Sierra Leone

I've been reflecting a lot this week on life... going through a bit of a post-trip-of-a-lifetime letdown.
It's been a crazy ride, this story we find ourselves in.

If you had told me five years ago that by the summer of 2011 I'd have traveled twice to Africa, once alone and once with my whole family, I'd never have believed you.

And yet - here I am.

Coming home this second time around I've been sort of side swiped by how now, more than ever, I am destined to live a life divided. Forver torn between two worlds... the place I call home and this country on the other side of the globe that has captured my heart.

My hope here is to tell you stories... to share the ways in which Sierra Leone grips my heart. Since I cannot take each and every one of you along with me, I will do my best, with words and pictures, to introduce you to my second home. My hope is that you will begin to value this tiny country in West Africa - to begin to care about it's people and pray for it's peace. Perhaps you'll donate some out of your excess to make a difference in the life of a child. Or maybe - you 'll come along with me next time. If the Lord wills it, I hope to return every couple of years.

Sierra Leone is one of the world's poorest countries as measured by the human development index.

Some startling and revealing statistics:

• Life Expectancy: 48.2 years
• Average years of schooling/adults: 2.9
• 63% of the population of Sierra Leone lives on less than $1.25 a day
• Average income: $825 a year.

After the 11 year civil war ended in 2002, hundreds of thousands of people who had flocked to Freetown in an attempt to flee the rebels in the provinces chose to stay in the city. Freetown was developed to support a population of about 250,000 and now it is estimated that it houses at least 1.5 million. A million and a half people living in a city with no garbage service,  inefficient sewers, polluted water, no job opportunities... Many of the people who came to Freetown during the war lost years of their lives and education to the war. They don't have the skills to return to the provinces to farm and provide for their families and they don't have the education to succeed in the city.

 

It could very well seem hopeless.

 

And yet - they are not a country without hope.

 

The people of Sierra Leone are amazing. Strong. Generous. Kind. Welcoming.

 

I love Sierra Leone.

 

I love it's crazy, crowded streets. It's vast, lush, green spaces. It's smiles. It's determination.

 

Come along with me to Sierra Leone.