Culture

I have so much to share and do not know the best way to do it. It is hard to form into words everything I am experiencing here. I could tell so much from the price of things, language, interactions, community, religion and more. I can share some short stories with you now that hopefully will give you some more insight on where I am living. Freetown is beautiful, mountains and ocean all in close viewing; however, the living isn't beautiful for most here. Some own a home or rent though most people have their homes on land that does not belong to them. Most of these "homes" in the city are small wooden shacks with tin roofs, while out in the providences most live in mud huts with the thatched roofs. Many of our neighbors live in these shacks, from noted how big one neighbor family might be I know that these houses are much to small for the amount of people living in them. This is Africa they would say to me though if I were to comment on the small living quarters. On the drive to Makeni there was 6 people in the backseat of a pickup. I had extra room up front but they refused to move, they replied, "This is Africa!" They enjoy being close to one another. This is evident everywhere. In the public transportation there is taxis, bikes (motorcycles), and poda podas (vans). Typically what would be comparable to an 8 seated van in America holds 14 people. I have gotten to know people very intimately in this way! The roads can be very congested especially in central town. The bikes will cost you more for this reason as they weave in and out of traffic they are the fastest way of travel in Sierra Leone but likely also one of the most dangerous. The main roads are luckily paved which sometime makes traffic faster, but once you leave a main street the roads are broken pavement or dirt. It is definitely a bumpy ride most places but I expected that from my previous experience in Kenya. After time you hardly seem to notice you stay busy watching all the hustle in Freetown. The streets are lined with people walking and people selling products. You can get just about everything you want from the street vendors. They have everything from garbage bags, soap, oil, vegetables, fruits, water, and greeting cards. Most everything is cheap when bought from the vendors. For example I got like a 3lb bag of sweet potatoes for 1,000 leones which is approximately 25 cents, 8oz water is 500 leones which is about 12 cents, when you eat out you may typically spend about 10,000 leones which is about $2.50. There are definitely exceptions especially if you go to a supermarket. Anything that is imported is about typical American cost if not a little more. The Crio language is very easy to understand but I still am learning phrases when it comes to communicating myself. For example to ask someone their name it is Waitin na u nam? Usay u day? Is: Where do you stay? Many of the people speak at least some English so it has been easy to communicate but also needing to learn their language as well. In Sierra Leone it is very important to use titles. For someone your own age you use sista or brother, on an older person it is Uncle and Aunti. I am Aunti Jaimie to all the kids in the neighborhood. I enjoy hearing the excitement in their voices when they see me and call Aunti Jaimie! Most people in a community are pretty tight knit and they often help one another. It is actually expected if you have more than you must give more. That can be good and bad for families though as many can not save for anything such as college, a house, or a car. While it also builds community and gives those less fortunate the ability to provide for needs. When they see a "Abitu" (white person in Crio) the give if you have is also expected and more so most often. We have money and therefore we should share it. My initial thought is to do just that but I also know that I can not give to everyone that asks. I have to use very good discernment in this. I have a budget so this causes me to stay within being able to provide only some. Sometimes it is hard when they show genuine interest in being your friend and then a couple minutes after getting to know you ask you to give them money. There is much need here but I know God is working and the programs are laid on the foundation of development processes and education so that the people of Sierra Leone can rise above and meet their needs. There is a long ways to go but God is so present. Most Sierra Leone prayers start out by thanking God for being alive. I am becoming more and more aware of the preciousness of life here. Nearly everyone has lost a close family member, the Christians I have met know that each day is a gift from God, they have thanksgiving in their hearts and know that though their life may offer many struggles at this time, they are truly not of this earth but of God's kingdom! This is a 60% Muslim country and there is very much a religious tolerance. It is sometimes hard to know when you share the message if they are like yes I believe in Jesus as a Savior but later find out they are a Muslim or have tried to claim both religions as their own. I hope once relationships start building that deeper conversations of Christianity can be talked about. I am planning on starting a book on Muslim religion that was written by Christians who use to be Muslim. I am excited to hear them share their thoughts and learn more about Muslim religion to know what 60% of this country believes in. Be praying for the community here and that more may notice that it is Christ, Christ as a Savior, who we as Christians want to live for and live like. That they may want Him as more than just a prophet but also as a Savior.
In His Grace,
Jaimie

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! What a reason to celebrate! For so long Israel struggled with turning away from God and turning back and away again. The book of Isaiah which I recently finished reading is truly a cycle of this turning away and returning to God. However though His people remained in this cycle of sinfullness, God made this promise to his chosen people, Isaiah 53:4-6 "Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smittened by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our sins; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." God fulfilled His promise and Jesus was born in Bethlehem those many years ago. God is so faithful to his promises, he doesn't turn away from us even though we continually do that to him. I can only pray that I can have the kind of faith that Mary did when she said, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38. She was just told of her that she is "Highly favored, that the Lord is with her." Luke 1:28 That she will be the mother of the Son of God. I hope when can more carefully weigh when we say, "May the Lord be with you." "And also with you." That God may have something big in store for us that if we truly want the Lord with us that we come to Him with willing hearts and can have a reply like Mary's. I know I never would have imagined being in Sierra Leone several years ago. I did know that I wanted the Lord with me and I wanted to be open to His work. Now here I am and I pray that I will have Mary's approach each and every day.
In His Love, Merry Christmas!
Jaimie

Getting Around

For those of you who know me, you know I have a tendency of getting lost. Well it won't come as a surprise when I tell you that I got lost not only once but now 3 times on my way to or from work. Yesterday I woke up, the day was a little cooler which would make for a nice walk to work. Not just seconds before my hand touched the door handle a downpouring of rain greets me. With the assistance of Marie, a lady who graciously works for the house to cook and clean, helped me find an umbrella. With gratefulness I took umbrella in hand and faced my walk. Now my path to work, as many paths in Sierra Leone are, is very steep with many rocks and pebbles that like to skid under your shoes threatening to trip you as you walk. After heading down the side of the mountain I arrived at one of the main roads, however, I was uncertain if I had made the correct turn since landmarks were slightly obscured by the rain and did not recognize anything. After walking aimlessly around soaked to the bone for what seemed a lifetime, two young people stopped and helped direct me to my destination. I was so grateful for their help and they insisted on nothing in return for their help. When we are in this world we are the lost sheep in need of our Shepard, in need of direction. Jesus came to be the Shepard to his lost sheep, to lead them home. Matthew 9:36 says we are helpless, like sheep without a Shepard. John 10:11 says, "I am the good Shepard. The good Shepard lays down his life for the sheep." Powerful words. He does not expect the sheep to give anything in return. He only longs for them to join Him so that they like sheep following after a Shepard may be led to safety. Safety of eternity with Him. The next couple days I was told of shortcuts I could take home, I took them only to end up lost twice more. I eventually found my way home. When faced with trials and tests, it is easy to look for a short cut, maybe one with less pain, maybe one where you don't get as involved, or maybe you just submit to doing something you otherwise wouldn't have. In the past and currently I do this. It often only leads to more trouble, as did this shortcut I took on my path home. While I am in Sierra Leone I often want to take the shortcuts. Skip the difficulties of having no deep relationships yet, skip the unknowns, shortcut past all the unfamiliarities. God's will is always the right path, His timing is always right. I know that in the past shortcuts were stumbling blocks and being open to God's path is always best. I am starting to see the beauty and appreciate the long path I am on. I can not wait to see the impacts but in the mean time I think I will enjoy the scenery along this very path I am on. In His Love,
Jaimie

I arrived in Sierra Leone! God is good! With only a 2 hour delay I had no other problems with my flights! I was actually quite blessed with the presence of great company on my flights! I got to talk with several people like Sau, Joni, and a few others about their families, their jobs, their faith, and more. I also got the chance to talk about the Hope for Children program. I arrived in the city around midnight and was greeted by Gwen and Micky. They welcomed me and embraced me. It was comforting to meet two of the people I will be staying with. Sad to learn though that Micky was only here till Sunday. She is already well missed! We arrived back at the house where after a small tour I picked a room and shortly collapsed into a sleep. Saturday I awoke and joined Micky on the porch that has a beautiful view of some of the city. We enjoyed one another's company the past few days. In late morning we meet with Sarah, Sarah, and Liz. The 5 of us drove out into the country and then walked about an hour and a half each way to see a beautiful waterfall. It was a comfort from God to have seen this beauty and have time to relax. I am very blessed to be easing into the city, the culture, and way of living by experiencing so much beauty and so many kind people. Later that night I was missing family and friends greatly. Gwen told me she had wireless internet and my heart did a little leap! God is so good! Not that I need internet at home all the time but to be able to talk with family and friends at night is such a great blessing. I am so grateful for those who God has surrounded me with here and all the encouragement I am getting from back home. I know that without God I would not be here nor could I do this with my own strength. I have been reading the bible every chance I get for God is the only one who can work himself through me here. I know I do not have the strength to myself. I am constantly reminded in His word in Isaiah that He is my Comforter and my Strength! When Israel turned away from God he remained constant, remained there for whenever his people needed him. Well I need Him now and the same has held true that He is there and he HAS and will CONTINUE to COMFORT me and give me strength. In His Grace,
Jaimie
With So much Love!