So after Allen and I finished up the National Exam Prep Classes, we took 16 children and 4 of the Aunties on the National Learning Journey. We all piled on a bus and went to explore the Northern part of the country. I was excited because I have never seen any of the country besides Freetown (the capital) and Bo (where the Child Rescue Centre is). The kids were ecstatic because they never get to go on trips so this was a HUGE deal for them.
On the bus ready for the journey!
Our first two days we spent exploring Makeni and the surrounding areas. We saw many things that most people from America are used to seeing often, but are extremely rare in Africa. For example, in Makeni the children AND the Aunties saw their first train, electric streetlights, and shopping mall. I was so glad I got to be there and share in their wonder. It really is an amazing world we live in when you take a moment and really think about it!
Excited to see a train!
We also got to go on a tour of a hydroelectric damn which was probably my favorite part of the trip. It was very cool to see how innovative Sierra Leone has become. I was really impressed with the facility and that they are using alternative energy. (Remember those street lights I just mentioned? They use solar power!) The kids were pretty impressed with the dam, and it even provided a chance for some "dare-devil" activities. One section of the dam, which was suspended high in the air over the river, only had metal grates to walk on. So you could see through them straight down to the water. This did NOT go over well with most of the kids. It took some persuading and hand-holding, but I finally convinced them all to walk over it. I was so proud of them!
Lansana happy he did it!
We got to see some other interesting things on the trip like a factory, university, clock town, football stadium, 5 star hotel, etc. But the most important part of the trip for me was just spending more time with the kids and getting to know them all even better. It was a long four days with lots of driving and not the most ideal sleeping conditions (I ended up in a double bed with two of the younger girls every night). But I loved every minute of it.
Eating a yummy cassava leaf stew. (Can you spot me in the back?!)
When we got back from the trip, I only had one more full day in Sierra Leone. To say it was hard to leave is the biggest understatement of the year. It. Was. SO. HARD. To. Leave. To say I love each and every one of the children at the CRC is the second biggest understatement of the year. Words cannot express how much I care for these children. I have been home for over a month and not a day goes by that I don't think about them. It makes me very sad because I don't know when I will see them again. But even when I miss them, I can't help but smile because once you meet these children your life will change. Dramatically and for the better. I can't be sad for long because I know life is a beautiful and amazing thing. I know the world is a messed up and confusing place, but it is still good. I know that even at my worst, there are people who are always going to see the best in me. Thank you to everyone who made my trip possible. It was the best two months of my life. Sierra Leone will stay in my thoughts, and the children of the CRC in my heart. Forever.
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