In Kabala, right now, the workers are frantically trying to complete the extremely hard task of building the well. Without it, obtaining water at our new NHA Compound in Kabala will be a real back-breaking task, requiring long hikes to fetch water and haul it back - several times a day. It will also mean bathing in streams, along with the laundry.
Seeing these guys digging deeper and deeper in search of water, I think of the Samaritan at the well in Scripture from John 4: 6-23. It has always been one of my favorite Bible Stories and I think of it every time I see a well. The Well Scene pictures forgiveness, renewal, refreshment - new beginnings.
I remember last year in Kabala at a different well; Seraphim went to draw some water, there was a lady who came upon the well at the same time he did. Knowing he was a priest, she respectfully refused to allow him to draw water and drew it for him. Seraphim was humbled by her gesture, knowing that she also knew the Scripture - it was a beautiful moment for all of us that witnessed it.
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| The construction of the new well for the NHA Compound |
Looking at how deep this well is already and no water in sight, knowing the rickety tools the workers must use, I think of prayer. The workman's safety, the general need of water - we definitely need to soak this situation in prayer.
The work continues at the NHA Compound, building for change! Its what we are all about - CHANGE. Changing lives by bringing about better life, better education, better health.
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| NHA students slowly make their way to the NHA School. |
For a year now, Nazareth House has been working to complete the NHA Compound in an effort to serve the poorest of the poor in a meaningful way. We were lead to Kabala because of the needs of that area. We knew that NHA could be most effective there, not only because of our type of work, but because the NHA School is already located there - right across the dirt road from the site of our new compound. To minister to the people, it is important to live in the community in which we serve. Hence the move to Kabala. Simply visiting from time to time doesn't give you the keen awareness needed to make a genuine real difference. Relocating our staff and center to Kabala is a practical and prudent move.
Our first order of business was to establish a permanent residency in the area. We were fortunate to find a trustworthy contractor and after much prayer we began to build. From that moment we all have worked together, raising the money to fulfill this vision and meet the challenge. At this writing we continue to hover at the $12,000 range owed on the NHA Compound. NHA relies entirely on God as he works through those who listen and hear Him, putting it into action. As part of our family of supporters, you demonstrate the power and potential of collective love - showing the world that Matthew 25:31-46 can be realized when people are willing to share. Together we have accomplished so much in Sierra Leone by restoring hope and providing help. Its time to embark on the final steps of the NHA Compound journey and move forward into new avenues of loving and caring for our brothers and sisters in need.
NHA does not receive government grants, we rely on individuals, organizations and churches to provide the care and meet the needs of the poor in Sierra Leone.
This weekend is it! We have squeezed out every second of our stay at St. Laurence House in Freetown and now the truck is loaded with the last of the belongings and it is over. St. Laurence House is no longer. The new compound, our center of operations in Kabala will be named "Nazareth House, Kabala".
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| Loaded truck, Kabala bound |
James, Kadijah, Lucy, Ann Marie and Roo are Kabala bound - despite the fact that their new home, the NHA Compound, is not ready for us to house them. We take a deep breath, inhale a huge dose of faith and do what we have to do. The Mansaray family is no different, so in faith, they move to Kabala.
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| Ann Marie, packing up - moving out |
Kadijah, however, is suffering a little more than the rest of the family, she's having to make the move ill - suffering from vomiting and nausea. Please keep her in your prayers.
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| Kadijah and Mama Vicki at a Kabala Well |
The rough drive to Kabala is a long one and much worse when you are not feeling well.
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| Kadijah at the NHA School, March 2010 |
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| Goodbye, Freetown! |
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| Thank you for your consideration. www.nazarethhouseap.org |
