beauty amidst the ashes

So, I have realized that posts have been a lot about me...how I am doing, how I am feeling, how I am processing. I know that it is okay, but I feel like I will grow more during my time if I stop focusing so much on me and start focusing more on why I came. I came because I love this country and have for a long time. I came to serve. So, let me tell you a little about the people I have met so far. Sierra Leonean people are exquisite. I am sitting right now at the internet cafe overlooking a market type area with a lot of foot traffic and it just makes me smile to see the beauty all around me. There is an older man in a blue shirt standing down in the street across from me with a missing arm and I am also reminded about all that these wonderful people have had to live through. I think one thing that touches me deeply in almost every conversation I have with a local is the love and hope that they have for their country. This is truly a land that was ripped apart and toppled by the war. I believe that they want to work hard and see Sierra Leone prosper. My deepest prayer is that the Lord would put a man in office this January that would be God fearing and will help to start passing laws that will encourage trade with other countries and will benefit the people of Sierra Leone. It is a critical election and I also ask that you would be praying with me to see corruption come to an end within the government!! The potential in this nation is staggering. I am growing to love it more and more with each passing day. One thing that I hate seeing is the American influence easing it's way in....via music and movies. I hope they are spared from falling into the same pits we have. I hope that they see how fake it all really is. It is a travesty that we are tainting the open hearts of the people here. Anyway, sorry for that little tangent! :) I wish that you could be here and see what I have seen in the two weeks that I have been here. The warm and welcome greetings everywhere you go. It is with such affection that they holler at you and welcome you to their country. The majority of places you go, you are welcomed with open arms and hearts. I wish that we had half of the tenderness toward our neighbors as they do.