CHRISTMAS IN SIERRA LEONE AND PEACE MOTHERS JOURNEY

December 16, 2012

Following this blog there will be a series of nine more.  A few months ago it was decided that we will take a journey up country to showcase the Peace Mothers who have some remarkable stories to tell as well as visit villages with other intriguing activities and stories. We are scheduled to visit 10 villages in 2 districts in 5 days. The districts are Koinadugu, where I have been before and Bombali, where I have not.

It is my swan song for up country this trip and I have in mind to make a “coffee table” book from the experience.  The purpose of the book is three fold: one to thank the US Ambassador for his efforts and support of Fambul Tok and Sierra Leone itself, two to document the stories of the Peace Mothers and three to make the book available to Fambul Tok as a fund raiser, if approved.

I have had the privilege of meeting and speaking with Ambassador Owen and his wife, Annerieke on several occasions and am very impressed by both. Ambassador Owen is very actively involved in the country. It is his policy to make sure he covers the entire country during his posting to get a better understanding what is needed. According to Annerieke he would spend more time up country than he does, if his duties permitted. He enjoys, as does she, the interaction with the peoples of all areas and feels he cannot do justice to the job if he just stays in Freetown.

We are blessed to have the funding (indirectly from US AID) for a professional photographer to accompany us. His purpose is to film a short documentary for a local TV show. I am hoping to use the documentary and some photos for a presentation to interested schools, churches and organizations upon my return.

Christmas Boutique

Decals of Religious Holiday Symbols

Today we begin our journey to Kabala in Koinadugu. Along the way out of Freetown I see some of the Christmas shopping opportunities along the way. The human mini-markets are busy with tubs full of sparkly decorations, flowers and garlands. In the local super market there is a decorated Christmas tree and garlands strung about. Everywhere along the street are outdoor vendors displaying a huge variety of items for gift giving. This activity has been going on now for about 10 days and is clogging the sidewalks and roadways.

Super Market Fake Tree

Most people do not have the money to buy frivolous decorations but all are shopping for at least small gifts. Many of the items are second hand and the second hand store has a huge line outside.

Perhaps you have noticed in some of my photos the T-Shirts that are obviously from some university, company, fund raiser, sports team and the like. These are donated clothing from abroad, I am sure. Some of the clothing is of obvious expense and quality. 

The children and grown-ups (when not in traditional African attire) in the villages are dressed exclusively in this clothing and either they don’t care about the message or they can’t read it. A little girl had on a T-shirt that read “I Am The Big Brother”. A man on a motorbike had on one of those T-Shirts that look like a female body with a bikini on the front in PINK!

Apoto Monkey

When we arrive at the guest house in Kabala I notice there are two different types of monkeys tied to different trees. They are very cute, but I feel sad they are confined to such short ropes. The driver of one of our cars plays with the most active one. Tomorrow we begin our visits.

Much Love To You All,

Mom/Grandma/Sara