first impressions

We have [only] been here a week and a half, and in some ways it seems like much longer! :) I guess that what happens when you go from one meeting to the next. :) I had intentions to post sooner, but we haven’t been able to get internet connection at the house until today.

There is so much to share. I wish I could show you its beauty; introduce you to its friendly people; and share with you all the other things that are quickly capturing my heart for Sierra Leone… but due to time constraints and poor connection I have briefly summarized our first couple weeks with a list of our first impressions. The highs (blessings) far out weigh the lows. Glory to God!!

Lows

Inconsistent and VERY slow internet
Exposure to high corruption practices
Theft--Tim and Tracy both caught pick-pocketers trying to steal their flashlight and cellphone in the market, but - to the assailants' surprise- the two former Marines made their attemps unsucessful :) We also got fuel siphoned from our generator. :(
Waking up to the call for Mosque at 5am (high Muslim population here)
Minimal availability of fruit
High traffic—it can take up to an hour to drive anywhere


Highs

Safe arrival
Air conditioning at the house!
Eating plaintains again (our fave!)
Green, tropical climate/landscape (in contrast to the more desert climate of Benin and Togo)
Beautiful warm beaches
Donating blood at the AWC for a laboring momma
Vehicles cleared
Meeting contacts
Lead on off-ship sites
Better driving practices
Mandatory seat belt law
Very friendly people
Learning Krio words
Mercy Ship friends at the AWC

Thanks for all your prayers! Please keep them coming. :)