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.

the new african narrative

I saw this documentary last night. It is powerful. The film tells the stories of five African leaders who are working to change their communities. The message is one of hope in the midst of complete destruction. I encourage you to watch this film! Check for screenings on the Pray With Africa website. Liberia is the first country featured. And see the trailer below!

a waving flag

When I get older, I will be stronger.

They'll call me freedom, just like a waving flag.

And then it goes back, and then it goes back, and then it goes back.

Born to a throne, stronger than Rome

but violent prone, poor people zone.

But it's my home, all I have known.

Where I got grown, streets we would roam.

But out of the darkness, I came the farthest,

Among the hardest survival.

goodbye Micheal J

or "Michael Jax," as my Dad told me I used to call him.

I've written a story about the King of Pop and how many Liberians loved his music because it comforted them and uplifted them in the face of war. The story was published in The Washington Times today.

Read it here.

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 ...

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.

do something

Do something good in my life.

Do something good in my life.

Do something good in my life.

Do something good.

-- Chorus of a Liberian praise song

good news

Thought I'd send you some positive news about Liberia, too.

Here is an encouraging story I read this week. Liberia is slowly clearing its debts, a move that President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf hopes will attract more private investors to the country and eventually strengthen the economy.

This news correlates well with a newspaper story I wrote (that should be published very soon!) about the emergence of domestic tourism in wartorn Liberia.

Also, it looks like the Liberian National Police has re-arrested 32 of the 57 prisoners who broke jail.

disturbing news

Here are three disturbing news items out of Liberia.

a different Liberia

It's Friday, and I'm settling into a different part of Liberia. Time to pull out your map of Liberia!