Beach run, Orphanage & Blind School

Milton Margai School of the Blind
Last week 4 of us visited the Blind School in Freetown. The children were keen to greet us especially as we had a bag of shoes (donated by crew members) with us for the girls. They ran out to us and gave us a big hug. We sat in a covered school room on benches and sang songs. Sally was asked to lead "Jesus' love is very wonderful" as she had taught the children in the Cheshire Homes earlier in the week. This song also has actions which she soon realised was rather thoughtless as the children could not see her. Godwin, (our enthusiastic 22 year old translator cum mad driver!) jumped in and explained what the actions were and the children joined in with energy and enthusiasm. Koffi (our pastor) then led a bible story and we played games afterwards. It is not easy to come up with ideas for games for blind children but Koffi is very resourceful. The children are all very tactile as they make up for not seeing by touching you. The girls were then allowed to sort through the shoe bag and this was rather frantic as they felt each one and tried firstly to get a pair that matched and then one that fitted.
Facilities and conditions were not great but the children were all very happy.
Isolation
During the week Sally had a sore throat and a slight temperature so, after being checked over for Covid, Malaria etc. she was confined to her cabin for 24 hours. This meant that Eugene had to bring her food. As this was her day off she only missed breakfast service and made it back to work for lunch. As she was still tired we didn't make it to the prison this week.
Divine Heritage Orphanage
Instead we went to an orphanage (run by 2 day crew members) in Waterloo (about an hour away and along some very bumpy and dusty roads). As we drove up towards the building along the dusty track we could see the children in the distance singing, waving and playing drums! It reminded us of the greeting the Prodigal Son received on his return home.
When we stepped down from the car we were overwhelmed with big hugs and smiles. This was universal whether young or teenagers. They introduced themselves and wanted to know our names. When we went inside we were impressed by the conditions. By far the best of anywhere we have seen. Koffi led some singing and told a Bible story, as usual asking the children what they thought about it and what they learnt.
Some very energetic games followed where we all got very hot. We were treated to a very welcome bottle of cold water whilst the children sat down, all very well behaved, and ate some fruit. The 2 hours we had there passed quickly and it was soon time to leave. The children circled round us and started to sing to each of us in turn. Sally was perplexed to be Grandma whilst Eugene was Uncle!!
Praise the Lord for both these facilities and those who run it.
Beach Run
Managed to get out on a beach run, early on Saturday from 7.00 to 8.00, very nice indeed! See photos.
Hospital Visit
We had a tour of the hospital earlier this week. Amazing facilities including 5 operating rooms, isolation ward, sterilisation room and 6 wards.Læs mere