By James Mansaray: Freetown, Sierra LeoneNazareth House Apostolate, Director West AfricaRecently when I traveled to Kabala, I made sure to check on the outlying villages, to see with what needs we could assist them. A twenty mile break-down with the rotten Motor Bike,I pushed from Kafogo to Kabala landed me in this scene of more reaities of what is really like in some of the most remote areas here in Sierra Leone.This made me to forget the sweat dripping out of my whole body and it was worth it. I gave a helping hand to the poor lady who sits there to see if her husband will show up soon. I found these children, who only know hard work and struggle all day long. But to them, the innocency of childhood dwells inside and they make a game out of the work that they do. Mama Vicki tells me and I see on the internet and from American TV shows, that the kids in other countries get frustrated because they do not have enough toys and they are bored with what they got. I see weariness from time to time from Salone children, but rarely boredom and rarely a grumpy face. All day long this woman and the children must break rocks with their primitive tools to make a living. It is a way of life. These large boulders must be smashed down to this smaller size. The are clothed but not in fancy outfits with matching shoes. They have no shoes to wear. Once the rocks are beaten down to the proper size, the work is still not done. They must load them up on their heads… and carry them to their final destination. This could be many miles down the road. A child’s day in the villages of Sierra Leone is made up of hard work. It is a matter of survival.  The kids know this and accept it, with honor, because they know they are helping their family. It is not the preferred choice of their parents, it is their only option. The parents and children must work together simply to help the family exist.This is where you come in, and the help you can give. You already see the children at NHA Kabala School.  They still help their families out, but they are able to go to school during the day – because of your compassion through Nazareth House. Because we all pulled together to help out the parents so that they can allow their children an education, look at all the lives we’ve change. But we can’t stop, here… Nazareth House Kabala School is only a small percentage of the children of Sierra Leone. Don’t let the bad economy keep you from finding ways to continue giving to Nazareth House Apostolate. I keep thinking of the good words of my beloved Papa Seraphim (Fr. Seraphim Hicks) “The things that you keep from God, is keeping you from God” .”Do whatever He says” The holy mother says about Jesus to the people at the Wedding Feast at Cana. And in the Gospel, Jesus says “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”The water of our lack can be changed into the wine of abundance through God by your prayers and compassion.Give today, make a differenceNHA2216 Goldsmith LaneLouisville, KY 40218or through our websitewww.nazarethhouseap.orgclick on the “donation” link of the leftHave a blessed day,James B. Mansaray
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