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