Traveling to Sierra Leone is just one of many ways to be involved with the Raining Season. Whether it is your very first trip or your seventh, it is an experience unlike any other. Eight to twelve teams travel with The Raining Season each year. Each trip is unique and different. Education teams, medical teams, and general mission teams travel each year to love and serve the children and staff at the center and bring much needed supplies.
What can you expect if you travel?
First and foremost, you will have the opportunity to make personal connections and relationships with the kids at the center. They will know people care about them and love them. They will get one-on-one attention that is difficult to get as one of a hundred kids in an orphanage.
Service Projects - Service Projects are an opportunity to complete projects around the center or the Roots home. There are many tasks that fall outside of the day to day duties of the staff. It might include painting, cleaning or building something.
Playtime - Each day, the kids have playtime in the afternoon. Playtime is an hour of soccer, basketball, games, hair planting (braiding) and sweating.
Community Outreach - While in Freetown, there is an opportunity to serve others in the community. Teams have visited schools in the community, hospitals, and participated in a feeding program for the war widows. It is a unique opportunity to see Freetown and life outside the center. It is also an opportunity for Pastor Daniel to share the gospel with others in the community.
Group Devotions - Our nightly devotions are many travelers favorite part. Whether it is a small group devotions in the individual apartments or whole group devotions, you will experience worship and praise in a spectacular way. You will observe how Jesus is working in Sierra Leone and how Jesus heals.
Beach Day - On Saturday, teams have the opportunity to take kids from the center to River No. 2 Beach, just outside of Freetown. River No. 2 Beach will leave you in awe of God's creation. It's beauty rivals some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The kids will keep you busy swimming and playing in the water. The African sun is intense so don't forget sunscreen!
Market - While in Freetown, you will have the opportunity to visit an African Market. The African Market is a great chance to support the local economy and purchase some authentic African souvenirs. Fabric, jewelry, and blankets are the most popular items! One of our travelers bought this beautiful painting at the market along with some other smaller ones! You never know what you'll find there!
African Meal - Auntie Marie will prepare an authentic African meal for you. Cassava leaves, goundnut, rice, and chicken may be on the menu and if you're lucky, she'll make a chocolate cake for dessert!
Church - On Sunday, travelers will experience church at The Center. Pastor Daniel shares the message while the kids lead many of the other parts of worship, including a choir and Sunday School.
Travel with The Raining Season is a unique way to love and serve. Today's post is a glimpse into some of the experiences travelers have, however, it is impossible to fully encapsulate and put into word what travelers experience. You really have to see for yourself. Are you interested in traveling in 2019? Join us for an incredible week-long trip that will change your life!
Many blessings,
The Raining Season
Take a look inside one of our general mission teams that traveled in June! Thanks Casey Schendt for putting together this video from your June 2018 trip!