The Woodruff Family Returns to Sierra Leone

Travel has always been an important part of The Raining Season.  Feet on the ground, loving and serving alongside our amazing team in Sierra Leone, and seeing firsthand the work being done to carry out our mission is just part of what makes it special. In November 2025, longtime supporters of TRS, Darren and Chrissie Woodruff, returned to Sierra Leone with two of their children, Gigi (18) and Brody (16). Joining them were The Raining Season's Executive Director, Lori Pyle, and Jason Pyle, who is serving as the Project Consultant for the Kono project.

For Darren, who serves on our board, it had been 13 years since his last visit. For Chrissie, although it had been many years, the return felt like stepping back into a place forever woven into her heart. With their youngest children now teenagers, the Woodruffs felt it was time for them to experience firsthand the mission that has shaped so much of their family's life and to understand more deeply the country their son Dauda called home.

Throughout this trip, community outreach played an important role in the Woodruffs' plans because TRS is part of the community.  Chrissie shared, "That's what communities do, take care of each other. When we traveled before, community outreaches were so important. It felt important to continue that tradition with TRS and the people of Sierra Leone."  Their fundraising team raised an incredible $4,200 before their trip, much of which supported community outreach efforts. Nearly 1,000 pounds of rice, onions, oil, and seasoning were distributed to a government-supported rehabilitation facility serving individuals impacted by the Kush drug epidemic.

Medical outreach was another important component of the trip. Six large duffel bags filled with medical supplies were brought from the U.S. Supplies were donated to Connaught Hospital, where the team had the privilege of meeting the country's only neurosurgeon, Dr. Alieu Kamara. Additional supplies were donated to the clinic at the TRS center, strengthening care for the children and the surrounding community.

Led by co-founder Osseh Kamara, Darren, Lori, and Jason traveled to Kono to walk the land connected to TRS's future project there. It was an opportunity to envision the future and pray over what is to come for TRS. While there, they also shared a gift with the team at Meya Mining as a thank you for the fence that will protect our future home and for their overall support over the past several years.

Back at the center, the days were filled loving on the kids through devotions, soccer, cool tricks, personal tours, artwork showcases, and so much dancing. Each child eagerly wanted to introduce the Woodruffs to their favorite auntie or show off a talent they had been practicing.  

While they were there, they also helped throw a birthday party for the children and staff,  complete with dancing, laughter, and food prepared by the aunties. Their daughter Gigi celebrated her 18th birthday during the trip, making it one she will never forget. Their son Brody insists the rice prepared by the aunties was the best meal he's ever eaten.  For Chrissie, she loved watching the support across age groups and abilities. During the birthday celebration, dance groups performed, including a special moment when children from the Hope Apartment were invited to dance to a special song. They were so excited, and the cheers and applause from the other children were inspiring to see. 

Another special moment for part of the team was participating in The Raining Season Preparatory School's award ceremony. Chrissie, Gigi, and Brody were honored guests and helped distribute awards as families from the community gathered to celebrate student achievements. The children performed and welcomed their guests before receiving their awards and celebrating with them.  Many children from TRS received awards and celebrated with their aunties, who encourage and support them so well.  This awards ceremony was another reminder of how opening the school to the broader community has been such a gift. For Chrissie, seeing families gathered in celebration was a powerful reminder of how TRS continues to grow its impact.

This trip was extra special because Darren and Chrissie have been a part of The Raining Season family since the very beginning.  Having been quite some time since either had traveled, they both witnessed tangible growth both within TRS and across Sierra Leone. Darren noted the significant improvements to the airport and travel across the bay, the expanding city, and better road infrastructure. At the center, the expansion into the adjacent field, the addition of a kitchen, generators, and a well stood as visible reminders of how far TRS has come.

Chrissie described a peaceful, joyful spirit at TRS. Many staff members she had known years ago are still faithfully serving. The excitement of reconnecting and hearing updates about their son, Dauda, who used to live there, made it feel like a family reunion. Darren summed it up perfectly sharing that, "The staff is amazing. Their empathy and professionalism are always front and center."  

There is something about stepping into Sierra Leone and walking through the gates of TRS. Once you visit, you are family. Darren and Chrissie felt it deeply, and so did their children. We are so grateful for families like the Woodruffs who continue to show up for TRS.  Their November trip was not just a visit. It was a reminder that The Raining Season's mission continues to grow as we serve vulnerable children and communities across Sierra Leone.  

Are you interested in traveling in 2026?  We are working to build a team to travel in late May.  Email alexis.travel@therainingseason.org to learn more.

Many blessings,

The Raining Season