Most of Team 2 and ALL of our luggage have arrived safely at the Campanero Hotel in Sierra Leone. I have to tell you that the sight of a bed to stretch out on and sleep on looked really wonderful. It was beautiful sunny day when we left the airport yesterday or was it the day before? It was nice to have Don and Marilyn see us off at the airport They gave last minute instructions and advice. Travel went smoothly... although the ride from the airport to the hotel was on the wild side. Driving is on whole another level here. It was too late to catch the water taxi so drivers took us to the hotel... ended of being a three hour drive. The only disappointment was that it was dark so it was difficult to see the scenery. However, even in the dark we saw many interesting sights.
Even though there are many team members that did not know each other before - we have BONDED through our travel experiences. Everyone is taking care of each other. Our motto might be: Leave no one behind beside the one that Don and Marilyn left with us - Be flexible! Leonard gave us a joyous greeting with hugs at the airport. It was also a welcomed sight to see John. Pat, John and Jane are our experts and we are glad they are along to "advise" the first timers.
Even though we didn't arrived until around 11 pm the hotel staff had set a nice buffet of delicious dishes. Mango, chicken on a stick, fish, pasta with a wonderful sauce, fresh mango and pineapple. What a treat for weary travelers!
Other members of the team are arriving later in the week.
We're excited to attend services tomorrow and perhaps go to the beach. We'll get first hand experience in math skills as we exchange American money for Sierra Leonean Leones. Looking forward to seeing Sierra Leone in the light and interacting with those who live here.
Lastly, I wanted to share this great website and an article written on short mission trips. As a first timer of the Sierra trip, I lost perspective of the trip within the excitement of service work done on a day to day basis. This article helped me refocus my minds direction. https://www.thebanner.org/departments/2012/07/ten-questions-for-debriefing-after-a-mission-trip!!
ReplyDeleteCheers! Ruthanne
https://www.thebanner.org/departments/2012/07/ten-questions-for-debriefing-after-a-mission-trip
DeleteGlad you made it safely!!! Praying for safety, smooth transitions and for you all to be open to seeing and hearing who God specifically needs each of you to touch and reach!!! Little impacts are just as import and special as the big ones!
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