Back in Freetown

Our CHASL team arrived in Freetown yesterday evening. It was a productive trip for each of us. I have learned so much about the country in this short period of time that I don't even know where to begin! Let me start with the peanut butter project. We were in Taiama Thursday through Saturday. On Friday we held the child nutrition clinic. I couldn't believe how many malnourished children I saw. Seeing and experiencing the children suffering is something that just can't be described. There were three children that were almost two or already two years old and had not even started to walk or even crawl. The children were so malnourished that the mothers supported their heads because of lack of strength in their necks. I was speaking to one mother, and she explained that her child was like this because she had a disability. The mother did not realize that the disability was from lack of nutrition in the early stages of her child's life that would have made all the difference. It was amazing to see the physical results of what the project has already accomplished. Mrs. Betty Sam and I had the opportunity to "graduate" about five of the children that had been a part of the program since April. Their mothers were so excited to learn that their children were healthy! It has been such a blessing to see the physical results of this project.

The picture I posted was taken on Sunday before we left for the villages. Melissa and I have been attending Peace Presbyterian Church. This past week the church began a school. The school classroom is being held in the same structure as worship is held on Sunday mornings. Each week, on Sundays, the room is converted from a classroom to a chapel. In this picture, Melissa and I were helping them carry the desks for the classroom from the carpenter's shop to the church. Of course, we have to do it the African way! On our heads...it is actually easier, and you should try it!