Braving Freetown

So...I decided to take Amanda and Jeff across town - African style - hop on a puda puda and go.  The journey began very smoothly.  Did not have to wait for a puda puda at our first stop.  The weather was breezy.  Traffic was not too bad.  Drove through the market which has every food item you can imagine, resulting in every smell you can imagine.  We climbed out of the puda puda and continued on foot to the next location.  Got on another puda puda and headed towards Aberdeen.  It was a fairly pleasant ride, however the calmness did not last long.  As we continued on our journey, the wind picked up, people started taking cover and the rain came quickly.  Now, I'm not just talking a little sprinkling.  By the time we reached our destination - rain was blowing everywhere and it was pouring.  There was truly NO ESCAPE.  Unfortunately, the rain was quite unexpected on our part so we had NO umbrella or any means of protection.  The driver kindly offered to take us directly to the clinic for a "small" fee, but at that point it was totally worth it.  We jumped out and ran for the compound.  We made it to a covered spot for a moment of reprieve.  We still had to make it to the gate.  We pressed on.   I knocked on the gate...no answer.  Knocked again...still no answer.  Finally, on the third knock they opened the gate.  We ran like wild monkeys to get in the clinic.  We were dripping wet and  a bit cold.   It was AWESOME!!!

Got to see my friends from Mercy Ships, tour the clinic, and see some of my other favorite sites.  Despite the rain, we still had to travel back across town.   Thankfully, the heaven's closed and we were able to complete the rest of our day without rain.  It was an experience I will not soon forget....AND...it makes a good story!