NHA 7 Days of Updates: Day 4

(Day 4's update was delayed due to power outages in the area - sorry)

Day 4: Transportation - NO GOOD


We really need to purchase our own vehicle in Sierra Leone.  Every time James informs me that he is going into Makeni or Freetown in order to purchase supplies, go to bank or make distributions for needy families in the area, I get a sick feeling in my gut.

You see, without our own NHA Vehicle, James is at the mercy of drivers that he really doesn't know and in most occasions - really doesn't trust (for good reason).   And even if they are good drivers - which is a rarity these days in Sierra Leone - their vehicles are not safe.  

Point in case:  This is his recent taxi to Makeni in torrential rains

cracked windshield and all 

Please consider helping us in our next project of providing a decent, safe and functioning vehicle to

get us and our supplies back and forth to those and need and to safely get James to the city for

picking up supplies to benefit those we serve in Sierra Leone.   Send your donations to NHA at

185 Captains Cove Drive, Taylorsville, KY 40071 or use the paypal link on our website

www.nazarethhouseap.org.  

James is hazarding himself daily to do the work of NHA in his country.   It would be a good thing for us to help him do this work in a safe manner.  We'll always have to contend with "the other driver" in the other car, but at least the car we are in - we can trust - is well taken care of and the driver alert and safe.

Unsafe driving in Sierra Leone in unsafe vehicles isn't getting better, its getting worse.  Let's try to prevent such a tragedy for NHA in Salone.

Thank you so much for your prayers, compassion and generosity.  

Prominent young leaders in Sierra Leone involved in tragic Car Collision.

Nazareth House Apostolate extends its heart-felt condolences to the family & friends of Kadija Jalloh, 22 of the United States and the Sho-Sawyer family of Freetown, Sierra Leone. A tragic accident on the Bo Freetown Highway took the lives of Ms. Jalloh and the driver, Mr. Ade Sho-Sawyer. Critically injured in the accident is Diaspora Director, Dr. Sho-Sawyer, the fiance' of Ms. Jalloh.

Ms. Jalloh had arrived in Sierra Leone from the United States but two days before the fatal accident. She and Dr. Sho-Sawyer were recently engaged to be married. Kadija & Dr. Sho-Sawyer were on their way to attend an Open Government Initiative session. Dr. Sho-Sawyer had recently returned to Freetown from a trip to the United States to attend meetings held concerning the Diaspora Program.

The reports we've received are that a large truck maneuvering through thick dust in the air at high speeds as it weaved through the pot holes crashed into the driver side of the car, killing the driver, Mr. Ade Sho-Sawyer and Ms. Jalloh, who was sitting behind the driver. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. It has been reported that the driver of the truck involved in the wreck, left the scene of the accident and has not yet been located.

Dr. Mitchel Sho-Sawyer received head and hip injuries and is listed in critical condition at the Choitram's Hospital in Freetown. Our prayers are with Dr. Mitchel Sho-Sawyer for a quick and complete recovery as well as our deep sympathy for the loss of his beloved, Kadija.

Road conditions can be extremely hazardous (frequent deep pot holes, etc.) in Sierra Leone making travel treacherous. Adding further adverse conditions such as high speeds and/or bad weather conditions; the chances of automobile collisions becomes even greater.

Nazareth House Apostolate Board Members and Staff have not personally met either of those involved in this horrific accident but their work in the Diaspora Program and Youth for Sierra Leone Improvement (Kadija Jalloh is President of the Maryland Chapter) are highly regarded in America and in Sierra Leone. We are deeply saddened. We ask you all to share in with us in prayer for everyone involved, namely the family and friends of the deceased and especially for recovery of Dr. Sho-Sawyer.

Trip to Guinea, escorting Pa Barrie Widow (Day 1)

Travels to/from Guinea: by James Mansaray, Freetown:

Writing this makes little sense for it's the worst and best trip that I had ever made. Worst in the sense because the roads are very bad, risky to travel on, broken bridges, hostile check point's guards on the Guinean side, passengers jammed packed like sardines together with goods and most of all spending ten hours in what supposed to be two hours.

Best trip on the other hand, for it brought us (NHA) and Pa Barrie's family much closer --seeing us all as one family. This does contribute to the work of NHA here in Sierra Leone and beyond taking peace in the midst of turmoil through prayers and love. Not counting the warm welcome and appreciation I got from this people when we got there.

My pity was for the old Mama Marianna (Pa Barrie's widow) who was struggling to handle the pain of her husband's death and the struggles to get there. Climbing up and down whenever we get to a bad point on the road. Sometimes, the driver's apprentice would have to go stand into the huge pool of water to make sure it is safe to drive on. Can you imagine doing all this at night? She could not say a word till we make it to Kambia town the following morning, where she asked for water. There was pain and fear all over my body on the first day.

(to be continued next post...)