Welp, here I am!
Back in Sierra Leone baby! Or as they call it here, Salone!
The trip back here was not as easy as the last time. At first, it was a straight shot from Fresno to Chicago, then onwards to Brussels. But my flight from Brussels to Sierra Leone was cancelled! Me and SO many people had to stay overnight in Belgium. Thank the good Lord above that the airport set us all up in hotels with dinner and breakfast. It was actually nice to be able to rest before heading back to Africa. I was so tired I slept 12 hours straight and got to have a hot shower in the morning! Plus, I met some new friends who were in the same situation as me (shout out to Simon and Robin)! I like travelling on my own, but it’s so much nicer travelling in a place you’ve never been before with other people. It makes you feel less lonely and like the world isn’t as big and unfriendly as it can seem.
The first thing I noticed when I got off the plane at Freetown Airport was that it’s not as hot as it was the first time I was here. The once skinny, trickling rivers were now swollen and rushing towards the ocean. The sky was overcast, and I could feel rain was about to fall. It’s the rainy season here now and I LOVE it! It is not at all like the dry season. The heat is still here but it’s not as oppressively hot. And, of course, it rains a lot more. The road from the airport to Makeni is paved, so the rain wasn’t much of an issue getting home. When I arrived, I found that Auntie P had cleaned my house and set out clean bed sheets for me. I was so happy! I collapsed on my bed that night and passed out for another 12 hours. Plus, this time it didn’t feel so new and different. I came home and knew exactly what I needed to do to get clean water, electricity, and WiFi. Plus, this time I knew exactly which stores to get food from. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
Now that I’m back, I get to meet up with old and new friends. Obviously, Auntie P and the Sisters all came over to say hi to me. Everyone told me I had gained so much weight in the States and I had become so much fatter (It’s a compliment. It’s a compliment! I have to keep reminding myself that here, it’s a COMPLIMENT!) Some of my ex-pat friends came to say hi to me too. Also, I have new neighbors! There are two new Italian ex-pats living near me at Stocco! They are so nice! My birthday was this week, and they made pancakes for me to celebrate! It was so sweet of them! I think we’re going to get along great! Sheku came to see me too and wished me a happy birthday!
Monday, I went back to the hospital and got to see all my coworkers! They were so happy to see me, and I was so happy to see them! I had missed them so much and they said they all missed me too! I went around the entire hospital saying hi to everyone! Tuesday was my birthday, and I had brought back some candy from my mom’s restaurant (Down to Earth Bakery and Deli, ya’ll should check it out). I made sure to pass the bag around to as many people as I could to celebrate the day.
I did learn something sad though. Sister Julianna, the matron at Holy Spirit Hospital, is leaving! Her order is sending her to serve somewhere else. Everyone is so sad. She’s originally from Kenya, but she has lived and worked in Sierra Leone for 10 years! I’m especially sad. She was one of the people who helped me the most when I moved here. She was my guide, my advocate, and my teacher. I’m sure she means so much more than that to the people here because they’ve known her for a longer time. This Friday we had a going away party for her. I got to wear a red dress I bought recently and was excited. But as I was looking in the mirror, I wondered if I was overdressed. But I forgot where I was. I got to the party, and everyone was wearing brightly colored mermaid gowns and technicolored suits. If anything, I was underdressed. I love the style of clothes here. There were many tears and hugs at the party. We’re all going to miss Sister Julianna so much. Afterwards, we all danced together. I have a picture of me, Sister Julianna, Sister Nora, and Sister Peace at my mom’s requiem mass so I’m going to include it in this blog post. I also took pictures of the party so you guys can see that too. I can’t wait for more adventures here in Sierra Leone!
