5 weeks

It is 5 weeks until I leave for Sierra Leone. I have been shopping for me this week and got a lightweight sleeping bag to use at the nature parks and guest houses if needed. I also picked up a pair of Tilley dress pants as it seems we will be welcomed formally by some villages and in meetings to learn about their health care realities which translates into looking decent for a few days. I have been in email communication with Dr Thomas Turay and look forward to speaking with him before I go. He has some ideas for travel during our time there and I am excited to speak with him.

I have also been struggling with a few realities- one: missing my kids. I have never been away from them for this long before. They remind me this is my choice to go and keep my emotions on the practical level. Two: meeting people there, I don't want to let them down, I want to respect their gift of time and stories, I hope I can be there in the way they need me. I also decided to take my stethoscope, never know: it may be useful.

Enough heaviness. I want to mention 3 cups of tea- if you haven't read this book you need to. The author Greg Mortenson is nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his work building schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan, before and after 9/11. I couldn't put it down and it has changed my perception of this part of the world. It also reinforces the importance of the work of Peaceful Schools International and cdPeace in Sierra Leone.