November 9 2025 - A Day in the Chiefdom: Walking, Clinics, and Village Life

📍 Location: Merel’s Village and surrounding chiefdom, Sierra Leone

📝 Episode Notes

Good day — November 9th.

After staying overnight in the village, I spent the day exploring more of the chiefdom. Every time Merel introduced me, it was as her “uncle,” because in Sierra Leone everyone is considered family. No further questions are asked — it’s just how things work.

We visited the healthcare facility again, where most of Merel’s work takes place. The clinic focuses on preventive care, malaria treatment, and prenatal care, given the many children in the village. Merel’s work is always at the clinic, not at individual homes.

We also took time to walk around the village and take in the surroundings. There are many nearby villages, and most children walk a long distance to attend school e ...