As I landed In Liberia on Thursday afternoon I was greeted with palm trees and a very beautiful landscape. Overhead on arrival, I was amazed on how ‘green’ it was. Most of my experience in Africa has been in the dry season in Senegal.
As soon as I got off the plane, I was also reminded that this country is coming out of a long bitter confusing war. UN planes and vehicles were everywhere around the airport. Most Americans, including myself were oblivious to what happen here for 13 years. The devastation here from the war I am sure runs very deep into the culture.
I was amazed at the airport. It was very clean and orderly. I had this picture painted of it in my mind, and it was nothing like I had expected. This country is rebounding with resiliency.
My first night for dinner we met with a local doctor at his house. Inside, although very small with electric run by a generator, we were warmly received. There were many laughs and introductions that night and I had a sense I was really going to enjoy getting to know this country.
The heat and humidity here are high. It’s taking some getting used to. I love warm weather, but the humidity here is one thing I could do less of .
The last two here in Monrovia have been full of meeting with Equip Liberia and LEAD Liberia. Two organizations that I am praying about to collaborate with in the future. I am so impressed with both.
LEAD Liberia is a NGO that is building up Liberia through small and medium enterprises. Training and access to capitol for Liberians to build their business is the heartbeat of this organization. Yesterday, at the national conference/Monrovia, we heard about customer satisfaction and the importance of it. The ambassador to Liberia from the US was the keynote speaker. Here she encouraged the Liberian small business owners to be honest and fight corruption.
Equip Liberia is working in rural communities and assisting in reestablish medical work. The work is around 80% in rural communities and is putting a good size dent in bringing back medical care for everyone.
Tomorrow we finally head out to the bush. I am excited to what God is doing out there and look to join Him in the work.
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Sunday, February 21, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
On the Road Again...Goin places I've never been
On February 14, I embark on a 23 day three country trip, to West Africa. Landing in Accra , Ghana on the 15th , I will spend 2.5 days with the Reeds in the capitol city. Renita Reed of Partners Worldwide will be my host and 'tour guide'. The Reeds spent around four years in Liberia and have now settled in Ghana. I am so thankful for this opportunity.
I have spent a considerable amount of time communicating with Renita in preparation for this trip. I will also be with some North Americans from Michigan and Indiana while In Monrovia.
We will visit a few organizations and villages while in Ghana and then take off for Monrovia, Liberia. I will be spending around three days in Monrovia, which is the capitol of this war torn country. I then will proceed to venture out into the bush, Nimba county for about one week. There I will have the opportunity to see the work that Equip Liberia and L.E.A.D are doing in these farming communities.
Then its off to Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) for around five days. Here, I will visit with a pastor who has incorporated a demonstration farm and training center into his ministry. Because of the looting by rebels around 2003, it has to be reestablished.
As we are beginning a new season of life with Equip International, we are looking at plugging into an opportunity for ministry and development.
I am interested in what these organizations are doing, and seeking God's plan for our lives.
Exciting times!
And I'm sure I will be ready to go home again...after visiting places that I've never been...
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