On December 31st, the last day of the year it is a day celebrated differently by so many, but for most of us, the Church is the right place to be. Hearing the last bell tolls are believed to be signs of new life, more prospect and long life and health in the new born year.
Traditionally, so it is here in Sierra Leone. In Kabala, it is seen differently.
Every person making the loudest request as if God
was far away. Being in Pa Foday’s little
Church at Ismaia Road that cold evening was like nothing else. A huge pot of black
coffee boiling and waits to heat up the thirsty cold tongues of the peaceful villagers.
I mean this coffee was really hot! and hard to drink but people kept going for
more and more.
What a life,
so simple and peaceful.
Few hours later, day light is here
and we are set to make
the traditional visit to Hill # 2
which is situated right in the far end of town.
A beautiful mountain designed by The Creator. You cant tell how it is like till you try it.
Hiking up it is the only way. Far different from the lousy beach scene with fancy cars, loud music and revealing dancing and stuffs that you see at Freetown beaches,etc.
This is all God-made land meant
to be manually trekked on, physical work out without electronic gadget help.
I sometimes wonder who first came up with this idea but I was born meeting this yearly occasion meant only for the able and
physically fit to climb. It is all about going up there,
meeting friends,
eating together and then returning back down the mountain.
The pains behind it
are far less
than the fun
of getting there.
As soon as you get there you easily forget what you’re sore muscles gone through.
Most inhabitants in Kabala
will tell you that they are doing it for fun
and a way of welcoming the new year in our Kabala way.
Others especially first timers, will tell you that they have heard about it and want to make a try. White folks, mostly those that call themselves “missionaries”, and tourists will tell you that they are doing it because it is the best place to be in Sierra Leone on New Years Day and that Kabala people
are so hospitable and welcoming.
This is very true.
This day you see all putting on their best clothes,
eat a lot of chicken,
and meeting friends and family members who they may not have seen for a long time.
Nothing can stop you from making this hike
until you become too old enough to make the climb,
but this is always passed on from
generation to generation.