Ministries of tourism and land clears ‘congestion’ in Aberdeen

We normally take a relaxing drink on Friday after work at this beach bar, but all 15 bars on the 3 mile beach has been cleared in the last two days. The beach is now more lonely and less safe.

We have more sympathy for pavement shops opposite our hospital in Aberdeen built, by entrepreneurs trying to make a living. Shopkeepers (who helped us with learning Krio) have nowhere to go but the roadside. Dave runs out between surgeries and gives a hand moving the shoemaker’s kiosk to a side street.

Bible School marches in Lumley’s ‘Number 9’ area

At a 6½ hour ceremony 120 children received their awards for attending the weekly Bible school that ‘Pastor Samura’ runs. This school is run in conjunction with the street school that Helen supports (due to re-start next week). Together they really impact the community.

Note the ‘Frenzy’ T-shirts from the Vine church.

National workshop on educational materials for prevention of fistula

2 weeks ago Helen participated in this 3 day workshop held at our centre. Staff from the ministry of health attended, from the deputy minister downwards. Also the national broadcasting service attended, and several NGOs (non governmental organizations). She was impressed by everyone’s enthusiasm and teamwork.

The result was: 2 radio advertisements and a song, 3 informational posters, and a flipchart for use as a teaching tool. We will show you the photos once they are available.

Africana - celebrate the different tribes

This month our church focused on the differences between the tribes, with much rehearsing for a 4½ hour service on Sunday. We learned new things about the culture, history, agriculture, dances,…… of nine tribes. One of them was Scotland!

Helen cooked flapjacks and shortbread, and Dave reminded them in a Scottish accent of the many streets in Freetown with Scottish names. We heard a greeting from our pastor in Dunfermline, and then had Auld lang syne, and the Eightsome reel. ……300 goggle eyed people watched with mouths hanging open!