Today was a great day. First off, I slept like a rock! On top of that, we got to once again experience Freetown in new ways. Last year, I feel like most of our time was spent at the orphanage. However, this year, we have really had a chance to be in the community.
After a quick stop to exchange money and purchase a Lion candy bar (picture a snickers and kit-kat in one) we headed to the big African Market. Before going inside a few of us stopped in the St. George’s Cathedral. It is the oldest church in Freetown, built in 1828.
Then we went to the market. It is a very large market with lots of small shops. There is a lot of jewelry, wood carvings and dresses. The whole experience is kind of intense and overwhelming as they pressure you to buy while bartering with them. In the end we walked away with a few items. The two newest nieces go their own little African dresses and we picked up a few other souvenirs along the way.
After the market we drove up the mountain to see Freetown from a different perspective. I loved the view last year and was excited when it was mostly clear this year. I think it is incredible to see the entire city from so high up. Monte, one of the guys on a team is a former marine who helped evacuate Freetown back in 97’ when the war was getting bad. It was interesting hearing about that and seeing the point where they evacuated from.
After a full day in Freetown, we headed back to the center. Daniel is a little boy who lives just outside the center that Trent really connected with last year. We were able to help him buy a school uniform so he could attend school. This afternoon we decided to take him and his brother, Samuel, out for ice-cream. Aleisha came with us on our trip last year and is now spending the summer in Freetown so she offered to show us where it was at. Out of curiosity I asked how far away it was and she said it was a 5 minute walk. As we walked on I really wasn’t too concerned until eventually, Aleisha said something to the effect of, “Once we get down further we’ll have to ask where it is.” Ha! She had no idea where it really was! And as we asked, no one else seemed to know where Gina’s ice-cream shop was (probably because we weren’t even on the right street). Eventually we made our way there and the boys really enjoyed their ice-cream. I even got the chance to use the wi-fi for a few minutes to wish Jamie a Happy Birthday from across the Atlantic and let my mom know that all was well.
When we returned we had play time with the kids and got to share the sponsor gifts with the kids. Kandeh and Zanaib loved coloring with their new crayons. After dinner we went to devotions. I went to the middle aged girls. Devotions are one of my favorite things here. The kids have such hearts for Jesus. Listening to them sing and pray is one of the most beautiful sounds. Tonight, it was in the dark and that made it even more beautiful.
I cannot get over how truly wonderful this city is. I am thousands of miles from home, but I don’t feel it. It just feels right here. It’s not awkward or uncomfortable. I’m not homesick. I am just embracing every minute of this journey.
{The Launes}
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