Sierra Leone Trip – January 2013 Day 12

24th January 2013 | Posted in Nigel's Blog

Day 12

Great thought from John who had been particularly struck by the seniors home activity.  Breakfast and then off to The Kissy Men’s Polio association.  We had asked them to prepare some information about what they need building, which they had.  The team met the men and their families. They had an urgent need for 10 mattresses and 5 beds.  We left aid to help them, and met a nurse who has his office in a room in the disused abattoir, which is home to 153 associates of the organisation.

Moving to meet people there I have known years, to see the funds we sent last year well used with a wall being made safe, kitchen and toilets reared and a cover over the ramp so they can visit the facilities in the rain without getting soaked.  It’s a difficult place but those few things have helped so many.

We then headed off to Lifelines and to work whilst Alison and Peter visited the hospital.  Today turned out to be a public holiday which means government stuff largely stops whilst everyone else continues their frenetic activity for survival. Again worked hard on blocks, laying them and painting and the team certainly “put in a shift.”  We decided to work through to 1.15, then lunch.  Then on the cars to take a well-earned rest at Burah beach.  Fresh coconuts and fish supper gave the team a chance to recharge the batteries and get some rest and space.  The water so warm and such a beautiful setting.   Back home, debrief and drinks before bed.

I didn’t go to the beach as I wanted to do things in town, only to release I couldn’t as the public holiday closed things down!  So work in my room and a bit of a rest.  Did need the pause as going this pace for 2 weeks is a challenge.

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