Monday, December 15, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Report from James on Dr. Sho-Sawyer
FREETOWN,SL: By James Mansaray
As newspapers continue to pass on the message of the tragic road accident along the dusty BO highway claiming the lives of beloved Kadija and their driver, Dr. Sho-Sawyer continues to heal up at the Choithram Memorial Hospital at Hill Station. There have been conflicting stories about his condition so I took up the time this morning to visit him, together with a friend of mine Ibrahim Bah, a driver working with a group called A Call To Business based in the UK. I had not had the good fortune to meet Dr. Sho-Sawyer before today and I was so sad that our first meeting was surrounded by him in such pain. Representing Nazareth House, I wanted to extend our condolences and be assured he was doing as best as can be expected.
At the hospital we met the doctors doing their morning rounds, so we waited out a while before we were let in. As we opened the door, I noticed a huge bandage on his head and also damage on his left foot. We greeted him well and he responded ever so politely. No wonder everybody talks good about him! He smiled well and shake my hand before he lay back looking down at us. To myself, I said "thank God he is alive and talking to us". When asked how he was getting along he said "ok" but kept complaining about the pain of his left leg. It seems as if more needs to be done for that leg and I pray that the hospital can provide that for him.
It was morning and more people were coming in to say hello so we kept our visit short and said good-bye to him. I told him before we leave to "get well". I look forward to visit him again soon.
As for now, he is in great pain and needs lot of prayers and love. This you can do even from afar.
Dr. Sho-Sawyer together with the late Kadija have been very strong working hard to help the new Sierra Leone in their own way. We are so very grateful for them both.
...and with Kadija's passing, there is so much the less charm in the world today.
Thanks for all your prayers, please continue them for Dr. Sho-Sawyer and the families(Jalloh & Sho-Sawyer) of all involved.
As newspapers continue to pass on the message of the tragic road accident along the dusty BO highway claiming the lives of beloved Kadija and their driver, Dr. Sho-Sawyer continues to heal up at the Choithram Memorial Hospital at Hill Station. There have been conflicting stories about his condition so I took up the time this morning to visit him, together with a friend of mine Ibrahim Bah, a driver working with a group called A Call To Business based in the UK. I had not had the good fortune to meet Dr. Sho-Sawyer before today and I was so sad that our first meeting was surrounded by him in such pain. Representing Nazareth House, I wanted to extend our condolences and be assured he was doing as best as can be expected.
At the hospital we met the doctors doing their morning rounds, so we waited out a while before we were let in. As we opened the door, I noticed a huge bandage on his head and also damage on his left foot. We greeted him well and he responded ever so politely. No wonder everybody talks good about him! He smiled well and shake my hand before he lay back looking down at us. To myself, I said "thank God he is alive and talking to us". When asked how he was getting along he said "ok" but kept complaining about the pain of his left leg. It seems as if more needs to be done for that leg and I pray that the hospital can provide that for him.
It was morning and more people were coming in to say hello so we kept our visit short and said good-bye to him. I told him before we leave to "get well". I look forward to visit him again soon.
As for now, he is in great pain and needs lot of prayers and love. This you can do even from afar.
Dr. Sho-Sawyer together with the late Kadija have been very strong working hard to help the new Sierra Leone in their own way. We are so very grateful for them both.
...and with Kadija's passing, there is so much the less charm in the world today.
Thanks for all your prayers, please continue them for Dr. Sho-Sawyer and the families(Jalloh & Sho-Sawyer) of all involved.
Monday, December 8, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Fuel Problems in Sierra Leone
Words by James Mansaray, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Whenever there is an increase or decrease on the price of petrol, we the ordinary people here is Sierra Leone and else where in Africa suffer the most. Few months back petrol dealers were happy about the inflation on fuel since this will give them more profit, forgetting the fact that the tide might turn the other way.
On Monday there was the news of taxi and poda poda (taxi vans) fares going down meaning petrol cost moving from it original high price to something much cheaper.
This sudden change prompted most of the gas stations around the capital to stop selling with the notion that they don't have any petrol. At the end of the day transport became very difficult to find forcing dozens of people on the streets to find their ways down town to do their daily doings.
Most affected are the school going kids, some just cant make it to school the past few days or be late which means punishment. Lucy and Ann Marie were no exemption as they too had no choice but to wake up earlier the past three days to find their way to school on time.
More lines and tons of empty gallons are seen all around town as drivers struggle to find at least a gallon to dip in their empty tanks. So risk the chances of buying stolen black market petrol or 'JEBU' as it is called here which is much more expensive. The risk there is it most times mixed with diesel or kerosene. Some people have no option but to go for it.
Long lines of people waiting to fight in to a taxi or poda poda all day long. This is the fourth day and it does not seem to change for the better at all......
Note from Vicki: It is not surprising to us that James and all his savvy was able to find a gallon of good gas to put into Sanu's car and was able to drive the girls to school this morning. Where there is a will, James always has a way. ..smile...
Whenever there is an increase or decrease on the price of petrol, we the ordinary people here is Sierra Leone and else where in Africa suffer the most. Few months back petrol dealers were happy about the inflation on fuel since this will give them more profit, forgetting the fact that the tide might turn the other way.
On Monday there was the news of taxi and poda poda (taxi vans) fares going down meaning petrol cost moving from it original high price to something much cheaper.
This sudden change prompted most of the gas stations around the capital to stop selling with the notion that they don't have any petrol. At the end of the day transport became very difficult to find forcing dozens of people on the streets to find their ways down town to do their daily doings.
Most affected are the school going kids, some just cant make it to school the past few days or be late which means punishment. Lucy and Ann Marie were no exemption as they too had no choice but to wake up earlier the past three days to find their way to school on time.
More lines and tons of empty gallons are seen all around town as drivers struggle to find at least a gallon to dip in their empty tanks. So risk the chances of buying stolen black market petrol or 'JEBU' as it is called here which is much more expensive. The risk there is it most times mixed with diesel or kerosene. Some people have no option but to go for it.
Long lines of people waiting to fight in to a taxi or poda poda all day long. This is the fourth day and it does not seem to change for the better at all......
Note from Vicki: It is not surprising to us that James and all his savvy was able to find a gallon of good gas to put into Sanu's car and was able to drive the girls to school this morning. Where there is a will, James always has a way. ..smile...
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Lucy & Ann Marie excel in school
It is extremely hot in Freetown right now, there is a gas crisis and the girls are having to walk great distances in the heat to attend school. Click on the picture below of Lucy walking to school. Clicking on any picture in this blog enlarges it to see details. Notice beads of sweat on her forehead, and this is early morning. Bless her heart, what discipline these girls have to attend school.
However both girls, value and appreciate their education. They know that it is important and are very thankful for those who contribute regularly to provide this schooling for them, namely Claudio & Shelly Lopez and Jim and Glenda Krapf.
Both Ann Marie and Lucy are doing excellent in their new schools. James and Kadijah saw fit to place them in different schools this year to deepen their career choices.
Lucy, hopeful to be an accountant is attending the Lebanese International school where this career is specialized. Here is her recent report card.
Ann Marie, attending the International School, is seeking to become a lawyer. This is the best school for that training. Here is her report card:
Both girls are using a study prayer, written by Fr. Seraphim at the request of Ann Marie to guide them in their education.
However both girls, value and appreciate their education. They know that it is important and are very thankful for those who contribute regularly to provide this schooling for them, namely Claudio & Shelly Lopez and Jim and Glenda Krapf.
Both Ann Marie and Lucy are doing excellent in their new schools. James and Kadijah saw fit to place them in different schools this year to deepen their career choices.
Lucy, hopeful to be an accountant is attending the Lebanese International school where this career is specialized. Here is her recent report card.
Ann Marie, attending the International School, is seeking to become a lawyer. This is the best school for that training. Here is her report card:
Both girls are using a study prayer, written by Fr. Seraphim at the request of Ann Marie to guide them in their education.
Roo in the Box; Petro Crisis in Sierra Leone
Two new videos are up on our youtube channel: www.youtube.com/SaloneNHA. More are on their way. Please check them out to see our latest work in Sierra Leone.
In one video up on youtube "Roo in the box" we had a large box filled to the brim with hospital medical supplies. Once emptied, Roo found a built-in, all-in-one portable amusement park. As with most children at Christmas time, the box, instead of the toy inside the Christmas gift, provides a great deal of enjoyment.
We have fallen in love with little Roo, his bright eyes and sweet smile. I thought it would be great for you to hear his sweet little laugh as he tumbles in the box. see it on our youtube channel.
We will be adding more videos, including a series on Kroo Bay (The Kroo Bay Part 1 video in which we are collecting, sorting and distributing hospital supplies is already up on youtube - you will see all the medical supplies we've collected and shipped to Sierra Leone for distribution. In most cases, you would never see this much supply in an area hospital or clinic).
In communication with James in Freetown this morning, I learned of a gas crisis in Freetown. James said the government is trying to get it resolved, however, most gas station owners are closing down, with no fuel, etc. Few or no taxies or poda podas are running. James informed me that Lucy and Ann Marie had to walk to school rather than take the taxi as usual. (a taxi ride in Freetown is normally the cheapest form of transportation, costing only a few cents across town). The walk to school for these girls is a rather long one. James will be sending a detailed report soon.
Both girls, Lucy and Ann Marie, are doing excellent in their new schools and I will post their report cards on the blog later this week. Nazareth House is proud of these two young ladies...BIG TIME!
In one video up on youtube "Roo in the box" we had a large box filled to the brim with hospital medical supplies. Once emptied, Roo found a built-in, all-in-one portable amusement park. As with most children at Christmas time, the box, instead of the toy inside the Christmas gift, provides a great deal of enjoyment.
We have fallen in love with little Roo, his bright eyes and sweet smile. I thought it would be great for you to hear his sweet little laugh as he tumbles in the box. see it on our youtube channel.
We will be adding more videos, including a series on Kroo Bay (The Kroo Bay Part 1 video in which we are collecting, sorting and distributing hospital supplies is already up on youtube - you will see all the medical supplies we've collected and shipped to Sierra Leone for distribution. In most cases, you would never see this much supply in an area hospital or clinic).
In communication with James in Freetown this morning, I learned of a gas crisis in Freetown. James said the government is trying to get it resolved, however, most gas station owners are closing down, with no fuel, etc. Few or no taxies or poda podas are running. James informed me that Lucy and Ann Marie had to walk to school rather than take the taxi as usual. (a taxi ride in Freetown is normally the cheapest form of transportation, costing only a few cents across town). The walk to school for these girls is a rather long one. James will be sending a detailed report soon.
Both girls, Lucy and Ann Marie, are doing excellent in their new schools and I will post their report cards on the blog later this week. Nazareth House is proud of these two young ladies...BIG TIME!
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