Nazareth House looks towards Kabala.

Posted on February 14, 2010 by vicki

For years now, Nazareth House Apostolate has made Freetown the home of its West African Headquarters in Sierra Leone. Year after year, we struggle with the muchness and busy-ness of the city.

Although, we have been very productive in our humanitarian aid work in Freetown,

we find that our work in the Northern Province of Kabala is growing

and flourishing.

Not only do we have a fully functioning, accredited school serving the Community,

we also support a farm worked by Pa Foday that feeds the family and villagers.
You’ve not seen or heard much from Pa Foday lately,

and that’s because he is quietly doing his work on the farm,

unnoticed but depended upon by many.

With the loss of our lease of our Operations Center in Freetown known as St. Laurence House, we are forced to find a new residence.

We’ve tried to prepare for this, year after year, but the money has never been raised to purchase a compound in Freetown. All the while, the real estate prices are increasing to levels that are beyond obtainable for us at Nazareth House.

Fr. Seraphim and I return in March, 2010 to make arrangements for housing our staff, supplies and operations of Nazareth House.
Every year at this time, Nazareth House is frantically collecting funds to pay the $10,000 annual rent for the small rental house we are using currently (lease expires March 2010).
This year we are in the same position, we need to raise money immediately, but this time it is to relocate and purchase our own property — In Kabala.

Kabala, is an up and coming community,

yet maintains quiet, stillness and is family oriented. This is a good environment for our work.

The people of Kabala, including neighboring villages are very welcoming and friendly.
As you look through these pictures of the Farm in Kabala, and you see the people working together as one big family

– I believe you will agree, Kabala is where we need to be.
Last week, when James’ suffered the horrific automobile accident, he was in Kabala to do just that – look for some available property.

This year, instead of raising $10,000 for annual rent (which continues to rise every year and leaves us with no stability or ownership); we are raising money to purchase land and build in Kabala, instead.
Nazareth House must continue, you can see on this blog, youtube and our website the documentation of the work being done. The lives changed.

There is no doubt where contributions go – you see the progress, you see the donations in action. This is your work, all of us together – The board members, staff and advisors of Nazareth House take no claim over the labor, it is all done in God’s Name as he expresses Himself through you.
It is a global family working together.

For our trip to Sierra Leone this March 2010, we are escorting a pre-med student to help with some of the medical clinic work in Kroo Bay and in Kabala.
The airline tickets have been arranged and paid.
However, we would be wasting the opportunity if we didn’t provide the same “on the ground” humanitarian aid we give every mission trip.

We must raise funds for needs as we work our way through the villages

from Freetown to Kabala. We cannot be in the country and not do the work we are called to do,

therefore we are setting a goal of $6,000 to perform these duties during this Lenten Mission in March.
We must also raise another $10,000 (minimum) for a down payment for a facility to set up our work in Kabala. We’ll need to raise much more for completion of the compound, but far less than we would have had to pay in Freetown. We built the entire school for $55,000 in Kabala… we are expecting we can do as well with the compound.
This would provide housing for James, Kadijah, Lucy, Ann Marie and Roo as well. Remember, by the end of March, they will be in the streets. Our hands are tied without your financial assistance, there is nothing we can do.
Many people, especially James and his family, have put much effort and taken risk to perform and continue the work of Nazareth House.

Now is not the time to back off from what God has commanded of us

– “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat;

I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in…” Matthew 25:35.

Please pour out of your bounty, the love expressed through your financial giving. As always, every donation to Nazareth House is tax deductible.

Tell your friends, family, co-workers – get the word out. Invite them to join in something real, something bigger than ourselves. –giving life to those in need. Don’t keep it to yourself, this is an experience that should be shared.

Nazareth House is all about love, a place where you belong.

Posted in Education in Kabala, kabala hospital, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Rice Farm | Leave a comment

Rewinding, Let’s start 2010 all over again…

Posted on February 11, 2010 by vicki
Nazareth House Apostolate thanks you for your continued prayers during a difficult time. As James struggles to recover and NHA struggles to acquire a new building to house our staff and supplies, we ask your support in prayer, in compassion and financially.

While James recuperates from the injuries sustained in the vehicle accident injuries, let’s rewind back to a happier time. A time of tradition, family, friendship and love.

The Kabala Traditional…


ANNUAL NEW YEAR HILL #2 CLIMB
Written by James Mansaray: 1 January 2010

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.

Posted in 2010, education, Hill #2, humanitarian aid, Kabala, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, New Year Mountain Climb | Leave a comment

Rewinding, Let’s start 2010 all over again…

Posted on February 11, 2010 by vicki
Nazareth House Apostolate thanks you for your continued prayers during a difficult time. As James struggles to recover and NHA struggles to acquire a new building to house our staff and supplies, we ask your support in prayer, in compassion and financially.

While James recuperates from the injuries sustained in the vehicle accident, let’s rewind back to a happier time. A time of tradition, family, friendship and love.

The Kabala Traditional…


ANNUAL NEW YEAR HILL #2 CLIMB
Written by James Mansaray: 1 January 2010

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.

Posted in 2010, education, Hill #2, humanitarian aid, Kabala, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, New Year Mountain Climb | Leave a comment

Rewinding, Let’s start 2010 all over again…

Posted on February 11, 2010 by vicki
Nazareth House Apostolate thanks you for your continued prayers during a difficult time. As James struggles to recover and NHA struggles to acquire a new building to house our staff and supplies, we ask your support in prayer, in compassion and financially.

While James recuperates from the injuries sustained in the vehicle accident injuries, let’s rewind back to a happier time. A time of tradition, family, friendship and love.

The Kabala Traditional…


ANNUAL NEW YEAR HILL #2 CLIMB
Written by James Mansaray: 1 January 2010

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.

Posted in 2010, education, Hill #2, humanitarian aid, Kabala, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, New Year Mountain Climb | Leave a comment

Miracles are LOUD in Sierra Leone

Posted on February 9, 2010 by vicki

WHILE many of us here in America

are being blasted by cold air,

blizzard conditions,

treacherous icy roads and

tons of snow – across the ocean in Sierra Leone; James Mansaray, our beloved director of Nazareth House Operations in Sierra Leone,

James investigating the wreckage one day after the accident. You can see his stiff walk & pain in eyes.

has made the long trip home from Kabala. It was a particularly agonizing journey back to Freetown as he is suffering back and neck injuries from the horrific automobile accident that

he encountered this weekend in Kabala.

While in Kabala, Mako, his younger brother (or as James says it “I called Mako” meaning James was first in his mother’s womb and Mako came next, hence, James “called” Mako) – Mako stayed by James’ side from the first news of the crash, following him all the way back to Freetown and now staying with him until he is satisfied that James is doing okay.

What a great brother, but then, we at Nazareth House have noticed these great qualities in Mako for a long time. He is a smart, caring, capable young man. He is much like his older brother, James.

For some crazy reason, I wasn’t expecting photos of the accident.

Silly me, did I not consider who was involved in this wreck?Is not this the man who after escaping out of the wreckage, kissed his camera?

The initial photos were taken by Mako, while James was hospitalized in Kabala. This is at the scene of the accident.

You can see the road and get a good idea of the amount of times the car flipped before coming to a rest in this spot.


What is even more frightening to me is looking beyond where the car rested and seeing the drop off just yards away.

Had the car not stopped where it did, it would have continued to roll over the hill. A miracle, for sure!

The ordeal this weekend was horrific and the fact that he is alive and relatively able to function is nothing short of a miracle. But, those of us involved in Nazareth House are used to miracles – we find them quite loud in Sierra Leone.

There is something about when things are stripped away from you and the means to buy your way out of discomfort, troubles, etc are gone – that you suddenly are able to see miracles in action. Miracles you ignored before.

Miracles that with clever resources to get out of a bad situation, you can’t recognize them.


James is in extreme pain but very aware and thankful that he is alive. In pain and mobility hampered, he gives thanks to God.


Make no mistake, it is a miracle that James is alive.

The car wreckage is, as you see, mangled and crushed. It is totally destroyed, the fact that people survived is truly amazing. When I see the Sunroof in which James was sitting directly under (he was a passenger, not the driver)

during the accident as the car flipped… sigh… Oh my gosh… what can I say but “Glory be to God”.

A little over a year ago, for Kadija Jalloh, the situation did NOT turn out positively.

She was killed in the vehicle. This is the case more times than not in Sierra Leone. The reality is, James could have been, too. Roads are treacherous, drivers wild. After this weekends close call, Nazareth House is stepping up the campaign to purchase our own vehicle. This is in top priority, side by side with the purchase of a new compound. As we grow and bring more visitors over to help with the work, we simply must have a safe vehicle to transport them. An automobile that we are responsible to drive and maintain. For delivering supplies and medication, a vehicle of our own has always been a necessity and we hoped to eventually be able to purchase one. This weekend’s events call for making that purchase with more urgency. We cannot rely on others, in transports & taxies to drive, especially since we have no control over their driving. We must protect our staff and the work of Nazareth House. We ask you to join in with us to raise the funds to provide both a vehicle and a place of operations.


Here it is almost mid-February. March is the end of our lease at St. Laurence House. We have been trying to raise money for this very moment for years, but the time slipped by. Now we are about to be “out in the streets”. We must move fast to find a new place for our operations, staff and guest housing. As always, money is the issue and we don’t have nearly enough. Please spread the word and invite others to join us, to become a part of something that changes not only lives in Sierra Leone but our own lives for the better.


As for today, our focus is on giving thanks for the sparing of James’ life and the ability for us to continue the work we have started. Work that is very much necessary and growing to accommodate the needs of those we serve.


We thank all those who stepped up during this difficult time – in prayer, deed and love.

What a wonderful family this Nazareth House Apostolate is.


This has been a traumatic experience for Nazareth House, yet, as in the past, adversity does not detour us, we learn and grow from it. By the grace of God, we keep rolling, dents and all…

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Miracles are LOUD in Sierra Leone

Posted on February 9, 2010 by vicki

WHILE many of us here in America

are being blasted by cold air,

blizzard conditions,

treacherous icy roads and

tons of snow – across the ocean in Sierra Leone; James Mansaray, our beloved director of Nazareth House Operations in Sierra Leone,

James investigating the wreckage one day after the accident. You can see his stiff walk & pain in eyes.

has made the long trip home from Kabala. It was a particularly agonizing journey back to Freetown as he is suffering back and neck injuries from the horrific automobile accident that

he encountered this weekend in Kabala.

While in Kabala, Mako, his younger brother (or as James says it “I called Mako” meaning James was first in his mother’s womb and Mako came next, hence, James “called” Mako) – Mako stayed by James’ side from the first news of the crash, following him all the way back to Freetown and now staying with him until he is satisfied that James is doing okay.

What a great brother, but then, we at Nazareth House have noticed these great qualities in Mako for a long time. He is a smart, caring, capable young man. He is much like his older brother, James.

For some crazy reason, I wasn’t expecting photos of the accident.

Silly me, did I not consider who was involved in this wreck?Is not this the man who after escaping out of the wreckage, kissed his camera?

The initial photos were taken by Mako, while James was hospitalized in Kabala. This is at the scene of the accident.

You can see the road and get a good idea of the amount of times the car flipped before coming to a rest in this spot.


What is even more frightening to me is looking beyond where the car rested and seeing the drop off just yards away.

Had the car not stopped where it did, it would have continued to roll over the hill. A miracle, for sure!

The ordeal this weekend was horrific and the fact that he is alive and relatively able to function is nothing short of a miracle. But, those of us involved in Nazareth House are used to miracles – we find them quite loud in Sierra Leone.

There is something about when things are stripped away from you and the means to buy your way out of discomfort, troubles, etc are gone – that you suddenly are able to see miracles in action. Miracles you ignored before.

Miracles that with clever resources to get out of a bad situation, you can’t recognize them.


James is in extreme pain but very aware and thankful that he is alive. In pain and mobility hampered, he gives thanks to God.


Make no mistake, it is a miracle that James is alive.

The car wreckage is, as you see, mangled and crushed. It is totally destroyed, the fact that people survived is truly amazing. When I see the Sunroof in which James was sitting directly under (he was a passenger, not the driver)

during the accident as the car flipped… sigh… Oh my gosh… what can I say but “Glory be to God”.

A little over a year ago, for Kadija Jalloh, the situation did NOT turn out positively.

She was killed in the vehicle. This is the case more times than not in Sierra Leone. The reality is, James could have been, too. Roads are treacherous, drivers wild. After this weekends close call, Nazareth House is stepping up the campaign to purchase our own vehicle. This is in top priority, side by side with the purchase of a new compound. As we grow and bring more visitors over to help with the work, we simply must have a safe vehicle to transport them. An automobile that we are responsible to drive and maintain. For delivering supplies and medication, a vehicle of our own has always been a necessity and we hoped to eventually be able to purchase one. This weekend’s events call for making that purchase with more urgency. We cannot rely on others, in transports & taxies to drive, especially since we have no control over their driving. We must protect our staff and the work of Nazareth House. We ask you to join in with us to raise the funds to provide both a vehicle and a place of operations.


Here it is almost mid-February. March is the end of our lease at St. Laurence House. We have been trying to raise money for this very moment for years, but the time slipped by. Now we are about to be “out in the streets”. We must move fast to find a new place for our operations, staff and guest housing. As always, money is the issue and we don’t have nearly enough. Please spread the word and invite others to join us, to become a part of something that changes not only lives in Sierra Leone but our own lives for the better.


As for today, our focus is on giving thanks for the sparing of James’ life and the ability for us to continue the work we have started. Work that is very much necessary and growing to accommodate the needs of those we serve.


We thank all those who stepped up during this difficult time – in prayer, deed and love.

What a wonderful family this Nazareth House Apostolate is.


This has been a traumatic experience for Nazareth House, yet, as in the past, adversity does not detour us, we learn and grow from it. By the grace of God, we keep rolling, dents and all…

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Miracles are LOUD in Sierra Leone

Posted on February 9, 2010 by vicki

WHILE many of us here in America

are being blasted by cold air,

blizzard conditions,

treacherous icy roads and

tons of snow – across the ocean in Sierra Leone; James Mansaray, our beloved director of Nazareth House Operations in Sierra Leone,

James investigating the wreckage one day after the accident. You can see his stiff walk & pain in eyes.

has made the long trip home from Kabala. It was a particularly agonizing journey back to Freetown as he is suffering back and neck injuries from the horrific automobile accident that

he encountered this weekend in Kabala.

While in Kabala, Mako, his younger brother (or as James says it “I called Mako” meaning James was first in his mother’s womb and Mako came next, hence, James “called” Mako) – Mako stayed by James’ side from the first news of the crash, following him all the way back to Freetown and now staying with him until he is satisfied that James is doing okay.

What a great brother, but then, we at Nazareth House have noticed these great qualities in Mako for a long time. He is a smart, caring, capable young man. He is much like his older brother, James.

For some crazy reason, I wasn’t expecting photos of the accident.

Silly me, did I not consider who was involved in this wreck?Is not this the man who after escaping out of the wreckage, kissed his camera?

The initial photos were taken by Mako, while James was hospitalized in Kabala. This is at the scene of the accident.

You can see the road and get a good idea of the amount of times the car flipped before coming to a rest in this spot.


What is even more frightening to me is looking beyond where the car rested and seeing the drop off just yards away.

Had the car not stopped where it did, it would have continued to roll over the hill. A miracle, for sure!

The ordeal this weekend was horrific and the fact that he is alive and relatively able to function is nothing short of a miracle. But, those of us involved in Nazareth House are used to miracles – we find them quite loud in Sierra Leone.

There is something about when things are stripped away from you and the means to buy your way out of discomfort, troubles, etc are gone – that you suddenly are able to see miracles in action. Miracles you ignored before.

Miracles that with clever resources to get out of a bad situation, you can’t recognize them.


James is in extreme pain but very aware and thankful that he is alive. In pain and mobility hampered, he gives thanks to God.


Make no mistake, it is a miracle that James is alive.

The car wreckage is, as you see, mangled and crushed. It is totally destroyed, the fact that people survived is truly amazing. When I see the Sunroof in which James was sitting directly under (he was a passenger, not the driver)

during the accident as the car flipped… sigh… Oh my gosh… what can I say but “Glory be to God”.

A little over a year ago, for Kadija Jalloh, the situation did NOT turn out positively.

She was killed in the vehicle. This is the case more times than not in Sierra Leone. The reality is, James could have been, too. Roads are treacherous, drivers wild. After this weekends close call, Nazareth House is stepping up the campaign to purchase our own vehicle. This is in top priority, side by side with the purchase of a new compound. As we grow and bring more visitors over to help with the work, we simply must have a safe vehicle to transport them. An automobile that we are responsible to drive and maintain. For delivering supplies and medication, a vehicle of our own has always been a necessity and we hoped to eventually be able to purchase one. This weekend’s events call for making that purchase with more urgency. We cannot rely on others, in transports & taxies to drive, especially since we have no control over their driving. We must protect our staff and the work of Nazareth House. We ask you to join in with us to raise the funds to provide both a vehicle and a place of operations.


Here it is almost mid-February. March is the end of our lease at St. Laurence House. We have been trying to raise money for this very moment for years, but the time slipped by. Now we are about to be “out in the streets”. We must move fast to find a new place for our operations, staff and guest housing. As always, money is the issue and we don’t have nearly enough. Please spread the word and invite others to join us, to become a part of something that changes not only lives in Sierra Leone but our own lives for the better.


As for today, our focus is on giving thanks for the sparing of James’ life and the ability for us to continue the work we have started. Work that is very much necessary and growing to accommodate the needs of those we serve.


We thank all those who stepped up during this difficult time – in prayer, deed and love.

What a wonderful family this Nazareth House Apostolate is.


This has been a traumatic experience for Nazareth House, yet, as in the past, adversity does not detour us, we learn and grow from it. By the grace of God, we keep rolling, dents and all…

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

James is alive, in pain, but very much alive. Praise God.

Posted on February 7, 2010 by vicki

Dear Friends,

Some of you may know, others may not. Last night, our director of operations for Nazareth House in Sierra Leone, James Mansaray was involved in a serious automobile accident. He was in Kabala working on Nazareth House business.
The details of the accident are sketchy because James is in such pain and unable to detail it all to me, however, Pa Foday and Mako said that it is unbelievable that anyone walked out of this accident alive. The vehicle is totaled, crumpled beyond recognition. James was holding a baby during the accident and kept it safe. James apparently, dazed and confused, walked himself to the hospital. I talked with him several times last night, as well as his brother Mako. But connections and the usual International difficulties prevented me from learning the details. He answered my questions accurately and yet seemed disoriented but able to discern. I was satisfied that he did not have a concussion. He does however have severe back and neck pain. I am hoping it is whiplash, painful as that is, it is something he can deal with. He walked to the hospital so that is a good sign.
I spoke with Chief Paygay this morning and he assured me that he would make sure that James is okay.
In my conversation a few minutes ago with James, he told me that his bag of personal belongings and stuff were recovered but a lot of things were missing. His phone is gone, his computer was crushed in the accident (this is his lifeline – keeps him connected to me and his work). His internet connection phone server USB stick is gone, some money is gone – however – it was only travel money as the teachers had been paid already. HOWEVER, he said as he crawled out of the wreckage, babe in his arms safe, he noticed his camera – he immediately kissed it, he was so happy to see it had survived. He was concerned for the losses to which I replied to him, “its only stuff, it means nothing, you are safe – this is what matters”. I told him we will find a way to replace those things, his life we could not replace. We are so thankful that he and the others in the car survived. It is a miracle that they did.
Kadijah has been notified and extremely concerned and anxiously waiting for her injured husband to return to St. Laurence House. Our prayers are with James and his family during this difficult time.
Fr. Seraphim and I are scheduled to return to Sierra Leone next month, this is none too soon as far as I am concerned. If I could have found a flight last night, I would have left to be with him.
I will discuss more tomorrow on this blog, for now THANK YOU very much for all of your continued prayers. God bless you all.
James was a passenger in the car, not the driver.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

James is alive, in pain, but very much alive. Praise God.

Posted on February 7, 2010 by vicki

Dear Friends,

Some of you may know, others may not. Last night, our director of operations for Nazareth House in Sierra Leone, James Mansaray was involved in a serious automobile accident. He was in Kabala working on Nazareth House business.
The details of the accident are sketchy because James is in such pain and unable to detail it all to me, however, Pa Foday and Mako said that it is unbelievable that anyone walked out of this accident alive. The vehicle is totaled, crumpled beyond recognition. James was holding a baby during the accident and kept it safe. James apparently, dazed and confused, walked himself to the hospital. I talked with him several times last night, as well as his brother Mako. But connections and the usual International difficulties prevented me from learning the details. He answered my questions accurately and yet seemed disoriented but able to discern. I was satisfied that he did not have a concussion. He does however have severe back and neck pain. I am hoping it is whiplash, painful as that is, it is something he can deal with. He walked to the hospital so that is a good sign.
I spoke with Chief Paygay this morning and he assured me that he would make sure that James is okay.
In my conversation a few minutes ago with James, he told me that his bag of personal belongings and stuff were recovered but a lot of things were missing. His phone is gone, his computer was crushed in the accident (this is his lifeline – keeps him connected to me and his work). His internet connection phone server USB stick is gone, some money is gone – however – it was only travel money as the teachers had been paid already. HOWEVER, he said as he crawled out of the wreckage, babe in his arms safe, he noticed his camera – he immediately kissed it, he was so happy to see it had survived. He was concerned for the losses to which I replied to him, “its only stuff, it means nothing, you are safe – this is what matters”. I told him we will find a way to replace those things, his life we could not replace. We are so thankful that he and the others in the car survived. It is a miracle that they did.
Kadijah has been notified and extremely concerned and anxiously waiting for her injured husband to return to St. Laurence House. Our prayers are with James and his family during this difficult time.
Fr. Seraphim and I are scheduled to return to Sierra Leone next month, this is none too soon as far as I am concerned. If I could have found a flight last night, I would have left to be with him.
I will discuss more tomorrow on this blog, for now THANK YOU very much for all of your continued prayers. God bless you all.
James was a passenger in the car, not the driver.
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James is alive, in pain, but very much alive. Praise God.

Posted on February 7, 2010 by vicki

Dear Friends,

Some of you may know, others may not. Last night, our director of operations for Nazareth House in Sierra Leone, James Mansaray was involved in a serious automobile accident. He was in Kabala working on Nazareth House business.
The details of the accident are sketchy because James is in such pain and unable to detail it all to me, however, Pa Foday and Mako said that it is unbelievable that anyone walked out of this accident alive. The vehicle is totaled, crumpled beyond recognition. James was holding a baby during the accident and kept it safe. James apparently, dazed and confused, walked himself to the hospital. I talked with him several times last night, as well as his brother Mako. But connections and the usual International difficulties prevented me from learning the details. He answered my questions accurately and yet seemed disoriented but able to discern. I was satisfied that he did not have a concussion. He does however have severe back and neck pain. I am hoping it is whiplash, painful as that is, it is something he can deal with. He walked to the hospital so that is a good sign.
I spoke with Chief Paygay this morning and he assured me that he would make sure that James is okay.
In my conversation a few minutes ago with James, he told me that his bag of personal belongings and stuff were recovered but a lot of things were missing. His phone is gone, his computer was crushed in the accident (this is his lifeline – keeps him connected to me and his work). His internet connection phone server USB stick is gone, some money is gone – however – it was only travel money as the teachers had been paid already. HOWEVER, he said as he crawled out of the wreckage, babe in his arms safe, he noticed his camera – he immediately kissed it, he was so happy to see it had survived. He was concerned for the losses to which I replied to him, “its only stuff, it means nothing, you are safe – this is what matters”. I told him we will find a way to replace those things, his life we could not replace. We are so thankful that he and the others in the car survived. It is a miracle that they did.
Kadijah has been notified and extremely concerned and anxiously waiting for her injured husband to return to St. Laurence House. Our prayers are with James and his family during this difficult time.
Fr. Seraphim and I are scheduled to return to Sierra Leone next month, this is none too soon as far as I am concerned. If I could have found a flight last night, I would have left to be with him.
I will discuss more tomorrow on this blog, for now THANK YOU very much for all of your continued prayers. God bless you all.
James was a passenger in the car, not the driver.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment