Just an Update...

What is new with me? Well, I now have two phone numbers just like my Sierra Leonean friends. Companies allow you to speak with others who have the same company at discounted rates and to text for free….so the SLTU figured I better join in….so I am now a Zain and Africell customer! Now to figure out when I should change SIM cards and how I will know who has what kind of phone. Seems complicated to me but it works for everyone here. Best I learn quickly!

I have been attending workshops hosted by the Sierra Leone Teachers’ Union (SLTU) and various partners such as the Denmark Teachers’ Union and Education International. Today I sat in on part of a workshop on HIV/AIDS. It has been very though provoking and I have been making many connections with people in other communities within Sierra Leone. The teachers at these workshops are considered leaders within their schools and in the SLTU. They are truly inspiring to say the least! I have even met two teachers from Liberia who know Wes and George! They are great.

I have also had a couple of appointments with my thesis supervisor here in Sierra Leone. It was great sharing resources with him as he is doing his PhD on a topic somewhat related to my own studies. Looking forward to meeting him again on Monday.

Aside from work, I have been shopping downtown where you can purchase anything from clothes hangers, steering wheels, school supplies and soap through the vehicle window. It is so convenient, aside from the exhaust fumes you inhale as you negotiate a fair price! I also managed to get out for fish and chips and for some unknown reason was invited back into the kitchen along with several others while they prepared the lunch. It ended with a staff member being upset with young boys calling him a name. I had no clue what was going on as the flurry of communication was in another language. Turns out he wanted to take the boys to the police station! It is amazing how you can absolutely misinterpret a situation. I thought he was upset with the woman because she was sleeping on the kitchen floor.

That being said, my Krio is coming along. I am surprising people regularly with my responses (although they are very limited). There are almost twenty languages spoken in Sierra Leone though so my language work is seriously cut out for me!