It has been a while between entries!! Thank you all so much for your prayers, encouragement, and the many other kinds of support that we have felt over the last while.
I can’t really describe the process of going through the adoption because it’s just an unbelievably long story. I will just summarize it by saying it was like nothing we’ve ever experienced. The combination of becoming new parents in this setting, and going through all the paperwork and processes that needed to happen led to such an emotional roller coaster. There were times where we thought everything would pass through pretty easily, and other times where we thought things we grinding to a halt, and many other times where circumstances led to frustration and discouragement.
But as of Monday, June 15, on her first birthday, Mariama Conteh officially became part of our family. When we think about this, we’re left quite speechless except to say that we feel that God led us from the beginning to her, and her to us.
It’s interesting how in life when one challenge has been passed by, one’s mind turns automatically to the next one in line. For us, this means that now that she is our daughter, our task turns toward bringing our daughter home with us, preferably when we are scheduled to come home July 25. There are what feels like a million things that need to happen quickly and in the right order before we can come home with her. So far we’ve just been walking through doors as they open (in some cases we’ve been crawling through the window, however), so we’ll take that same mindset with the next steps.
Just today, Peacemaker came to Kabala with the adoption order, so everything is officially official – tell God ten key!
Thank you again so much for all your prayers and support.
Until next time,
Joe and Adrienne
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Mariama Pictures
What a crazy experience, and it's amazing to think how life can twist and turn based on events that take place. This is the house that Mariama lived with her biological mother for 2 months before she died, and the place where she would be living if her mother were still alive. This house is in a tiny village called Kamasepe, which only has about 4 houses, all of which look like this.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
CRC Construction
Totally excited about the construction taking place at CRC Primary. Class VI is currently under way, and moving up quickly. The roof should be up just in time for the rains. Also, we’re trying to secure land for Junior and Senior Secondary School buildings that will be built in upcoming years. Next year, obviously, the class V students will move into the class VI building, and I always thought that if the Secondary School buildings get built eventually (if not right away) that would be OK. I am beginning to realize the importance of being consistent with the building, and really seeing the benefit of getting the current Class V students into our secondary school building by the 2010/2011 school year. I know that money is currently being raised for this project, and gifts can be made through Fraser Valley Christian High School – it’s a great thing to support!
Construction Pics
We were able to use funds that we raised to resurface a large section of the floor at the school that needed to be torn up and done again - cool to see the money that people supported us with go to a good use!
Guinea Trip
Guinea Trip
My CAUSE Canada friends, Travis and Nadim, and I decided a number of months ago to make a motorcycle trip for a weekend up North into Guinea. We decided collectively to make the trip last weekend, given that Monday was Independence Day, and a day off.
Things we thought we needed in order to get through the Guinea border from the North of Sierra Leone:
1. A VISA purchased from the Guinea embassy in Freetown. This was a great experience. First of all, I went to the Guinea embassy straight from the British High Commission, which was obviously very organized, secure, etc. Inside the Guinea embassy was one man sitting behind a desk smoking a cigar, and another sitting on a couch reading a magazine. I inquired about getting a VISA, and the man behind the desk said I needed $50 American. I asked about passport photos, and he just said “pas de problem”. I didn’t have my passport with me at the time, so Adrienne went back for me a few weeks later, filled out a form, and 10 minutes and $50 later had my VISA.
When Nadim went, his passport photos were tossed on a pile of others. After his passport was stamped, him and the man who stamped it got to talking, and they decided to exchange numbers. The guy actually took the form Nadim just filled out, ripped it in half, wrote his own phone # on the back and gave it back to Nadim.
2. Papers for your motorbike.
We spent some significant time in Kabala before we left making sure our bikes were OK to take across in terms of the number plates, registration, permission letters from owners, and so on.
3. Other official documents.
Things you actually need to get though the Guinea border:
1. About 50 000 Guinea Francs ($10) divided up into small bills to pay the fee/bribe/appreciation price at the numerous checkpoints along the way.
2. Someone who speaks either French or a myriad of tribal languages.
So we arrive to the first official checkpoint in Guinea having been stamped out of Sierra Leone. We park our bikes and walk inside a small pagoda – like structure, where we find two men in army pants and white tank tops lying in hammocks, smoking. From the wall beside each of them hang AK-47’s (I would have a picture, but I didn’t think it would be best to pull out the camera at this point). They ask for our documents, and we hand them our passports and most of our other official documents we have attained. They begin to leaf through them, obviously not caring or in some cases even understanding what any of them say. A number of the officers actually looked at our passports upside down. They asked us a few formality questions about our business in Guinea, length of stay, etc. (during this conversation one officer gets up, turns around and starts peeing), but the conversation would immediately turn to the only thing the officers actually cared about: the “fee.” We soon realized any official document attained was useless – the fee was the only thing that mattered. We could have breezed through with army tanks instead of motorbikes as long as we had the fee. This scene played itself out at various checkpoints heading into and out of the country.
To help up with these checkpoints was Moseray, a local guy who owns one of the honda repair shops in town, and his friend, Mohamed. The fact that they have crossed that border many times, and also that between them they spoke 6 languages made navigating our crew through the checkpoints much easier.
My CAUSE Canada friends, Travis and Nadim, and I decided a number of months ago to make a motorcycle trip for a weekend up North into Guinea. We decided collectively to make the trip last weekend, given that Monday was Independence Day, and a day off.
Things we thought we needed in order to get through the Guinea border from the North of Sierra Leone:
1. A VISA purchased from the Guinea embassy in Freetown. This was a great experience. First of all, I went to the Guinea embassy straight from the British High Commission, which was obviously very organized, secure, etc. Inside the Guinea embassy was one man sitting behind a desk smoking a cigar, and another sitting on a couch reading a magazine. I inquired about getting a VISA, and the man behind the desk said I needed $50 American. I asked about passport photos, and he just said “pas de problem”. I didn’t have my passport with me at the time, so Adrienne went back for me a few weeks later, filled out a form, and 10 minutes and $50 later had my VISA.
When Nadim went, his passport photos were tossed on a pile of others. After his passport was stamped, him and the man who stamped it got to talking, and they decided to exchange numbers. The guy actually took the form Nadim just filled out, ripped it in half, wrote his own phone # on the back and gave it back to Nadim.
2. Papers for your motorbike.
We spent some significant time in Kabala before we left making sure our bikes were OK to take across in terms of the number plates, registration, permission letters from owners, and so on.
3. Other official documents.
Things you actually need to get though the Guinea border:
1. About 50 000 Guinea Francs ($10) divided up into small bills to pay the fee/bribe/appreciation price at the numerous checkpoints along the way.
2. Someone who speaks either French or a myriad of tribal languages.
So we arrive to the first official checkpoint in Guinea having been stamped out of Sierra Leone. We park our bikes and walk inside a small pagoda – like structure, where we find two men in army pants and white tank tops lying in hammocks, smoking. From the wall beside each of them hang AK-47’s (I would have a picture, but I didn’t think it would be best to pull out the camera at this point). They ask for our documents, and we hand them our passports and most of our other official documents we have attained. They begin to leaf through them, obviously not caring or in some cases even understanding what any of them say. A number of the officers actually looked at our passports upside down. They asked us a few formality questions about our business in Guinea, length of stay, etc. (during this conversation one officer gets up, turns around and starts peeing), but the conversation would immediately turn to the only thing the officers actually cared about: the “fee.” We soon realized any official document attained was useless – the fee was the only thing that mattered. We could have breezed through with army tanks instead of motorbikes as long as we had the fee. This scene played itself out at various checkpoints heading into and out of the country.
To help up with these checkpoints was Moseray, a local guy who owns one of the honda repair shops in town, and his friend, Mohamed. The fact that they have crossed that border many times, and also that between them they spoke 6 languages made navigating our crew through the checkpoints much easier.
Guinea Motorbike trip 2009
(left to right) Moseray, Joe, Nadim, Mohamed, Travis
Crossing the SL/Guinea borader - that cement block on the ground is the marker
Mango season - $.15 for a whole bucketfull
goat Canucks goat
Goats
The other day Adrienne and I were noticing that it seemed like there were more goats wandering around in town. We were trying to figure out why, when the reason struck us suddenly: it’s obviously the result of goat Canucks goat! The goat-o-meter was around 500 last I checked. This is so great, and we can definitely vouch for the importance of goats for a local family’s well being. Get your goat!
The other day Adrienne and I were noticing that it seemed like there were more goats wandering around in town. We were trying to figure out why, when the reason struck us suddenly: it’s obviously the result of goat Canucks goat! The goat-o-meter was around 500 last I checked. This is so great, and we can definitely vouch for the importance of goats for a local family’s well being. Get your goat!
Rain, Rain, Come our Way.
March was crazy hot, but we were ready for it. What we weren’t ready for was April and May being just as hot or hotter. It has rained a few times, but we’re just begging for the rainy season (raining every day) to arrive. It’s funny because our conversation every morning has sounded something like this.
Adrienne (sounding hopeful from bed): It looks cloudy outside!
Joe (from the verandah grudgingly): No….clear blue skies again…
Adrienne (punching the pillow and regretting it because it made her sweaty): argh!!
Adrienne (sounding hopeful from bed): It looks cloudy outside!
Joe (from the verandah grudgingly): No….clear blue skies again…
Adrienne (punching the pillow and regretting it because it made her sweaty): argh!!
KSFTB Update
The relationship between CRC Primary and the Kabala School for the Blind has been confirmed through the board, and we are hoping to have our first “blind day” (or whatever the name will be) next month!
The most exciting news, however, is that after meeting the School Management Committee chairperson, MA Jalloh, I am confident that the school is in good hands. He has been involved with the school since the beginning, and really has a soft spot in his heart for its students, and wants the best for them. He also has the means and the connections to get things done, and since he stepped in as the chairman of the SMC 8 months ago, things have already happened. The most significant of these is that he got the district council to fund the building of 3 classrooms on their old site (the place they were located before the war). He was the principal of a local high school for many years, and until recently was in parliament, so he certainly has a ton of connections.
He has a plan for the school, and has been working hard at making things happen. I am meeting with the SMC next week, and next time I go to Freetown I will meet with MA and discuss prices for school supplies. Will keep you updated.
The most exciting news, however, is that after meeting the School Management Committee chairperson, MA Jalloh, I am confident that the school is in good hands. He has been involved with the school since the beginning, and really has a soft spot in his heart for its students, and wants the best for them. He also has the means and the connections to get things done, and since he stepped in as the chairman of the SMC 8 months ago, things have already happened. The most significant of these is that he got the district council to fund the building of 3 classrooms on their old site (the place they were located before the war). He was the principal of a local high school for many years, and until recently was in parliament, so he certainly has a ton of connections.
He has a plan for the school, and has been working hard at making things happen. I am meeting with the SMC next week, and next time I go to Freetown I will meet with MA and discuss prices for school supplies. Will keep you updated.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Kabala School for the Blind
A number of weeks ago, I was beginning to look for a way that CRC Primary could be involved in some sort of community service. I decided to visit the Kabala School for the Blind after JT (the headmaster) and the visiting pastors made a trip up there (I say “up” because the school is located at the top of the hill). They had mentioned that the school was operating under a series of constraints, and JT had reiterated the deplorable living conditions that they witnessed.
First of all, I should give a brief history of the school. It was established in 1986, and in 1989 became a partially funded government school. The school started with 10 or so students, and grew to around 30 or so at one point. All the students live on the school grounds as well as go to school. The primary students go to school at the same location, and the secondary students walk (with a guide) to one of the 3 local secondary schools in town. Along with the help of NGOs in the community, it was doing OK in a permanent location 3 miles out of town – the school was receiving three meals per day, was growing, and had a good music and crafts program.
The school has never been the same since the rebels attacked it in July, 1998. Their structure was destroyed, and for 7 years they were moving from place to place with no government support. Finally in 2005 they were allowed to stay in their current location, which is horrible but at least it gave them some stability.
For the last year, the school has received hardly any government funding and is desperate. Local community stakeholders, as well as the NGO that Adrienne works for, CITA, has been the school’s only sources for daily needs like food. But even with CITA’s help the school is currently only getting 1 or 2 meals per day.
So one day I drove up there myself to visit the school for the first time with the intention of simply meeting the headmaster and introducing myself. Since then, I have visited the school a number of times with other people, and every visitor has the same reaction: a compelling need to help them somehow. The reasons for this are numerous. First of all, they really are living in terrible conditions. Their building (which they are only allowed to stay in temporarily) is old and damaged with many problems such as huge windows without glass and things other similar problems. They don’t have a well, so during the dry season they have to haul water up the hill every day – an extremely demanding feat for anyone, let alone someone who is not able to see. Also, they have next to no materials for their school, including no musical instruments or craft supplies. The other main need is accommodation help such as beds, mattresses, clothes, etc., as they are sleeping 3 to a “bed” in many cases right now. The second and even stronger reason that one feels the urge to help is the wonderfully endearing character that these students and teachers show. They are very warm and welcoming, and they treat each other like family – even poking fun at each other.
While I was visiting there for the first time, I knew this was a great opportunity for CRC Primary to bless the community in a profound way, and I decided to visit the school more regularly, so I told them I would come a few days later with Adrienne. On that visit, I mentioned that I would come the next week with my 29 class 4 students and 4 visitors from Canada, and on that visit I mentioned I would come the next week with Adrienne’s parents. With each visit, I could feel their confidence in me growing. When I visited the 5th or 6th time with a couple of workers from CAUSE, their confidence had turned into full-fledged hope that I was their Saviour. I felt a lot of pressure, because all I had done was visit, and although I want to help them, I hadn’t told them I would because I don’t really know how. Adrienne reminded me that they put their hope in me not because I had given them grand promises but because their situation is hopeless. When I say I am going to come back and I do, they almost have no choice but to put their hope in me.
Having said that, I do want to find out how that school’s situation can improve, and I’ve spent a lot of time researching the school, and trying to find out the best way to move forward in terms of relieving some of their constraints.
One thing I am really excited about is that a partnership is developing between the Kabala School for the Blind and CRC Primary School. JT and the teachers are excited about helping that school out, because all the teachers are aware of their constraints. So far we have just been brainstorming ways to help, and JT had the idea of the students at CRC going without food periodically throughout the year (one day per month or so) and donating that ½ bag of rice to the School for the Blind. We were discussing putting a name on that day where we go without food – I suggested “thanksgiving day,” or “neighbor day,” or “blessing day.” JT suggested “blind day.” We settled on brainstorming a little more for the name of that day.
As I talk to more and more people about the school, I have become increasingly touched by how people in the community really want to help the school, and in fact the only reason it has survived the last number of years is because people in the community have made contributions. At the same time, I have become progressively more frustrated that the government money, for whatever reason, hasn’t come in consistently. I have heard that schools for the blind across the country are experiencing the same funding problems.
So far, I am just in the researching and learning phase. I have a meeting tomorrow with JT and the School for the Blind’s School Management Committee Chairperson (named Mohummed Alie!), so I am hoping to hearing his thoughts on how the school can move forward most effectively. Adrienne and I would welcome your prayers on this issue. Thank you so much and we will keep you posted.
First of all, I should give a brief history of the school. It was established in 1986, and in 1989 became a partially funded government school. The school started with 10 or so students, and grew to around 30 or so at one point. All the students live on the school grounds as well as go to school. The primary students go to school at the same location, and the secondary students walk (with a guide) to one of the 3 local secondary schools in town. Along with the help of NGOs in the community, it was doing OK in a permanent location 3 miles out of town – the school was receiving three meals per day, was growing, and had a good music and crafts program.
The school has never been the same since the rebels attacked it in July, 1998. Their structure was destroyed, and for 7 years they were moving from place to place with no government support. Finally in 2005 they were allowed to stay in their current location, which is horrible but at least it gave them some stability.
For the last year, the school has received hardly any government funding and is desperate. Local community stakeholders, as well as the NGO that Adrienne works for, CITA, has been the school’s only sources for daily needs like food. But even with CITA’s help the school is currently only getting 1 or 2 meals per day.
So one day I drove up there myself to visit the school for the first time with the intention of simply meeting the headmaster and introducing myself. Since then, I have visited the school a number of times with other people, and every visitor has the same reaction: a compelling need to help them somehow. The reasons for this are numerous. First of all, they really are living in terrible conditions. Their building (which they are only allowed to stay in temporarily) is old and damaged with many problems such as huge windows without glass and things other similar problems. They don’t have a well, so during the dry season they have to haul water up the hill every day – an extremely demanding feat for anyone, let alone someone who is not able to see. Also, they have next to no materials for their school, including no musical instruments or craft supplies. The other main need is accommodation help such as beds, mattresses, clothes, etc., as they are sleeping 3 to a “bed” in many cases right now. The second and even stronger reason that one feels the urge to help is the wonderfully endearing character that these students and teachers show. They are very warm and welcoming, and they treat each other like family – even poking fun at each other.
While I was visiting there for the first time, I knew this was a great opportunity for CRC Primary to bless the community in a profound way, and I decided to visit the school more regularly, so I told them I would come a few days later with Adrienne. On that visit, I mentioned that I would come the next week with my 29 class 4 students and 4 visitors from Canada, and on that visit I mentioned I would come the next week with Adrienne’s parents. With each visit, I could feel their confidence in me growing. When I visited the 5th or 6th time with a couple of workers from CAUSE, their confidence had turned into full-fledged hope that I was their Saviour. I felt a lot of pressure, because all I had done was visit, and although I want to help them, I hadn’t told them I would because I don’t really know how. Adrienne reminded me that they put their hope in me not because I had given them grand promises but because their situation is hopeless. When I say I am going to come back and I do, they almost have no choice but to put their hope in me.
Having said that, I do want to find out how that school’s situation can improve, and I’ve spent a lot of time researching the school, and trying to find out the best way to move forward in terms of relieving some of their constraints.
One thing I am really excited about is that a partnership is developing between the Kabala School for the Blind and CRC Primary School. JT and the teachers are excited about helping that school out, because all the teachers are aware of their constraints. So far we have just been brainstorming ways to help, and JT had the idea of the students at CRC going without food periodically throughout the year (one day per month or so) and donating that ½ bag of rice to the School for the Blind. We were discussing putting a name on that day where we go without food – I suggested “thanksgiving day,” or “neighbor day,” or “blessing day.” JT suggested “blind day.” We settled on brainstorming a little more for the name of that day.
As I talk to more and more people about the school, I have become increasingly touched by how people in the community really want to help the school, and in fact the only reason it has survived the last number of years is because people in the community have made contributions. At the same time, I have become progressively more frustrated that the government money, for whatever reason, hasn’t come in consistently. I have heard that schools for the blind across the country are experiencing the same funding problems.
So far, I am just in the researching and learning phase. I have a meeting tomorrow with JT and the School for the Blind’s School Management Committee Chairperson (named Mohummed Alie!), so I am hoping to hearing his thoughts on how the school can move forward most effectively. Adrienne and I would welcome your prayers on this issue. Thank you so much and we will keep you posted.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Some Sports Day Pics
Alaharrkan Primary School, which is a new Muslim school located right beside CRC, just had their sports day. They asked me to be Sports Supervisor, and I was sure to get a few pics of the academic events that they are doing as well. The finished product of the above pics was almost correct.
The announcer and other spectators intensely observing the alphabet scramble
One adjustment that made it way better was to get fellow teammates to hold the pocket chart instead of arranging them on desks.
Red house standing in front of their booth. One thing that pictures don't capture is the dancing that goes on. The sound system plays Salone (Krio for Sierra Leone) tracks all day long, and the kids just dance continuously in front and inside their booths.
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