From Freetown, SL to Kindia, Guinea and back...

Written by James Mansaray, 16 March, 2009

(Pa Barrie's widow, Marianna, and James at St. Laurence House)

Greetings from Freetown, Sierra Leone

Having gone through several weeks of mourning for her late husband, Mama Marianna made yet another trip to Kindia town/ Conakry Guinea to pay last respect to her late husband, Pa Barrie.

( Pa Amadu Barrie, Waliullah -صديق الله)

It was our promise at NHA to continue helping and seeing her through this and to take responsibility for her hence forth.

(Fr. Seraphim and Mama Vicki paying the rent for 2009 of Marianna's tiny little "house")


Mama Marianna, Mama Vicki, Fr. Seraphim, Pa Barrie and Jaria Barrie at the Barrie Home, September 2008.

Mama Vicki and Pa Barrie, September 2008 at his home.



Below, the photo is of the inside of the Barrie house, storage of foods, etc.



Once more, I was on the road again last week to bring Marianna Barrie home. As usual, passing through that road is always hectic, meeting more military and police check points, harassment and not mentioning the pains from the continuous road bumps. Despite the dust and broken bridges,this time round I consider it much better. No trouble on the Sierra Leonean part of the road so it was a lucky trip. Thanks to you all for your prayers.

To prevent more damage to my working tools (Cameras) I bury them among my few clothes and placed all in my bag. Remember they damaged and almost took my only camera on the Guinean part during my last trip to Kindia, so I was kind of conscious and a bit worried making way through those guys again.

A quick stop at Conakry, before jumping into another jam-packed vehicle to Kindia the following day.

(James is wearing mask to prevent all the dust from entering his lungs during the drive)

Yet again at this big check point called Transis, a Guinean soldier having found no fault in me decided to take money from me somehow so he said that I need an official medical proof to enter their Country. I did’t know what to say, as he was already walking away with my Passport. God bless the heart of a lady sitting next to me who went out arguing on my behalf and brought back my Passport. Like Mama Vicki says "Miracles are LOUD in Salone" and they were shouting to make it so easy for me to cross the border this time.

Once in Kindia, Mama Marianna was there waiting and I received a warm welcome again from the few family members that I met there.

I just could not wait to see Pa Barrie’s grave again. It all seems as if he was waiting there to say "hello". I spent sometime there in prayers with Ibrahim, one of his Grandsons

and also Sheriff, a friend I made on my way to Conakry.

The thoughts of spending another dreadful night with bed bugs and killer mosquitoes was on my mind from my last trip... so I wasted no time the following morning to make it quick out of Guinea and cross the border post before it closes down. Mama Marianna never said a word nor climb out of that vehicle till we get home in Freetown, late that evening.

Eight hours from Pamalap to Freetown in a drive that was supposed to be just three hours. This time we squeezed into the car of the most rotten and bad driver I had ever met in my life, with no spare tires, no jack for his vehicle etc.

We had ten to fifteen break downs and any time this happens we have to wait for another vehicle to help up us out.

One long stop at Boamoi village where the tire could go no more so the bad driver finally decided to buy another old one.

Here I took a walk along the village greeting some of the villagers who were all in a happy mood

collecting peanuts and getting busy.

You’ll see the need but these people have no choice but to stick with it happily.

More kids rolling on the dust keeping the dry wind alive.

Thank God I am back home and Mama Marianna happy to be here.

She, along with me and the whole St. Laurence House family, say "hello" and send love to all at NHA for providing for and praying her back home safe.

Thanks for keeping up the support of Nazareth House and not forgetting needs of those in my country. You are making a difference. God bless you.
James.

Candy Canes and Harmattan Dust

Each year, shifting winds known as the Harmattan head southward from the Sahara Desert. As it darkens the skies with sandy grit, the dry air also makes for some really cold nights for the people of Sierra Leone, who are used to blustery equatorial weather. The dusty wind can be severe enough to ground airplanes & helicopters. Because of the extremely chilly nights and the dust that aggravates the lungs, most in Sierra Leone see this weather condition as a great nuisance. But for others it's a business opportunity. Charcoal vendors move their product to buyers seeking nighttime warmth.

Secondhand clothes sellers bring out the knit-wool hats, hoodies and ski parkas. Children bang dust out of customers' rugs with broomsticks. For car washers, it's an excellent time to bring in some much needed funds. As you look around, you can see the dusty yellow coating it leaves behind on palm trees...

 

...and little boys. (click on above photo to enlarge & look closely at his dusty legs)

No matter when Nazareth House Apostolate sends the Annual Candy Cane Treats, it seems they always arrive about the time of Harmattan - when dust in the air coats everything...and everyone.

 

Notice the dust on these children. You could write your name in the dust on the little boy's belly. Candy Canes and Dust do not make the best combination, but to these children, a few extra gritty particles really didn't matter. A candy cane is such a special treat.

James and his friend Ali recently made the trip from Freetown to Kabala for the annual distribution of candy canes to our students at the Nazareth House Kabala School recently. Along the way, they handed out candy canes to the children they met as they passed village after village.

 

The young man on the left is sporting a Harmattan dust covered face with a shiny sticky circle around his mouth, evidence of a well licked candy cane!!!


You who are filled with love and compassion for the people of Sierra Leone, are able to express this through Nazareth House Apostolate who delivers that love into a tangible reality. What a team we all are in Nazareth House. Thanks for your support... and the difference you make in the lives of so many... Have a wonderful day!