When you watch the UK news you might think Sierra Leone is plastered with men and women in bright yellow suits carrying patients and dead bodies around. After 48 hours in country the only sign of Ebola I have seen is the many signs saying we are fighting it.
The inconsistent approach throughout town is very noticeable. Some shops and government buildings have chlorine outside which you can wash your hands in before entering. Occasionally it’s enforced but most optional. The oddest was being stopped in our car. I as the passenger was asked to get out, queue up and wash my hands but the rule was that drivers did not have to, so Ian stayed in the car!
When we greet rather than shake hands people rap their chest or sometimes touch elbows. The hardest part is to see many of the businesses I usually visit are closed down. The restaurnats are now few and far between. It is a challenge in talking to people, how so many here survive – the bottom line is that many do not or they struggle on with little resource.
I am staying at Javouyah House a delightful Catholic retreat centre in the hills. I am the only resident. There is no power (except when they turn on the generator for 4 hours in the evening. and night one I had to go in search of candles. Its dark and hot. I look across the city and see some areas with power and the lit up embassies who have their own.
In the context is the challenge we face. Thank you for the part you are playing in helping
I am really fnndiig these posts interesting Hannah. I am glad you are doing them as I would have probably never thought of picking up this book and now I want to.