We are totally normal.......really.

I'm not really sure how to begin this post. There are a lot of things weighing on my mind!
First, I'll go over the essentials. We have begun the fund raising process full force. It's hard! The reality is this project can't happen until my handsome, intelligent, talented husband is there to begin it. The other reality is there are so many children in life threatening situations that can't be helped until the project is underway. This motivates us to work in ways we can't even explain.
Next, our moving date has changed to the end of May!!! What? I said MAY! But to be honest, our hearts are there. We truly enjoy spending this time with our friends and family, but we long to be in Africa. We feel in between. We are wrapping up one life and ready to begin the new. We selfishly want to be there.
We will be auctioning off Casa De La Ropiecki in April along with it's contents. Those people who know and love my Michael realize that we will need to be far away from our house that day. He loves his stuff! All that to say we are packing up and cleaning out! It's becoming so real.
Now the stuff that's been on my mind. Africa is going to be hard. No, we won't have electricity. Nope, no water either. Yes, it's hot. And we are so white!! We tend to stick out, majorly. It's crazy expensive, it's so dirty. There will be language barriers and I can already see how my heart will be broken. There may be some moments of danger. It's not the safest area of the world. Communication with friends and family may have its difficulties. I will be crazy homesick at times. I will miss showers, American junk food, watching netflix, air conditioning, wearing my diamond wedding band, a refrigerator, dinner and a movie, Thanksgiving and my pets. But I have never known with such clarity where God wants me. I can't wait for the craziness. Bring it! As far as I can tell, the Bible sort of sets us up for a hard time the second we become "little Christs". It's going to be so hard, but he's going to be there. HE's already there ahead of us. There is no place I want to be more than where He is right now. We aren't super human, we aren't the few who are "called to his service", we aren't "better Christians" than any of our sisters and brothers. We are totally normal...really! Our call just sends us a little further, plus I have this super awesome blog!
The point? It is this, if you are living a comfortable no real hassle life, check your call. I'm struggling hard to find a Biblical basis for this thought that God will protect us from a crazy life full of hassle. Instead, I'm finding his followers getting jailed, being chased having some totally crazy stuff happen to them. Why have we been playing it so safe? What have we been missing? Bottom line, we are all called. Go into all the world......ring a bell? Maybe your world is Africa, maybe it's in TN. I don't know. But I have learned that if your life is comfortable, you might want to take a look around and see if you aren't missing a call. So, although there will be very few cokes and snickers (oh how I will miss those), don't feel sorry for the Ropieckis. It's our place. It's our privilege. We are speechless that we get to be a part of such an adventure. Go get an adventure too!!! Trust me, it's a rush!
That's my soap box and our announcement. I hope I didn't offend. Pray for Michael next week, as he will be putting in 2 wells in Bauya. Pray for me, as I will be caring for 3 crazy girls, alone for 10 days! Thanks!!

February 13th

Yesterday was a goodbye ceremony from at The Covering. Needless to say I was in tears a good portion of it. I formed a really close bond with a girl named Betty. She drew me a picture and cried when I left. She hugged me so tight and I am really going to miss her. Along with 94 or so other kids! Not to mention the other Aunties and Uncles, Pastor Daniel, Quamey, and Ossay. It’s hard to leave!

Sweet girls here I come!!!

February 11th

It was a little hard to handle last night. I had a moment. We stayed in a “guest house” in Muayamba. No electricity, no water no toilet seat. I found the biggest craziest bug I’ve ever seen and I’m not sure what I slept on. After spending a few moments in the fetal position and having Michael laugh at me hysterically, I gave it up and went to sleep. I know God is calling us which makes it doable. Can’t say I enjoyed it, but I did it. It was a pretty big adventure.

 We also went to a sporting event in town. We were a total freak show. I’m pretty sure I was the first white woman a great deal of these people had ever seen. I think we trumped the race. Babies were crying and running away and people wanted my picture. Kids stood in a circle around us and stared at us while we watched the track meet. FANTASTIC!!

We were able to attend the donation ceremony on the land today. The Paramount Chief was there. I really liked him. He is a very wise man, I believe. He was very clear that he believed this community we will be building will provide a great future for his community. We will be bringing jobs to his people, clean water and much needed hope and education to the children of the Muayamba District.

I feel like we have such a responsibility to these people. This nation needs a turn around and to imagine that it could happen with us blows my mind. It needs to happen. They are so excited and eager to help.

The ceremony was really cool too. They prayed both to Allah and  to Jesus, which I found interesting. I really think things are so hard they are just trying to cover all their bases. And I think they still feel like no one is listening. The mosque was full in town. But they repeatedly yelled Hallelujah. I don’t doubt the commitment they have to either belief, I just don’t think they know. What  a responsibility we have to show them. They are so open and ready for truth. I can’t wait to get to know them and spend time with the people of the village. So many can’t read or write. They signed with their thumb prints. How much could their lives change? How much will ours?

February 10th

Most interesting wake up call ever!! There is a large tire rim in the middle of the community. At 6 a.m. some compassionate caretaker wakes the children by beating it wildly. Wow. If that doesn’t wake you, the dogs and rooster that take that noise to be the appointed time to howl, woot, cocka-doodle etc. Did I mention this was all underneath my open window? Yep. I can say with confidence, we will NOT have one of those in Buaya!!

We made it out to the land and the villagers were there with machetes building a structure for us to sit under for the ceremony tomorrow. Seriously, vines, bamboo and palm leaves and it was gorgeous. We were all blown away. I got my first look at Buaya and our possible in between home until ours is built. This is going to be tough.

The people were great though. So loving and excited about us being there. It’s going to be great.

February 9th

Today we rode out to the Children of the Nations community. It is similar to what we are planning to do with Just Hope. It is north of Freetown. Nothing like 6 ½ hours riding in the tiny backseat of an SUV with a pineapple behind your head. Oh and did I mention it was all pot hole infested dirt roads.  It was a long day. But I loved the adventure!! People really live in mud huts. The people who live in the villages couldn’t believe they were seeing white people. We got so many crazy stares. It was pretty funny!

We were able to get to know Ossay and Quamey better on the ride down. Quamey is the director at the orphanage. Ossay…I don’t know what Ossay does, but he helps get us around and takes care of so many details. They are really wonderful men. Quamey may be the largest man I have ever stood next to. He has a huge booming voice but he gets so squeaky and almost giggley when the kids get around. He really cares for the kids. He used to work for COTN and the kids here treat him like some sort of movie star. It’s crazy!

We stayed with Marc, the director for COTN, an Irishman. We also met Jim Jackson who is the building supervisor for COTN. He gave some great tips to Michael and was really genuinely concerned and caring for me. I really loved it there. It gave us a better picture of what we were doing and what it would look like when our community is finished.

My favorite part, we all sat outside on the porch at night watching the kids play and talking and laughing with each other until late in the evening. Why don’t we do that at home?? It was such a refreshing experience. Community is awesome, who knew?? No distractions. Just a Frisbee a harmonica and corny jokes. We are home.

February 7th

Karen and Todd are evil geniuses!! After the long hard day yesterday, I could only think of home. But this morning started with a trip to The Covering (the orphanage). I’m in love!! It was amazing. These kids were so incredible. We walked from the guest house down this crazy long hill and then around the corner to the alley where you enter to The Covering. The kids lined the alley and sang a greeting song as we walked in between them to the gate. Then they swarmed!! There were kids on our arms, legs, hands, touching our hair, everywhere!! They couldn’t get enough. It was so incredible. They couldn’t ask us enough questions. They were so sweet and beautiful. I am now Auntie Rachel. My husband is Uncle Michael.

I am overwhelmed by these kids. They are amazing and fun. We got to sit in on their worship, I have met my match!!!!  The singing, was so sweet and beautiful.  I will never be able to dance or learn the clapping rhythms. It was so fun to sing with them and watch them really worship. They get so much that it took me so long to understand. They all want their pictures (click, click) taken and then they want to see it.  I’m just blown away.

We were also able to spend some time with the Siscos. I really am enjoying our time together. They are settling and it’s good to see how easy they are acclamating. I’m hopeful our move is as easy!

We were able to drive into Freetown today as well. I am speechless. The trash, the poverty and the excitement in the city are overwhelming. Just heaps and piles of garbage in the water, on the ground put together to build homes. The roads are dirt and torn apart and there really are no driving rules!! In spite of all the sad things I saw, the town was so lively. There was so much community and connectedness with the people. The one thing that may take getting used to, men holding hands walking down the street! A bit odd?! But it’s so kind and endearing. It shows so much value for these friendships. The people were so kind and sweet. I loved it!!

We also got to go to the market. Great experience!! Michael is a horrible bargainer. I am the master!!  I loved the wheeling and dealing and haggling. The women kept grabbing me and pulling me into their booths. I enjoyed it so much. Plus, what beautiful craftsmanship. 

GREAT DAY!

Febuary 6th

We arrived in Freetown late this evening. What a long day!! I was totally exhausted and grouchy, to say the least.  I will admit I was blown away when we landed in The Gambia (that’s right, THE Gambia). I just kept looking at Michael saying “We are here. In West Africa. It’s really happening!” It is surreal. This has been so long in the making. It’s finally here.

I will be very frank when I say, I am homesick. The airport is very difficult to get through and we experienced our first corrupt government experience. Michael was hustled for money by an officer. We didn’t receive one of our bags. It had all the treats I brought for the kids. I’m bummed. It looks like I’m on my own for dazzling them! It was a long day with many adventures, disappointments and total exhaustion. Happy to be here!

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is the most ugly, beautiful, down trodden, resilient, dirty, fresh, brown, green, heartbreaking, spirit lifting, scary, welcoming, corrupt, honest, poorest, richest, depressing, awe-inspiring, backwoods, insightful, self-seeking, community minded, forgotten, prevalent, most amazing places I have ever seen.

I have never seen a place that contradicts itself so and I love it. There is so much that should bring down it's people but the spirit is so hopeful. I have never been to a city that was so alive and joyous! The affection the people show for one another is inspiring, but so many are forgotten and ignored. They are hungry for change. They need to see Jesus's face. The longing in my heart that has kept me awake at night for the past year now has a face. I love it. I can't wait to be there.

I wrote each day, or activities but the internet is sketchy so I'll post them now. Thanks!!

It's time!!

In the midst of a living room full of suitcases, backpacks and pillow we decided to shake our groove things to a little Just Dance! It has been used a celebratory tool for many of the great moments in our lives over the past few years and tonight is no different.

Tomorrow is the date of departure for Michael and I and believe it or not, we are still on speaking terms! Confirmation that people are praying, if you ask me!

All the bags are packed and the kids are excited about friend sleepovers for the next week. But, man, I miss them. At the same time, I'm so excited to finally see this year long journey start to come to fruition. It has seemed like such a far off dream with no clear form but it is really happening. That's huge!! I can't wait to see all the kids and the land that I hope to call home. The more we learn, the more we see how hard this journey will be. Strangely enough, we also find our hearts settled on it more.

So here are our prayer requests please:
1. Safe travel (that is sort of obvuous, right?)
2. our kids, this is difficult, we have never been apart this long
3. That we would either have perfect comfirmation or see red flags everywhere we look.
4. Health, for both the kids and Michael and I.
5. That we would learn specific ways to minister to the people of Sierra Leone.

Thank you so much for all your support and prayers. We can't thank you enough!