Phew! What a journey. I finally made it back to this glorious Nation of Sierra Leone. I can truly say I am living this journey moment to moment…my reunion with my husband
and his family has been everything I could have dreamed of…from the greeting at the airport, to this beautiful space I am now able to call home.
Mustapha has his mom Hawa here who is the most, most greatest help. Her assistance is invaluable - from going to the market each day & preparing us food over the small coal stove, (given to us by his elder brother Bakar) to getting up from bed and fetching water when our tap comes on – which as she happens to know only occurs sometime after 10pm, although it’s never guaranteed.
I am really getting settled into life here. Our apartment is beautiful with the most amazing and spectacular view* birds that are called Angels circle and nest in the trees below just a short distance from the sea –
I live in an area called Old Wharf – my house sits a top a hill overlooking a small ravine that snakes its way through the palm & mango trees – below me people gather for washing and ‘broking’ their clothes - rare is such a peace where I come from…people sharing in the daily tasks of living
Today I journeyed with my mother-in-law to the local market – ugh! It will be quite the challenge for me to get used to this – its causes the greatest disturbance, crowds gather round me – children beaucoup, women, young men…it can really be intimidating, however while Hawa shopped, she sat me with some nice market women – one selling dried fish, the other ‘pumpki’ (pumpkin) which kept the masses from disturbing me…once they find out she is my mother-in-law the locals are truly joyed and welcome me warmly.
I feel so blessed to be in this space and time. Married life is great! Mustapha and I just work so well together…he has chosen us this beautiful space, brought wonderful helpers and companions around us…A boy about 16 from downstairs cleans for us, watches our things, starts our generator etc. His name is Abdu and he calls me Aunty! One has to take time to understand the relations here to fully appreciate the meaning of this relationship – we are invaluable to him, as he is invaluable to us, we take care of each other.
We visited Mustapha’s fathers house yesterday – it has only been since my return that I realize how much ‘chaos’ was around me there – from the traffic, to the household, to the family itself. Mustapha has not had good relations with his father since he came to our apartment (due to his decision to not consult his father about any of our plans)…I visited his family on my own – receiving a warm welcome from all his brothers and sisters – Pa Conteh (who has subsequently become Alahji since his recent trip to Mecca) and his wife Saffie were rather shocked at my appearance, but put on a good face. Saffie has forbidden her son Ben from visiting us at our house (although he came to visit anyway)…I am sending them loving thoughts, and hope they come to understand the blessings, rather then feel anger and fear, but that Aquarian in me can’t help but get a kick out of stirring things up a little** Love & light is my approach, combined with staying away from those that wish me trouble.
Each day I come to feel more and more at home in my surroundings…I have become more acquainted with doing ‘business’ – the Sierra Leonean way (I’m actually pretty good at this bartering thing) and I feel confident many of my intentions will be fulfilled. Already I am making some good connections and as I continue on this journey I will keep close to me the words of my brother Fresh…
“I like you cause you come to Africa, live like an African & you don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks”
Guess that rebellious nature of mine has found a way to pay off!
Love and light to you all****patti
and his family has been everything I could have dreamed of…from the greeting at the airport, to this beautiful space I am now able to call home.Mustapha has his mom Hawa here who is the most, most greatest help. Her assistance is invaluable - from going to the market each day & preparing us food over the small coal stove, (given to us by his elder brother Bakar) to getting up from bed and fetching water when our tap comes on – which as she happens to know only occurs sometime after 10pm, although it’s never guaranteed.
I am really getting settled into life here. Our apartment is beautiful with the most amazing and spectacular view* birds that are called Angels circle and nest in the trees below just a short distance from the sea –
I live in an area called Old Wharf – my house sits a top a hill overlooking a small ravine that snakes its way through the palm & mango trees – below me people gather for washing and ‘broking’ their clothes - rare is such a peace where I come from…people sharing in the daily tasks of livingToday I journeyed with my mother-in-law to the local market – ugh! It will be quite the challenge for me to get used to this – its causes the greatest disturbance, crowds gather round me – children beaucoup, women, young men…it can really be intimidating, however while Hawa shopped, she sat me with some nice market women – one selling dried fish, the other ‘pumpki’ (pumpkin) which kept the masses from disturbing me…once they find out she is my mother-in-law the locals are truly joyed and welcome me warmly.
I feel so blessed to be in this space and time. Married life is great! Mustapha and I just work so well together…he has chosen us this beautiful space, brought wonderful helpers and companions around us…A boy about 16 from downstairs cleans for us, watches our things, starts our generator etc. His name is Abdu and he calls me Aunty! One has to take time to understand the relations here to fully appreciate the meaning of this relationship – we are invaluable to him, as he is invaluable to us, we take care of each other.
We visited Mustapha’s fathers house yesterday – it has only been since my return that I realize how much ‘chaos’ was around me there – from the traffic, to the household, to the family itself. Mustapha has not had good relations with his father since he came to our apartment (due to his decision to not consult his father about any of our plans)…I visited his family on my own – receiving a warm welcome from all his brothers and sisters – Pa Conteh (who has subsequently become Alahji since his recent trip to Mecca) and his wife Saffie were rather shocked at my appearance, but put on a good face. Saffie has forbidden her son Ben from visiting us at our house (although he came to visit anyway)…I am sending them loving thoughts, and hope they come to understand the blessings, rather then feel anger and fear, but that Aquarian in me can’t help but get a kick out of stirring things up a little** Love & light is my approach, combined with staying away from those that wish me trouble.
Each day I come to feel more and more at home in my surroundings…I have become more acquainted with doing ‘business’ – the Sierra Leonean way (I’m actually pretty good at this bartering thing) and I feel confident many of my intentions will be fulfilled. Already I am making some good connections and as I continue on this journey I will keep close to me the words of my brother Fresh…
“I like you cause you come to Africa, live like an African & you don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks”
Guess that rebellious nature of mine has found a way to pay off!
Love and light to you all****patti
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