The things they carry

Since the day we arrived in Sierra Leone ten months and some days ago I've been fascinated with the volume of freight in this country that is hauled above the eyebrows. I'll show you the variety of all that is carried in a subsequent post. Today I'll just show some of the interesting and extra-ordinary scenes we see as we walk and drive the streets and trails in Freetown.

These boys carry these bags of sand straight up the hill that we can barely crawl. They hurry up, empty their bag and as quickly, come down for another load until the pile is moved. They are paid about two dollars a day for their work. Since their are no roads to the building sites, only trails, entire houses are built on the backs of young men like these.

I noticed these three little girls high up on the hill above the university. This was shortly after we got here and had time to do such things as drive around and explore. I stopped and asked them to ask if we could snap their photo.

I did and told them thank you. The eldest girl gave a little condescending smile and politely said, "thank you", turned and went on her way up the hill.

Carrying six pans of charcoal on ones head and two might seem difficult but it is a common sight here in Freetown. She never touches the pans to steady them. Passersby will help a vendor lift the loads back on their heads when the occasion arises and something is sold.

Big Ali, the Looking Town body building bum, carried this television on his head from way down below where the trucks and cars can come. He's a little weird but likes me and Mom likes him too, a lot. He used to run away and hide from us, we'd catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of the eye, he'd flash by on the only bicycle on the hill, until finally I cornered him.

I said, "Ali, I don't want to convert you to anything. I'd just like to shake hands and be your friend." Since then he's been my pal. He is marvelously well built and muscled for sure. Peter and Albert flank him to take advantage of the photo op.

The Sierra Leonean liquid world is moved in these yellow five gallon buckets from water to fuel to palm oil. Everything moves in the yellow rubbers as they are called. Poda poda's are stacked to the sky with them and men and ladies move them around on their little old heads. This man is carrying a lighter load than what we usually see. A heathy man or boy will often carry one five gallon rubber on his head and another in each hand.

Now we'll just go with cute and start with Janet carrying a bucket on her head for the pure enjoyment of it all. She lives in the compound with Anita and the twins. Janet belongs to someone there, Anita one pillar down on the right. Janet is precocious and loved by everyone but even though I've known them all for eight months I've never know exactly who gave birth to the little thing. She'll often come in with Anita and the kids and sing, I Am A Child Of God along with everyone else.

Alusine who is Adama's cousin and Musu's nephew always joins us but refuses to sit in the middle where we can see him. He is serious and usually naked as a little jay bird. He's here returning his bucket seat to its rightful spot after we finished doing the teaching. He has on a dark pair of shorts.

Adama carrying the bench and Alusine his can seat.

Two cute girls with pots on their heads

Doing the washing for Mom

Mom telling everybody that its all a  piece of cake. Anyone can do it she said.

Mom was right. She's got it balanced and looking steady as a rock. Good job Mom!