"I once was blind but now... I see."

Well Ladies and Gents... the trip I have been waiting for is now over.  I am sorry I have not been updating but we decided to keep a hush hush on when we were leaving for safety purposes with recent world events.

The trip was utterly amazing. More than I EVER imagined it would be.  I'm sure many of you, if not all of you, have heard "Amazing Grace" before.  This trip truly exemplifies one of the lines in the song.  I once was blind to the pain, suffering, and hope that happens in Sierra Leone, but now I see.  I now know a small group of Sierra Leoneans and I have a family in Africa.

Words cannot describe how life changing it was... but I'll do my best. :)

Lucy came home with us on a medical visa... what a blessing that is! She is in Pella with the Diers family and big things are coming her way!

In the days to come I will summarize our trip for you all! We did so much and were touched in so many ways by the people of Sierra Leone.  Below are my favorite pictures from the trip after I have edited them.  I will be framing all of these and hanging them in a collage in my dorm room this coming school year.  It will be hard to have a bad day with all the wonderful memories looking back at me!

The first time I saw the ocean on our first day while we were waiting for the boat to take us to Freetown.

Dock to the Pelican Boat that took us to Freetown.

Some of the boys singing to us in the Welcome Ceremony. 

Some of the girls singing at the Welcome Ceremony. 

This is a group of brothers.  Sufian, Abduraman, and Foday. I got very close with Foday and it was terribly hard to say good-bye to him. 

Little Moses. I also got very close to this little bundle of love. :) He is such a cuddle bug!

Little Zainab and her BIG smile!

Foday again. :)

Sara (team member) holding Esther's (one of the girls at the Center) hand.

Huts at the most beautiful beach in the world.  So thankful I was able to go!

Abduraman and I.

Jen with some of the kiddos at the guest house.