News: Sierra Leone

Soigner (pronounced “swan-yay”) is a French word meaning “to heal.” The goal of the Soigner Fistula Project, a pilot-program under the direction of Children of the Nations, is to bring healing and transformation to young women suffering from a debilitating condition known as obstetric fistula in Sierra Leone, Africa. As a doula (a certified childbirth assistant) for the past twelve years, I help women and their partners prepare for birth with their heart, mind, and spirit. I believe that birth is one of the most powerful miracles that God has graced us with.

Our last few weeks in Banta Mokelleh in Sierra Leone have been bittersweet. Sweet because every day we feel more and more a part of this community and the color distinctions seem to fade away as we share laughs and inside jokes with our friends. Bitter because even as I write this, it’s still hard to believe that it’s our last day here. This is the day we have all been dreading. Some of us are running around doing some last-minute cleaning and packing.

Approximately 100 acres of land in the Mosenessi area of Lower Banta was recently gifted to COTN! Sierra Leone Country Director Angie Myles and her husband Joe were looking to buy a small piece of land on which to build a church, as there was none in the area—but the chief refused their money. He would not take money from COTN, “who has done so much for us!” Angie and Joe are using their money to erect a temporary church. Pray for provision of funds to erect a permanent structure.

Construction on our Banta Mokelleh Children’s Village reached new heights this week as our nursery school is now at roof level. We are anticipating its completion in February. Our construction team is also making progress on our primary school and land was recently cleared for the building of the new children’s homes. Next up we will be digging a well that will provide utility water for the compound and construction process. Our children are excited about their new homes and look forward to moving in some time this summer!