Leaving Sierra Leone

Yes, we left at the end of April, two years after arriving, and 3 years earlier than expected. We thank God for much satisfying work, (Dave did 365 fistula repairs, with a 90% closure rate) and we had rich experiences with so many people that we had no idea were in store.


Why move on? Latterly the number of patients did not warrant 2 full time surgeons, so it was best for Dr Lewis, Dave’s Sierra Leonean work colleague surgeon to take over from him.


Farewells; We had a series of fond farewells; a hospital staff beach-party; food, drink and songs for 60 children at the street school; warm farewells from church members and leaders; Spurs United football team arranged a gathering of 500 members of the community beside the new football pitch; the Freetown soroptomists; Scottish dancing group; patients; Mercy Ships international staff; and many, many individuals. We felt well thanked and sent off


What next? From Freetown we visited to view potential new locations in Uganda for 3 weeks, and 3 days for Dave in Ethiopia. Both are strong possibilities, but we are going to Addis for two weeks in the 2nd half of June for both of us to have a better look. Please pray for guidance to the right place. Thank you!


Thank you too for your interest in these blogs and in the great people of West Africa whom we have come to love in these short 2 years.