Meet Little Roo of St. Laurence House in Sierra Leone.

Posted on October 27, 2008 by vicki

LAURENCE THOMAS MANSARAY: Born 2nd October 2006

This next Blog Series will be to introduce the newcomers to Nazareth House to the faces and people who make up this organization. We will begin in Sierra Leone with our beloved family who operate our rented distribution house, affectionately known as ST LAURENCE HOUSE.

For information as to the reason we named the center “St. Laurence House” refer to previous post of this blog ran on August 10, 2008, Treasures of the church” (http://nazarethhouseap.blogspot.com/2008/08/treasures-of-church.html#links)

 

James Mansaray is the director of St. Laurence House and the head of his household, however, little Roo (his son) runs a pretty good show of his own within St. Laurence House.

 

Even while growing in Kadijah’s womb, when he first received his nickname, Roo captured the hearts of all of us. He is one of the cutest and smartest two years old around.

His smile can melt even the coldest of hearts.

 

Yet, like every toddler journeying through the Terrible Twos, Roo has his moments when he is mischievous, rambunctious and not too pleasant to be around.

 

 

 

Many parents in America (and maybe in Europe, too – I’m not sure), reprimand their children that misbehave by making them sit in “time-out”; a space or area where they must sit quietly, compose themselves if crying and contemplate what they had just done wrong. Upon arriving at St. Laurence House, we found out that Roo’s “time out” is the wall. If Roo is whining or misbehaving, he is told “Roo, face the wall!” and little Roo obediently faces the wall until he can collect himself. More times than not, the question, “Roo, You want to face the wall?” will turn the situation in a positive manner without actual wall time taking place.


After a small time of contemplation while facing the wall, Roo always makes sure to apologize and show his parents he loves them. It is as if he understands that the corrections they give are in the end for his own benefit.

With all of us encouraging and supporting him along the way, we are expecting Roo to do big things as he grows up. Who knows? Maybe President of Sierra Leone some day???

 

Fr. Seraphim playing soccer with Roo at a store front in Freetown.

 
Posted in face the wall, james mansaray, parenting, Roo, st laurence house, time-out | Leave a comment

Meet Little Roo of St. Laurence House in Sierra Leone.

Posted on October 27, 2008 by vicki

LAURENCE THOMAS MANSARAY: Born 2nd October 2006

This next Blog Series will be to introduce the newcomers to Nazareth House to the faces and people who make up this organization. We will begin in Sierra Leone with our beloved family who operate our rented distribution house, affectionately known as ST LAURENCE HOUSE.

For information as to the reason we named the center “St. Laurence House” refer to previous post of this blog ran on August 10, 2008, Treasures of the church” (http://nazarethhouseap.blogspot.com/2008/08/treasures-of-church.html#links)

 

James Mansaray is the director of St. Laurence House and the head of his household, however, little Roo (his son) runs a pretty good show of his own within St. Laurence House.

 

Even while growing in Kadijah’s womb, when he first received his nickname, Roo captured the hearts of all of us. He is one of the cutest and smartest two years old around.

His smile can melt even the coldest of hearts.

 

Yet, like every toddler journeying through the Terrible Twos, Roo has his moments when he is mischievous, rambunctious and not too pleasant to be around.

 

 

 

Many parents in America (and maybe in Europe, too – I’m not sure), reprimand their children that misbehave by making them sit in “time-out”; a space or area where they must sit quietly, compose themselves if crying and contemplate what they had just done wrong. Upon arriving at St. Laurence House, we found out that Roo’s “time out” is the wall. If Roo is whining or misbehaving, he is told “Roo, face the wall!” and little Roo obediently faces the wall until he can collect himself. More times than not, the question, “Roo, You want to face the wall?” will turn the situation in a positive manner without actual wall time taking place.


After a small time of contemplation while facing the wall, Roo always makes sure to apologize and show his parents he loves them. It is as if he understands that the corrections they give are in the end for his own benefit.

With all of us encouraging and supporting him along the way, we are expecting Roo to do big things as he grows up. Who knows? Maybe President of Sierra Leone some day???

 

Fr. Seraphim playing soccer with Roo at a store front in Freetown.

 
Posted in face the wall, james mansaray, parenting, Roo, st laurence house, time-out | Leave a comment

GUINEA PIGS & GUINEA ROADS…

Posted on October 26, 2008 by vicki

Our recent Journal Series of James travel to and from Guinea prompted some comments and questions from those who are new to Nazareth House Apostolate.

One such comment came from a kind lady who was “googling” the words “guinea pig” and came up with our blog. Ha Ha! I love the strange ways people find us. Anyway, seeing the photos and reading James’ struggles of the trip kept her on the blog and prompted her to investigate Nazareth House further.

In a series of emails, she questioned about how we were able to “do what you do” in Sierra Leone while operating out of USA. “It seems that an organization would have to be in the country and area in which they serve” she said, “The logistics, the energy spent must be incredible being across the ocean” she continued. This was my perfect opportunity to explain that we are doing just that…trying to establish permanent residency in the area in which we serve.

I explained that we are able to do as much as we do because of the team work between Nazareth House, Freetown a.k.a. St. Laurence House and Nazareth Houses in America. We are more than a working team, we are a family, a bond. Through James, Kadijah, Lucy, Ann Marie and even little Roo, we, as Nazareth House, are able to deliver provisions and hope to those in need without ever leaving home!

You know James and Kadijah, because there is a relationship, you care about them, you love them. Conversely, they know those involved in Nazareth House from America as if they are their own family, they love you.

 

Everyone is giving every thing they have (prayer,talent, money, time) to make it happen ….but without a compound we are limited. Once we own our Operations Center and are free of the rental insecurity, we can expand and branch out to fill more cracks with the provisions that they so desperately need. It is imperative for us to provide housing for our staff, store the supplies that we distribute to the needy (including medical), give accommodation for those coming to immerse themselves in the mission field, an most importantly offer a much needed home for the terminally ill – a place to spend your last days without being alone and homeless. Death is a constant IN YOUR FACE reality in Sierra Leone, most are left to find it without any comfort.

All of this we must do, and the clock is ticking fast. March 1, 2009 – we lose our lease and St. Laurence House et el will be out on the streets of Freetown. Like the beach bars of Lumley Beach, we have received our warning and we fully expect to have to vacate the premises. (see previous posts this blog re: beach bars)

“Wow”, she replied “I certainly didn’t expect to be drawn into the needs of an African country. I really didn’t even know anything about Sierra Leone when I typed ‘guinea pig’ into the Google Search Engine!” “I was looking for ways to aid a sick guinea pig.”

“I want to know more about St. Laurence House and NHA.” I sent her to our website, but for more personal views, because of her interest and that of others; our next Blog series will be on Getting to Know St. Laurence House…

Tomorrow’s Blog: Meet Mr. Roo…

Posted in Guinea, james mansaray, kadijah, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Road hazards | Leave a comment

GUINEA PIGS & GUINEA ROADS…

Posted on October 26, 2008 by vicki

Our recent Journal Series of James travel to and from Guinea prompted some comments and questions from those who are new to Nazareth House Apostolate.

One such comment came from a kind lady who was “googling” the words “guinea pig” and came up with our blog. Ha Ha! I love the strange ways people find us. Anyway, seeing the photos and reading James’ struggles of the trip kept her on the blog and prompted her to investigate Nazareth House further.

In a series of emails, she questioned about how we were able to “do what you do” in Sierra Leone while operating out of USA. “It seems that an organization would have to be in the country and area in which they serve” she said, “The logistics, the energy spent must be incredible being across the ocean” she continued. This was my perfect opportunity to explain that we are doing just that…trying to establish permanent residency in the area in which we serve.

I explained that we are able to do as much as we do because of the team work between Nazareth House, Freetown a.k.a. St. Laurence House and Nazareth Houses in America. We are more than a working team, we are a family, a bond. Through James, Kadijah, Lucy, Ann Marie and even little Roo, we, as Nazareth House, are able to deliver provisions and hope to those in need without ever leaving home!

You know James and Kadijah, because there is a relationship, you care about them, you love them. Conversely, they know those involved in Nazareth House from America as if they are their own family, they love you.

 

Everyone is giving every thing they have (prayer,talent, money, time) to make it happen ….but without a compound we are limited. Once we own our Operations Center and are free of the rental insecurity, we can expand and branch out to fill more cracks with the provisions that they so desperately need. It is imperative for us to provide housing for our staff, store the supplies that we distribute to the needy (including medical), give accommodation for those coming to immerse themselves in the mission field, an most importantly offer a much needed home for the terminally ill – a place to spend your last days without being alone and homeless. Death is a constant IN YOUR FACE reality in Sierra Leone, most are left to find it without any comfort.

All of this we must do, and the clock is ticking fast. March 1, 2009 – we lose our lease and St. Laurence House et el will be out on the streets of Freetown. Like the beach bars of Lumley Beach, we have received our warning and we fully expect to have to vacate the premises. (see previous posts this blog re: beach bars)

“Wow”, she replied “I certainly didn’t expect to be drawn into the needs of an African country. I really didn’t even know anything about Sierra Leone when I typed ‘guinea pig’ into the Google Search Engine!” “I was looking for ways to aid a sick guinea pig.”

“I want to know more about St. Laurence House and NHA.” I sent her to our website, but for more personal views, because of her interest and that of others; our next Blog series will be on Getting to Know St. Laurence House…

Tomorrow’s Blog: Meet Mr. Roo…

Posted in Guinea, james mansaray, kadijah, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Road hazards | Leave a comment

GUINEA PIGS & GUINEA ROADS…

Posted on October 26, 2008 by vicki

Our recent Journal Series of James travel to and from Guinea prompted some comments and questions from those who are new to Nazareth House Apostolate.

One such comment came from a kind lady who was “googling” the words “guinea pig” and came up with our blog. Ha Ha! I love the strange ways people find us. Anyway, seeing the photos and reading James’ struggles of the trip kept her on the blog and prompted her to investigate Nazareth House further.

In a series of emails, she questioned about how we were able to “do what you do” in Sierra Leone while operating out of USA. “It seems that an organization would have to be in the country and area in which they serve” she said, “The logistics, the energy spent must be incredible being across the ocean” she continued. This was my perfect opportunity to explain that we are doing just that…trying to establish permanent residency in the area in which we serve.

I explained that we are able to do as much as we do because of the team work between Nazareth House, Freetown a.k.a. St. Laurence House and Nazareth Houses in America. We are more than a working team, we are a family, a bond. Through James, Kadijah, Lucy, Ann Marie and even little Roo, we, as Nazareth House, are able to deliver provisions and hope to those in need without ever leaving home!

You know James and Kadijah, because there is a relationship, you care about them, you love them. Conversely, they know those involved in Nazareth House from America as if they are their own family, they love you.

 

Everyone is giving every thing they have (prayer,talent, money, time) to make it happen ….but without a compound we are limited. Once we own our Operations Center and are free of the rental insecurity, we can expand and branch out to fill more cracks with the provisions that they so desperately need. It is imperative for us to provide housing for our staff, store the supplies that we distribute to the needy (including medical), give accommodation for those coming to immerse themselves in the mission field, an most importantly offer a much needed home for the terminally ill – a place to spend your last days without being alone and homeless. Death is a constant IN YOUR FACE reality in Sierra Leone, most are left to find it without any comfort.

All of this we must do, and the clock is ticking fast. March 1, 2009 – we lose our lease and St. Laurence House et el will be out on the streets of Freetown. Like the beach bars of Lumley Beach, we have received our warning and we fully expect to have to vacate the premises. (see previous posts this blog re: beach bars)

“Wow”, she replied “I certainly didn’t expect to be drawn into the needs of an African country. I really didn’t even know anything about Sierra Leone when I typed ‘guinea pig’ into the Google Search Engine!” “I was looking for ways to aid a sick guinea pig.”

“I want to know more about St. Laurence House and NHA.” I sent her to our website, but for more personal views, because of her interest and that of others; our next Blog series will be on Getting to Know St. Laurence House…

Tomorrow’s Blog: Meet Mr. Roo…

Posted in Guinea, james mansaray, kadijah, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Road hazards | Leave a comment

GUINEA PIGS & GUINEA ROADS…

Posted on October 26, 2008 by vicki

Our recent Journal Series of James travel to and from Guinea prompted some comments and questions from those who are new to Nazareth House Apostolate.

One such comment came from a kind lady who was “googling” the words “guinea pig” and came up with our blog. Ha Ha! I love the strange ways people find us. Anyway, seeing the photos and reading James’ struggles of the trip kept her on the blog and prompted her to investigate Nazareth House further.

In a series of emails, she questioned about how we were able to “do what you do” in Sierra Leone while operating out of USA. “It seems that an organization would have to be in the country and area in which they serve” she said, “The logistics, the energy spent must be incredible being across the ocean” she continued. This was my perfect opportunity to explain that we are doing just that…trying to establish permanent residency in the area in which we serve.

I explained that we are able to do as much as we do because of the team work between Nazareth House, Freetown a.k.a. St. Laurence House and Nazareth Houses in America. We are more than a working team, we are a family, a bond. Through James, Kadijah, Lucy, Ann Marie and even little Roo, we, as Nazareth House, are able to deliver provisions and hope to those in need without ever leaving home!

You know James and Kadijah, because there is a relationship, you care about them, you love them. Conversely, they know those involved in Nazareth House from America as if they are their own family, they love you.

 

Everyone is giving every thing they have (prayer,talent, money, time) to make it happen ….but without a compound we are limited. Once we own our Operations Center and are free of the rental insecurity, we can expand and branch out to fill more cracks with the provisions that they so desperately need. It is imperative for us to provide housing for our staff, store the supplies that we distribute to the needy (including medical), give accommodation for those coming to immerse themselves in the mission field, an most importantly offer a much needed home for the terminally ill – a place to spend your last days without being alone and homeless. Death is a constant IN YOUR FACE reality in Sierra Leone, most are left to find it without any comfort.

All of this we must do, and the clock is ticking fast. March 1, 2009 – we lose our lease and St. Laurence House et el will be out on the streets of Freetown. Like the beach bars of Lumley Beach, we have received our warning and we fully expect to have to vacate the premises. (see previous posts this blog re: beach bars)

“Wow”, she replied “I certainly didn’t expect to be drawn into the needs of an African country. I really didn’t even know anything about Sierra Leone when I typed ‘guinea pig’ into the Google Search Engine!” “I was looking for ways to aid a sick guinea pig.”

“I want to know more about St. Laurence House and NHA.” I sent her to our website, but for more personal views, because of her interest and that of others; our next Blog series will be on Getting to Know St. Laurence House…

Tomorrow’s Blog: Meet Mr. Roo…

Posted in Guinea, james mansaray, kadijah, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Road hazards | Leave a comment

Journey back to Freetown (Final Day)

Posted on October 25, 2008 by vicki




Harassment from Guinean police and military personnel’s for ‘Carte’ meaning paper or documents when all they are looking for is money. Fighting with drivers and passengers for money at the Gbalamuya border post got so tense that morning as we drove through. This time I was in a tight spot — for carrying a (NHA) press ID, Media vest and worst of it all, a camera!!! A big fight to stop them from grabbing my camera. They wanted the film out so I took the lens off and then the battery. I then placed rest of camera in my vest and quickly took the media stick out, hidden. Thanks to a Sierra Leonean military man who asked them to leave me alone when they found out that there wasn’t media stick in it. (They damaged the rubber of the camera searching for film, they didn’t understand the concept of digital camera)

As a Camera man, Media or whatever you may call it, there is this art of picture taking as you go about doing your stuffs. This is part of my job as I work with people. Sometimes it is very heart breaking to take pictures of rough kids and poor scenery when there is not enough to give to all, but I think it is good to show the world some of these stuffs. In the midst of it all, you are sometimes faced with smiles and most times trouble especially with security personnel. The trip to give Pa Barrie our last respect here on earth was no exception.

It was very difficult to say the least, but so it was and I am happy to be back home at St. Laurence house. Thanks for your prayers. – James

Posted in Border, Guinea, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Lazarus Sierra Leone Nazareth house death freetown salone Outreach | Leave a comment

Journey back to Freetown (Final Day)

Posted on October 25, 2008 by vicki




Harassment from Guinean police and military personnel’s for ‘Carte’ meaning paper or documents when all they are looking for is money. Fighting with drivers and passengers for money at the Gbalamuya border post got so tense that morning as we drove through. This time I was in a tight spot — for carrying a (NHA) press ID, Media vest and worst of it all, a camera!!! A big fight to stop them from grabbing my camera. They wanted the film out so I took the lens off and then the battery. I then placed rest of camera in my vest and quickly took the media stick out, hidden. Thanks to a Sierra Leonean military man who asked them to leave me alone when they found out that there wasn’t media stick in it. (They damaged the rubber of the camera searching for film, they didn’t understand the concept of digital camera)

As a Camera man, Media or whatever you may call it, there is this art of picture taking as you go about doing your stuffs. This is part of my job as I work with people. Sometimes it is very heart breaking to take pictures of rough kids and poor scenery when there is not enough to give to all, but I think it is good to show the world some of these stuffs. In the midst of it all, you are sometimes faced with smiles and most times trouble especially with security personnel. The trip to give Pa Barrie our last respect here on earth was no exception.

It was very difficult to say the least, but so it was and I am happy to be back home at St. Laurence house. Thanks for your prayers. – James

Posted in Border, Guinea, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Lazarus Sierra Leone Nazareth house death freetown salone Outreach | Leave a comment

Journey back to Freetown (Final Day)

Posted on October 25, 2008 by vicki




Harassment from Guinean police and military personnel’s for ‘Carte’ meaning paper or documents when all they are looking for is money. Fighting with drivers and passengers for money at the Gbalamuya border post got so tense that morning as we drove through. This time I was in a tight spot — for carrying a (NHA) press ID, Media vest and worst of it all, a camera!!! A big fight to stop them from grabbing my camera. They wanted the film out so I took the lens off and then the battery. I then placed rest of camera in my vest and quickly took the media stick out, hidden. Thanks to a Sierra Leonean military man who asked them to leave me alone when they found out that there wasn’t media stick in it. (They damaged the rubber of the camera searching for film, they didn’t understand the concept of digital camera)

As a Camera man, Media or whatever you may call it, there is this art of picture taking as you go about doing your stuffs. This is part of my job as I work with people. Sometimes it is very heart breaking to take pictures of rough kids and poor scenery when there is not enough to give to all, but I think it is good to show the world some of these stuffs. In the midst of it all, you are sometimes faced with smiles and most times trouble especially with security personnel. The trip to give Pa Barrie our last respect here on earth was no exception.

It was very difficult to say the least, but so it was and I am happy to be back home at St. Laurence house. Thanks for your prayers. – James

Posted in Border, Guinea, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Lazarus Sierra Leone Nazareth house death freetown salone Outreach | Leave a comment

Journey back to Freetown (Final Day)

Posted on October 25, 2008 by vicki




Harassment from Guinean police and military personnel’s for ‘Carte’ meaning paper or documents when all they are looking for is money. Fighting with drivers and passengers for money at the Gbalamuya border post got so tense that morning as we drove through. This time I was in a tight spot — for carrying a (NHA) press ID, Media vest and worst of it all, a camera!!! A big fight to stop them from grabbing my camera. They wanted the film out so I took the lens off and then the battery. I then placed rest of camera in my vest and quickly took the media stick out, hidden. Thanks to a Sierra Leonean military man who asked them to leave me alone when they found out that there wasn’t media stick in it. (They damaged the rubber of the camera searching for film, they didn’t understand the concept of digital camera)

As a Camera man, Media or whatever you may call it, there is this art of picture taking as you go about doing your stuffs. This is part of my job as I work with people. Sometimes it is very heart breaking to take pictures of rough kids and poor scenery when there is not enough to give to all, but I think it is good to show the world some of these stuffs. In the midst of it all, you are sometimes faced with smiles and most times trouble especially with security personnel. The trip to give Pa Barrie our last respect here on earth was no exception.

It was very difficult to say the least, but so it was and I am happy to be back home at St. Laurence house. Thanks for your prayers. – James

Posted in Border, Guinea, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Lazarus Sierra Leone Nazareth house death freetown salone Outreach | Leave a comment