LIBERIA

the message of hope

When an idea continues to come back to me through people or stories or events, I try to pay attention. (After all, part of how I ended up in Liberia was because I suddenly started meeting MANY Liberians. It was a neat way my heart was drawn to the suffering of the people and of how I really began to see the need for storytelling in Liberia.) I'm not superstitious. Maybe it's just the way my English major mind works or maybe it's how God uses circumstance and people to teach us.  But I like picking up on the new "themes" running through my life. I believe that I have much to learn from those who have gone before me, and I look for ways to connect my struggles with the wisdom out there.

This week, the message I'm picking up on is hope. I've been thinking more critically about my reporting. I've really been challenged to think about the message of hope in my stories about Liberia -- whether it's there or there enough. As a reporter, it's so easy to be drawn to all of the destruction and pain and needs of Liberia. I think reporters need to tell stories like that -- to inform a readership that doesn't get regular opportunities to learn about what is going on in places of real suffering.

But it's also true that suffering is not the only story. There are so many stories of hope. Redemption still is at work, although sometimes its movement is more subtle. Thoughts?

Also, see the two video clips below that are helping me to think about the message of hope in storytelling.

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.

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 ...

winning attention

I've been thinking about this passage this week as I evaluate the way I write the story of the Liberian people. This is a good reminder to me of the point behind writing about the different ways of life here -- ways that sometimes seem curious or even wrong. But I am reminded that my goal is not to just write about something for the novelty of it or to in any way put down a nation of people recovering from terrible civil war.

back to Ganta

I can't believe it's June!

So much to do!

I'm still in Monrovia, but I'm trying to get back to Ganta. Having a bit of a transportation issue. Will keep you posted!

finished

I changed my plans this week and decided to stay in Monrovia. The Ganta students are still on break for another week. I'm spending this week finishing up several stories and reporting on a few more. I'm feeling pretty good about my progress. Yesterday, I finished a story, and today I finished another! But I miss my students, and the people of Ganta!

This afternoon I'm continuing to write. The house is quiet. I can hear the ocean waves crashing a few blocks away. It's hot, and I don't have a/c, but I've got a fan hooked up to a battery. Now all that's missing is that real coffee.

nice weekend

Ran around town. Got visa extended. Caught up the friends. Cooked fried potato greens with Hawa. It took many hours, and I cut my fingers when I was “slashing” the greens. They aren't deep cuts, but man, I have a long way to go in the kitchen. What can I say, I'm learning. It was great to spend time with Hawa. Hadn't seen her in about six weeks! Distributed donated art supplies to the artists. They were happy. We're holding another show in July. The theme is “Women of Liberia.” We also talked about painting leather strips and making them into bookmarks as a way to generate extra income. Stayed up too late writing and emailing. Picked up a good internet connection at the back of my apartment. It's fast late at night and early in the morning when most of the city is sleeping. Working on so many stories. Need to finish them all. Time is going by too quickly. Packed up most of my room because I'll be outside of Monrovia over the next two months. Did some job searching. It has to be a really good job to make me leave Liberia. Thinking about when I'll come back and how I'll do it. 2011 for sure because that's the election ... which reminds me to contact the President's press secretary. Still working on that interview.

in town

I made it! After about two weeks of not having Internet access, I am happily emailing and blogging.