UPDATE from Sierra Leone May 2015 What a difference two years makes Recently, all the ingredients of what would have been a disaster two years ago occurred at our family compound - the generator broken down (therefore no electricity) and we had almost no water in our tanks. No water coming in for four days; the tank was almost dry. Kip shared with our staff that in the US, the indigenous people would do a "rain dance" in order to encourage rainfall. Instead of dancing, he encouraged everyone to pray for rain. It didn't come. But what did come was enough water from the Guma Valley Water Company via a bowser (water truck) to fill our tank so we could get through the day (maybe two!). What a blessing! We didn't get all we wanted but we did get all we needed. What an awesome God! The Sierra Leonean approach is to just face the concerns of today, that's enough for now; worry about tomorrow's problems tomorrow, God will still be there watching over us. There is still much to learn from the faithfulness of the Sierra Leonean people.
Ebola and the Economy A State of Emergency is still in force in the country, continually affecting the lives of ordinary people even as the number of new Ebola cases is down to near zero. The State of Emergency means that markets close at 6:00 p.m. except on Sundays when they're not open at all. Food is available but prices are up. Transport is difficult with motorbikes not allowed after 7:00 p.m. Motorbikes (known as okada's here) are dangerous but a common means of fast transport in Freetown where traffic is a shambles most of the time. Fuel prices are down reflecting the global oil market (now a little over $3.00 per gallon, although it is sold by the liter, at 3750 Leones per liter). Fear of Ebola is waning but the government, health care NGO's and the United Methodist Church here are concerned about being too lax too soon. Awoko News, May 6, 2015, page 2, Freetown, Sierra Leone "Save the Children's" new report reveals that Sierra Leone has made significant strides in 2 years from 177 in 2013 to 172 in 2014 to rank 169 out of the 179 countries surveyed this year for the Mother's Index. The
Mothers Index ranks countries and children's health, educational, economic and political status." The focus now is to make a way for the many orphans as a result of Ebola. Williamsburg UMC, Burke UMC, North Decatur UMC, Warwick Memorial Ladies and Bethel UMW - the books, dresses and donations are a wonderful gift. Some went with Kip and some will travel with Nancy on her return. Thank you. For the many individuals and churches not named who have sent donations for orphan care and healthcare, thank you. Your love and outreach is in full bloom!
CHURCH Church bulletins sometimes have delightful entries; one occurred at our church, Charles Davies Memorial United Methodist Church in Freetown on Mother's Day. The bulletin stated that they would announce the crowning of the Mother of the Year for 2015; alas, it was written this way: "Crowing of the Mother of the Year for 2015." Mercifully, she wasn't there. Even though public gatherings are still prohibited as a means of Ebola prevention, churches meet and continue to grow in attendance. In May Kip had the opportunity to preach at Lungi UMC, across the bay from Freetown, near the airport. "Saw the shrimp lady coming back from Lungi and she recognized us! She was all dressed up and said hello and said she was the shrimp lady. This is REALLY a small country!"
SCHOOLS Schools have reopened, effective April 22, 2015. There are massive teacher shortages and concerns about lack of water and effective ways for children to wash their hands and prevent further spread or another widespread occurrence of Ebola. Musa is in adult education classes; we provide assistance with homework on occasion. One occasion, at night, without electricity and both equipped with LED head lamps, they were studying the times 2 multiplication table. When Musa missed one he would look at Kip, and Kip would look at Musa. They soon had to give it up...they were blinding each other. His teachers, below insisted on his applying himself to his homework. He is reading short books now.
ON THE COMPOUND We kept up with our three staff during the nine months of our absence and things went on the best they could. We weren't there but we could not abandon those who had done so much to enrich our lives and keep our home functional. With the four guards, the household was seven and still had to be maintained, especially fed each day. The local markets during the height of the Ebola crisis apparently were frightening places. When our cook Magdeline would go there, which was every day because we had virtually no refrigeration in the house, things had changed from "normal" times. She wore long sleeves to avoid contact as much as possible (difficult, in a crowded market); she handled money reluctantly with vendors (can money be a means of getting Ebola?); there was not as much food as before, not scarce, but not plentiful either; prices varied a lot, especially staples bought often, like peppers (hot), and fish. Usually people bought fish from the fishermen in nearby Aberdeen, but Aberdeen was a hotbed of Ebola and everyone was wary. Getting back and forth to the market required a ride on an okada (motorbike) or a taxi; in either case it was difficult not to touch people...and just another possible exposure to the Ebola virus. Everyone prayed a lot.
CHANGES AROUND THE COUNTRY In the provinces, most everyone is back to raising vegetables for sale, warily. Hunger continues to be the greatest problem and Stop Hunger Now is making a difference. On the outskirts of Freetown is evidence of Ebola, the quarantine/treatment center. Nancy will return July 5th and we will be happy to be together again. Thank you for your support in this transition. The cards made and sent by the children's Sunday School classes are a lovely reminder of how we are connected and how important it is to tell the stories of how God is at work in the world. You are a part of that. We look forward to seeing our Norwegian friend Dr. Martin Thormodsen soon and teams from North Carolina coming to work on the hospital at Rotifunk.
May the love and grace of God's presence continue to surround and keep us all active and healthy, full of life as we work together serving as family and friends in our different places of life. The new WiFi seems to work well as long as we keep the generator running. Thank you for your friendship and prayers. Look for news again in July. With love, Nancy and Kip Kip and Nancy Robinson UMC Global Ministries Missionaries serving in Sierra Leone and the USA! (Kip) Advance # 3021815 phone 011 232 76926875 (Nancy) Advance # 3021816 phone 804 873 1487