Evening one and all,
Thank you all so much for the interest you've shown in my happenings and the questions you've been asking. I figured that to save time I will try to answer as many of these questions as I can throughout this series of blogs.
Time has been going so quickly out here yet it feels as if I've been in Africa for years! I wake up at 7, due to the 'clockwork' sun, with it's rays creeping through my mosquito net! Once I've woken up I'll have my quiet time followed by breakfast, usually consisting of cereal and toast and possibly muffins. Then Elmer and I set off to the block making site at 7:50 to hopefully reach there by 8. The work force is split into three categories: day labourers, trainees and watch men (security). The ages mainly range from about 18 – 40 but a couple could be (hard to tell!) as old as 70, which is incredible, especially when you see how hard they work.
My relationship with the men is certainly growing stronger. They all call me Mr Ben, which puts a smile on my face! After the first week I was asked whether I'd like to join them in football practice every evening. Well, football is certainly not my first choice of sport yet I thought it'd be a great opportunity to get to know them better. So I agreed and turned up for practice on Friday. My fitness was shameful! I was in stitches half way through and I won't even mention how much I was sweating! I therefore mentioned at the end that I wouldn't be able to make practice every day with some mumbling excuse of work!! However, by my God's complete grace, I didn't make too much of a fool of myself and they even invited me to be in their team for the upcoming local tournament between the surrounding villages.
At 8 am we get all the day labourers set up for using the hydro-form machine (brick making), then we head over to the school, which is where most of my work is currently being done. Unfortunately there had been a wood cutting ban in the country, which has delayed me in starting the furniture making for the school but thankfully this has just been lifted! Therefore, my main task for the foreseeable future is to make approximately 60 tables, 140 benches, and table cupboards with a collective length of about 190ft. I will however have some apprentices, which will massively cut down the time.
A couple of weeks ago Amanda (A Call to Business) and Malcolm (project manager) came over to talk about the Orphanage. They were a great encouragement and blessing to the three of us and we managed to get a lot covered. They brought news that the work will hopefully be starting around the middle of next month. The plans are looking great and I can't wait to get started, but knowing Africa it'll probably be later than expected! So, with this and the furniture making, free time quickly seems to be slipping through my fingers!
One question that you asked me was whether I get impatient with the African pace. The answer thus far is no, maybe because I'm a fairly laid back person or perhaps that I simply haven't been in Africa long enough!
The African food here is amazing. Joanne has been incredible in producing a vast verity of food. Most African 'chop' includes country rice, which is a thicker stickier rice than white English. And then there's meat if you can afford it, which is mostly chicken, which will be covered with a gorgeous sauce made from either; cassava leaf, potato leaf, crain crain or any another leaf! Then a popular dessert or sweet is plantain, which is a type of banana that has to be cooked and is normally fried in oil (it's good!). All fruits are massively nicer over here and to my great delight I've now found my new favourite fruit. It's been in front of my eyes these past 22 years but now I have truly discovered it . . . it's pineapple! I can't get enough of it. It's so juicy you can swim in it and every drop puts our imports to shame!
Therefore, to answer many of your questions, I'd come again just for the food!
As for music, I've been playing both the guitar and harp (harmonica) a lot, which I've found to be an extremely effective way of winding down in the evening! The first time I got my harp out I was sitting outside on a stool in our 'garden' and within moments of putting the metal to my lips there was rustling from all sides. Looking around I found I was quickly gaining an audience. This was unlike any audience I've ever experienced. It consisted of two dogs, two cats, about four chickens and I think even the goats gathered closer! Then, to my greatest surprise a dog called 'One More' started howling, which initially made me think, I must be worse than I thought! But after a while I realized he was singing and loving it (well I hope!)!
I briefly touched on my relationship with the local lads but let me elaborate. They're all really friendly. Their English is certainly limited (but far better than my Krio!), but with a bit of perseverance and charades we just about get by! I've mainly been working with the trainees (who are the most skilled of the employees), and we've built up good friendships. They've been so hospitable. The second Saturday two of the trainees took me on a tour of the local villages on their bike. When riding through the villages everyone turns and puts on their stern stare at the 'white man' but when you wave they suddenly loosen up and a large grin forms on their faces with their arm waving vigorously. The children are the funniest though. The moment they see you they start shouting at the top of their voice 'opoto' (which means white man) and they run up to you and hold your hand and then inspect it to see if it's the same as theirs! However if you get too close to some of the really young ones they burst into tears and you have to run away!!
Then, a couple of Saturdays ago another three trainees took me on a tour of the nearest beaches (about 45 min away). Wow, God is awesome. The beauty of a couple of those beaches could never be captured on any post card or picture. It just has to be seen to be believed. Therefore when I next have some free time I'll try to spend a day at one of them. There is even a surfing beach, which should be a lot of fun especially as the sea is so warm. You can also snorkel, swim out to explore the surrounding islands, rent a canoe (made out of a single tree trunk!). And no need to prepare a pack lunch as the locals can make a mean lobster (freshly caught) for you! Sounds pretty good hey. Anyway I don't know when that free time will come but I'll certainly be including it in my prayers!!
I'm afraid this is all I have time to write at the moment.
I'm still thoroughly enjoying my time and am praising God for his protection over me and for the friendships I've been building with the workers.
Best wishes to all of you.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Saturday, 27 February 2010
My Introduction to Africa
Dear Everyone,
I thought I'd drop you my first real blog from out in the middle of nowhere!
So much has happened this first week I don't know where to start... I guess I'll start at the beginning!
The flight was 6 hours and very cramped but I did have the company of two films and Julian (ACTB charity), which helped the time to pass more bearably! The moment I got out of the plane I was in awe as I was met by a beautiful black starry night over mountain tops and even the heat of the engine blowing in my face couldn't ruin it! However by the time I had reached the bottom of the steps I realized that it was not the engine but the night breeze!
The airport was interesting, the passport checkers managed to spend about 5 minutes per person, which gave me my first encounter of 'African time'. Once we got past that hurdle we were met by about 20 Africans all wanting to be the one to carry our bags, which made me a little paranoid and got me thinking that it would be a miracle if I had all my bags by the time I got to my new home! However God proved himself yet again a faithful God!
My first trip in the car was to a hotel in Freetown, I've never seen such roads in my worst nightmare. The horn is used a thousand time more than any indicator and the roads have gaping holes, which, on the plus side, give a pedestrian the opportunity to dive into them for protection if a car goes out of control!!
My first night was a pleasant one with air conditioning and a double bed. Then in the morning there was a cooked breakfast and a swim in one of the two swimming pools. This was going to be my last night of 'normality' or as I was about to learn 'luxury'. After the lazy morning swimming we started the first of what will be many trips between Freetown and Rogberay (home). The trip was a mixture of tarmac and potholes, the scenery was breath taking with lush green in contrast with fiery reds and sun inspired yellows. Yet amongst all this beauty there was extreme poverty with shanty houses scattered about the country side. There are woman working a 12 hour day chipping away at large chunks of granite for the passing cement trucks. All through this week I've been constantly surprised of what these amazing people do for just a little bit of money!
Once we got to the junction, which leads to the house, we came up against the most challenging part of the journey. In comparison, this road put all other roads I had experienced that day in the motorway class. I was amazed the 4x4 managed to make it. There was hardly one moment when your bum was on the seat. I thought I should write to Top Gear to say if you want another way to wreck a car and don't want to clear it up, just drive it down this road and leave it when it breaks, which it will, then the locals will completely strip it, either to sell or use for parts.
After about three miles we reached the house. It's a lovely house surrounded by palm trees with a clearing of about 20 metres around it so that it makes it easier to watch for cobras and other snakes. I'm yet to meet a cobra or tarantula (the most poisonous animals in SL) but am looking forward to the introduction!
I met the couple, Elmer and Joanne, who I'll be living with in my time out here. They're a lovely Christian couple and from what I've seen I can learn a lot from their Godly wisdom.
The heat is on average bout 34C during the day and 30C at night. The night is the hardest to get used to as you lie down on your bed in as few clothes as possible and just stick to the sheets! I am however starting to get used to it and each night sleep a little better!
The water here is a complete no no. It come out a lovely colour of orange. Therefore, for drinking we have a large water filter. Brushing you teeth also gets a little complicated as you have to do it with a cup and some drinking water. I've just about got the hang of it! Washing is also a fun thing. I stand in a tub and use a hose to direct the warm flowing orange water over my body and through my hair. I usually do this in the evening so that I'm a tiny bit cooler.
These first two week I've been familiarizing myself around the 63 acre site and all its activity and have got involve in teaching how to tile two bathrooms both of which have come out well, much to the pleasure of the proud trainees! There are two sites. Site one is for the hydro-form machine which turns out blocks with which we either sell or use for any on-site projects. Site two is the school site, which looks amazing.
Unfortunately due to a slow internet (dial up connection) I cannot upload photos to show you all, but I'll still take lots of pictures to show you on my return.
I am thoroughly enjoying this time and look forward to persevering under the challenges Africa throws at me with the help and wisdom from our heavenly father.
That’s all for now. More later.
I thought I'd drop you my first real blog from out in the middle of nowhere!
So much has happened this first week I don't know where to start... I guess I'll start at the beginning!
The flight was 6 hours and very cramped but I did have the company of two films and Julian (ACTB charity), which helped the time to pass more bearably! The moment I got out of the plane I was in awe as I was met by a beautiful black starry night over mountain tops and even the heat of the engine blowing in my face couldn't ruin it! However by the time I had reached the bottom of the steps I realized that it was not the engine but the night breeze!
The airport was interesting, the passport checkers managed to spend about 5 minutes per person, which gave me my first encounter of 'African time'. Once we got past that hurdle we were met by about 20 Africans all wanting to be the one to carry our bags, which made me a little paranoid and got me thinking that it would be a miracle if I had all my bags by the time I got to my new home! However God proved himself yet again a faithful God!
My first trip in the car was to a hotel in Freetown, I've never seen such roads in my worst nightmare. The horn is used a thousand time more than any indicator and the roads have gaping holes, which, on the plus side, give a pedestrian the opportunity to dive into them for protection if a car goes out of control!!
My first night was a pleasant one with air conditioning and a double bed. Then in the morning there was a cooked breakfast and a swim in one of the two swimming pools. This was going to be my last night of 'normality' or as I was about to learn 'luxury'. After the lazy morning swimming we started the first of what will be many trips between Freetown and Rogberay (home). The trip was a mixture of tarmac and potholes, the scenery was breath taking with lush green in contrast with fiery reds and sun inspired yellows. Yet amongst all this beauty there was extreme poverty with shanty houses scattered about the country side. There are woman working a 12 hour day chipping away at large chunks of granite for the passing cement trucks. All through this week I've been constantly surprised of what these amazing people do for just a little bit of money!
Once we got to the junction, which leads to the house, we came up against the most challenging part of the journey. In comparison, this road put all other roads I had experienced that day in the motorway class. I was amazed the 4x4 managed to make it. There was hardly one moment when your bum was on the seat. I thought I should write to Top Gear to say if you want another way to wreck a car and don't want to clear it up, just drive it down this road and leave it when it breaks, which it will, then the locals will completely strip it, either to sell or use for parts.
After about three miles we reached the house. It's a lovely house surrounded by palm trees with a clearing of about 20 metres around it so that it makes it easier to watch for cobras and other snakes. I'm yet to meet a cobra or tarantula (the most poisonous animals in SL) but am looking forward to the introduction!
I met the couple, Elmer and Joanne, who I'll be living with in my time out here. They're a lovely Christian couple and from what I've seen I can learn a lot from their Godly wisdom.
The heat is on average bout 34C during the day and 30C at night. The night is the hardest to get used to as you lie down on your bed in as few clothes as possible and just stick to the sheets! I am however starting to get used to it and each night sleep a little better!
The water here is a complete no no. It come out a lovely colour of orange. Therefore, for drinking we have a large water filter. Brushing you teeth also gets a little complicated as you have to do it with a cup and some drinking water. I've just about got the hang of it! Washing is also a fun thing. I stand in a tub and use a hose to direct the warm flowing orange water over my body and through my hair. I usually do this in the evening so that I'm a tiny bit cooler.
These first two week I've been familiarizing myself around the 63 acre site and all its activity and have got involve in teaching how to tile two bathrooms both of which have come out well, much to the pleasure of the proud trainees! There are two sites. Site one is for the hydro-form machine which turns out blocks with which we either sell or use for any on-site projects. Site two is the school site, which looks amazing.
Unfortunately due to a slow internet (dial up connection) I cannot upload photos to show you all, but I'll still take lots of pictures to show you on my return.
I am thoroughly enjoying this time and look forward to persevering under the challenges Africa throws at me with the help and wisdom from our heavenly father.
That’s all for now. More later.
Monday, 28 December 2009
An African Adventure
Hi Guys,
I am off to Sierra Leone to help build a new orphanage. The orphanage is being built on a 63 acre site which is being developed into a self sustaining community. In addition to the orphanage the site encompasses a brick making facility, micro-agriculture, skills training centre and a school. The project is being led by Christian charities, A Call to Business (http://www.acalltobusiness.co.uk/) and Emmaus Centre (http://www.emmauscentre.com/), in conjunction with the local community.
I plan to fly out to Freetown (the capital) either at the end of January or the beginning of February 2010 (funds permitting!). I will be staying out on site, just north east of Freetown (about 2 hrs drive), near a village called Rogbere. The site is led by a American couple called Elmer and Joann Reifel. I will be one of two volunteers from the UK helping with the project, working in conjunction with a local building contractor.
During my stay accommodation will be provided along with a small monthly wage ($150), however, all other costs need to be covered by me, for which I will be seeking the support of my loving friends and family! I have calculated that the total cost will be £2,450 of which £1,100 will be used to get me there (and back!), including vaccinations, visa, flights etc; and £1,350 will be used to sustain me while I am there (being £225 per month, for six months). This can be illustrated as a cost of £0.36 per mile to fly me to Freetown from London (3,060 miles), plus £7.50 per day thereafter (based on 30 days per month).
If anyone is considering supporting me financially in this project (for which I would of course be extremely grateful!), you may want to consider either sponsoring me per mile to get out there (if you prefer to give a one off amount), or per day per month, if you preferred to pledge a monthly commitment. For example, someone sponsoring me one day per month would be committing to £45 over six months (£7.50 x 6), (assuming I am not rushed back early with Malaria!).
I am hoping to arrange for any gifts or pledges to be channelled through my local church (Creech St Michael Baptist Church, nr Taunton). Creech are supporting me in this project and will hopefully be happy for gifts to be made via them (making them eligible for gift aid, charitable tax relief etc). If this is likely to be of interest do please let me know and I will update you on the options.
Anyway, I will be very grateful for the support, prayers and emails of any well-wishes on this adventure, and I will endeavour to keep you all updated with regular postings as I embark on this exciting new project.
Kind wishes,
Ben
I am off to Sierra Leone to help build a new orphanage. The orphanage is being built on a 63 acre site which is being developed into a self sustaining community. In addition to the orphanage the site encompasses a brick making facility, micro-agriculture, skills training centre and a school. The project is being led by Christian charities, A Call to Business (http://www.acalltobusiness.co.uk/) and Emmaus Centre (http://www.emmauscentre.com/), in conjunction with the local community.
I plan to fly out to Freetown (the capital) either at the end of January or the beginning of February 2010 (funds permitting!). I will be staying out on site, just north east of Freetown (about 2 hrs drive), near a village called Rogbere. The site is led by a American couple called Elmer and Joann Reifel. I will be one of two volunteers from the UK helping with the project, working in conjunction with a local building contractor.
During my stay accommodation will be provided along with a small monthly wage ($150), however, all other costs need to be covered by me, for which I will be seeking the support of my loving friends and family! I have calculated that the total cost will be £2,450 of which £1,100 will be used to get me there (and back!), including vaccinations, visa, flights etc; and £1,350 will be used to sustain me while I am there (being £225 per month, for six months). This can be illustrated as a cost of £0.36 per mile to fly me to Freetown from London (3,060 miles), plus £7.50 per day thereafter (based on 30 days per month).
If anyone is considering supporting me financially in this project (for which I would of course be extremely grateful!), you may want to consider either sponsoring me per mile to get out there (if you prefer to give a one off amount), or per day per month, if you preferred to pledge a monthly commitment. For example, someone sponsoring me one day per month would be committing to £45 over six months (£7.50 x 6), (assuming I am not rushed back early with Malaria!).
I am hoping to arrange for any gifts or pledges to be channelled through my local church (Creech St Michael Baptist Church, nr Taunton). Creech are supporting me in this project and will hopefully be happy for gifts to be made via them (making them eligible for gift aid, charitable tax relief etc). If this is likely to be of interest do please let me know and I will update you on the options.
Anyway, I will be very grateful for the support, prayers and emails of any well-wishes on this adventure, and I will endeavour to keep you all updated with regular postings as I embark on this exciting new project.
Kind wishes,
Ben
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