Mi Ticha Bob

Throughout our PST (Pre-Service Training), we are immersed in language classes. Upon arrival, our training began. We have started with Krio, the most widely spoken language in Sierra Leone. A conglomeration of English, Portuguese, French, and local languages, my mind often struggles to comprehend the complexity of letters which now consume my life. Facilitating this learning experience is my LCF (Language and Cultural Facilitator) Bob Conteh; A native Sierra Leonean, teacher by trade, and wise man in his early 70s. Each day, Bob and I sit underneath a mango tree speaking and learning Krio with a few of my fellow volunteers. He brings with him a well worn chalk board on which he writes Sierra Leonean proverbs, conversational queues, and Krio phrase after Krio phrase.  

One morning in our early days of training, I asked Bob “Monin-o! Ow di bodi Bob? Ow yu slip?” – “Good Morning! How are you? How did you sleep?”

Bob: “Oh Molly, A no slip fayn. Mi bodi no wel. A git Malaria” – “Oh Molly, I did not sleep fine. My body is not well. I have Malaria.”

He described his situation in a very matter of fact manner. Malaria is a common illness here. Luckily, if you have access to anti-malarial medication, a bed net, bug spray, and malaria medication, one is generally safe form Malaria. And thankfully, Bob has access to malaria medication. A week later he was healthy.

Suddenly all these health issues I had learned about in my honors courses and International studies classes and public health studies while studying abroad are present. These issues are now actively a part of my life. 

As I walk through the streets of Bo, neighbors have learned my local name, Koloma. As you may have expected, I have also sung the "Great Big Moose" song many a time and consequently I am confronted with many a smiling face, voices singing the tune, and little hands making moose antlers on their heads. Mama Salone na mi om. Mother Salone is my home.