I'm finally here, I start work tomorrow (May 10th)

Hello everyone, it's Mo here again. I'm very sorry if anyone has been worried about the fact that I had not updated my blog. Due to the internet access in the city, I was not able to check my email for almost 4 days since arriving.

When I landed at Lungi (Freetown International Airport), my first act was to kiss the ground. I was happy to be back home. I went through immigration and customs (they took $30 from me, for what I'm not sure) with no problems. I've been in the country for four days now and there has been no electricity. I found a place to stay on Monday which is very close to the Special Court (less than 1/3 mile from the court; walking distance) but I will still need a generator, freezer, television, internet and running water. I finally bought a generator today for about Le. 1million (about $350), paid for my internet subscription which costs (including equipment) about $150 a month (only about 6 hour access per day).

As many of you know, it's been over 11 days since I last saw my family here in Sierra Leone. The emotion of once again seeing my grandma, dad, step-mom, brothers and sister, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, friends, and all my other family members was overwhelming. I didn't sleep for about two days because I had so many people who came by to see me. Everyone had stories to tell about how they survived the civil war in the country. The stories were sad, amazing, frightening, depressing, astonishing and downright scary. I had nightmares for two days. I couldn't sleep and I will wake up in the middle of the night yelling or sweating. It has been a struggle.

The economic situation in this country is deemer than I thought. To see the sufferings in the eyes of men, women and children has given me a greater appreciation of my life and privileges in the Unites States. I have no doubt that my internship and visit to my home country will have a lasting effect on my life. I already feel very confused, disappointed and at the same time happy and excited about the status of the country. There are good things, but there are also not so good things. I can't understand some of the things I've seen and heard with my own ears and eyes.

My first day of work is tomorrow (May 10th) at 9am. I'm very excited to finally meet my boss and the rest of the defense team. I'm not sure what awaits me but I feel as ready as I can possibly be under the circumstances. As I indicated, I hope that you all will come on this journey and go through this experience with me. I have no doubt that this internship will forever change my focus on the world and life itself. I will update this blog as much as possible; but due to my internet access and speed, I may only be able to update this blog on a weekly basis. Please forgive me and I look forward to all your comments, questions and concerns. Thank you very much and I hope to hear from you all very soon.


As for all those of you who were unable to post on my blog due to technical difficulties (such as requests to register), that problem should now be fixed. Please email me if you're not able to post a comment or suggestions at mch4434@fsu.edu.


Sincerely Mo