Equator!

We crossed the Equator yesterday morning, but nothing to mark it with really. We’re still at sea, with no land visible, and the day is actually overcast.

The ship has been in training for several days now regarding what to expect (and what is expected of us) in Sierra Leone. Two of the crew members are from SL and have been ‘interviewed’ at great length as to what their people are like and enjoy and, conversely, what they might find offensive or confusing with our cultures. There are so many cultures already on board as it is and we have been learning how to live together without too many problems.

One of the issues for SL is clothing (not enough of it on our part, specifically) and we have been instructed to bring/wear more modest clothing than we are accustomed to as Americans (I can only speak for myself, of course).  I’ve also learned from Alice, our in-house Sierra Leonean and baker, whereas we tend to look people in the eye when we are addressing them, or at least the face, in SL people when tend to look away when they are addressed as a sign of respect. We must ask first when we wish to photograph someone. She also said that our tendency to get someone’s attention by shouting “Hey” at them would be considered very rude there.

As far as health issues, we have been advised not to drink water or have ice in our drinks and even some bottled water is actually just bottled “out back” and can be just as dangerous. Several brand name bottled waters are considered safer than others. We are not to go near or swim in fresh water sources as those are where the worst of the disease-carrying insects can be found. We have already been instructed to start our Malaria-preventative medications now although we are not expected to arrive in SL until this coming Sunday. We are to be met by some local government constituency at the dock and will join in the SL national song before disembarking. I’m so used to seeing photos and films that relay destitute and depressing visions from these small countries, I really don’t know what to expect: is it truly all like that or is that impression passed on as someone’s or some political agenda? I will have to see for myself – and share it with you.

There was an informational/devotional/preparation meeting and communion tonight after dinner. It was a commission of sorts to all of us to remember why we are here and for whom we have gone to the trouble of leaving our comfortable nests and families and to reaffirm our purpose here. Very moving.

Checked out the sky tonight – haven’t been out in the last few nights usually because I’m exhausted from the day. I was not able to see the Southern Cross, or at least not recognize it for what it is. A little bummed but still grateful for having been in a position to have seen it, finally, at all!

Until Sunday...