Apologies for not keeping up so well, I have not had internet access for over a week. Now that I do, it is very slow and my blog is only showing up in French...so I hope I am following instructions correctly!
So, back to my topic....How did I luck out with three mothers in Sierra Leone?
The day after I arrived in Freetown, a colleague at SLTU who has always been so helpful was quickly named “Angie’s mom”. She has been so helpful in planning my trip to Sierra Leone and has also helped me organize tuition for the teacher candidates over the last few years. She comforted my mom in Canada with an email upon my safe arrival and just generally has her eye out for me. She helped me buy and repair a much needed cell phone and even came out for an evening of dancing at the China House. She is a multi-tasking mom who always has a contagious smile on her face. She is determined that I will be speaking Krio fluently and tells everyone at the headquarters to only speak Krio to me!
My second “Ma” was introduced to me by one of the SLTU drivers. She lives near Hotel 5:10 and like most moms wants me to eat – LOTS. She prepared me pepper chicken and she has tried her best to put me through a Themne immersion program. Although my vocabulary consists of about twenty words, we somehow manage. We even spoke on the phone while I was out of town! She is a resourceful woman who runs a shop out of her home, cooking for many of the neighbours. I can see that she is a hard worker and I hope that her determination will motivate me too.
My “Ma” from the North is a colleague’s mother. She welcomed me to her home upon arrival with a big hug. Soon after my colleagues and I were eating cassava leaves and rice on the front porch. She announced that she is my African mother and that I can come anytime. I instantly felt welcomed and have been over for visits during my time up North. I love how relaxed the household is and how everybody gathers regularly on the front porch. She takes care of so many things in such a quiet and unassuming way. I look forward to my next visit up North.
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