Trip to Bunce Island and Needs Everywhere

 Recently our family went on a daytrip to Bunce Island. This is an island in the middle of a major river in Sierra Leone that was a big part of the slave trade in the 1700's. We went with 3 other families, so it was a group of 8 adults and 11 kids ages 5-14. It was a 10 min keke ride to the ferry port and then a 1-2 hour boat ride to/from the island. 

Abigail (UK), Hanne (Netherlands) and Sadie (US)

Ian (UK, Captain), Jeff (US, Finance Director) James (US, Crew Physician)

The island itself has some ruins from when it was part of the slave trade. We had a local guide who was very knowledgable and answered all of our questions. The history is sobering and seeing it come to life is even harder. Especially touching was learning that John Newton was on a nearby island with similar history and it was this that caused him to write "Amazing Grace". We all sang the song with our guide and there was more than a few glistening eyes. 

Beautiful, yet weighty ruins

There were huge trees on Bunce Island (see kids running by for scale!)

Lauren (US), Elin (Netherlands) and Erin (US). Its hard to be a teen on the other side of the world, but I am so glad these girls have each other!!

Thomas and Sam. Sweet buddies and the only 5th grade boys on our ship!

Most of our group! We may have only known each other for 8 months but we are very bonded together! 

A brief history of the island

After Bunce Island we stopped by Tasso Island. This is a much larger island with a greater number of locals living there. We had a traditional African lunch (fish or chicken and rice) then toured around some local huts. We love meeting the people in these secluded areas of Sierra Leone. 

Whole fish! It was very good.

Traditional huts that people still live in. 

As we were leaving Tasso Island, I had a very normal yet sobering experience. After saying "hi" and "how are you?" to some boys by the ocean, one asked me for money. He said he was hungry and his father is dead. Like I said, sobering. A few people every time we leave the ship recognize us as "rich" (which we are here) and ask for money. Just like a homeless person asking for money in the US a million questions go through my head... Will a few dollars REALLY help him? Is his father really dead? Is he really that hungry? How many Leones do I have on me? How can I show this boy love? Kindness? My head is spinning again just thinking about it. 

Sometimes, it is asking for money, but often, it is a medical need. Especially closer to the ship we are recognized as part of Mercy Ships. And like most people, the locals assume everyone who works at a hospital is a doctor or a nurse! lol. People come up to me showing me their infected eye, damaged legs from an accident, tumor on their neck, you name it. Right now the rest of our field service (Aug-June) is full... every surgeon coming has a full schedule for the entire time they are with us. But of course there are still more people who have needs and there is no surgeon in country who can do the operation. Even if there were, the average person could not afford it. Once again... How do I love this person right here in the moment? Mostly I listen, acknowledge, pray for, and just hold the hand of whoever it is is asking me for help. They are cast out of society here and need human connection. 

Continue to pray for us as we navigate these situations day in and day out. It's exhausting, important, thoughtful, valuable work.