On the ground …
Simply put, I'm here. Wow, I'm here. There's so much going through my head right now that I'm having a hard time deciding what to write. Let's start off with those of you concerned with my safety … I'm good and safe. All the people I've met so far are very nice. We landed last evening around nine and were met with humidity accompanied by a slight breeze. Two WMF staffers and one of the Lighthouse program guys met us at the airport. The airport in Freetown isn't actually in Freetown; it's north of the city and across a bay. To get into town we hitched a ride on a helicoptor … quite exciting. We made it back to Faye & Cami's house around 10ish where we proceeded to slowly unwind and to let the fact that we are in Africa to sink in. It still doesn't seem real. The heat and humidity are helping me realize that I'm no longer in Indianapolis 
. The heat really isn't that bad and I have yet to really mind it.
I woke up around 9:30 today and chatted with Cami while she did her laundry by hand behind the house. The conversation was good. I'm surrounded by very capable, loving people to lead me on this four-month journey. Her initiative motivated me to do some laundry as well. The hand washing thing isn't so bad. You can forget about April freshness, but you're still left with clean.
After some breakfast and simple orientation the guys packed up our bags and the whole team journeyed to Murray Town where the guys will live. Murray Town is closer to downtown Freetown than Aberdeen, where the girls live. We'll be living with pastor Zizer and his family who have generously opened their home for us. Micah & I will live upstairs with the pastor's family and Ben will live downstairs with the Kelly's.
We chatted with the Zizer's for a while and discovered that they are good friends with the pastor that just visited Indianapolis three weeks ago. My world is small.
We left the Zizer's and went to lunch at a Lebonese restaurant … a tasty meal.
Yeah, so this post is pretty boring. There is a lot going on in my head right now and it's difficult to put my thoughts into words. In the absense of my wit I've told you about my day … not too exciting. Things are good; tough, but good. My team and the WMF staff are great. We've had good conversations and good times so far. Seeing the poverty both in the surroundings and the people is tough. We haven't even seen the slum yet. I'm not sure yet how I'll react to that. Despite the constant presence of the poverty, there is a beauty that permeates everything. The sky is blue and the ocean, viewable from the windows, is peaceful … that is when you don't hear the booms from dynamite fishermen . The situation will be very tough here soon. The language, Krio, has many English words which can give me the illusion that I have a clue of what others are saying. However, I am wrong most of the time. It's been a while since I've been in a situation where communication is so difficult. This will improve in time, but for now it is tough.
Thank you all for your prayers. They mean the world to me. Please stay tuned and I'll try to post some more interesting stuff next time.
Matt, just thought I’d let you know that it is officially 10 degrees F in Indiana currently. Enjoy that heat. Glad to hear from you and that you are ok. I have enjoyed exploring your website/blog since this is the first time I’ve seen it…your humor and wit always makes me laugh!
I continue to pray that you will transition as smoothly as possible. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Erin
Matt–It meant alot to Michael and I to see you at Clay Terrace last Wed. You spurred a great conversation for Michael and I. We have both prayed in the past about missions, and every time we see a friend go to be Christ’s hands and feet, it begins the longing again in both of our hearts to drop all except the simplicity, and escape to do meaningful, hands on care for others. We will be following your journey, but know that our hearts match the same beat of yours, and who knows where God will lead us one day? Take care– Michael and Angie
Matt,
Thanks for the email updates. I know you will do awesome over there. Isn’t the world small? God is everywhere. Sometimes we forget that. I know I do. You are blessed to be experiencing all of this. Take care.
Praying for you,
Beth
Glad you are safe my friend and that the trip was good. Glad too to hear of you connecting with your team. It will be interesting to read their experiences on their blogs in coordination with yours. God give you strength and grace…I like how you say that it is tough, but good…a sign of the sense of His presence to me! Abide my friend!
David
Matt
glad you made it there and have your feet on the ground. was thinking of you yesterday and imagining your first few days there. i know the sights, smells, sounds, (and lack thereof. i mean listen to pots clanging, children playing, wood chopped, chickens cackling. not the normal sounds one hears at clay terrace).
enjoy. i hope to make it back this fall but it is up in the air.
If you make it to Bo, say hello for me. my contact is Pastor Shodankeh Johnson of New Life MInisteries. he is well known in Bo
God bless
Chief Bo (Beau wilfong)