Going on Patrol ...

We had a good time with my parents and 'Aunty Gail' this past week.  They saw Kabala, River #2, Freetown, Lungi and all points in between.  They joined us for worship in Kabala CRC on Sunday - which was relatively short (2.5 hours).  They spoiled their grandchildren.  They experienced some of the joys and challenges of living in Sierra Leone.  We enjoyed their visit tremendously, were sad to see them go, but look forward to seeing them and many others back in Canada in June.  By the way, 'going on patrol' is a phrase for 'touring' here.

Gail and the kids.

Ringma family.

What would a Ringma vacation be without a 'project'?  Here we are happily fixing a broken power cord.  With real electricians' tape.

On the ferry between Freetown and Lungi.  Life vests optional...if you bring your own.

Dad (Nick) and J.T. Koroma, principal of CRC School, examine the new solar power system.

Body surfing.

Playing in the sand are Jacob and Bilalie, aka "Temprature" (a local comedian) or "Minister of Transportation".

Dad and Bilalie at the stern of the boat on our adventurous trip to visit Jessica Hiemstra - a trip that included the motor falling off, the 'captain' going overboard and the boat coming to rest on a sand bar while we all scrambled for safety.  Again, life vests were optional if you exercised your option of BYOLV.

"Progress" as a road runs roughshod through the mangrove intertidal swamp not 750 meters from River #2.

The environmental consultant agency was on vacation.

More water fun.

Maria, in a typical pose of 'crafting'.  Here she is trying to bore a hole through a shell with my  Leatherman in order to make a necklace.

Naomi and Grandma (Margaret).  Osh-ya. (sorry for your pain).

Gail and Naomi in the foreground.

Jacob Nicholas and Nick.  Fashionistas.

At the Freetown Anglican Church.

NBD.  Just a toilet-trained frog.

Shining Sierra Leone Stars.