Monday a National Day of Mourning in Sierra Leone

From the last count I’ve been able to read in reports of the ferry disaster: 120 have been buried. It has been said that many of the bodies found have been buried in Mass Graves because of the advanced state of decomposing. Many more bodies have yet to be discovered and they may end up floating into local streams and rivers.

The surveillance patrol of the Sierra Leone Navy continues the search for the victims.

Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Koroma declared Monday to be a National Day of Mourning. It seems fitting since it is a Holy Day of the Cross on our religious calendar. September 14th, The Exaltation of the Cross. I’ve always wondered about the “exaltation” thinking rather it should be a Holy Day of remembrance of BEARING the Cross. I understand the victory won on the Cross, and certainly this should be exalted but there is another dimension of the carrying of the Cross. Certainly, the people of Sierra Leone bear the cross more than most.

The President said that citizens should consider wearing black armbands and flags will be at half mast.

Those that survived said the ferry transported goods and passengers which included many children. They say it overturned and sank within in minutes.

Survivors also stated that rescue operations were delayed and medical supplies were not enough to treat the 37 who survived. It is estimated there were 268-300 on board.

It is reported that nearly 10 hours passed before the first rescue mission was launched.

I have ridden on the ferry into Freetown. As you can see by the concern on Fr. my face… I was not happy with the situation in which I found myself. My concerns were with the overloading of the ferry and the general condition of the boat. I just wanted to get to the other side, to get off the boat.

I read that the harbour master of the town of Tombo, Samuel Bangura, said all vessels had been grounded along the coast and a thorough inspection would be carried out before boats may set sail again. I applaud this and hope that the inspection is complete and uninhibited.

Aware that the nation of Sierra Leone is in the recovery mode, I know the many struggles they have. It is not easy, no matter who is in charge, to pull a nation out of such a dire straights. We must pray for the people, its leaders, everyone of this country and those who deal with Salone from other countries. There have been many improvements and more are on the way, we must use every obstacle to learn and grow, learning from our mistakes in order to bring about a brighter future, working together for the better. To this end we must pray.

On Monday, Nazareth House will mourn the loss, and we pray that these dear people did not die in vain. I can only hope that this tragedy, like so many tragedies, will rise from the ashes of adversity and bring about the change needed so that something like this doesn’t happen again.

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Monday a National Day of Mourning in Sierra Leone

From the last count I’ve been able to read in reports of the ferry disaster: 120 have been buried. It has been said that many of the bodies found have been buried in Mass Graves because of the advanced state of decomposing. Many more bodies have yet to be discovered and they may end up floating into local streams and rivers.

The surveillance patrol of the Sierra Leone Navy continues the search for the victims.

Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Koroma declared Monday to be a National Day of Mourning. It seems fitting since it is a Holy Day of the Cross on our religious calendar. September 14th, The Exaltation of the Cross. I’ve always wondered about the “exaltation” thinking rather it should be a Holy Day of remembrance of BEARING the Cross. I understand the victory won on the Cross, and certainly this should be exalted but there is another dimension of the carrying of the Cross. Certainly, the people of Sierra Leone bear the cross more than most.

The President said that citizens should consider wearing black armbands and flags will be at half mast.

Those that survived said the ferry transported goods and passengers which included many children. They say it overturned and sank within in minutes.

Survivors also stated that rescue operations were delayed and medical supplies were not enough to treat the 37 who survived. It is estimated there were 268-300 on board.

It is reported that nearly 10 hours passed before the first rescue mission was launched.

I have ridden on the ferry into Freetown. As you can see by the concern on Fr. my face… I was not happy with the situation in which I found myself. My concerns were with the overloading of the ferry and the general condition of the boat. I just wanted to get to the other side, to get off the boat.

I read that the harbour master of the town of Tombo, Samuel Bangura, said all vessels had been grounded along the coast and a thorough inspection would be carried out before boats may set sail again. I applaud this and hope that the inspection is complete and uninhibited.

Aware that the nation of Sierra Leone is in the recovery mode, I know the many struggles they have. It is not easy, no matter who is in charge, to pull a nation out of such a dire straights. We must pray for the people, its leaders, everyone of this country and those who deal with Salone from other countries. There have been many improvements and more are on the way, we must use every obstacle to learn and grow, learning from our mistakes in order to bring about a brighter future, working together for the better. To this end we must pray.

On Monday, Nazareth House will mourn the loss, and we pray that these dear people did not die in vain. I can only hope that this tragedy, like so many tragedies, will rise from the ashes of adversity and bring about the change needed so that something like this doesn’t happen again.

Posted in Ferry, Freetown, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, mourning | Leave a comment

Monday a National Day of Mourning in Sierra Leone

From the last count I’ve been able to read in reports of the ferry disaster: 120 have been buried. It has been said that many of the bodies found have been buried in Mass Graves because of the advanced state of decomposing. Many more bodies have yet to be discovered and they may end up floating into local streams and rivers.

The surveillance patrol of the Sierra Leone Navy continues the search for the victims.

Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Koroma declared Monday to be a National Day of Mourning. It seems fitting since it is a Holy Day of the Cross on our religious calendar. September 14th, The Exaltation of the Cross. I’ve always wondered about the “exaltation” thinking rather it should be a Holy Day of remembrance of BEARING the Cross. I understand the victory won on the Cross, and certainly this should be exalted but there is another dimension of the carrying of the Cross. Certainly, the people of Sierra Leone bear the cross more than most.

The President said that citizens should consider wearing black armbands and flags will be at half mast.

Those that survived said the ferry transported goods and passengers which included many children. They say it overturned and sank within in minutes.

Survivors also stated that rescue operations were delayed and medical supplies were not enough to treat the 37 who survived. It is estimated there were 268-300 on board.

It is reported that nearly 10 hours passed before the first rescue mission was launched.

I have ridden on the ferry into Freetown. As you can see by the concern on Fr. my face… I was not happy with the situation in which I found myself. My concerns were with the overloading of the ferry and the general condition of the boat. I just wanted to get to the other side, to get off the boat.

I read that the harbour master of the town of Tombo, Samuel Bangura, said all vessels had been grounded along the coast and a thorough inspection would be carried out before boats may set sail again. I applaud this and hope that the inspection is complete and uninhibited.

Aware that the nation of Sierra Leone is in the recovery mode, I know the many struggles they have. It is not easy, no matter who is in charge, to pull a nation out of such a dire straights. We must pray for the people, its leaders, everyone of this country and those who deal with Salone from other countries. There have been many improvements and more are on the way, we must use every obstacle to learn and grow, learning from our mistakes in order to bring about a brighter future, working together for the better. To this end we must pray.

On Monday, Nazareth House will mourn the loss, and we pray that these dear people did not die in vain. I can only hope that this tragedy, like so many tragedies, will rise from the ashes of adversity and bring about the change needed so that something like this doesn’t happen again.

Posted in Ferry, Freetown, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, mourning | Leave a comment

Orphaned Newborn Twins

By James Mansaray: Freetown, Sierra Leone

In present day Sierra Leone the word HARDSHIP” is in the ears of every man and woman, both young and old. The reality of this hardship comes to full blown life in the idea of bearing twins. Giving birth to twins has always been a rare issue, but when it happens it means moreof the energy, stress and money needed to raise a single kid, now the struggles of raising a family is doubled.

Several weeks back, right on this blog, we told a story of two beautiful male twins born to mother Dusu. It was on that report that Mama Vicki stressed the need of helping these helpless and poor mothers who carrying a gift from God within them had no choice but to get caught in the web of inappropriate medical facilities, and in an environment where the needs are great but little or nothing at hand to go with.

Now, take this story of these new born twins, who tragically lost the mother just after a struggling birth at this same small health centre at Heremakono village where mother Dusu was. It is scary enough in this country to give birth to one baby, let alone two.

Kumba Kamara of Makakura village lost so much blood during labour and died few hours later leaving her newborns behind. The twins (a boy and a girl) presently hospitalised at the Kabala Government hospital awaiting help from anywhere.

The twins now in the hands of Aunty Yamana Marah face the challenge of surviving it….. This can only be made possible with our helping hands. Unfortunately, theiradopted mother cant breast feed them and the type of formula they can afford brings nothing but diarrhea.

According to this lady tending to them, they have last lost so much weight due to lack of food and her fear is they do not have the fight within them to keep life going.

Majority of the average families here will tell you that preference is one baby at a time but it’s all depends to what the Good Lord has in store for you. We always see and hear desperate barren couples praying for a baby day in and day out, when some especially amongst the poorest of the poor, are bringing them into the world in twos and threes’ whenever they visit the labour room. Life, at whatever multiples it arrives in is a beautiful gift from God. We must be there to welcome it and provide what it needs, especially if the mother is unable. I don’t know why I always see twins and triplets in the hands of the very poor, I just know that God knows and God sees.

Sometime back on this blog we talked of a poor girl giving birth to three babies at once. Unfortunately she has moved on to the up country and we have lost track of her. I pray those kids are doing well.

You can help today by donating to NHA so that we can help meet some of these desperate needs. The truth is, most of these stories are here hidden and untold and I most times find myself in the midst of it. It is our way at Nazareth House, to be there in the midst of “tight spots” calling in the Name of the Lord. Being there in prayer and body to love one way or the other, helping in our own little way. Please give today and help save lives.

One way to help out is to give to NHA to buy pills that make the worms go away. Everyone here gets worms, no matter how clean you get yourself. The conditions just are bad to make it a common thing for us. We are hoping to cure at least 100 people from these parasites. One pill is $3 and it takes 6 to cure someone of a bad case of worms. That is $18 per person.

Another way to help is to give what Mama Vicki calls “on-the-ground” money so that when they are here they can take care of what they find in need. It could be feeding a family, repairing a home to keep rains out, providing medical needs… whatever they find, we want to be able to help out.

Consider your donation in prayers and send to

NHA

2216 Goldsmith Lane

Louisville, KY 40218

or through the paypal donation link on our website www.nazarethhouseap.org

Also, please keep all those who lost their lives when the ferry sunk yesterday. So sad, it has been determined it was because of overloading of the boat. This is always how it is and with no efficient equipment for rescues or life boats and life jackets…you take your life in hands on a ferry here. Please pray for the families who lost their loved ones and for those that survived but are suffering from this tragedy. thank you

JAMES

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Orphaned Newborn Twins

By James Mansaray: Freetown, Sierra Leone

In present day Sierra Leone the word HARDSHIP” is in the ears of every man and woman, both young and old. The reality of this hardship comes to full blown life in the idea of bearing twins. Giving birth to twins has always been a rare issue, but when it happens it means moreof the energy, stress and money needed to raise a single kid, now the struggles of raising a family is doubled.

Several weeks back, right on this blog, we told a story of two beautiful male twins born to mother Dusu. It was on that report that Mama Vicki stressed the need of helping these helpless and poor mothers who carrying a gift from God within them had no choice but to get caught in the web of inappropriate medical facilities, and in an environment where the needs are great but little or nothing at hand to go with.

Now, take this story of these new born twins, who tragically lost the mother just after a struggling birth at this same small health centre at Heremakono village where mother Dusu was. It is scary enough in this country to give birth to one baby, let alone two.

Kumba Kamara of Makakura village lost so much blood during labour and died few hours later leaving her newborns behind. The twins (a boy and a girl) presently hospitalised at the Kabala Government hospital awaiting help from anywhere.

The twins now in the hands of Aunty Yamana Marah face the challenge of surviving it….. This can only be made possible with our helping hands. Unfortunately, theiradopted mother cant breast feed them and the type of formula they can afford brings nothing but diarrhea.

According to this lady tending to them, they have last lost so much weight due to lack of food and her fear is they do not have the fight within them to keep life going.

Majority of the average families here will tell you that preference is one baby at a time but it’s all depends to what the Good Lord has in store for you. We always see and hear desperate barren couples praying for a baby day in and day out, when some especially amongst the poorest of the poor, are bringing them into the world in twos and threes’ whenever they visit the labour room. Life, at whatever multiples it arrives in is a beautiful gift from God. We must be there to welcome it and provide what it needs, especially if the mother is unable. I don’t know why I always see twins and triplets in the hands of the very poor, I just know that God knows and God sees.

Sometime back on this blog we talked of a poor girl giving birth to three babies at once. Unfortunately she has moved on to the up country and we have lost track of her. I pray those kids are doing well.

You can help today by donating to NHA so that we can help meet some of these desperate needs. The truth is, most of these stories are here hidden and untold and I most times find myself in the midst of it. It is our way at Nazareth House, to be there in the midst of “tight spots” calling in the Name of the Lord. Being there in prayer and body to love one way or the other, helping in our own little way. Please give today and help save lives.

One way to help out is to give to NHA to buy pills that make the worms go away. Everyone here gets worms, no matter how clean you get yourself. The conditions just are bad to make it a common thing for us. We are hoping to cure at least 100 people from these parasites. One pill is $3 and it takes 6 to cure someone of a bad case of worms. That is $18 per person.

Another way to help is to give what Mama Vicki calls “on-the-ground” money so that when they are here they can take care of what they find in need. It could be feeding a family, repairing a home to keep rains out, providing medical needs… whatever they find, we want to be able to help out.

Consider your donation in prayers and send to

NHA

2216 Goldsmith Lane

Louisville, KY 40218

or through the paypal donation link on our website www.nazarethhouseap.org

Also, please keep all those who lost their lives when the ferry sunk yesterday. So sad, it has been determined it was because of overloading of the boat. This is always how it is and with no efficient equipment for rescues or life boats and life jackets…you take your life in hands on a ferry here. Please pray for the families who lost their loved ones and for those that survived but are suffering from this tragedy. thank you

JAMES

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Orphaned Newborn Twins

By James Mansaray: Freetown, Sierra Leone

In present day Sierra Leone the word HARDSHIP” is in the ears of every man and woman, both young and old. The reality of this hardship comes to full blown life in the idea of bearing twins. Giving birth to twins has always been a rare issue, but when it happens it means moreof the energy, stress and money needed to raise a single kid, now the struggles of raising a family is doubled.

Several weeks back, right on this blog, we told a story of two beautiful male twins born to mother Dusu. It was on that report that Mama Vicki stressed the need of helping these helpless and poor mothers who carrying a gift from God within them had no choice but to get caught in the web of inappropriate medical facilities, and in an environment where the needs are great but little or nothing at hand to go with.

Now, take this story of these new born twins, who tragically lost the mother just after a struggling birth at this same small health centre at Heremakono village where mother Dusu was. It is scary enough in this country to give birth to one baby, let alone two.

Kumba Kamara of Makakura village lost so much blood during labour and died few hours later leaving her newborns behind. The twins (a boy and a girl) presently hospitalised at the Kabala Government hospital awaiting help from anywhere.

The twins now in the hands of Aunty Yamana Marah face the challenge of surviving it….. This can only be made possible with our helping hands. Unfortunately, theiradopted mother cant breast feed them and the type of formula they can afford brings nothing but diarrhea.

According to this lady tending to them, they have last lost so much weight due to lack of food and her fear is they do not have the fight within them to keep life going.

Majority of the average families here will tell you that preference is one baby at a time but it’s all depends to what the Good Lord has in store for you. We always see and hear desperate barren couples praying for a baby day in and day out, when some especially amongst the poorest of the poor, are bringing them into the world in twos and threes’ whenever they visit the labour room. Life, at whatever multiples it arrives in is a beautiful gift from God. We must be there to welcome it and provide what it needs, especially if the mother is unable. I don’t know why I always see twins and triplets in the hands of the very poor, I just know that God knows and God sees.

Sometime back on this blog we talked of a poor girl giving birth to three babies at once. Unfortunately she has moved on to the up country and we have lost track of her. I pray those kids are doing well.

You can help today by donating to NHA so that we can help meet some of these desperate needs. The truth is, most of these stories are here hidden and untold and I most times find myself in the midst of it. It is our way at Nazareth House, to be there in the midst of “tight spots” calling in the Name of the Lord. Being there in prayer and body to love one way or the other, helping in our own little way. Please give today and help save lives.

One way to help out is to give to NHA to buy pills that make the worms go away. Everyone here gets worms, no matter how clean you get yourself. The conditions just are bad to make it a common thing for us. We are hoping to cure at least 100 people from these parasites. One pill is $3 and it takes 6 to cure someone of a bad case of worms. That is $18 per person.

Another way to help is to give what Mama Vicki calls “on-the-ground” money so that when they are here they can take care of what they find in need. It could be feeding a family, repairing a home to keep rains out, providing medical needs… whatever they find, we want to be able to help out.

Consider your donation in prayers and send to

NHA

2216 Goldsmith Lane

Louisville, KY 40218

or through the paypal donation link on our website www.nazarethhouseap.org

Also, please keep all those who lost their lives when the ferry sunk yesterday. So sad, it has been determined it was because of overloading of the boat. This is always how it is and with no efficient equipment for rescues or life boats and life jackets…you take your life in hands on a ferry here. Please pray for the families who lost their loved ones and for those that survived but are suffering from this tragedy. thank you

JAMES

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Orphaned Newborn Twins

By James Mansaray: Freetown, Sierra Leone

In present day Sierra Leone the word HARDSHIP” is in the ears of every man and woman, both young and old. The reality of this hardship comes to full blown life in the idea of bearing twins. Giving birth to twins has always been a rare issue, but when it happens it means moreof the energy, stress and money needed to raise a single kid, now the struggles of raising a family is doubled.

Several weeks back, right on this blog, we told a story of two beautiful male twins born to mother Dusu. It was on that report that Mama Vicki stressed the need of helping these helpless and poor mothers who carrying a gift from God within them had no choice but to get caught in the web of inappropriate medical facilities, and in an environment where the needs are great but little or nothing at hand to go with.

Now, take this story of these new born twins, who tragically lost the mother just after a struggling birth at this same small health centre at Heremakono village where mother Dusu was. It is scary enough in this country to give birth to one baby, let alone two.

Kumba Kamara of Makakura village lost so much blood during labour and died few hours later leaving her newborns behind. The twins (a boy and a girl) presently hospitalised at the Kabala Government hospital awaiting help from anywhere.

The twins now in the hands of Aunty Yamana Marah face the challenge of surviving it….. This can only be made possible with our helping hands. Unfortunately, theiradopted mother cant breast feed them and the type of formula they can afford brings nothing but diarrhea.

According to this lady tending to them, they have last lost so much weight due to lack of food and her fear is they do not have the fight within them to keep life going.

Majority of the average families here will tell you that preference is one baby at a time but it’s all depends to what the Good Lord has in store for you. We always see and hear desperate barren couples praying for a baby day in and day out, when some especially amongst the poorest of the poor, are bringing them into the world in twos and threes’ whenever they visit the labour room. Life, at whatever multiples it arrives in is a beautiful gift from God. We must be there to welcome it and provide what it needs, especially if the mother is unable. I don’t know why I always see twins and triplets in the hands of the very poor, I just know that God knows and God sees.

Sometime back on this blog we talked of a poor girl giving birth to three babies at once. Unfortunately she has moved on to the up country and we have lost track of her. I pray those kids are doing well.

You can help today by donating to NHA so that we can help meet some of these desperate needs. The truth is, most of these stories are here hidden and untold and I most times find myself in the midst of it. It is our way at Nazareth House, to be there in the midst of “tight spots” calling in the Name of the Lord. Being there in prayer and body to love one way or the other, helping in our own little way. Please give today and help save lives.

One way to help out is to give to NHA to buy pills that make the worms go away. Everyone here gets worms, no matter how clean you get yourself. The conditions just are bad to make it a common thing for us. We are hoping to cure at least 100 people from these parasites. One pill is $3 and it takes 6 to cure someone of a bad case of worms. That is $18 per person.

Another way to help is to give what Mama Vicki calls “on-the-ground” money so that when they are here they can take care of what they find in need. It could be feeding a family, repairing a home to keep rains out, providing medical needs… whatever they find, we want to be able to help out.

Consider your donation in prayers and send to

NHA

2216 Goldsmith Lane

Louisville, KY 40218

or through the paypal donation link on our website www.nazarethhouseap.org

Also, please keep all those who lost their lives when the ferry sunk yesterday. So sad, it has been determined it was because of overloading of the boat. This is always how it is and with no efficient equipment for rescues or life boats and life jackets…you take your life in hands on a ferry here. Please pray for the families who lost their loved ones and for those that survived but are suffering from this tragedy. thank you

JAMES

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Grace Church, Littlest Acolyte

Yesterday, our littlest acolyte made his debut at Grace Church. He’ll be 3 years old tomorrow, but Sunday he was getting a wish he’s had for a long time.

You see, he’s always dreamed of carrying the Cross in Procession.

After practice time with Fr. Seraphim last Thursday, it was definite that Lil Kelsay was ready.

Up and down the aisle he practiced.

Finally it was “dress rehearsal” time. A huge smile stretches across the face when he looks at the mirror.

A few more practice tries in full dress and he’s ready for Sunday.

Kelsay is dressed early and waits in the Narthex for the “big moment”.

Wow! Its time…

At the Offertory, he did beautifully.

At Recessional he headed back down the aisle like a pro.

Looking good, Mr. Kelsay, looking good.

With Deacon Mike, his godfather and Fr. Seraphim, his grandpa; Kelsay felt like “one of the guys”.

He also felt obliged to greet everyone on their way out of the church. Who knows, do we have a future priest here?
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Grace Church, Littlest Acolyte

Yesterday, our littlest acolyte made his debut at Grace Church. He’ll be 3 years old tomorrow, but Sunday he was getting a wish he’s had for a long time.

You see, he’s always dreamed of carrying the Cross in Procession.

After practice time with Fr. Seraphim last Thursday, it was definite that Lil Kelsay was ready.

Up and down the aisle he practiced.

Finally it was “dress rehearsal” time. A huge smile stretches across the face when he looks at the mirror.

A few more practice tries in full dress and he’s ready for Sunday.

Kelsay is dressed early and waits in the Narthex for the “big moment”.

Wow! Its time…

At the Offertory, he did beautifully.

At Recessional he headed back down the aisle like a pro.

Looking good, Mr. Kelsay, looking good.

With Deacon Mike, his godfather and Fr. Seraphim, his grandpa; Kelsay felt like “one of the guys”.

He also felt obliged to greet everyone on their way out of the church. Who knows, do we have a future priest here?
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The worms are "under pressure"

In reviewing the pictures James has sent me of the most recent boxes received from the post, I noticed that some of the Internal parasite (worm medication) from a box I thought was “lost” was in it. It contained worm medications for the whole St. Laurence House family and some of the neighbors in the area. Unfortunately, we still have not received the medication we sent for St. Mary’s Orphanage. We are in the process of collecting funds to re-purchase more for the kids at the orphanage and I intend to walk them in..rather than using the post. If you would like to help save a child suffering from worms, the pills cost $3.00 per pill. It takes 6 pills to cure a child from this disease. So $18 cures a child.In talking with James he confirmed that the medication intended for St. Laurence House treatment had indeed arrived! I am delighted. James said to me “We are all now working to become Worm-Free” ; Then he said “Our worms are now under pressure”. As I laughed at this comment, I remember a time years ago when I was in Freetown. We had taken James and the family to a little Chinese restaurant along Lumley Beach. During the meal, Lucy was devouring tons of hot sauce, even eating it by itself. James, lovingly said to Lucy, “Lucy, your worms are going to be miserable tonight”. Dealing with worms is such a common place to Sierra Leoneans that they begin to talk of them as you would an old friend. Something always with you. Roo has lost a lot of weight and was in desperate need of these pills. We are so thankful that they have now arrived and Roo will have completed his treatment by time you read this. We have sent several shoes on ahead of the Container being sent by Maria Stianchie of One Love Foundation. The container is expected to set sail in a few weeks and arrive in October to the Freetown Port. I don’t personally know if you have sent shoes to Maria through Nazareth House, but if you did, we thank you. I know Maria has already thanked you for your kindness. She tells me there was close to 3000 shoes that arrived. This is fantastic. I am hoping Fr. Seraphim and I are in town when the container arrives to help with the distribution. We stuffed these boxes so well, cramming medicine inside shoes, sticking something in every available space of each box. I was amazed to see that 4 small boxes contained all that was on this table. As our mission date approaches please continue your support. The needs are so great. Please consider giving today.NHA2216 Goldsmith LaneLouisville, KY 40218

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