The Many Sounds At Ricks...

If you came to Ricks, you would hear roosters crowing every morning before the sun rises. Our first week here, we were startled and somewhat agitated by this loud noise coming from right outside our window. Now it is a friendly reminder that a new day is beginning!

If you came to Ricks, you would hear thousands of crickets chirping when it gets dark outside. One of the things I like about not having air conditioning is that we leave our windows open at night. Unfortunately this leads to lots of little critters (lizards, wasp, spiders, mosquitoes, dragonflies, moths, gnats, and many more) that sneak in through our broken screens and windowpanes. Surprisingly, we have actually gotten used to it. It really is so peaceful to go to sleep with the sounds of nature right outside the windows.

If you came to Ricks, you would hear the sounds of bells during the day. A small hand bell during the school day indicates the ending of one period, and the beginning of a new one. There is a large bell, near the dining hall, that is pulled by a rope to let the boarding students know when the meals are ready.

If you came to Ricks, you would hear a chorus of frogs in the puddles after it rains. We are greeted by these sounds every morning on our way to school, and sometimes in the evening. They are so loud! Occasionally we will even see one jump from behind the tall grass into the puddle.

If you came to Ricks, you would hear the sounds of car horns echoing from the main road in front of the school. This was a sound that took some getting used to. Everyone seems to do it. It is common courtesy, and would be rude not to. When we ride into town with people, they honk to say hello, to let a car know we are passing, or to inform people to get out of the way. There may even be 10 horns honking at one time. If someone honks, someone else will more than likely honk back.

If you came to Ricks, you would hear lots of music. Every school day you would hear the singing of the school ode, the national anthem, hymns or praise and worship songs. On Sundays, you would hear hymns being sung at church, in the school building. You would hear members of the community singing as they walk across campus. You would hear the Ricks choir practicing. You might even hear the occasional song on the radio, someone’s ipod or walkman.

My favorite sound that I hear everyday at Ricks, is the sound of laughter, encouragement, and friendly conversations. The laughter is contagious! The encouragement is inspiring, and gives me renewal every day! The friendly conversations never cease to amaze me, and because of them, relationships are being formed!

I strongly believe that I hear God every day through these sounds. I have never experienced God in this way before. I wish you could come to Ricks and hear what I hear every day!

Basketball!

After a long, exhausting, and exciting week, I am very glad the weekend is here! Basketball practice started this week, with conditioning on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at 5:00am. Holly and I met the girls at the dorm, and we began by running a lap around the school in 2 lines. Holly is teaching the girls how to pace themselves, so that they can build up their endurance. We are hoping to increase the length of the run every few weeks. After we run, the girls run the stairs at the school building about 5 times. Holly is leading the morning conditioning practices, to help the girls learn proper ways to exercise. After the stairs, they do several sets of sit-ups and push-ups. We are trying to teach them the proper form, so that they can do them correctly. When we finish with strength training, we run a longer lap around campus, back to the dorm. This conditioning time is becoming very beneficial to the girls, and is also giving Holly and I the chance to exercise some. Aside from morning practice, we are practicing every afternoon at 2:00pm (if it doesn't rain) on the outdoor court. I lead the afternoon practices, that consist of skill training, drills, and scrimmages. My hope is that we will be able to teach them the rules, and the proper technique. They are already very aggressive, and have a drive to win! I really want to instill the importance of teamwork and discipline, things they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

We are trying to get ready for the Super Cup Tournament in 3 weeks, where we will compete against 3 other schools. This tournament is like an extension of last season. So, only the girls that were on the team last year are allowed to play in the tournament. The new girls will still come to the games for support, but cannot officially play on the team until this season starts. The four teams in the tournament are the teams that made it to the finals. The Super Cup establishes a winner for the 2008-2009 basketball season. Although it sounds more like a pre-season tournament, it is not. The 2009-2010 basketball season will start after the tournament.

Tonight we are having a movie night for the team! We are going to watch Love and Basketball in the auditorium at 6:45pm. The girls are SO excited about this! When we told them at practice, they started jumping up and down and running around the court. It was so fun for Holly and I to see their faces. The boarding students usually have a movie night on Saturday, but it costs money. The fact that we are doing this for free, and bringing snacks and soda, is a HUGE deal! It will also be a really good bonding opportunity for all of us.

"God is good all the time, and all the time God is good"

These words became my strength yesterday.

This is a very common phrase here. The worship leader or speaker says, "God is good!" and the congregations responds, "all the time!" Then he/she says, "and all the time" and the congregation responds, "God is good!"

If you have read my earlier blog posts, you will remember that there was a death in the Rick's community early this week. A tenth grade girl died early Tuesday morning, from what they claim to be chicken pox. Yesterday Holly and I, along with many faculty members and students, attended Joann's funeral. As we arrived at her house, Olu told Holly and I, "you are going to have to be strong today." It was not until the events of the day were over, when I understood why he said this. I have never in my life experienced something like this. Yes, I have been to funerals, but this was unlike any funeral I have ever been to. I have never seen so many emotions in one room before.

When we arrived to the home of Joann's family, there were screams, moans, and sobs coming from all directions. It was so loud, and I began to feel a little uncomfortable. I didn't know what to do. I felt awkward and out of place. People were falling over, being held by friends, and yelling to God and Joann. The reality began to hit many of the students, and tears began to flow heavily. We entered the house, and went to a room where Joann's lifeless body was in a casket. This was only the second time in my life that I have witnessed a viewing. Both times it was someone 21 years old. I kept telling myself, "be strong."

We walked into the church that was directly behind the house. Rev. Teba (a Bible teacher at Rick's) led the service. The Rick's choir sang beautiful hymns... Blessed Assurance, It is Well, etc. I sat on the second row. Holly was on my right, and a student (on the girls basketball team) on my left. The sobs began to grow, as the casket was brought into the church. People were falling on the ground in front of Joann's body, unable to accept the fact that she had died. As the student next to me put her head in my lap and began to weep, my strength began to dwindle. The tears that I had been holding back, began to fall down my cheeks uncontrollably. As I embraced her, I kept saying the words in my head that Rev. Teba spoke, "God is good."

The church was packed with people. The choir sat to the far left, we were in the middle, and the fathers side of the family sat to our right, along with friends. The mothers side of the family sat up in the front corner of the church. You could feel the tension in the room between both sides of the family. During a time when you would think two families would come together, they were only torn more apart. It was so sad to see how much they disliked each other and put blame on one another for this tragedy.

The service consisted of hymns, scripture, and tributes by family and friends. Artificial flowers were laid on her casket. When the service was over, we got back in the vans and drove to the cemetery. It was pretty far away, and we got lost several times. We eventually got to this old, beautiful church, and got out of the vehicles. We walked down a path to the cemetery. Several Rick's students carried the casket back to the grave, as people began to sing.

Rev. Menjay led us in a prayer and the benediction. He encouraged family and friends to leave in peace with one another. People left as the casket was being placed in the grave. We loaded back in the vans, and the tears slowly began to go away. Silence was broken with laughter. The drive was long and bumpy, but there was a peace knowing that Joann was home. "God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!" Although it is hard and sometimes we don't understand, we can rest in the fact that God is good!

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."

Computers!

The brand new Mac computers are officially up and running! My class was the first group of elementary students to use the computers yesterday! For some of them, this was their first time to ever use a computer. I am sure you can imagine their faces when they sat down and looked at that huge monitor. It took about 15 minutes for them to learn how to use the mouse, but then they got the hang of it. Earlier in the week I introduced a math game called Fact Dash. We came into the library and played it as a class from my computer, using the projector. Yesterday they got to play it on their own. We were short on time, so only half of them were able to finish. The rest of them will finish early next week. This game was also a great way for me to assess them on their addition. I was so impressed with how well they did. I can't wait to use the computers for more fun projects this year!!

Mamba Point Hotel!

Last night we went to dinner with Olu and Ottolee at the Mamba Point Hotel. This hotel was where most journalist stayed during the war. It is also where Olu and Otttolee got engaged, and spent the night after their wedding. The hotel is located very close to the US Embassy. Many Americans stay here when they come on business trips. The restaurant was very nice, and even included a sushi bar. There was seating inside, but we opted for the patio that overlooked the ocean. The cool breeze made the temperature just right. The menu was about 10 pages long, and had everything from Chinese food to pizza. After eating a lot of rice and beans the last 4 weeks, I was really excited about having something different. So, guess what I got? A big fat hamburger, with bacon and cheese!! It was delicious, and also came with french fries and union rings. It was a little taste of home!

The best part about dinner was our time and conversation with Olu and Ottolee. We talked about our experience in Liberia and at Rick's thus far. Holly and I were able to share some of the joys and frustrations. Olu gave us lots of feedback, which was very helpful.

We talked about the student who passed away on Tuesday. Holly and I didn't realize that she was a student this year, and went home sick last week. I don't think anyone realized the severity of the situation, and there are still many detail that remain unknown. I believe the funeral service is on Saturday, and many of the students and teacher will attend.

We also learned a little more about Liberian history, which is always very interesting. Every time we are in Monrovia, we are introduced to new places and experience different things. This country has such a rich history, and as we were driving last night, I saw more of the beauty.

Our time with the Menjay's is always a lot of fun! I am enjoying getting to know them (and their adorable children!!), and beginning a friendship that I know will last for years to come.

The Question "WHY?"

Even into my adulthood, I find myself asking this question... Why?

On Wednesday evening I started getting a cold, and got really congested. For the next four days I was all stopped up, and taking medicine. Holly probably wanted to throw something at me when I was sleeping because I was breathing so loud. What became annoying were the nose bleeds. I was having 3 to 4 a day. Why? I wish I knew. Yesterday it started gushing while I was teaching. It was a moment of frustration and embarrassment. Fortunately, I have not had one since.

This morning, during the school wide assembly, Olu made an announcement that was absolutely heartbreaking. Last year there was a 20 year old, 9th grade student that got chicken pox. She became very ill, and eventually had to be hospitalized. Her health became a problem, and she was no longer able to go to school. Olu told us that this student had remained in Liberia during the civil war, and lived in a small village. She was separated from her father. When the war was over, she reconnected with her father and brother who are now in the US. Her mom passed away shortly after. Olu announced this morning that she was at home on Sunday, and seemed to be doing fine. She was cooking and cleaning, just like normal. Yesterday she was re-admitted to the hospital where she passed away. As the words came out of Olu's mouth, the room fell silent. I felt like my breath was taken away. You could just feel the grief in the room. I could tell from Olu's face and voice how hard it was to tell everyone. Tears built up in my eyes, as that question kept popping into my mind. Why? It is another question that I will never have all the answers to. Chickenpox? I had chickenpox, my brothers had chickenpox, my friends had chickenpox... I don't know all the details, or the actual cause of death. There could be more to her situation than we were told. But I had so many thoughts running through my head. I remember when I heard about malaria for the first time. I did not really know what it was, and had certainly never had it before. I was told how cheap it was to cure malaria and that it was kind of like having the flu, but yet I was hearing stories of children in Africa who were dying from it every day. I kept asking "why?" Today it was not malaria. It was chickenpox. I know what it is like to have chickenpox, but I also know what it is like to watch them go away. Why did this girl not have the resources to get better? I wish I had the answers. I am beginning to see the direct effects that war and poverty can have on people. Is the question "Why can't we help?" or "Why don't we?"

On a more positive note... I had three students stay after school today for me to help them with their homework!! This is a HUGE deal!! I have been telling my students over and over again to please see me during recess or after school if they need help. Several of the students never turn in homework, and it is really hurting their grade. I have realized that some of the students never do their homework because there is never anyone at home to help them. Some of them don't have the time or the resources to do it at home. So... I have made myself available during recess and after school. I was talking to the first grade teacher about this, and she said they will never come during their free time. I asked, "Why?" She said, "because they don't want to spend the extra time in the classroom." I have been determined to motivate and encourage them to come. This afternoon, as I was packing up my things, one little boy in my class came up to me and asked if I would help him with his homework. I almost started jumping up and down. I sat down with him and we did it together. There were about 10 children watching from the window. Some of them even came in the room to see what we were doing. After we finished, I was locking my door, and two more boys in my class came up to me. They asked if I would help them too. I unlocked the door and we went back in the room. I was sooo excited! They each left with a big smile on their faces and thanked me on their way out the door. The really exciting part is... this is the first homework assignment that two of the boys have ever turned in this year. As I was leaving, I went by the first grade teachers room and told her. She was shocked, and asked me what I said to get them to stay and ask for help! It didn't take much... They just needed an extra push. I was so glad that the day ended on such a positive note.

Another little piece of my heart!

How can this little face not make your heart melt? I see faces like this one countless times every day. On this particular day, I was sitting underneath the porch of the clinic on campus. It was pouring down rain. I decided just to sit down and wait a little while for the rain to let up some. Four little girls ran over to me, soaking wet. This little girl just clung to my side. They were laughing, and smiling from ear to ear. We sang songs, and talked about school. The girls were all fascinated with my hair. The four of them divided my hair into 4 sections and played with it for about an hour. I just sat there as they all pulled in opposite directions, my head moving from side to side. I told them a number of times to be easy or that all my hair would fall out. In response to that, the little girl in the picture above said, "no, your hair is plenty". I laughed. As much as it began to hurt, I couldn't make them stop. Their giggles somehow made the hair falling out my head not feel so bad, haha. After my hair was in about 8 braids and ultimately one big knot, they decided they were finished. They sat down next to me and became very intrigued with my camera. They loved seeing themselves on the screen, after I took their picture. It has been the moments like these that have really left an imprint on my heart. 

Telling stories, taking pictures, a small piece of candy, playing with my hair, singing songs, coloring, using a computer, reading a book, a hug... These things light up their world. It is the joy in the children's faces that completely leaves me speechless. Even with so little, they are so happy. It doesn't take the newest Vera Bradley bag, Wii game, or name-brand clothes to make them happy. Some of these children wear shoes that are 4 sizes too small and clothes that are torn, but they are happy! This happiness is something that is hard for most of us to understand. It is not based on money or material possessions. Most of these children don't have a lot of either one of those. It is based off relationships, individual attention, and LOVE. And it is so REAL! The spirit of the children is so contagious. It is so genuine and authentic. Every time I hold them, play with them, teach them, sing with them, and talk with them, they take another little piece of my heart!