Miss Sierra Leone USA Attends 2014 Ecumenical Prayer Service For Eradication of Ebola Virus

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing great, thanks be to God! On August 10th, I attended an ecumenical prayer service for the eradication of the deadly Ebola virus at the Good Samaritan Lutheran Church, organized by host pastor Reverend Gloria Malake Cline-Smythe. The purpose of this event was to pray for Sierra Leone with the theme of "Bringing Hope To A Hurting Nation." Sermon was delivered by Reverend Dr. Abdul K. Sesay. I was honored to do the opening prayers in Krio.

Reverend Gloria Malake Cline-Smythe and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson praying in Krio

Under the organization of Rev. Cline-Smythe, this prayer service was brought by the Washington metropolitan inter-denominational coalition participating clergy from Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia. Minister Ken Turay hosted the prayer service. Sacred readings and reflections were done by Bishop Lucy Anthony, Rev. Thomas and Rev. Fifi Bhai Kamara. Prayers for houses of worship, hospitals, clinics, medical professionals, the Sierra Leonean people, caretakers, educational institutions, etc. were done by Rev. Antoine Ellong, Rev. Silas Nicol, Ms. Audrey Pabs-Garnon, etc. Vote of thanks given by President of National Organization of Sierra Leoneans in North America (NOSLINA) and Miss Sierra Leone in DC board member Ms. Suna Nallo.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson praying in Krio

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Reverend Dr. Abdul K. Sesay

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

In addition to my prayers done in Krio, individuals from the congregation led opening prayers in Limba, Mende, Temne, Yoruba, French, as well as Muslim prayers. The inclusion of the variety of prayers with regards to ethnic groups and religion is because Sierra Leone is a unified and religiously-tolerant nation. His Excellency Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens (Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the United States) was in attendance and gave the opening statement.

United Sierra Leoneans Praying for the Nation

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Rev. Sesay requested we pray for three things to pray for Sierra Leone during his sermon: purity, plead for his cause (mercy, grace), and petition (ask God to intervene). Also, he requested women and men of different age groups to come to the altar and represent the demographic of our nation, Sierra Leone. Collectively, we prayed for our Salone.

Sierra Leoneans Praying in Unity for the Eradication of the Deadly Ebola Virus

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson and Ms. Audrey Pabs-Garnon (humanitarian and educator)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Before heading inside for the prayer service, my friend told me to do an elegant "beauty queen pose" for this picture. Well, THIS is what I did (photo below). Oh so queenly. Haha! Live your best life, be happy, be goofy, and laugh at yourself. It's good for the soul.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

As most of you may know, the Ebola virus spread is destroying our nation currently and as believers I highly trust that we do our physical best but also trust in the Almighty. Let us continue to pray for Sierra Leone, as well as our West African neighbors: Guinea, Liberia, and Nigeria. We are Sierra Leoneans, we will prevail. God bless the districts of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson leading a prayer in Krio

Republic of Sierra Leone national anthem (first stanza)

High we exalt thee, realm of the free;

Great is the love we have for thee;

Firmly united ever we stand,

Singing thy praise, O native land.

We raise up our hearts and our voices on high,

The hills and the valleys re-echo our cry;

Blessing and peace be ever thine own,

Land that we love, our Sierra Leone.

- written by Clifford Nelson Fyle, composed by John Akar

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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#IndSaloneTurns53 - Miss Sierra Leone USA Celebrates Independence Month 2014 (Last Week)

Hello world!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I am doing great, all thanks to the Almighty. Join me as I celebrate the Republic of Sierra Leone during the independence month in April. Throughout this month, I have been highlighting the history of our nation, as well as phenomenal women and men who have made significant impact in the nation at home and in diaspora communities worldwide. The conversation has already started, so find me on Facebook, twitter, or Instagram. Below is the list of things and people highlighted for the fourth week and last few days in April. To know more about my Independence activities on all social media, follow #IndSaloneTurns53

April 27, 1961 is Sierra Leone’s Independence Day.

Day 22: Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone
Fourah Bay College, the oldest university in West Africa

Day 23: Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital

Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital, the one of the oldest mental health institutions in West Africa

Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital
Click photo to enlarge

Day 24: Ethnic Groups of Sierra Leone

The many diverse ethnic groups of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone ethnic groups
Click photo to enlarge

Day 25: Mining in Sierra Leone

Mineral-rich Sierra Leone and Mining

Day 26: Wildlife in Sierra Leone

The diverse wildlife of Sierra Leone

Wildlife in Sierra Leone
Click photo to enlarge

Day 27: INDEPENDENCE DAY

APRIL 27, 1961: Independence Day of the Republic of Sierra Leone

April 27: Sierra Leone Independence Day
Click photo to enlarge

Day 28: Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces

The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF)

Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces
Click photo to enlarge

Day 29: Crops
Crops, one of the important portions of agriculture in Sierra Leone

Crops
Click photo to enlarge

Day 30: Rice
Rice, Sierra Leone's most important crop

Rice
Click photo to enlarge

If you know me in real life, you know I love rice and you know my usual statement "because I'm a Sierra Leonean!" I eat rice at least 3 times in a week, due to the fact that I cook or will order it if eating at a restaurant. I really love rice, and if there are any rice companies out there looking for a spokesperson to advertise their product and give me monthly supplies of bags of rice, I would love to get that job because I really will eat and distribute what I preach! The photo above is rice and cassava leaves, one of my favorite Sierra Leonean dishes! I couldn't think of a better way to end my #IndSaloneTurns53 series than with my favorite food and one of the many reasons why I love being a Sierra Leonean!!!

Independence Day video message from your Miss Sierra Leone USA. Watch it!

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Where in the world is Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson???

Hello world!!!

Hope you and yours are doing well. I've been doing fantastic, and grateful to the Almighty for all the blessings and lessons. So...where in the world is your Miss Salone USA??? Well, she's been living and working in Sierra Leone!!! I am currently doing an internship with Koidu Limited (part of Octea Mining), working in Koidu, Kono. Read more about my internship in this news article that was published couple weeks ago.

Due to my busy schedule with this internship, I am currently unable to actively blog. However, I've been trying my best in updating everyone about my time in Sierra Leone on my facebook page. I've been taking pictures showcasing the beauty of Sierra Leone's landscape, culture, and her people; there's a story for every picture that I post, so check them out on the page. As Miss Sierra Leone USA, promoting tourism and showcasing the greatness of Salone is part of my job description. Therefore, I encourage you to Like the page and keep up with your Miss Salone USA while she's in Salone. Here are some pictures below of my time so far:

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson with new friends at Kroo Town Road Market in Freetown

Vendor and her beautiful setup at Kroo Town Road Market in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Kroo Town Road Market in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Mr. Amadu Bah, Butcher at Kroo Town Road Market in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson at Lakka Beach

Little Mr. Sierra Leone Ralph and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Salone Cuisine: Kasada bred, fray fish, en grevi (cassave bread, fried fish, and gravy)

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson eating kasada bred in Waterloo

Beauties of Sierra Leone: Rokel River under Rogbere Bridge

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson in Makeni, Bombali District, Sierra Leone

Ruby B. Johnson - Mining & Minerals Engineer, and Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014

Beauties of Sierra Leone: Mountain View of Five Mile

Fambul den, this is Salone!!!

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA.

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Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013 Homecoming - Week 1 (Part VI)

Hello world!!!

Hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well, thanks to the Almighty. As promised, I'll be writing detailed blogs about my adventures during my recent Homecoming Trip to Salone as Miss Sierra Leone USA; read my preview blog post. On Saturday (May 4th) night, I attended the inaugural Annual Youth Excellence Awards Dinner & Gala 2013 at Family Kingdom; the theme of this year's event was "Shine A Light." The purpose of this event was to "highlight, and applaud those young people who represent the best of Sierra Leone."

Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson

Vickie Remoe (Founder of YEA and Swit Salone Media creator) and
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson
Photo Courtesy: Vickie Remoe

Some of the Award recipients were: Fantacee Wiz (Arts Category - Music), Michael Bonney Bassey (Arts Category - Film), Marvel Lombi (Community Service), David Sengeh (Technology and Innovation), Mary Ann Kai Kai (Arts Category - Fashion Design), John M. Koroma (Academic Achievement - WASSCE), Bartoul Mortada (Academic Achievement - WASSCE), etc. The event included performances by Miss World Sierra Leone 2012-2013 Vanessa Williams, Fritong Playas (Freetown Players), Esther Sesay featuring Tom, etc. Guests included: Jimmy Bangura a.k.a Jimmy B, JayArr, Mr. Desmond Finney, Miss University Africa Sierra Leone 2012-2013 Josephine Kamara, etc.

Left-Right:
Miss University Africa Sierra Leone 2012-2013 Josephine Kamara,
Miss Sierra Leone USA 2013-2014 Ruby B. Johnson,
and Adama (MUA Sierra Leone's cousin)

Charlie Haffner with Fritong Playas (Freetown Players) performing

This Award show was very empowering, and I was inspired by the phenomenal young women and men that received awards on that night. Having a community of youth like this reinforces the fact that Sierra Leone has nothing less than a brighter future. Congratulations to Ms. Vickie and her entire YEA team on a great show!

Fambul den, this is how the first week of my Homecoming Trip ended. Look out for upcoming blog posts about my second week!

Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA

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