Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach

Here a Worm, There a Worm! Everywhere a Worm, Worm! We want them to be Gone Gone

Posted in Africa roads, Kabala, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Nazareth house apostolate, NHA, West Africa, worms on August 24th, 2010 by vicki – Be the first to comment

As James Mansaray and the family travel throughout villages of the upper Provinces of Sierra Leone,

they happen upon village after village of children infested with internal parasites: worms.

Lucy and Kadijah treat each child as they line up to be rid of their worms.

The living conditions can be unsanitary, it is impossible to prevent people in these area from getting worms.

Its not that the people are dirty.

They wash everything, themselves, their clothes, in many cases many times a day – and they use soap – lots of it.

Notice the child’s belly (on right) enlarged with parasites

The problem is their water is not clean, the water they drink nor the water they wash in.  Their homes are made of mud, they have dirt floors.

We’ve been asked, “Why do you treat worms in children if you know they are going to get them again?”  The answer is simple.  If we don’t, the worms will increase inside the body and devour what little nutrition the child gets.  There is no option than to treat – it is better to treat and rid the body of the worms and re-treat again later than to allow the parasites to progress so much they snuff out the child’s life.

Thanks for the money for Worm Pills that you raised selling the blackberries that you picked, Savannah

Treating people with worms is not cheap.  It cost NHA $3 per pill.  It takes one pill to cure a mild case of pins worms.  Unfortunately, we rarely see mild cases and usually they have round, whip, or hook worms. These situations take 6 pills or $18 per case to cure.

Again, its the teamwork of NHA, the praying, the giving, the loving that gives these children a chance.   Keep up the good work! Share NHA with others so that they too may be a part of helping the poor today so that their tomorrow may be brighter.


Nazareth House Apostolate
2216 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218

Here a Worm, There a Worm! Everywhere a Worm, Worm! We want them to be Gone Gone

Posted in Africa roads, Kabala, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Nazareth house apostolate, NHA, West Africa, worms on August 24th, 2010 by vicki – Be the first to comment

As James Mansaray and the family travel throughout villages of the upper Provinces of Sierra Leone,

they happen upon village after village of children infested with internal parasites: worms.

Lucy and Kadijah treat each child as they line up to be rid of their worms.

The living conditions can be unsanitary, it is impossible to prevent people in these area from getting worms.

Its not that the people are dirty.

They wash everything, themselves, their clothes, in many cases many times a day – and they use soap – lots of it.

Notice the child’s belly (on right) enlarged with parasites

The problem is their water is not clean, the water they drink nor the water they wash in.  Their homes are made of mud, they have dirt floors.

We’ve been asked, “Why do you treat worms in children if you know they are going to get them again?”  The answer is simple.  If we don’t, the worms will increase inside the body and devour what little nutrition the child gets.  There is no option than to treat – it is better to treat and rid the body of the worms and re-treat again later than to allow the parasites to progress so much they snuff out the child’s life.

Thanks for the money for Worm Pills that you raised selling the blackberries that you picked, Savannah

Treating people with worms is not cheap.  It cost NHA $3 per pill.  It takes one pill to cure a mild case of pins worms.  Unfortunately, we rarely see mild cases and usually they have round, whip, or hook worms. These situations take 6 pills or $18 per case to cure.

Again, its the teamwork of NHA, the praying, the giving, the loving that gives these children a chance.   Keep up the good work! Share NHA with others so that they too may be a part of helping the poor today so that their tomorrow may be brighter.


Nazareth House Apostolate
2216 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218

Road Travel in Salone: "It no easy"

Posted in Education in Kabala, Jesus Prayer, Kabala, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Prayer, Prayer Beads, Rogberi Bridge on August 21st, 2010 by vicki – Be the first to comment

Email from James Mansaray to Vicki Hicks
August 2010


“Hello Mama,
Good morning. Sorry I could not say much last night when we talked, I  was so tired after that long trip. We didn’t get here till 8:30 PM. A long trip with few stops. 

A terrible car accident at Rogberi bridge so we stop.

 You know this bridge, this is the bridge that Fr. Seraphim always gets out of the car to pray across it as he walks over it. 

 Every time I cross it I have fond memories of him walking over it, beads click, click, clicking. 

 I remember last time as I waited by the car
for all of you to get across by foot, 

you and I snapping each others pictures.  So fun.

It is not a surprise that there is an accident on this bridge. 

 We see evidence of wrecks most of the times we cross it.  Damaged cars hanging all over the bridge.

   This time we happened upon as the accident was fresh. 

Those involved were going for a wedding and unfortunately the car lost brakes and almost ran in to the river.

 So many wounded and the Groom burst his eyes. 


Today we plan to do rice and tomorrow we are taking medication to Sanu’s sisters village etc. Maybe Kamasorie later but will keep you posted, ok?

Love to Father and all.
son.”

Road Travel in Salone: "It no easy"

Posted in Education in Kabala, Jesus Prayer, Kabala, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, Prayer, Prayer Beads, Rogberi Bridge on August 21st, 2010 by vicki – Be the first to comment

Email from James Mansaray to Vicki Hicks
August 2010


“Hello Mama,
Good morning. Sorry I could not say much last night when we talked, I  was so tired after that long trip. We didn’t get here till 8:30 PM. A long trip with few stops. 

A terrible car accident at Rogberi bridge so we stop.

 You know this bridge, this is the bridge that Fr. Seraphim always gets out of the car to pray across it as he walks over it. 

 Every time I cross it I have fond memories of him walking over it, beads click, click, clicking. 

 I remember last time as I waited by the car
for all of you to get across by foot, 

you and I snapping each others pictures.  So fun.

It is not a surprise that there is an accident on this bridge. 

 We see evidence of wrecks most of the times we cross it.  Damaged cars hanging all over the bridge.

   This time we happened upon as the accident was fresh. 

Those involved were going for a wedding and unfortunately the car lost brakes and almost ran in to the river.

 So many wounded and the Groom burst his eyes. 


Today we plan to do rice and tomorrow we are taking medication to Sanu’s sisters village etc. Maybe Kamasorie later but will keep you posted, ok?

Love to Father and all.
son.”

Hiking into Kamasorie Village

Posted in Africa roads, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, mako on May 4th, 2010 by vicki – Be the first to comment

During the recent trip to Sierra Leone, we were delighted to be able to return to Kamasorie Village.

This village requires about a 45 minute drive from the area where the new NHA Compound is and then a 4.8 mile hike by trail.
The sign at the entrance says 3 miles, but according to GPS it is indeed 4.8 miles from the road to the village.

James told me the ‘lesser distance’ on the sign might be to encourage people to visit, thinking it to be a shorter hike.
As we start out, Pa Foday hands me his father’s cane

to navigate through the brush along the trail.

I am honored to be given such a precious memento from the past.
As we hike on, James sees that I am using the cane and recognizes it.

He tells me stories about his grandpa – swatting at the kids with the cane when they troubled him or pestered him.
After gathering at the start of the trail by the road,

we gather the supplies we are bringing in.

Mako and several of the kids carry the shoes we have brought for the children of the village. I am stunned that they effortlessly carry such heavy loads, long distances, on their heads.
This is one of my goals, to learn to carry things on my head like the Africans…

but for now it remains an accomplishment this white girl has not met.
As we hike on into the village, it is a tradition that Fr. Seraphim lags back in prayer.

He wants to take his time and pray. Prayers left like bread crumbs every step of the way, lingering for all who pass through this trail to receive.
Fr. Seraphim’s work is of all time and is not restricted by the clock.

The rest of us, some with loads on our heads, work our way through the trail a bit faster so that we can begin our work in the village while it is still in the cool of the morning.
It is March and this is the dry time. We are used to making this journey in September or October (the rainy season) when all is lush and green. This hike, everything is very dry and it all looks “burned up”.

The streams and rivers we are used to crossing have dried up

and the ponds are muddy with only small amounts of water in them .
As we climb up one hill, it looks as if it has snowed.

The tree seed pods have burst

and showered a white fluffy seed mix all over the area.

As we get closer to the village,

we can view the huts from a distance.

A little further in, we see their thatched school.

Once we have paid for our new compound in Kabala, including the surrounding land, maybe we can think about building a school for Kamasorie. We’ve always brought medical supplies into Kamasorie, however, this visit we are bringing shoes as well as enough internal parasite (worm medicine) to treat the whole village. Maybe with our move into Kabala, we can begin to help in their educational needs, also.
Finally, we are nearing the village.
Fr. Seraphim is not far behind.
It is always wonderful to greet

our friends of Kamasorie.

We have kept them in our hearts

and prayers as they keep us.

In Sierra Leone, especially in villages such as this,

Muslims and Christians co-exist very well,

respecting each others traditions, working together in brotherhood.
At the entrance to Kamasorie, Pa Foday’s father, Pa Mako Mansaray, is buried. I hand Pa Mako’s cane to his namesake, Mako Mansaray as he stands at the gravesite.

May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

As the greetings continue, we prepare for our work. Check back tomorrow to hear more about our visit to Kamasorie.

Hiking into Kamasorie Village

Posted in Africa roads, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, mako on May 4th, 2010 by vicki – Be the first to comment

During the recent trip to Sierra Leone, we were delighted to be able to return to Kamasorie Village.

This village requires about a 45 minute drive from the area where the new NHA Compound is and then a 4.8 mile hike by trail.
The sign at the entrance says 3 miles, but according to GPS it is indeed 4.8 miles from the road to the village.

James told me the ‘lesser distance’ on the sign might be to encourage people to visit, thinking it to be a shorter hike.
As we start out, Pa Foday hands me his father’s cane

to navigate through the brush along the trail.

I am honored to be given such a precious memento from the past.
As we hike on, James sees that I am using the cane and recognizes it.

He tells me stories about his grandpa – swatting at the kids with the cane when they troubled him or pestered him.
After gathering at the start of the trail by the road,

we gather the supplies we are bringing in.

Mako and several of the kids carry the shoes we have brought for the children of the village. I am stunned that they effortlessly carry such heavy loads, long distances, on their heads.
This is one of my goals, to learn to carry things on my head like the Africans…

but for now it remains an accomplishment this white girl has not met.
As we hike on into the village, it is a tradition that Fr. Seraphim lags back in prayer.

He wants to take his time and pray. Prayers left like bread crumbs every step of the way, lingering for all who pass through this trail to receive.
Fr. Seraphim’s work is of all time and is not restricted by the clock.

The rest of us, some with loads on our heads, work our way through the trail a bit faster so that we can begin our work in the village while it is still in the cool of the morning.
It is March and this is the dry time. We are used to making this journey in September or October (the rainy season) when all is lush and green. This hike, everything is very dry and it all looks “burned up”.

The streams and rivers we are used to crossing have dried up

and the ponds are muddy with only small amounts of water in them .
As we climb up one hill, it looks as if it has snowed.

The tree seed pods have burst

and showered a white fluffy seed mix all over the area.

As we get closer to the village,

we can view the huts from a distance.

A little further in, we see their thatched school.

Once we have paid for our new compound in Kabala, including the surrounding land, maybe we can think about building a school for Kamasorie. We’ve always brought medical supplies into Kamasorie, however, this visit we are bringing shoes as well as enough internal parasite (worm medicine) to treat the whole village. Maybe with our move into Kabala, we can begin to help in their educational needs, also.
Finally, we are nearing the village.
Fr. Seraphim is not far behind.
It is always wonderful to greet

our friends of Kamasorie.

We have kept them in our hearts

and prayers as they keep us.

In Sierra Leone, especially in villages such as this,

Muslims and Christians co-exist very well,

respecting each others traditions, working together in brotherhood.
At the entrance to Kamasorie, Pa Foday’s father, Pa Mako Mansaray, is buried. I hand Pa Mako’s cane to his namesake, Mako Mansaray as he stands at the gravesite.

May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

As the greetings continue, we prepare for our work. Check back tomorrow to hear more about our visit to Kamasorie.

Day 2: Nazareth House Lenten Mission, Sierra Leone

Posted in Education in Kabala, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, NHA on April 9th, 2010 by vicki – Be the first to comment

The third day of our arrival (2nd in Freetown – First day spent in Lungi), we found our chores were requiring attention.

Emily and I started the laundry –

a hands on task that takes up the better part of the morning. Kadijah does laundry everyday to keep it from piling up.

Without washer or dryer, it is a chore you must not let get out of hand.

Emily and I, washed, soaked, scrubbed, rinsed and re-rinsed (jeans are real bear to do) and finally we got the clean laundry

to the clothes line to dry.

Kadijah repositioned some of the clothes

on the line for us for better drying under the sun.
With the laundry out of the way for today, we decided it was time to sort the medications

and hospital supplies for distribution.

We were excited to find we actually brought in a lot more

supplies than we thought.

It was close to lunch time and

Kadijah showed me the proper way to fry plantain. The plantain in America certainly pales to what you have in Sierra Leone.

After lunch we went to buy rice,

loading up to distribute

to our neighbors at St. Laurence House.

There are several families living in one compound

across the street from us.

I love these families, we have “grown up” together and I will miss them

when we move to Kabala.

However, we will always visit them

continue to help them out.

And when we are not in Freetown,

I know NHA can count on Sanu, Emmanuel, Betsy & Simithe to check in and care for these neighbors.

I love the kids, this is Adama.

She has always been a favorite of mine and I am so happy to see that she has grown from a sickly little sad girl to this happy, healthy child. A credit to the generosity and caring nature of our NHA supporters.

The children (as always) were so happy and excited to receive rice.

They hugged the bag, huge

smiles on their face. ….

and then quickly, they lug it into the house

for safe keeping and immediate use.
I miss James, Kadijah, Lucy, Ann Marie and Roo, of course. We miss Pa Foday, Mako, Sanu, Betsy, Simithe, Emmanuel, Pa Sorrie, Albert, Maranda, Joseph, Johnny… we miss all of our family in Sierra Leone.

…and I especially miss the children.

Children who have little to nothing to count as their own, yet always happy, always content.

I love the children.
Thanks for helping to put smiles on so many faces.

As NHA moves forward into an exciting future please continue to give your support. The quicker we can get the house and land paid for, the faster we can provide more for the people.

Please contribute today to the Compound Fund. Thank you.

Day 2: Nazareth House Lenten Mission, Sierra Leone

Posted in Education in Kabala, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach, NHA on April 9th, 2010 by vicki – Be the first to comment

The third day of our arrival (2nd in Freetown – First day spent in Lungi), we found our chores were requiring attention.

Emily and I started the laundry –

a hands on task that takes up the better part of the morning. Kadijah does laundry everyday to keep it from piling up.

Without washer or dryer, it is a chore you must not let get out of hand.

Emily and I, washed, soaked, scrubbed, rinsed and re-rinsed (jeans are real bear to do) and finally we got the clean laundry

to the clothes line to dry.

Kadijah repositioned some of the clothes

on the line for us for better drying under the sun.
With the laundry out of the way for today, we decided it was time to sort the medications

and hospital supplies for distribution.

We were excited to find we actually brought in a lot more

supplies than we thought.

It was close to lunch time and

Kadijah showed me the proper way to fry plantain. The plantain in America certainly pales to what you have in Sierra Leone.

After lunch we went to buy rice,

loading up to distribute

to our neighbors at St. Laurence House.

There are several families living in one compound

across the street from us.

I love these families, we have “grown up” together and I will miss them

when we move to Kabala.

However, we will always visit them

continue to help them out.

And when we are not in Freetown,

I know NHA can count on Sanu, Emmanuel, Betsy & Simithe to check in and care for these neighbors.

I love the kids, this is Adama.

She has always been a favorite of mine and I am so happy to see that she has grown from a sickly little sad girl to this happy, healthy child. A credit to the generosity and caring nature of our NHA supporters.

The children (as always) were so happy and excited to receive rice.

They hugged the bag, huge

smiles on their face. ….

and then quickly, they lug it into the house

for safe keeping and immediate use.
I miss James, Kadijah, Lucy, Ann Marie and Roo, of course. We miss Pa Foday, Mako, Sanu, Betsy, Simithe, Emmanuel, Pa Sorrie, Albert, Maranda, Joseph, Johnny… we miss all of our family in Sierra Leone.

…and I especially miss the children.

Children who have little to nothing to count as their own, yet always happy, always content.

I love the children.
Thanks for helping to put smiles on so many faces.

As NHA moves forward into an exciting future please continue to give your support. The quicker we can get the house and land paid for, the faster we can provide more for the people.

Please contribute today to the Compound Fund. Thank you.

Added Feature to this NHA Blog

Posted in Education in Kabala, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach on March 26th, 2010 by vicki – Be the first to comment

Dear Friends,

Beginning today, we will post weekly school reports from our Nazareth House School, Kabala on our blog (when school is in session). Mako Mansaray will be giving us an update every Friday and it will be posted on the blog once received.

Here is this week’s news from the school:





By Mako Mansary: Kabala, Sierra Leone



Greetings from NHA School Kabala.
We, the teachers and pupils of NHA School Kabala want to thank you all

out there for giving us the support we need to have and run this
school.

We also want to thank you for sending Fr.Hicks,Mama Vicki and
sister Emily to us.

They are a very wonderful people.
Their help and support to us in Kabala has changed the lives of hundreds of school
going children.

They have supported us in every aspect to keep the school
running,helping the kids and teaching us to put God first in all that
we do.

We have ended another week in the school.This week has been very busy
as the kids were writing their Second Term Exams.Today marks the end
of the exams,and school will close down after today for two weeks for the
Easter Break.School reopens again on the 12th of April.

I am pleased to inform our friends and supporters that only 10 of our
students were not able to write their exams. Sickness was the major cause
of these children not writing their exams. But the school, in our own little
way, has a illness record book which will help these kids to get treatment from
the Kabala Government Hospital. So far it has been helpful.

One of the kids by the name of Abu Mansaray of class 4,was unable to
write his exams as his mother was sent to prison for six month last
week.The mother could not pay the rentage she owed the house owner
for about a year now. Abu is presently staying with a relative. All so sad.

To you all we say thank you,and may the good God continue to bless us all.
More on the school when we return from holidays.
Love you all.
Mako.

Added Feature to this NHA Blog

Posted in Education in Kabala, Lazarus Sierra Leone salone Outreach on March 26th, 2010 by vicki – Be the first to comment

Dear Friends,

Beginning today, we will post weekly school reports from our Nazareth House School, Kabala on our blog (when school is in session). Mako Mansaray will be giving us an update every Friday and it will be posted on the blog once received.

Here is this week’s news from the school:





By Mako Mansary: Kabala, Sierra Leone



Greetings from NHA School Kabala.
We, the teachers and pupils of NHA School Kabala want to thank you all

out there for giving us the support we need to have and run this
school.

We also want to thank you for sending Fr.Hicks,Mama Vicki and
sister Emily to us.

They are a very wonderful people.
Their help and support to us in Kabala has changed the lives of hundreds of school
going children.

They have supported us in every aspect to keep the school
running,helping the kids and teaching us to put God first in all that
we do.

We have ended another week in the school.This week has been very busy
as the kids were writing their Second Term Exams.Today marks the end
of the exams,and school will close down after today for two weeks for the
Easter Break.School reopens again on the 12th of April.

I am pleased to inform our friends and supporters that only 10 of our
students were not able to write their exams. Sickness was the major cause
of these children not writing their exams. But the school, in our own little
way, has a illness record book which will help these kids to get treatment from
the Kabala Government Hospital. So far it has been helpful.

One of the kids by the name of Abu Mansaray of class 4,was unable to
write his exams as his mother was sent to prison for six month last
week.The mother could not pay the rentage she owed the house owner
for about a year now. Abu is presently staying with a relative. All so sad.

To you all we say thank you,and may the good God continue to bless us all.
More on the school when we return from holidays.
Love you all.
Mako.
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