A fun, exciting, and busy week!

I apologize for my lack of blog posting lately. After returning from 3 weeks in the US, I have been very busy with testing, grading, lesson plans, and basketball practice. I finally feel like I am back in the flow of things and have the time to focus some of my time on my blog.

Last week was the first week of our 5th marking period. It was so refreshing to be back in the classroom with my students after being away for a while. We kicked off the week reviewing the material that the substitute covered while I was gone. I am constantly amazed with the progress my students are making. Their writing has improved so much from the beginning of the year. This semester we have worked on paragraph development, and they have even written a couple of short stories. It is exciting to watch their creativity come out in their writing and to see them so proud of their accomplishments. Math continues to be their biggest struggle, but progress is still being made. We began subtraction with larger numbers this semester and it has been a huge challenge. When I returned from the US there were still only about 5 students who had mastered this concept. We spent all week talking about what it means to borrow, and after much practice, something clicked on Friday. It was like watching a light bulb come on in a room that has been dark for a long time. The students were so excited to finally understand something that had been so complicated the week before. They were all eagerly raising their hands to come up to the board to solve a problem in front of the class. It was one of those moment when I said to myself, "This is why I am a here."

Testing week is often referred to as "dead week." Olu makes it very clear to all the students and teachers that no extracurricular activities are to take place during testing week. It is a full week devoted to studying for the tests being given. This meant no basketball practice. Monday was my first day back at practice with the girls, and I was greeted with lots of hugs and "we missed you." It was like a homecoming! We practiced on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon and did conditioning in the evening. Holly changed our conditioning time while I was gone from 5am to 5pm. What a great idea!! This does make for really long days, but it is so much better than waking up at 4:45 to go run. This change has also led to a better turn out, daylight, and more energy. It was definitely a nice surprise to come back to! We have our next basketball game on Thursday at the Sports Commission in Monrovia. We still have lots to work on before the game, but the girls are excited and hopefully it will be another victory for the dragons!

This weekend Holly and I are staying in town with our friends in Sinkor. They work for Harbort International, the company building the new US Embassy. We were invited to their work party last night that was here at their compound. The night was filled with good food (samosas, a whole hog, mini pizzas, hummus, texas caviar, chicken wings, etc.), live music (a local cover band), and lots of dancing. When I woke up this morning I was sore from 5 hours of dancing. It was a blast! It was an experience when I couldn't help but look around at the diversity of the group and feel inspired. There were people from Ireland, Nigeria, Algeria, the US, Liberia, and the Philippines all dancing, eating, hugging, and socializing with each other. I wish these experiences were not so few and far between. We had an amazing time, and had no trouble falling asleep at 2:30 am.

My first culture shock experience...

Coming to Liberia was my first time out of the US; therefore, I had never experienced real culture shock before. Holly and I made preparations and took all of the advice we could get before coming to Liberia in August. We were warned that “reverse culture shock” would probably be more challenging for us to cope with when we returned to the US. Little did I know that I was going to experience it long before I was supposed to.

About four weeks ago Holly and I had the opportunity to go to Ghana with Ottolee for a week. Although the main reason for our trip was to see a doctor, we were both very excited about getting to spend time in another part of Africa. We arrived Monday evening and spent all day Tuesday at the hospital. Yes, you read that correctly… we were at this hospital just about all day long. This was just the starting point of our frustration. When the day was over it was confirmed that Holly had malaria and I needed to fly back to the US for further medical diagnosis. To put it mildly, it was a day from hell.

Despite some of our frustrations with the hotel staff, it was nice staying in rooms with air conditioning and internet access. The internet access came in handy because Holly and I did not have a working phone in Ghana. I spent the majority of the next few days talking with family on the computer and trying to work out travel arrangements. Unfortunately, booking flights and making travel plans from Africa is not very easy. This was a very tedious process, which fortunately worked out fine. Holly was not feeling very well for the rest of the week, but still journeyed out into the city with us. We both agreed that the week would have been much more fun if it were not for our medical situations. We did however get to go shopping, eat at some neat restaurants, and we even saw a movie at the movie theater in the mall. Yes, there was a MALL and a MOVIE THEATER. Part of our experience in Ghana felt like being back in the US. There were paved roads, traffic lights, tall business buildings, electricity, etc. Ghana is developing country with improving infrastructure, but the poverty is still very noticeable. I like to think that my time in Ghana helped minimize the culture shock some, which may or may not be true.

When we left for Ghana I was trying to be very optimistic. I told myself that everything was going to check out fine with the doctor and I was not going to have to go home. I had prepared myself for good news. The news from the doctor was not bad, but definitely added shake to my optimism. The doctor recommended that I return to the US for further diagnosis. Needless to say, my family was in full agreement. So, I boarded a plane from Ghana that took me to New York City and then on to Orlando.

The culture shock began the moment I got into the car. With air conditioning blowing in my face, country music on the radio, and my dad and brother in the seats next to me, I began to notice the things that I have been missing for the last 6 months. We were driving down a three lane paved road, with traffic lights and signs. There were buildings lining the street with electricity. When I got home that evening I watched TV on a large screen, drank clean water, and went to sleep in a large comfortable bed with air conditioning blowing down on me. In the blink of an eye things were different. I was surrounded by all of these familiar luxuries, but all I could think about was coming back to Liberia.

Yes, there were parts about being home that I really enjoyed… a hot shower, familiar food, hugging friends and family. The problem was, I was not supposed to be home. All of those things will be celebrated in June, when it is time. Although, I still anticipate the culture shock then too. It will be all of the feelings and emotions that I felt a few weeks ago, only I wont have the comfort of turning around and getting on a plane back to Liberia. Not time to think about that yet… we still have 3 more amazing months!!

A Day Touring Monrovia!

On Friday evening, after all the campers had returned home, Olu took the staff out for dinner at Golden Beach. We all headed straight for the beach to play in the ocean and take pictures together. We laughed and reminisced about the wonderful week we had and the memories that were made. For dinner we consumed about seven pizzas, and sat too full to move. This was the first time Alice has had pizza! We all stared, laughed, and took pictures as she tried her first bite. Yes, she liked it!

Holly, Sheik and I took the guys on a site seeing tour on Saturday. We spent the morning walking around the Hotel Africa and the conference center. Hotel Africa was a five star hotel, built in the late 70’s, and was destroyed during the war. We walked in the shell of the building, across rubble, and up broken stairs. We found the elevator shaft, and the remnants of the lobby staircase and fountain. The walls were covered in graffiti, electrical wires hung from the ceilings, and broken tiles covered the floor. Behind the hotel we saw the swimming pool that is in the shape of Africa. There were a bunch of local boys climbing palm trees and eating the coconuts out by the pool. They ended up showing us parts of the hotel and telling us what they knew about the history. Under all the rubble, we could tell that Hotel Africa was a beautiful building before the war.

After a nice lunch we went to the highest point in Monrovia, the Ducor International Hotel. This was also a very nice hotel that was destroyed during the coup in the early 90’s. The view from here was incredible. We could see West Point, Providence Island, the bridge, and most of central Monrovia. It was beautiful! We met a man named Moses, who has been working at the hotel since 1976. He walked us around and described what the hotel used to look like. Unlike Hotel Africa, a lot of the rubble had been cleared away. The UN has people stationed at the hotel because the UNMIL radio broadcast is on the top of the building. My favorite part of the day was meeting Moses, and hearing just a little bit of his story. He even showed us an old brochure from the hotel that he had laminated. It looked like a place that attracted tourist from all over. Moses told us that the government is planning to rebuild Ducor, and that he is excited about being around to see it happen.

We had a lot of fun today, but there were also moments where I saw, smelled, and felt the effects of war. I am constantly amazed at what this country has been through, and what they are doing to rebuild Liberia.

PASSPORTLiberia 2010

We officially kicked off PASSPORTLiberia on Friday, January 8^th with a busy day of training with the Liberian staff. Friday evening Holly and I went to the airport and picked up the four guys who arrived from the US. Josh Brooks, Mike Young, Josh Speight, and Walt Windley, along with all of the luggage, got into Monrovia around 7:00pm. We had dinner at the Royal Hotel and then headed back to campus to sort through camp supplies and make plans for the next day. Saturday was a long, intense day of training with the entire staff. From the moment we all sat down for breakfast there was an amazing staff dynamic. We laugh, sing, play, dance, and work together in a very unique and special way. Sunday morning was spent rehearsing celebrations and worship in the chapel, and setting up bible study rooms. After lunch camp officially started with registration!!

Students were to arrive between 2:00 and 5:00, but in Liberia that means most of them came between 5:00 and 7:00 (or later that night or the next morning). We had the sound system set up on the front steps of the school building and the staff danced and sang as the campers arrived. We assigned each student a bible study group and a dorm room. We put them in a dorm room with people from their bible study group, and encouraged them to spend time getting to know people they wouldn’t normally hang out with at school. The staff agreed this was a great way to help them build and form community.

Campers all gathered in the chapel on Sunday evening for Opening Celebration, a time that is led by the staff to introduce the theme and activities for the week, go over the rules, and get the students excited about camp! We ended the night with Vespers, the first worship service of the week. Josh Brooks led the music and did a fabulous job. Music is a big part of the Liberian culture, and the songs are really engaging and allow the students to express themselves. There are no words to describe the singing that is taking place in Washington Chapel this week. The students sing so loud and have this freedom in their voices that is unexplainable. The voices echo all around campus every time we sing together. Josh Speight gave the sermon about how we are free to be free, and did a fantastic job. We closed the night by singing Amazing Grace. There is no doubt that the presence of God was felt in this moment.

Each day the campers are participating in bible study, missions, and recreation. They stay in their bible study groups for each of these activities. Our mission project is building three incinerators around campus. We have groups building at both the girls and boys dorms, and at the school building. The goal is that the Ricks community will use the incinerators to burn trash. Right now the trash is just thrown in the bushes or put in a pile on the grass. So far the foundation is completed and groups are building up to form the door. It has been exciting to watch the students do something they have never done before. Very few of them have had experience laying bricks. They are learning something new and giving something back to their community.

For recreation the students are learning how to build trust and teamwork. Bible study groups are doing part of a low ropes course each day. It has been a learning experience for the campers to work through frustration and cooperate with their peers. They are beginning to understand that good communication is necessary to complete the tasks before them.

We are at the end of Day 3 and getting ready for worship. Holly is preaching tonight on freeing others from false fences. For the party tonight we will learn the Grand March, which is a traditional Liberian dance done at celebrations. We are all very excited!!

The joy of watching children receive gifts!

Friday, December 18th, was the last day of school and the event that screamed CHRISTMAS! All the students came to school on Friday to receive their box of gifts. This is a special tradition that was started by First Baptist Church Columbus, GA. On the last official day of school every student at Ricks Institute receives a small plastic tub (about the size of a shoe box) full of gifts. It is a day that so many students look forward to from the first day of school.

Elementary students did not technically have school today, but they all came at 7:30am to receive their boxes. It took about 30 minutes for the teachers to get all the boxes sorted and ready for distribution. The children were filled with excitement and anticipation as they watched us pile the boxes outside. When the boxes were ready the students waited patiently for their name to be called.

We began with kindergarten. Each student came to receive their box that was prepared special just for them. Once they received their box they had to wait again. After every elementary student got a box they were given the OK to open them. It was a long wait for those little ones that couldn't wait to see what cool things they had inside. Francis and Ben were trying to sneak peaks of all of their goodies! How cute are they?!?!!

There were lots of fun and useful things in the boxes. There were small toys, t-shirts, toothbrushes and toothpaste, flashlights, umbrellas, band-aids, candy, school supplies, etc. It brought me so much joy to watch these children receive their gifts. They felt so special and loved by people on the other side of the world. Merry Christmas!

A Long Time Gone

Four months seems so long ago and then sometimes it feels like yesterday. So much has happened since we have been here. The back to school jam, UN Day, student body president elections, trip to Bomi County, the Super Cup, senator elections, Ricks Inauguration, Thanksgiving, and exams have all come and gone. Individuals and groups have come to visit Ricks and some have done short-term mission projects around campus and in the community. I have met more people in the last four months than I can count. So much has happened!!

Four months ago the food was too spicy and I thought I was going to have to live on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Now when I eat the “special food” that is prepared for guests that come to Ricks, I miss the peppers. Some would say, “You know you are a Liberian when you prefer your food with peppers.”

Four months ago I couldn’t tell you which of the 15 counties Monrovia was in. Now when Sheik Kamara gives Holly and I a pop quiz on our way into town, there are very few questions that we do not know the answer to. We are definitely not experts, but we have learned so much. For example… If you turned left out of campus you would drive on a nice paved road for several miles. You would pass VOA Junction and Iron Gate. VOA (Voice of America) is a radio station that is broadcasted from this community. Iron Gate was a major checkpoint during the war. This road (Bomi Hills Highway) is he only road that leads to Sierra Leone. The checkpoint is now run by the national police. You will then go under an overpass that is often referred to as the Hotel Africa Junction. The road leads to Hotel Africa, which was one of the few five star hotels before the war. All that is left is the shell of the building. Once you go under the overpass, you will cross is the St. Paul Bridge, which goes over the St. Paul River. That will put you on Bushrod Island. You are now off the paved road. Now it is uneven clay/dirt roads that make for a bumpy drive. You will drive through the St. Paul Community before you reach Duala. The Duala Market is one of the largest markets in Monsarado County. Holly and I do most of our shopping in Duala. Caldwell junction is one of the first major intersections that you will come to in Duala. If you turn left on Caldwell it will take you to New Georgia where we attend church sometimes. The end of Bushrod Island is called Vai Town. Once you go through Vai Town you will come to another bridge. This is called the Gabriel Tucker Bridge (also referred to as the New Bridge) and crosses over Providence Island. Then you are officially in Monrovia! This drive takes about 1 hour because of the road condition and traffic.

Four months ago I had no idea that I was going to love Liberia as much as I do now. I was a little nervous and thought that homesickness would come and go a lot more than it has. Yes, there are still times when I miss little things about home, but in so many ways this place has become home. We are now referred to as the “white Liberians” instead of guests. Four months is a long time gone, but I have a feeling the next six will be over before we know it.

Thanksgiving and Advent!

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone (twice for us). This is the first time that I have been away from home on Thanksgiving, and it was a little weird. November 26^th was just a normal school day here in Liberia. Holly and I had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for our big Thanksgiving meal. I definitely missed turkey and dressing! Although the day was not full of good food and family, it was still a time when I was reminded of how thankful I am.

I called my family on Thursday afternoon and talked to everyone as they passed the phone around. After nine conversations and being on the phone for over an hour, I was exhausted. However, I loved that I was able to catch up with each of them and it made being away a little easier. I am so thankful for my entire family and their constant love and encouragement,

I also received several emails from friends last week. I even talked to some of them on the phone! I got a wedding update from Brooke, and heard all about her big day. I talked to Holly and heard her engagement story and the beginning stages of wedding plans. These conversations helped me feel connected to some of the things I am missing. I received countless emails from friends just thinking of me on the other side of the ocean. This was so encouraging! I am very thankful for my friends, who have continued to support me throughout this experience.

I have something new to be thankful for this year… my new friends and students here at Ricks Institute! On Monday we went to dinner with the girls on the basketball team. It was so nice to fellowship with the girls outside of practice. The night just added to the bond that our team already has. Check out the pictures! I wish you could all meet my new friends and see how wonderful this place is. I am constantly inspired by their stories, challenged by their perseverance, and motivated by their willingness to learn. These relationships are changing my life. I am so thankful for these people and what they are teaching me. I feel blessed to call them friends!

I learned something about myself in the last few weeks. I realized that sometimes I get so caught up in what is next and lose sight of what is right in front of me. There are already things about coming home that I am very excited about. I am looking forward to seeing my friends and family that I miss so much. I am pumped about going to the beach for vacation this summer. I can’t wait to move back to Birmingham, and hopefully get a job teaching again. I am looking forward to going back to school and pursuing what God is calling me to next. With all of this said, you can tell that there is a lot of planning and details involved. If you know me well, you know that I am a huge planner and tend to be very detail oriented. Sometimes I like this about myself and other times I do not. Although there are things about returning home that I am very excited about and have begun planning, there are things here that are just as exciting. Holly and I have been in Liberia for 105 days. In the blink of an eye 1/3 of our time here is gone. This has given me some perspective, and made me realize how much I will miss this place and these people when we leave. So much is happening here and it is passing by so quickly. I am making a point this Advent season to take advantage of today, even with the plans of tomorrow in my head. I am trying to focus on the here and now by being still and resting in the presence of God.

The other day I caught myself saying, “it sure doesn’t feel like it’s almost Christmas.” The more that I thought about this, the more it frustrated me. What is Christmas supposed to feel like? During this time of the year I imagine cold weather, lots of Christmas shopping, presents, Christmas movies, Christmas music, parades, parties, Christmas tress, decorated houses, family gatherings, and Santa Claus. Wow… that is a whole lot of stuff. I realized that I relate Christmas to all of these things, and that bothered me. For the first time I don’t have all of these things, and this time of the year seems different. I am SO thankful for this. I needed a wake up call, and a reminder of what Christmas is all about. This year I have decided to approach this Advent season in a whole new way. Yes, part of it is because I am forced to, but it is also because I want to. As I anticipate the coming of Christ, I will look for the presence of Christ in the world around me right now.