*We are posting the photos to facebook because I can't get them to load here.
We have internet! We now have our very own Huawei Moble Internet for our computers. YA! It is slow but we are so thankful for it. And we got our phones working. Ya again!
A few things that made us laugh today:
The first page of the Krio language learning book is noting vowel sounds and one is 'e as in take'.
OK so this could be harder than we thought.
Sign downtown that said 'frozen fish, smoked fish, and absolutely more things'.
Man wearing a brown t-shirt that said 'only if you drop a few'
Store that sells beds and mattresses called the 'international crib store'.
So, we have seen about 7 houses and found one that we really like but it needs repairs done to the tile and needs to be painted so it could be a while before we are able to move in. We have been to several car dealerships also and have found a few cars that could work but we are still holding out that the Mercy ship cars are available. Osseh is checking on that for us.
The Freetown Supermarket has Pringles, snickers, and even Capri sun, so it looks as though we are going to make it!
The kids are settling in well and we have been so humbled by how sweet the African kids have been to ours. Each week the kids get treats if they have had good behavior and had no sticks pulled from their pockets. Keeping in mind that these are kids who get very little candy or cookies otherwise I was so surprised that little Samianatu came over to share her's with Ivey.
Also, they had a birthday celebration for any kids who had birthdays in the last few months. Levi had just woken up from a nap when we walked over and Sam, noticing the dazed and tired Levi, offered him one of the coveted balloons. Each evening the kids do devotional time with the kids in their room. I had joined John's room and sat between him and Sheriff. Anyone who could get close enough would scoot over and whisper, "Auntie, where is Levi?" and I would tell them he had to go to be early because he had a cold. So, at the end of the devotional Sheriff slid his hand in mine and said, "Auntie, God bless you" which already grabbed my heart but then after a few minutes he added, "I will pray for Levi". Ah, the heart of a child is such a beautiful thing. Of course I had to squeeze him tight and tell him how kind he was but these kids can't know what lessons they teach me. And how much they make it worth the heat and dirt. By the way, if you have children and decide to move anywhere close to the Sahara Dessert it is NOT a good idea to pack any white clothing. As a matter of fact I would recommend all clay mud red or brown.
Last night the four of us went over to read a bedtime story to John, Isatu and Albert and in order to do that I had to go stealth mode and try to sneak each one outside. Otherwise I could have some mad Aunties trying to corral 94 kids. So Andrew, Levi and Ivey sat on the bench outside to wait and I tiptoed in and realized that everyone was in one room and Uncle Daniel was explaining the events of today. One of the caretakers, Auntie Jeneba, died recently and the burial is today. I heard him comforting the kids and explaining that everyone dies and that God has all things under control. I quietly tiptoed back outside so as not to disrupt this talk and sat with my family until we could hear the kids going to their rooms. I saw the older Dauda come out to hand something to the guard and as he was walking back in he saw us and we greeted him. As he got closer I realized that tears were streaming down his face and it broke my heart. Please pray for the people that Auntie Jeneba has left behind-especially her 3 kids at home and her kids at the center who loved her. But also rejoice that she made such a fine journey and that she is where we all long to be. Embracing Dauda and telling him that I was so sorry feels so insufficient. I know you can't fully parent 100 kids, but I want to do whatever little bit I can to make them feel loved and valuable. To know each of their names, feel pride at their generosity, feel humbled by their prayers, and sad at their losses is the least I can do even if it is the most I can do for now. Please pray that as Andrew and I settle in that we would learn the culture and language quickly so that we can be of the most help possible to such a beautiful group of people. And because I am sure you are wondering, 'llama llama red pajama' was a hit.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
We are aliens!
We made it and could not have asked for a smoother trip. The only perceived kink was that the team that we thought we were meeting in Brussels did not make the flight. They were our planned help for the SL airport where we would be juggling 2 children, 2 booster seats, 4 backpacks, 4 carry-ons, a camera bag, and 8 checked bags. And it turned out just fine. Our SL airport friend walked us through customs and helped us get everything loaded. Osseh met us at the front door of the airport and already had the ferry lined up for us. He can take control of the situation with less than 10 words. I am still amazed at his calm command and so thankful for his presence. If I had have been able to get my camera out I would love to share with you an image that I hope is permanent in my mind. It is of him carrying Ivey and leading quite the caravan of luggage attendants and Andrew and I out of the airport to the taxi.
Another image I would post if it were logged somewhere other than my own mental folder would be one from the back seat of the bus taxi where we were waiting for the ferry to load the entire car we were driving to take us over to the other side of the bay. Andrew, Osseh and Levi got out during the wait and while Andrew and Osseh were talking, Levi was swinging his newest glow stick in circles to the delight of the people. In the meantime Ivey was chatting with all the peddlers out the bus window. They were so impressed with her speech and kept asking her to say things or spell things and then exclaiming “you are so clever!” and calling someone else to come and hear the ‘small small piken’.
When we made it to the guest house Ivey let Osseh know that he was a very good man and told him thank you for taking care of us. And sweet Marie stayed here at the guest house until 11:00 so that when we got here we would have dinner. We are so thankful for all the prayers and people who made the day so smooth for us.
Today we went to the center to go see the kids. Levi sometimes acts weird when he feels nervous or unsure what to do. Today he must have been really nervous or really not known what to do. And while that is totally understandable I have to admit I was a little embarrassed that he would not quit dancing, doing the robot, roaring like a dinosaur and karate chopping imaginary things. He would look off into space and answer questions in weird voices. All the kids at the center were so sweet to our children and while I did have my camera at this point I do not wish to share any of those images with you since in every one Levi is making a very strange face to the astonishment of the Sierra Leonian children. While typing this I am now laughing with Andrew about the image of all the kids at the center lining the wall while Sorie and Levi pretend dueled and Levi would come at him with a sort of matador move and then punch himself in the forehead and fall back. The kids would all laugh hysterically which spurred him on while I assured Albert that he is not always like this. Andrew and I kept feeling the need to assure all the people that he isn’t always this strange but that he was just unsure how to handle the new surroundings. We were able to take all of our children out to dinner this evening and it was so so so great to eat as a family of seven. I left with an Isatu handprint in ketchup on my shirt, sand in my shoes and a smile on my face. Riding back to the center with one arm around Ivey and the other around Albert listing to the sound of the other three giggling about scenes on the street is a very special thing to me. Thanks to all of you who have made it possible for us to be here. It is our goal that in turn many special things happen to and for others.
(internet won't let me post any of the photos yet but I plan to as soon as possible)
Another image I would post if it were logged somewhere other than my own mental folder would be one from the back seat of the bus taxi where we were waiting for the ferry to load the entire car we were driving to take us over to the other side of the bay. Andrew, Osseh and Levi got out during the wait and while Andrew and Osseh were talking, Levi was swinging his newest glow stick in circles to the delight of the people. In the meantime Ivey was chatting with all the peddlers out the bus window. They were so impressed with her speech and kept asking her to say things or spell things and then exclaiming “you are so clever!” and calling someone else to come and hear the ‘small small piken’.
When we made it to the guest house Ivey let Osseh know that he was a very good man and told him thank you for taking care of us. And sweet Marie stayed here at the guest house until 11:00 so that when we got here we would have dinner. We are so thankful for all the prayers and people who made the day so smooth for us.
Today we went to the center to go see the kids. Levi sometimes acts weird when he feels nervous or unsure what to do. Today he must have been really nervous or really not known what to do. And while that is totally understandable I have to admit I was a little embarrassed that he would not quit dancing, doing the robot, roaring like a dinosaur and karate chopping imaginary things. He would look off into space and answer questions in weird voices. All the kids at the center were so sweet to our children and while I did have my camera at this point I do not wish to share any of those images with you since in every one Levi is making a very strange face to the astonishment of the Sierra Leonian children. While typing this I am now laughing with Andrew about the image of all the kids at the center lining the wall while Sorie and Levi pretend dueled and Levi would come at him with a sort of matador move and then punch himself in the forehead and fall back. The kids would all laugh hysterically which spurred him on while I assured Albert that he is not always like this. Andrew and I kept feeling the need to assure all the people that he isn’t always this strange but that he was just unsure how to handle the new surroundings. We were able to take all of our children out to dinner this evening and it was so so so great to eat as a family of seven. I left with an Isatu handprint in ketchup on my shirt, sand in my shoes and a smile on my face. Riding back to the center with one arm around Ivey and the other around Albert listing to the sound of the other three giggling about scenes on the street is a very special thing to me. Thanks to all of you who have made it possible for us to be here. It is our goal that in turn many special things happen to and for others.
(internet won't let me post any of the photos yet but I plan to as soon as possible)
Monday, January 9, 2012
We hope to see you on the other side of the world!
This blog is going to be in bullet points because there is so much to tell and Andrew has been reminding me for several weeks that I am supposed to be writing this. I haven't been able to yet because it has been insanely busy around here. We leave in just 8 days on Jan 18. He likes to think I can use the 'downtime' like when we are in the car for 3.5 hour trips to Memphis which is what I happen to be doing now. However, we spend the whole time calling the 40 people back about our van for sale and arguing about 'dual climate control' in cars-which is a lie by the way. If two people have control of one side of the car and one is blasting hot air while the other blast cold the van is still going to be warm. And by warm I mean too hot for one and too cold for the other. Also, Ivey likes to ask the same questions 400 times. Two hours and 200 question into it we are still going home. Therefore, downtime is also is a lie. So, you all get bullet points.
Here is the list of reasons I am typing in the loud, hot van:
• We began our speaking engagements with Cordova Church in Memphis Tn. where we were members when we lived there. To have such wonderful people let us come and share our story and be in such support of us is more encouragement than they know. Everyone had such kind words of encouragement and they surrounded us just like they have so many times in the past and prayed over us for our journey. They even did a special offering for us and the amount that they gave was phenomenal. We have been so shocked at the generosity of the people of God and what they have done for us-not only financially but in prayer, service and words of encouragement.
• My brother Bret got married and Levi and Ivey were the ring bearer and flower girl. Levi ended up mysteriously getting ink all over the churches hard wood floors on the night of the rehearsal which was quite a mess and Ivey would yell at the bride, "Kelly, hey Kelly!, look over here, I am over here" whenever Kelly was anywhere near hearing distance. She was a bit enamored with the whole beautiful dress and wedding idea. They were really adorable at the reception where Levi wore what Andrew called 'hammer pants' and they danced the night away. And of course we adore the bride and groom and are so excited about the life that they are now sharing. They will most certainly be a great team.
• We had our second speaking engagement with a small group class at Tusculum Church of Christ. Again, we were so encouraged by the people and their response to our story. We were again surrounded and prayed for by a group of such kind and wonderful people. Many stayed afterwards to talk with us and we so encouraging.
• Harpeth Community Church, which is our home church, has agreed to be our sending church. Which means that we will be under their eldership and that they will help us with the information we need to be successful in Sierra Leone. Through the elders we have been able to meet with several incredible men of God such as Neil Anderson and Jerry Trousdale. And, they allowed our small group to do a blanket drive where they sold blankets with the TRS logo and our website on them. So many of Harpeth's wonderful people supported us and we again are very thankful for the generosity of God's people.
• Those same friends came over on a Saturday morning and painted our garage and living room-two of the biggest wall spaces in our house-IN TWO HOURS! They have become our mission board and will be our prayer support, our financial coordinator, our encouragement board and administrative partners. We have REALLY great friends.
My mom apparently felt like chopped liver from the lack of mentioning her in the last post so I'll say here that the number of hours that she has watched our children is mounting up to extreme and we will most certainly miss her. I'll also miss the Monday night coupon drops and Levi and Ivey will miss the impromptu babysitting. I will maybe not miss the cut out articles-although she will probably find a way to get them to Sierra Leone. I have read one to many article about the ice sculptures in Nashville. Ha! Couldn't get her in there without poking fun and she will miss that.
• We are now in possession of travel visa's, kids passports, international drivers licenses, and Andrew insisted he needed a machete that I am certain is going to be the cause of one of the claims on our new international health insurance.
• We rounded up our speaking events with the Church of Living Water who just like the two before impressed us with their kindness, attentiveness, encouragement, and generosity. They could not have possibly been any nicer and we are so thankful to have met the people we have heard so many great things about from Jason and Erica.
• My thoughts are filled with random questions and Friday I got what I think was my last haircut in two years. I wonder if there is anyone in Sierra Leone who can cut hair like mine. I also wake up at night thinking things like 'do all seven people in our family have enough underwear to make it if there is no running water for a week?' and 'can I really live without picture frames?'. I have to-do list that have absurd things like 'count deodorants' and 'call about composite to VGA cords'-I don't even know what that is but I apparently need one. I also spend time thinking about and downloading as many dance songs as possible for the 'we are now a family of seven' dance party that I have been mentally planning for a few years now. I hope to have a video of that posted here very soon.
We are really so thankful for the timing of these happenings because the encouragements have been much needed and appreciated. In just three months our initial expenses and 1st year have been covered. We find that to be amazing. And we find all of you amazing. Thank you just isn't enough to express the depth of appreciation we have for all you have done for us. We hope that our work in Sierra Leone justifies the sacrifices you have all made to support this mission. We will keep you updated as often as possible. And, if I may be so bold to ask one more thing, please pray for Andrew not to have a heart attack at the airport on Jan 18th or 19th(it takes about 36 hours of travel so we'll have to pray for both days). He gets really uptight in airports anyway and we will have two children each carrying a backpack, two backpacks of our own, 4 carry-on's and somewhere between 13-15 checked bags. So he'll be uptight and need some extra covering.
Oh, and the new website is up! and it is great! check it out here: www.therainingseason.org
I'll end this with a proof that some things never change;
2004 (at our wedding)
2012 (going to africa party)
Here is the list of reasons I am typing in the loud, hot van:
• We began our speaking engagements with Cordova Church in Memphis Tn. where we were members when we lived there. To have such wonderful people let us come and share our story and be in such support of us is more encouragement than they know. Everyone had such kind words of encouragement and they surrounded us just like they have so many times in the past and prayed over us for our journey. They even did a special offering for us and the amount that they gave was phenomenal. We have been so shocked at the generosity of the people of God and what they have done for us-not only financially but in prayer, service and words of encouragement.
• My brother Bret got married and Levi and Ivey were the ring bearer and flower girl. Levi ended up mysteriously getting ink all over the churches hard wood floors on the night of the rehearsal which was quite a mess and Ivey would yell at the bride, "Kelly, hey Kelly!, look over here, I am over here" whenever Kelly was anywhere near hearing distance. She was a bit enamored with the whole beautiful dress and wedding idea. They were really adorable at the reception where Levi wore what Andrew called 'hammer pants' and they danced the night away. And of course we adore the bride and groom and are so excited about the life that they are now sharing. They will most certainly be a great team.
• We had our second speaking engagement with a small group class at Tusculum Church of Christ. Again, we were so encouraged by the people and their response to our story. We were again surrounded and prayed for by a group of such kind and wonderful people. Many stayed afterwards to talk with us and we so encouraging.
• Harpeth Community Church, which is our home church, has agreed to be our sending church. Which means that we will be under their eldership and that they will help us with the information we need to be successful in Sierra Leone. Through the elders we have been able to meet with several incredible men of God such as Neil Anderson and Jerry Trousdale. And, they allowed our small group to do a blanket drive where they sold blankets with the TRS logo and our website on them. So many of Harpeth's wonderful people supported us and we again are very thankful for the generosity of God's people.
• Those same friends came over on a Saturday morning and painted our garage and living room-two of the biggest wall spaces in our house-IN TWO HOURS! They have become our mission board and will be our prayer support, our financial coordinator, our encouragement board and administrative partners. We have REALLY great friends.
My mom apparently felt like chopped liver from the lack of mentioning her in the last post so I'll say here that the number of hours that she has watched our children is mounting up to extreme and we will most certainly miss her. I'll also miss the Monday night coupon drops and Levi and Ivey will miss the impromptu babysitting. I will maybe not miss the cut out articles-although she will probably find a way to get them to Sierra Leone. I have read one to many article about the ice sculptures in Nashville. Ha! Couldn't get her in there without poking fun and she will miss that.
• We are now in possession of travel visa's, kids passports, international drivers licenses, and Andrew insisted he needed a machete that I am certain is going to be the cause of one of the claims on our new international health insurance.
• We rounded up our speaking events with the Church of Living Water who just like the two before impressed us with their kindness, attentiveness, encouragement, and generosity. They could not have possibly been any nicer and we are so thankful to have met the people we have heard so many great things about from Jason and Erica.
• My thoughts are filled with random questions and Friday I got what I think was my last haircut in two years. I wonder if there is anyone in Sierra Leone who can cut hair like mine. I also wake up at night thinking things like 'do all seven people in our family have enough underwear to make it if there is no running water for a week?' and 'can I really live without picture frames?'. I have to-do list that have absurd things like 'count deodorants' and 'call about composite to VGA cords'-I don't even know what that is but I apparently need one. I also spend time thinking about and downloading as many dance songs as possible for the 'we are now a family of seven' dance party that I have been mentally planning for a few years now. I hope to have a video of that posted here very soon.
We are really so thankful for the timing of these happenings because the encouragements have been much needed and appreciated. In just three months our initial expenses and 1st year have been covered. We find that to be amazing. And we find all of you amazing. Thank you just isn't enough to express the depth of appreciation we have for all you have done for us. We hope that our work in Sierra Leone justifies the sacrifices you have all made to support this mission. We will keep you updated as often as possible. And, if I may be so bold to ask one more thing, please pray for Andrew not to have a heart attack at the airport on Jan 18th or 19th(it takes about 36 hours of travel so we'll have to pray for both days). He gets really uptight in airports anyway and we will have two children each carrying a backpack, two backpacks of our own, 4 carry-on's and somewhere between 13-15 checked bags. So he'll be uptight and need some extra covering.
Oh, and the new website is up! and it is great! check it out here: www.therainingseason.org
I'll end this with a proof that some things never change;
2004 (at our wedding)
2012 (going to africa party)
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