldn’t manage rental property well (this is true!) I said I’d try to think of someone who might be able to help him.  At this point I was rescued by a man who said my friends were needing me, (this must have been by Saffa).  I thought I was rid of him but, NO, I wasn’t.  He followed me onto the ferry for more talk, after he left I decided I had to tell Hope and Les about this odd proposition.  Ali and Saffa ended up with the scrap of paper Kamara gave me with his name and address.  But still not DONE! At the airport he came (and went) out of a security area and asked me if I was ready to check in with “this” bag.  All my radar signals were going off by than, by gum! So I told most of our group about the guy and stayed close to the group for safety.  Protected by Liz, Lisa, and Hope!!! He tried to talk to me one more time but all the girls swooped in around him and me so he split.  He didn’t bother us anymore, but we could see him around the airport still.  I was concerned he might try to cause trouble for me or all of us or try to slip diamonds into my luggage.  None of that happened (we think).  He was probably a dirty politician trying to smuggle out his graft money before he was caught.  A fun mystery! Now, after 8 hours at the airport we are flying to Jolly England. Return

July 24

London! The final destination for our last enjoyable touring! We got in at 6a. m.  after a 6 1⁄2 hour trip.  We all need to sleep, but didn’t exactly work out so by the time we got off, everyone was on their last nerve.  Luggage and taxis went fairly smoothly this time! At the hotel everyone took a nice HOT!! Shower, some had 2 or 3 and then slept for a couple hours.  Then hit the shopping mall! Whew that was a workout, let me tell ya.  5 hours and 3 gifts – SCORE! Not of course being a huge Harry Potter fan I forced 1⁄2 of the team to go see it.  I was rather disappointed, got my hopes up to much I suppose! After we hit the stores again, but went to the cheaper ones this time, to buy gifts for friends, ect, that didn’t cost a small fortune.  We all met up at Pizza-Express where we had a very decent Italian Pizza, we had a good time talking, sharing stories (especially Catherine!) After dinner we walked back to the hotel, gave hugs/kisses goodbyes and hit the sheets.  Everyone went their separate ways in the morning.  ADIOS LONDON!.  Oh I mean CHOW! PS Hope (the book was L8 not L17! I’m right – ask Carol she’ll back me!) Return

July 25

The Team has now separated – some to Chicago, some to Cincinnati , some to Newark and some to Atlanta.  We left Ali and Dan in Sierra Leone with Dorcas.  We hope they are all safe as the election process appears to be heating up.  The day we left there were reports that the APC candidate for President was attached and beaten in his hotel in Bo.  He is in the hospital. (We don’t know if this is true but it was reported on the radio) We also heard a story that there were some isolated cases of violence in other areas including Kabala.  In a country so sensitive to violence a small matter can be exaggerated or politicians can exploit a small matter for their own political benefit. We all hope that each of our Team has safely arrived at home with a minimum of hassle.  Those of us traveling with Kira now know we should always be in lines in front of her as she is always diverted by someone for some reason to go to a different place.  Unfortunately Matt was near her at Customs as she was diverted for a special search.  Matt had to do the same.  Something about potential seeds in the dolls. ??? Return

EPILOGUE

We took our American attitude of efficiency, organization, and getting a lot done in a hurry, into an environment that is not conducive to that attitude.  But because of the graciousness of our hosts, and their tolerance, they helped us accomplish a lot.  We are tired but satisfied.  A Team of 12 did a week long Science Workshop and field trip, a week long Math Workshop, a week long Primary School Workshop, two 3 day computer Workshops in the evenings, a two day Pre School mothers’ Workshop and made 3 visits to Amputee Camps where we fulfilled the wishes of the students at Heritage High School.  All this while we assisted in the completion of the new 6 classroom building.  In our spare time we visited Mononko, the village where Aminata provides weekly visits to provide health care, visited Kabala and NarSarah Clinic for two days including a visit to the village of Bendugu.  In addition we spent a lot of time walking and learning about Makeni and talking to people.  Fortunately there were only a couple thousand children to play with! With so much spare time we will probably be able to work in a few more projects in our subsequent trips! The first TEAM in 2004 was comprised of 7 people, 3 of whom were familiar with Sierra Leone (including Ali).  We were greeted by several 100 students singing to us on both sides of the road to the school.  At our formal greeting we were told how we, our Team, was an answer to their prayers.  Then they proceeded to tell us the hopes, dreams and plans for their school.  Our Team was a little shocked, surprised, and humbled. The subsequent TEAMS in 2005, 10 in number, 2006, 11 in number, and 2007, 12 in number, continued and expanded the work began by the 2004 TEAM. We appear to be affecting the lives and future of hundreds and maybe even thousands of people since our original visit.  We all hope that we are indeed providing the appropriate answer to the prayers of the people of Makeni United Methodist Church and Secondary/Primary Schools. Return