homecoming- december 26, 2006

jangay nya was the beautiful name given to me by yet another loving part of the extended family of aunts and uncles in africa. uncle john explained to me that jangay was the traditional name for mattru jong and nya meant woman. i became known as the "woman from mattru jong" or more affectionately "jangay nya".

the journey home was surreal. we woke up around 5am and were on the road soon after. duraman met us at the house with his pastor, his brother muefau and a trusted friend and driver. we were all sleepy but my excitement was definately growing !!

we travelled in a SUV with 4 people in the back seat. i willingly sat on the edge of the seat (which gave more room for the other 3 people) because i was too excited to be sleepy or uncomfortable.

the streets were clear and we made excellent timing thanks to uncle mohamed who was a wonderfully experienced driver when it came to driving distances in on and off road!! the scenery along the way was exceptional in its simplicity and beauty. we drove past villages on either side of the road. the villages actually looked like living paintings. sierra leone is a very lush country at times we would see a beautiful calm lake surrounded by green foliage. other times we saw area children bathing or washing clothes in the area waterways.

once we made it to mattru we walked the last few hundred feet to my uncle's home. i was met on the road by familiar and new faces, but all were emotional and welcoming. i was so thankful for the thoughtfulness of everyone i travelled with. immediately tiana, samantha and niva took responsibilty for my camera and capturing this amazing moment not only for my family and me but for future generations as well.

there was a wonderful program in which the family introduced themselves to me and shared stories of my father as a little boy and young man growing up in sierra leone. i was given the opportunity to show how much i loved and missed everyone and how blessed i felt to be re-united with such a wonderful and loving family.

i was honored with a beautiful and hand woven gift of black and white country cloth which duraman had made into an even more amazing outfit. the day was hot, long, emotionally draining and the most wonderful experience of my life to date !!