Oh, it’s so nice to be home! Jay and I decided to take a mission trip this summer to Sierra Leone, Africa. It was a tough, but AMAZING trip for us. I’m not really a “rough it” kinda girl. My idea of camping is a nice hotel (with a spa of course) in the near vicinity of mountains. So needless to say that this was quite an adventure for me. I could fill pages with stories from the people and ways that I was changed from hearing them. Sierra Leone holds the undesirable title of “poorest country in the WORLD”. The world. Can you imagine? I couldn’t….until I saw it up close and personal.
Before going, I was prepared to meet the most hopeless, pitifully sad people. I thought the country would be filled with despair and that the people would be, well, I wasn’t quite sure what they’d be. But I was a million times blown away by what I encountered. A joy that I have rarely seen here in America. The land flowing with milk and honey AND more money than we know what to do with (I know you’re thinking you don’t have money like that….but really, you do and so do I). Though these people literally live in shacks and mud huts, completely starved and malnourished, they have a love for each other that most Americans will never understand. While we go to work, come home and hole up in our houses every night, the Sierra Leonians are quite the opposite. Walk down a path with 5 shacks at any time of day and you would never be able to guess who actually lived in what house. Everyone shares and looks out for each other. They are all outside either working together or just talking and hanging out ALL the time. I will never forget the day that we were surrounded by tons of starving kids. Someone gave one of them a banana. Before the boy even took a bite for himself, he started passing around pieces to all the other kids until it was gone. I was completely amazed and that moment will change me forever.
I could go on and on about all the amazing things I experienced, but then I wouldn’t have any room for pictures! I’ll leave you with a link to the ministry we worked with there called “Fresh Hope”. It’s the most amazing ministry and the people in charge have sacrificed so much to help this country. They don’t just go in and try to give food and supplies and then leave. They are committed to helping these people be self-sufficient. Although they do provide many food and medical supplies, they also provide training so the people can find work. They provide education to give the kids a better future. They are making a lasting difference in this country and saving lives everyday. I hope you will take a look at their site and realize that you can save lives too without even going there. So little money makes such a huge difference to them.
there are very few older people in the country with the average life expectancy being between 38-40
they are not afraid to show love!
we were walking through a village and this girl came out to see what was going on. it was the most beautiful moment when she stepped out into perfect light!
jay actually took this one. most of the kids wanted their picture taken so badly so they could see how they looked on the back of the camera. this is one of the few who was bashful!
She and her mom were super fun to work with. I’m sure you can tell from this fist image what a fun personality she has!
