Independence Day

Happy Independence from the British Empire everyone! I realize it is not July 4^th. But in Sierra Leone, on April 27^th, it’s Independence Day! This morning, I woke up to the sound of a marching band playing down the streets. Drums were booming, trumpets were sounding out their victory cries, cheering was everywhere. I had a quick breakfast and joined the Sisters in the car to take me to Holy Spirit Church, where everyone was sporting the blue, white, and green colors of the Sierra Leonean flag. I joined the choir like I usually do, feeling very out of place in my purple and yellow dress, and sat among my peers who were wearing traditional tunics and hats. Everyone was waving tiny Sierra Leonean flags and sweating like crazy in their woolen outfits. I kept letting people use my fan to help them cool down too.

During the mass, we said prayers for the country and the only songs we sang were in Krio or other local languages. After communion, the Young Adults group gathered in front of the church and began a fundraising campaign. I had no idea what was going on until one of the choir members told me it was Africana! If you read my first blog, you will remember that I had talked about Africana but had no idea what it was. Independence Day is Africana! I had no idea! Whenever I asked, people would say it was to celebrate African culture. They never said it was also their Independence Day! I felt so bad that I was so clueless. Luckily, Father Agustus was also there to explain to me what was going on.

The first thing the group did was sell ribbons and feathers that you could buy and pin on somebody. The next thing was to collect envelopes from everybody who had volunteered to give money beforehand. Everyone was cheering and laughing and singing through the whole process. It was so much fun! Praise God!