One week down, one to go

 It's Friday night. One work week over and one more to go. 

I've heard such incredible stories from people, and I must share at least one... 

JB was 5 when he came to the Child Rescue Center (orphanage then). His single mom had three children and was unable to provide for all of them. So one day she promised to make him a special meal and then to go out. He was so excited by the extra attention. She got him dressed up, they ate, she packed his clothes, and then walked him to a meeting place. He saw other children sitting with their families while an adult talked at the front. Suddenly he realized his mom wasn't beside him. He wasn't alarmed. He sat quietly waiting for her return. He noticed other children alone now too. Some were crying. He didn't cry. He believed his mom was coming back. She always came back. But then another woman came, took him by the hand, and led him away to his new home in the orphanage. He saw almost nothing of his mother for years. She had to move to Freetown for work, and there was no extra money to travel. He grew up in the orphanage through high school, then was sent to college. He came back during the 9-month Ebola shutdown to help with the children. He now has a degree in computer science and is pursuing another degree. He works here now and is passionately dedicated to the Child Reintegration Program. His is a remarkable success story.

I have met multiple young adults who grew up on the site here and done so well. They are a joy to meet…and to see them return here to work to help other children who, like them, became homeless, due primarily to poverty. 

Some serious cuteness

 It's HOT again! 

Did I mention that it's not been bad? Rainy season keeps the heat down (and the humidity up). But it's overall been pretty bearable. No sun to speak of, but the clouds help us too. Locals have been wearing sweaters and jackets even. (To be precise, the temp has been in low 80s.)

Today, it changed. At least to me. The sun came out and I welcomed it...at first. But the heat (and steam) are riding up. I'm actually looking forward to my cold shower tomorrow morning! And hopefully, more rain!

 

The Food Situation

There are two local women who cook all our meals. We can only eat here where everything has been washed in clean water (I think this means they kill the gems with Clorox the same as we treat our water after a hurricane). Our meals are usually some form of chicken, always delicious rice, and a heavy gravy. We get fresh cut cucumbers, carrots and amazing pineapple. Tonight we had black-eyed peas -- to die for! The food is filling and good, with a Lowcountry SC flair. They tone down the spiciness for us.

We help set the table, then clear it and wash up. So everyone helps the cooks.

The most interesting part to me is the "kitchen." It's outside. Pots of food are prepared on a hot charcoal bed. Raw rice is pounded in the yard to become rice flour. I'll add a few pictures for you here. 

Pounding raw rice to make rice flour

Sous-chefs

Outdoor cooktop

Shopping

Late this afternoon a few of us went to the fabric store (would be more appropriate to label it the fabric CLOSET.) The tailor is coming tomorrow afternoon and we can get some clothes made. (TD wants an African shirt!!) The fabric store and the main shopping district were experiences not to be forgotten. But most memorable to me was the unplanned fall I took in the shop, hitting my head and scaring my companions. It was really nothing, though, and I got back into shopping mode quickly enough. 

Must close. Almost lights out time!