A Fortnight

In a "fortnight" I'll get to find out whether or not Liberians use that term.  Today, I ponder a few things as I prepare for these last two weeks.  I just finished writing a very long post only to "preview" it before saving it, thus losing all that work.  That was disappointing.  Another disappointment was that I didn't get to speak at a ladies luncheon today since the place they were having it cancelled due to weather. Is it OK to be disappointed when you believe that EVERYTHING is filtered thought the fingers of a loving and sovereign God?  I think He understands.

All this unusual weather we have experienced, however, has reminded me to pray about the weather on February 19.  Once we missed a flight going to South Africa due to thunderstorms, but this would be worse.  THIS PARTICULAR FLIGHT only flies ONCE a WEEK!

Another interesting development:  Barry and I have thought we understood varying cultural differences enough to prepare for the visa application, but we've found we didn't understand it so well, after all.  Almost a month ago I sent by Fed Ex all the documents that I thought were required only to later find out that checks or credit cards were not accepted for payment for the visa, only money orders.  I took care of that, thinking once again I had fulfilled all the requirements.

Today, concerned that I hadn't gotten my visa with only "a fortnight" to go, I called the embassy.  This time I learned that they need my ACTUAL passport (not the copy I had provided).  So I have now express mailed that.  Hopefully, by mid week, I will have the visa as well as my passport in hand!  That's my prayer.

A topic I've discussed for over a year with 5 friends who live in various countries in Africa is the issue women's concerns.   I have just finished reading This Child Will Be Great,  by the President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.  It was an excellent book that also shed light on this topic of women's issues.  She credits the women of Liberia as being the force behind her being elected.

Another very good book I've begun since finishing that one is The House at Sugar Beach.   It's an autobiography telling about the Congo People of Liberia  ( or Americo-Liberians).  

I've kind of put my syllabi away for a while, studying in more informal ways like this.  I think it's important to understand the people, their history,  their dreams and desires before you decide how you might facilitate their learning.

So, will this be the last post before I'm actually in Liberia? maybe! The downside of announcing your plans to go on a trip like this 4 months before you leave is that some begin to ask you how your trip WAS when you still have a "fortnight" until you leave! (That happened to me yesterday.)

  Please don't abandon me now.  I will need to hear from you.  If you want private posts, you can still email me at vvickery@gmail.com.

I hope each of you have a good fortnight! Bye for now.