Departure Snippets. . .
Sunday:
The day started out pretty routinely...a walk and then some hang out time for about ten minutes. Then off to a meeting with the core group, then off to Bo Government Hospital to see the progress on the new ward with all the painting etc. It should be done tomorrow. Then a frantic call from one of the nurses saying the water had been turned off at Holy Mary. Quick action by all and we moved all the patients, their stuff and the last of our stuff...then a productive 2 hour meeting with MSF.
When we were waiting for Poppa to come and pick us up, the MSF people drove out saying there was a huge accident "just down the road" involving about 30 people. Poppa drives up and off we go.. turns out it was about a n hour away and not exactly on a great road. A huge truck loaded with people and goods had overturned on this muddy road way back into the bush. We got there and there were about 100 people praying. Luckily no one was killed. We didn't stay long as things were under control. Then back to the hospital to check on the patients then to Dr. Koroma's where they threw a big good bye party with food and dancing, speeches and presents (including an outfit for you!). All so sweet. There is still much to be done tonight with packing and loose ends. Tomorrow AM a meeting with the mayor and the minister. Off to the airport by noonish. Flight leaves at 0200.
Phew. . .
Monday:
I am now safely at Heathrow and just hanging for a few hours greeted by the headline news that the bailout was rejected and the market has crashed 700+ points!
I had an uneventful journey to Lungi, though did see the Freetown bus in a ditch, another huge truck overturned and a traffic gridlock at Mile 91 due to an enormous funeral procession. No sweat getting the ferry and managed some catnaps at Lungi. PLENTY OF ROOM on the plane to stretch out too.
I’m due to arrive back to Boston Tuesday night. I’ll try and put a blog together and add some more photos after the dust settles.
Love, Helen
Sunday:
The day started out pretty routinely...a walk and then some hang out time for about ten minutes. Then off to a meeting with the core group, then off to Bo Government Hospital to see the progress on the new ward with all the painting etc. It should be done tomorrow. Then a frantic call from one of the nurses saying the water had been turned off at Holy Mary. Quick action by all and we moved all the patients, their stuff and the last of our stuff...then a productive 2 hour meeting with MSF.
When we were waiting for Poppa to come and pick us up, the MSF people drove out saying there was a huge accident "just down the road" involving about 30 people. Poppa drives up and off we go.. turns out it was about a n hour away and not exactly on a great road. A huge truck loaded with people and goods had overturned on this muddy road way back into the bush. We got there and there were about 100 people praying. Luckily no one was killed. We didn't stay long as things were under control. Then back to the hospital to check on the patients then to Dr. Koroma's where they threw a big good bye party with food and dancing, speeches and presents (including an outfit for you!). All so sweet. There is still much to be done tonight with packing and loose ends. Tomorrow AM a meeting with the mayor and the minister. Off to the airport by noonish. Flight leaves at 0200.
Phew. . .
Monday:
I am now safely at Heathrow and just hanging for a few hours greeted by the headline news that the bailout was rejected and the market has crashed 700+ points!
I had an uneventful journey to Lungi, though did see the Freetown bus in a ditch, another huge truck overturned and a traffic gridlock at Mile 91 due to an enormous funeral procession. No sweat getting the ferry and managed some catnaps at Lungi. PLENTY OF ROOM on the plane to stretch out too.
I’m due to arrive back to Boston Tuesday night. I’ll try and put a blog together and add some more photos after the dust settles.
Love, Helen
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