EBOLA ... our final 12 days in Sierra Leone, August 2014

Abdule Carew

With the departure of our final group from the USA on July 20th, we knew we needed to think through decisions as to what it would look like if we stayed in Sierra Leone, or how could things be set in motion for us to conduct ministry from stateside.  We are so thankful for our incredible partners for working tirelessly on security updates for our compound, and for daily meetings to line out plans. We cannot wait to be back with all these (and others) that we love so dearly!!

Solomon, Sankoh & Omaru

Abraham

Charles

Auntie Margaret

Carew & Sulaiman

Donald (as of today he is in the arms of Jesus!)  

& Daniel

In no way were we able to get pictures of all those we serve alongside, 

but God knows each and every one, and we trust that 

HE IS WITH THEM 

during these turbulent times in our Sweet Salone!  

Kent Jones 25project strategic planning!

Also in July, we were blessed to have Kent Jones for a few days of planning 

for the future of the street kids ministry!

 Love our team ... Patrick, Daniel, Charles & Kent!!!  

A Thrilling Moment!! July 2014

What a thrill as Pastor Chris & Brenna were united with John & Mariama following a two year  process of adoption!  It was a privilege to be a part of bringing these precious people together!  

Father's Day 2014

Reflections on June Team 2014!

Construction and teaching focus at Hosetta School for Kiddos with special needs!

Martin, Leah & Kandra!

Ronnie's Extra Week!!! May 2014

We were blessed to have Ronnie for an extra week following the May team.  Our original partnership with him and a UK organization from 2008-10 has led to many amazing friendships.  He and Becky made the rounds to numerous Community Based Organizations that we've had the privilege of serving over the years! Pictured here is Ibrahim, loving called "the wood carver." Our team members enjoy shopping from him, and are so proud that he was able to use his carving skill to put himself through an electrical engineering degree.  

Ronnie at the United Polio Brotherhood Skills Center!

Hastings Ladies Polio Association!

City of Rest for adults and youth with addictions!

St George Foundation for Street Kids!

King George VI for the Elderly!

May Team 2014

Ronnie & Ted, as well as all of the team, continued construction on the toilet system for Auntie Margaret and the orphans!  Hot, but rewarding, work!!  

Catherine with Fatmata & Yeama, two of our college students.

Justin, team leader, with Sankoh! 

Kathleen & Janise!

Lots of progress made on the building!  And as always, the team had the opportunity to minister among all areas ... orphans, street kids & special needs kiddos ... during their time in Sierra Leone! 

March-April '14 Reflections

It was in March that we began to hear the word EBOLA, but it seemed so far removed from us. We were determined not to be driven by concerns or fear knowing that we had lots of exciting things ahead for 2014!

Charles and Patrick spent lots of time this spring updating profiles of street boys and securing pictures of their caretakers for verification during rice distributions. Becky had the opportunity to participate in March as 43 families received rice!  A joyous day!!

Margaret's college kiddos spent time improving their computer skills this year, and of course, Bo enjoys pestering them when he can get away with it!  Fatmata, Ibrahim & Yeama.

Work continued on the toilet system throughout the year. Tom has some great guys working alongside him on construction projects!

As April came to an end, the news of EBOLA concerns in Guinea was increasing by the day. 

Jan-Feb '14 Reflections

Hello everyone!!

We are terribly behind on updating our blog! It's been quite a busy year! We thought we'd hit the highlights, and we can weave in information on the effects of Ebola in West Africa along the way. As always, we are so thankful for your prayers and support as YOU are the reason we have the privilege of living and serving in our Sweet Salone!!

How thrilling for Auntie Margaret and the kiddos to receive a visit from several of the staff and students of Murraydeen in January! They had heard of the orphanage, and were stirred as a school to make this one of their ministry projects for the year! Provisions were delivered, and a fun afternoon was had by all!  Margaret and Becky visited the school in March and had the chance to offer thanks to the entire staff and student body!

Our February team hosted by 25project did an amazing job on our 3rd camp for former street boys! Numerous pictures with captions were posted on this event previously!

We had some fun times Jan-March with teammate Chuck Luke as he was in and out of Freetown! Honestly, he and Bo fight like brothers! We had Sada Herrera and others from Arlington, Texas with us in February for strategic planning, and Sada returned with a team in early June as well.

A double blessing came on Feb 16th as Sulaiman and Gbessay welcomed twins!  Our Feb team and others from TX were instrumental in keeping these little guys healthy over the months that followed as each needed surgeries and special attention!  They are simply darling!

Be watching for additional reflections!  Our love to you all!!!