Ten Key Ten Key

What an eventful week we’ve had!

Started off on Thursday with The Peoples Foundation of Sierra Leone Youth Conference, which was a 3 day conference centered around overcoming obstacles, Canadian and Sierra Leonian culture and traditions, and exposing our talents. It was so interesting hearing the different perspectives on societal issues… such as dating, abortion, suicide, decision making within the family, and traditions/ cultural practices. I think that everyone, both Canadians and Sierra Leonians, left the conference with so much more knowledge, and left with a new perspective on how to overcome the obstacles within our lives personally and as a society. We also made so many new friends… so saying goodbye on Sunday was not a very enjoyable time. Although little did we know… that would be only one of many very difficult goodbyes, because for the rest of the week we’d have to say goodbye to so many other people.

We also went to visit Yarah, which is a village about a 2 hour drive from Kabala on a very, very, very bumpy road. On the way there we stopped at Badala, which is a town that has a big Easter celebration every Easter Monday. Everyone goes swimming  in the river and hangs out at the beach all day… and when I say everyone I mean everyone! There were sooo many people there… it was insane! In Yarah we went to visit a mine, called Dalakuro mine, which is a large mining village centred around mining for gold. The poverty that we saw there was overwhelming at times, but I think that our entire team walked away from it with a new understanding of what poverty can look like. In my journal I wrote, “This mining village was full of people, and it was just hill upon hill of slums. The poverty I saw walking through there was unfathomable. It was ridiculously hot, very dusty, smelt like a mixture of feces, urine, body odour, and dirty water, there was garbage everywhere, people were bathing in dirty water, and many of the people that I talked to did not even have a job.”  But the crazy thing is, even amongst all that, I could feel a sense of community, and a sense of joy within every person there. I saw kids laughing and playing, and I saw mothers sitting and talking with smiles on their faces, and I saw people working together. I think that it’s easy to just think that because people are not as wealthy as us they are not happy… but I now know that joy is in no way dependent on material wealth... in fact many times wealth has the ability to hinder joy, and wealth can hinder people from living in community with one another. Visiting the mine I also learnt that poverty does not define who people are. And poverty does not steal people’s ability to love, to be hospitable, to worship God and to be joyous.

Yesterday was our last day in kabala… one of the most heartbreaking mornings of my entire life. We had to say goodbye to our families, to our dear friends, and to CRC Primary/Junior Secondary school. We had to say goodbye to people who have made us feel like one of their own, who have welcomed us in a way that we’ve never been welcomed before, who have loved us, and who we have all built lasting relationships with. As mr.melissen said, “In order to go back to our families we must leave our families”, which is so true, and I think that’s why it was so hard. There were many, many tears, but instead of saying goodbye we said “until we meet again”, because it is not a forever kind of goodbye.

And now, on our 19th day in Sierra Leone, we’re sitting out on our porch at a private beach house in York (just outside of freetown) eating mangoes and oranges watching the waves hit the sandy beach. I will never forget my time in Kabala, I will never forget the incredible people that changed my perspective, I will never forget the dancing, the singing ,the church services, the insane amount I sweat each day, the culture, and all of these things have been engraved in my heart forever. It’s easy to say that Sierra Leone has already stolen a large part of my heart

Photo of No.2 River (near York) by A. deGroot August 2012

"You are an African Princess!!"

“You are an African Princess!!.” This was enthusiastically stated by a JSS 1 boy to Caitlin after seeing her with ‘planted’ hair.  Not wanting to miss out on such compliments, all 4 girls now have their new hair style (pic to come soon).

We are still having a great time!  All are safe and well.  Today was our last day witnessing classes at the school as Easter break starts tomorrow.  We were able to read the SCS ‘buddy’ books to the classes, collect all the remaining letters, observe in classes, read different stories to classes, and even teach some computer lessons to CRC staff members.  Our time at CRC school each day has really been a blessing in so many ways. 

On Wednesday we went around to different schools in the town to ‘bring greetings’ from CRC School, and also walk around and see what other schools in the area are like.  It was a real eye-opening experience first of all to see the conditions that other schools are in, but also to hear them talk so positively about CRC Primary and Junior Sec. School.  Every school we visited referred to CRC as a ‘partner’ or ‘sister’ school because of the fact that it shares workshops, resources, and other things with them.

The girls have now begun their youth conference, run by TPFSL (The Peoples Foundation For Sierra Leone).  This NGO, which among other things provides scholarships for post-secondary education, and is now registered nationally in SL.  It was started by Krissy Bucholtz, a member of Kabala Team #1. During the 3 day conference (held at CRC School), the girls will work with local youth on articulating problems and potential solutions for a variety of topics.  They will also play soccer, perform at a talent show, dance, and celebrate together on Sunday night. 

Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers! Blessings to you,

Team 4.

March 25, 2013

It’s another very hot day in Kabala. We hear about single digit temperatures in Surrey and blizzards in Alberta and we are trying to relate, here in Kabala, as we lather on sunscreen and guard our burnt shoulders and arms at 38C-45C.

Every day we spend time at the school. The grounds are dusty and dry as we are one month away from the beginning of the rainy season. The school buildings are well maintained and attractive. The teachers are doing good work here and the students seem very happy. It’s amazing to see the innovative ways that the kids, dressed in their pink uniforms, keep themselves entertained at recess and lunch breaks – even without playground equipment! They play clapping games, a form of dodge ball that is played with a stuffed sock, and lots of ‘football’ in the shade of the huge mango tree that marks the center of the school yard. Right now a group of JSS (Gr.8) students are playing volleyball with “Mr. Joe”.

Kabala is a city set on a mountainous area surrounded by many rolling hills. There are all kinds of trees here with lots of mango, banana and palm trees. The mangoes won’t be ripe for a few more weeks so we will likely miss them! The roads are rutted and dusty and it is not uncommon to see many chickens and goats as pedestrians dodging the ‘Okadas’ (Honda cycles/taxis that are the main form of transport here).

On Saturday we climbed for 40 minutes, almost straight up, to the top of a local hill where we sat high above the town on the heated rocks looking out over this entire region. The girls used the time to snap some photos. We were escorted up the hill by two local boys (ten year olds) who clambered ahead of us and then charged back to us, running the whole time like energetic puppies. It is clear that the people here are in much better shape than we are! Each year on December 31, most of the population of this area, including women with babies strapped to their backs and many others carrying heavy bundles of food and equipment on their heads, climb that hill to greet the new year. It must be something!

We miss our families and friends, of course, but we are thoroughly enjoying this experience. It is so good to meet fellow Christians in this distant country – we find that we share more similarities than differences between us! We are all in good health and, yes, we’re remembering to take our medications! Sleeping in the heat is a bit of an issue sometimes and the food is taking some getting used to but we are well and wish you all well too, as we enter together this Passion Week.

Blessings, Kabala Team #4

Friday, March 22

Today is the first day that we’ve all really felt adjusted to this new place. Maybe that’s because it’s a little bit cooler today, only 35 degrees! We are trying to be as African as possible. We aren’t really succeeding. Everywhere we go, we feel like we’re famous. All the kids at the school yell our names, and on the streets kids yell “white man!” Everyone says we’re all beautiful too. If you need an ego boost come to Africa!

                We’re learning new things every day.  We’ve learned a lot of Krio phrases like “how de body” and “small small.” Constantly we see differences between our cultures. Two of our team members visited one of the chiefs, and as a gift they got a live chicken. Their homestay father asked if they knew how to cook it, but they said no. They were very shocked. That chicken was breakfast for two days in a row.

                Yesterday we took individual pictures of all the students and teachers. It took a long time, but apparently we did it quicker than other teams in the past. Chalk one up for team #4! Today we took a school picture. First we had the Junior Secondary School, then the Primary School, and then a full school picture. There are a lot of students! Being here has us all feeling like our school is going to be making a lasting change in this town and this country

Kushe Kushe!

Greetings to everyone in Canada….

We have truly enjoyed our first few days in Sierra Leone!  It’s been a wonderful trip so far….so many stories and events to tell, but we only have time (and the battery/internet power at the moment) for a very quick update. 

We were warmly greeted by driver extraordinaire Bilalie – and the Land Cruiser – at the airport.  After a long ferry/car ride up to Kabala, we received a wonderful welcome, complete with rice and sauce, from Reverend Bahago, Reverend Ezekiel, and their families.  JT Koroma was also there as his usual warm and energetic self. 

Monday morning was our first day at the school, and we were able to witness a great 1 hour long welcome assembly complete with speeches and welcome songs.  The staff and students have been extremely appreciative of the gifts we brought along: an electric piano, 2 computers, and individual gifts for each staff member.

The girls have settled in very nicely with their homestay families!  Anna and Caitlan are staying with two CRC teachers (who are married) named Mahmoud and Namisa Marah.  Malissa and Kaitlyn are staying with Daniel Koroma (a longtime CES worker) and his wife Sunkarie.  Both houses are close to the school, and also to each other. 

The girls have had a great experience at the school thus far!  One highlight has been working with CRC Primary students on promotional and educational videos – about CRC School, life in Kabala, life at home, etc. 

We are happy, busy, learning new things, getting to know new people, and enjoying our time here so far very much! (we are also extremely sticky and sweaty from the heat) 

Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers! 

Kabala Team #4

Only 24 More Hours!!

How is it possible that we are leaving tomorrow!! We seriously could not be more excited right now and have been buzzing about our trip all day. It all seems so surreal and almost too good to be true but as soon as we take off tomorrow I think it will all sink in. Through all this excitement there is still some fear and nerves about the adventure we will take on tomorrow. I think the biggest thing on our minds right now is just that we have a fairly limited idea of what to expect or look forward to. Deuteronomy 31:6 is such a huge reminder of the great God we serve and that he will provide us with all we need on this trip and through our lives. It says "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." How perfect is that for our situation right now? We are so excited and feel so fortunate to get to experience this and grow together in our faith and character. Thank you for your continued prayers and for thinking of us as we take on our fears and anxieties over these next few weeks. Blessings, Caitlin W.

Kabala Team #4

Somehow the fact that Team #4 is leaving in only 3 days has finally become real to me. For a long time I couldn't believe that we as a team would be heading out to Sierra Leone and I couldn't even begin to imagine what that would be like. We have been so overwhelmed with the support and love that our school and our greater community has given us. Everyone's prayers and genuine interest in our trip has really blessed us and helped to prepare us for this amazing opportunity. As we leave this Friday it is such a nice reminder to know that our friends, family and school body will be thinking about us and praying over us. We couldn't be more excited about the opportunity we have been given and we are looking forward to how this trip will shape our lives and to the stories we will remember for a lifetime.

One!

I recently had an amazing experience. Not only did I get to see U2 in concert once again, this time from the front rows, but I was able to be on stage during the singing of the song 'Walk On' wearing the mask of Burmese political Aung San Suu Kyi. So I was one of maybe 70 or 80 people ringing the massive stage. It was nevertheless an amazing experience. One I got to share with my brother Joshua and my cousin Peter. A little later before the band played the song ONE. they played this clip on the big screen. I don't know how to embed video so I'll give you a link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-YmQznWpAs

These are the words.

"the same people who marched for civil rights in the united states are
the same people who protested apartheid in south africa, who are the
same people who worked for peace in ireland , and are the same people
who fought against that slavery in the jubilee year 2000, who are the
same beautiful people that I see when I look around this place tonight
in 360 degrees. We are those people! We are the same person! Because
our voices were heard millions more of our brothers and sisters are
alive, thanks to the miracle of aids drugs and malaria drugs. Ahhhh.
They will be doctors, they will be nurses, they will be scientists who
will live to solve GREAT problems. Yes there are many obstacles, of
course there are always roadblocks in the way of justice. But god will
put a wind at our back and a rising road ahead if we work with each
other as ONE, One."

Desmond Tutu 'the Arch'

The Melissens Trip!

Hey all,
If you're interested in what's going on in Kabala,
Check out the Melissen's stories about their life there so far...
they've added some pictures as well.

http://themelissens.blogspot.com/

Farewells Again

The hard part as always. Saying goodbye to these beautiful people. Yesterday was a day of celebrating and thanksgiving. We had dinner at the church with friends with much singing, dancing and prayers and lots of rice to share. We are packed up and on our way out of Kabala. We will spend a few days with Dr. Jo Kuyvenhoven in Freetown before we leave on Friday.

As we left school this morning there was a long queue of parents wanting to register their children of grade one and the few spots in 2-5. The school will be at 150 by September. This has been a very sweet time for us but our hearts are turning toward home. Little Jonas is making slow but steady recovery at Children's. We are eager to see them all. Thank you for your prayers. Hoping to see you all soon.

School Closing

We were greeted by good news today when we opened emails. Lots of reason for thanks as it seems that healing is happening for the Struyk boys. Our hearts and prayers remain with them. We are eager to share with our friends what all of this praying around the world is doing. God is good.

We had our last official day at school today. We had a three hour meeting of the CTA, the Community and Teachers Association. Very good to see a crowd of teachers. We were able to share our vision for Christian education. Jenny talked about the good things that are happening in the classrooms here. The parents are so pleased with what they see happening here. I was very humbled by these beautiful and grateful people. This means so much and they are so full of hope.

Monday they will hand out report cards (grey sheets) and celebrate July birthdays. Jenny went to Senakadugu on the back of a motor bike with Kumba this afternoon and I had a meeting with JT and the security and maintenance staff. We also had a bit of down time with JT this afternoon. What an amazing guy. I can't imagine that we could have had a better principal. There are many things to think about for the future and many things to discuss when we get back, but I must say that we are really pleased with what was accomplished so far this year. There needs to be continual discussion about sustainability and long term ownership. There is a deep desire to make that happen but complex given the depth of poverty in this part of the world. As they say here, "small, small." Little by little. These things are not in our hands.

We are looking for a bit of a break. I am preaching Sunday and still need to do some work on the sermon. There is a school for the blind that we want to see as well. Too much to do. We leave Tuesday morning for Freetown.

Prayers for Cal and Anita and Their Boys

We answered our emails with some rather shocking news yesterday. Jenny's sister Anita and husband Cal and their four children were in a serious accident on their return trip from Vancouver to Terrace. Cal, Anita and Eryn are doing OK but the boys Tyler, Nathan and Jonas sustained more serious injury and were flown to Children's Hospital in Vancouver. We are most worried about Jonas who has some serious head and neck injuries. The two older boys are awaiting some surgery. Kabala feels like a great distance from Vancouver today. The teachers and children were gathered for prayer yesterday and I can't imagine a more passionate room of praying hearts. Please hold this family in your prayer and pray for complete recovery.

Otherwise we are well. School closes tomorrow. Today we will spend some time at the clinic to do some preperatory work for Adrienne who will work there. There will be a meeting of parents tomorrow and then year one will come to a close. It is very encouraging to see the this is the only school in session in Kabala. They are taking this task very seriously and we see the noticeable difference that it is making.

Into the Details

It was another day of working through some of the details of the past school year. We are putting together the budget for next year and making adjustments. The world food prices have wreaked havoc with people's personal budgets. Rice, which is the staple food here has more than doubled in one year. From 60,000 Leones to 135,000. Everyone is raising the price of every other commodity saying things like, "Well look at the price of rice, the price of this is rising also." The people are at the mercy of these larger trends. This is also the time of lowest supply of all things. Everyone is in the midst of planting. Rainy season does not mean plenty. We will try to address some of these challenges. It also impacts people's ability to pay fees of course. I am reminded of the bounty in which we live, too often taken for granted. Life is cut to the bone here. Jenny has been spending more time in classrooms today getting things ready for the SCS partners back home. Apologies for the lack of photos. They won't attach in the form I have them and I can't seem to compress them.

A Day of Meetings

Today we held a meeting of the SMC, the school management committee or school board as it is called here. This means calling people from their regular jobs for a full day of meetings. It went very well and we accomplished much. They ask good questions and give a lot of good advice and direction to JT the principal. We did some planning for the future as well as reviewing what seems to have been a very successful first year. There will be a meeting with the parents this Friday and then they will come back on Monday to receive their children's report cards. And unlike us it seems the new year gets started pretty quick with new registrations and exams for potential new students. This will determine whether or not they get accepted or at what grade level.

Sunday was a wonderful day of worshiping with this community. John had an exellent sermon about the man at the pool of Siloam. He does such a great job of preaching and doing development work at the same time. One reason the man did not get into the pool to be healed is that in 38 years he has not moved himself any closer to the edge. There is a lesson there. We got to church at 9.30 for Sunday school and didn't get home till 1.30. We did some lazing around before dinner and then went to watch a football game. The team, all in blue, due to Jordan's donation of jerseys. They looked sharp and played to a 0 0 draw.

Jenny spent most of her time in the classes today working on bookmarks for the students from Surrey Christian School. They were thrilled to receive the ones from their partners in SCS.

Council Election Day in Kabala

It is a rather quiet Saturday in Kabala today. We walked to the market this morning and it was not the usual bustle that Kabala experiences on a Saturday. It is election day in SL for council positions, sort of like electing members of parliament in Canada. There is a larger than usual presence of policemen and observers and also a number of military police added in for show. A little strange to see people carrying automatic weapons in the open. We then walked to JT, the Headmaster's place to see where he lives and visit for a while. Then to the tailor for some measurements and then home again. We are enjoying a bit of a slower pace today. The week was busy and so will next be. We begin with an important school board meeting Monday. Lots on the agenda. It was another wet rainy night and there are lots of muddy puddles to jump but we are getting around and have the use of one of the 4X4's which helps. We are off to a soccer game.

lightning

Last night we had a terrific lightning show. The whole sky lit up for seconds at a time and then torrential rains. The whole day was beautiful; a day of connecting with JT and the staff, visiting with children in classes for stories and lots of laughter and excitment. What a treat to be here. We feel much welcomed and honored. Last night a feast for us hosted by Johanna Kuyvenhoven. The whole thing cost a sacrificial goat and a lot of rice. Singing, dancing and lovely speeches and stories. This school means so much in this community, so much so that it is difficult to put into words. We are ready for a bit of down time. We have been working through some budget questions and preparing for the SMC meeting on Monday. There much to do and think about and both of us lie at night with our heads swimming with questions, possibilities and thoughts. But all is well and the plans are being laid to end this school year and plan for the next.

Oh Can it Rain

Last night we had a terrific lightning show. The whole sky lit up for seconds at a time and then torrential rains. The whole day was beautiful; a day of connecting with JT and the staff, visiting with children in classes for stories and lots of laughter and excitment. What a treat to be here. We feel much welcomed and honored. Last night a feast for us hosted by Johanna Kuyvenhoven. The whole thing cost a sacrificial goat and a lot of rice. Singing, dancing and lovely speeches and stories. This school means so much in this community, so much so that it is difficult to put into words. We are ready for a bit of down time. We have been working through some budget questions and preparing for the SMC meeting on Monday. There much to do and think about and both of us lie at night with our heads swimming with questions, possibilities and thoughts. But all is well and the plans are being laid to end this school year and plan for the next.

School in the Rainy Season

Another day at CRC Primary School Kabala. Things are well here at school and we are well also. It rained all night, heavily but as we walked to school the last showers were ending and the sun was coming out on a beautiful day here surrounded by the hills in Kabala Sierra Leone. The day was spent in organizing some of the materials that we were able to bring, reading stories to the children, and sitting with JT to organize an agenda for the School Management committee and to talk together about the future of the school, next year’s budget and the many other details of good things happening here that he is so eager to share. The district education inspector came and was full of praise for the school and is holding it up as a model for the community. He wants to invite government representatives to come and see it. He was also full of praise for JT the Headmaster and the quality of teaching going on. But it continues to strike us so profoundly that life is hard here. Nothing comes easy and poverty is very complex. We saw little Nyima last night; still shy and beautiful. Her mom was in a great deal of pain from a foot injury and infection. Quite worrisome. Please pray for these wonderful and resilient people.

Canada Day In Kabala

Our hearts are full!! What else can we say except that we are humbled to see this thing that has come together so wonderfully in this beautiful part of world. We were greeted yesterday noon by a mob of 120 children in blue and pink who had heard that we were on our way and would greet them before the school day ended. We left Freetown at 6.30 am in the morning and headed up north as the rainy season made itself felt; downpours at times and the road ahead a stream of red water 6 inches deep and 20 feet wide. The sun broke through now and again and we are falling under the spell of this tropical rain forest once again.

The children sang their hearts out for us and gave us a spirited and lively display of all the things they are learning. They seem so proud to be students at this school and though I had my doubts about the pink and blue I must say it really stands out. This morning as we made our way to school we could spot them coming from the various lanes and paths toward CRC Primary. The school seems to be the only one that is seriously in session and JT and the staff are determined that their students will do well on the year end tests. So great for us to see them as well even though the regular classes have stopped. We will have lots of opportunity to be with them.

Everyone wants to extend warmest greetings to Kabala Team #1, Jordan, Hannah, Chrissy, Evelyn, Melanie and Leah. They loved all the pictures and cards and are greatful that you remembered them. Everyone is asking about you and about Asher. There are still guys here from the construction crews who want to know about Gino and Hans. The friendships that are growing here are by far the best gift to us all. There is such a sense of pride and amazement about the school.

This morning we had to stand on the flag podium as the Canadian and Sierra Leonian flags were raised and anthems sung. Quite wonderful on this Canada Day to see children singing about the country they love. And to have them sing their hearts out on the Canadian anthem as well. To think about what these children could mean for SL is quite overwhelming. God keep this Land, glorious and free. May He stand guard over it, always.

Ending Year One in Kabala

Jenny and I are leaving for Kabala on Saturday and will be visiting the school as it ends its first year of operation. We feel blessed to be there for this important event. We will be able to spend time with the children until school lets out on July 10 after which time we will meet with teachers and the School Management Committee and do some planning for the future. We are excited to pave the way for Johan and Adrienne Melissen who will arrive in late August to take up teaching and nursing positions in Kabala.