What we really have to bring is ourselves.

And some cell phones.

The director of World Vision of Sierra Leone (a Canadian!), told us that bringing older technology along would be a blessing to Sierra Leone, especially in the remote places where people do not have easy access to communications.  ”Don’t bring clothes!” she said.  Plenty of containers worth of clothes are available.  But access to technology is rare.

In general, the infrastructure in Sierra Leone is still a work in progress.

My kids, Caleb and Phoebe, initiated a “Sierra LePhone” campaign at their secondary school in Vancouver, inviting friends to donate old cell phones for Africa.

27 phones and counting!

Even as we pack, however, we realize the material we bring is going to have small effect.  We bring ourselves, and we look forward to how God will be at work in our face to face communications with the Sierra Leonese students and staff, with the people on Bonthe island, and with our soon-to-be neighbours and friends.

In 9 days…

– Steve Colby, Director of Missions