Never give up

Salimatu, though she is partly paralysed feels she must walk or die. She said to Helen, “If you just sit, you will not walk again. Please, please help me walk.” So Helen took her arm and they walked round and round the courtyard. But that wasn’t enough, she also had to walk round the outside courtyard several times, three times the size.

Salimatu, like one in four other fistula patients developed paralysis of her lower leg muscles because of the squatting position during delivery that lasts several days, and needs support to walk properly (if at all). On top of this she had severe anaemia, her blood being 1/3 of normal (4.5 Gm%). She also has an undiagnosed fever each day, that makers her feel very unwell. But she never gives up.

So close!

Dave watched ‘Services Junior Secondary’ going down 3-0 in their final match to a much more experienced team. They played to their best however, and are greatly honoured to have done so well.

Dunfermline Athletic club strips bring glory

‘Services’ Junior Secondary School team donned DAC strips this week and won successive matches Monday and Wednesday that puts them in position to win the League Cup for schools of the whole city (pop. 1.3 million) this Friday. Some team members were too exhausted to play in the tropical jungle heat yesterday because of the fierce battle in Monday’s game when they won by a slim penalty. They are now gearing up for a death-or-glory match on grass at the national stadium (in photo background) this Friday. Watch out for the blog!

DAC donated strips from last season via the Vine Church’s representative in Freetown ‘Dr Dave’. Dr Dave’s neighbouring carpenter friend’s son, Sam Tommy, is centre back for the team. Sam came with a pal to Dave’s room Sunday night to select their dream shirts, shorts and socks. Next day these were laid out beside the pitch and donned for the match.