Early Thursday, January 31, 2018

As mentioned before Don and Marilyn sent us off with the words with the 11th commandment...be flexible. Those words have come to mind several times as we go through each day. It is a good opportunity to grow as you let go of expectations and remember to pray for the plan and opportunities that God is orchestrating. It includes the little things such as my expectations for this blog. Today's post is a buffet of well...a little of everything.
New team members are joining us soon!

Marci is on cloud nine as a room has been designated for a kitchen. Before the room was "found" there were locations that would have been a lot of work to set-up. Guess what sign was already above the door? Kitchen! Apparently it was lost and now it is found. It is now cleaned and ready for a stove, a refrigerator, shelving and supplies.

"Here is Your Indiana Government" 

 

Another discovery was a set of books in the library at the all boys school. It is wonderful to see books placed on shelves. It was uplifting to see a few students sitting in the library.
As you gain a little understanding of the culture and environment and see what books have been sent over through donations, you realize that some your donations perhaps would not be meaningful for Sierra Leone students and teachers.

John and Moses

I don't know if you can comprehend that toilet facilities can be very limited at a hospital. When we arrived at the beginning of the week only 3 patient toilets were working but now 22 are thanks to the building team. The guys (John, Tom, and Moses) spend their days upgrading and repairing.

The PT clinic is always buzzing with activity. It is always a blessing to hear about the collaboration that goes on between Stacey and the PT staff. There was a strong relationship built by the first medical team which makes it easier for the second team to continue the work.

Three year old sister with a new baby brother. Joyful mom! 

 

 Pure sweetness in the maternity ward. Sally fills her day with well baby exams, surgical procedures, and ob/gyn exams. No lighting for a procedure...no problem...nurses just use their phone's flashlight.








The education team continues to build relationships with teachers and make observations as they prepare for professional development next week. It is amazing to observe Sierra Leone educators teach with very limited resources and facilities. The girls are having their lunch or snack in the "cafeteria". No picture can show how tight the spaces are. There is no outdoor area. Very small indoor rooms are very dark. If this school was a state park the trail (hallways) would be labeled treacherous.



Answer to the plunger: