LIBERIA

kid photogs

Here are a few shots from some of my friends in my old neighborhood in Sinkor. These children practiced taking photos with my camera. Many Liberian children LOVE taking photos or getting their photo taken ... I have wondered if part of the reason they love photos so much is because they don't get regular opportunities to see what they look like ... there are few mirrors in Liberia. They did a great job ... and kept me laughing! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

summer break

It's been a good last week of school, for the most part. Some of my classes—yes, entire classes—didn't show up for school because it's the last week. I've spent the week reviewing with my classes, so that they are prepared for the exam. I am going to miss my students! I can't believe school is almost over! Summer school begins July 13, and I'm hoping to see many of them there. I'm also thinking about starting a summer reading group ...

good to be back

Arrived late last night in Ganta and stayed with the school principal. The road was long and bumpy, and my body is really feeling it today. I'm so tired! But it's back to class for me. This is the last full week before exams. Summer school begins in July. It will be a busy week! I'll keep you posted. It's good to be back here.

back to ganta

Leaving for Ganta today! The school principal has come to my rescue. Stay tuned!

broken

My reading glasses broke this week. Part of the frame — one of the parts extending from the lens to my ear — fell off.

Well, at least I can still use them if I balance them correctly on my nose!

Anyone know a place around here where I can get them fixed? I'm missing the teenie tiny screw that attaches the lens to the frame.

one year ago today ...

I arrived in Liberia for the first time.

It's hard to believe it's been a year! I've learned so much, I've made so many wonderful friendships and I've had the privilege of telling some heartbreaking stories. As I've told the stories of so many Liberians recovering from war, I've been on my own journey of healing. God has blessed me deeply in giving me a heart for His most broken people and bringing me all the way to Liberia to show me how He can comfort and restore and give new life.

Here's a look back at what I've learned ...

baby bendu

"Hello, baby!'" (pronounced "bay-bee") "How the day?" I attempt to greet in Liberian English a little girl named Bendu, who lives in my community in Monrovia. 

"Alright-o!" she says.

"What my name? You remember it?" I ask her.

"White woman," she says confidently.

I laughed! Bendu is a sweet, five-year-old girl who is full of giggles. Almost every day I visit her house, which is across the street from my apartment. She runs toward me, her arms outstretched and nearly knocks me over when she gives me a hug. She is the sweetest neighbor ever. One day, I hope she will remember my real name!

Baby Bendu: Despite living in such poverty, Bendu is full of joy and laughter.

a fine sunday

It was a fine Sunday. I spent it with Hawa and her two sons, Henry and Tarwoh. Hawa, whom I call “Prof” sometimes because she is my cooking teacher, and I made “ground pea soup” for her family and about 20 other people in her community. We cooked 15 cups of rice!

graduation day

The T.H.I.N.K. Home girls graduated today, and I went to the ceremony. I've spent time with these young, war-affected women over the last nine months, and what a joy it was to see them graduate! More than 20 of the young women came to T.H.I.N.K. Home last year, where they received academic lessons, counseling and vocational training in hairdressing, tailoring and baki
It was an emotional day for them! Please pray for them as they make the difficult transition from the home into more independent lives.

pretty & polished update

 I had a great time giving Haja and Massa pedicures and manicures over the last two days. It took two different days because they were busy!

Bringing Pretty & Polished to Liberia has  the potential to make a life-changing difference in the lives of many African women who toil in the hot sun all day, often are marginalized, and don't feel beautiful.

Culturally, Pretty & Polished fits in magically. Liberian ladies love to dress up, braid their hair, wear makeup, paint their nails. You'll see the poorest women with their toes painted around here.

I've written a column about my time with these beautiful ladies. Be on the lookout for it. I'll post a link right here when it's online!