Musings with the News

I'm not usually a pessimistic person, but lack of interaction with people coupled with being ready to see all of you COULD play on my mind this weekend.  Today, I "wince" at the words I've just highlighted.  Boy, emotions are fickle!  What was I thinking"pessimistic"?  A junior student today asked me to help him with a tutoring class tomorrow of community children he is helping with.  I'm excited for this opportunity. Becky and my 2 roommates have decided to stay in Monrovia until Sunday, so my quiet house continues.  I've finished teaching until test time Monday afternoon.  I'd love to have time for souvenir shopping, but then that's kind of a funny thought since there are so few souvenirs to be found.  Why am I surprised when I can't even find cabbages? ha!


Tomorrow a man who is a student here but I haven't taught is coming to my office at 10 A.M.He didn't come, so maybe I was wrong.  I "suspect" that he wants to tell me about his ministry, his project, his hardships.  I've had these conversations from time to time with others like that.  It's been interesting what has grabbed my heart and what hasn't.  I'm not really sure whether or not it's the speaker's ability or inability to articulate the needs or it is The Holy Spirit moving me towards one and away from another.


I am moved towards the evangelistic endeavor Eleazar and the students are carrying on with Ivorian refugees.  I think you know of my heart being pulled for the Betty Jonah orphans.  Then there's Eleazar's church  and Ruth's work  with the women both in Ganta.


Some of this could tie in with EAFC, but some of it will be "real indirect".  There was a time when all I would have talked about was EAFC's needs.  I STILL BELIEVE that the philosophy of ministry of EAFC is the healthiest I've seen.  And once again, in Liberia, I'm finding leaders here ENTHUSIASTIC about what we do and really wanting to work with us.  That's very satisfying!


But it'll be a long time if ever before the orphans at Betty Jonah's would need EAFC.  Let's pray that SOME OF THEM WILL!!!!!!


Now, I think I'll share a few of today's speeches with you.Speeches are now graded! yeah!  You're hearing so much from me BECAUSE I can't go for that MUCH NEEDED WALK.  A STRONG, WINDY THUNDERSTORM swept in just as class ended at 6, and before long it will be very dark here.

Annie's daughter is going to be one of the models in the Sankofa Fashion Show in May.
She's beautiful and very skinny.  Annie talked today about the need to have "free" education in Liberia.

Evelyn is from Ghana.  She IS one of the models in May.
But her speech topic today was on how much more important inner
beauty is.  I'm curious what the men in the class thought about it.

Leeneh was by far the best speaker in the class.  She didn't use a note,
and passionately talked about the dangers of smoking cigarettes and their
damage to families and the society.  You couldn't help
but be entertained the way she delivered her speech.
She's come out slower than lots of them, but
it's really been fun to get to know her.
(Boye-Nelson is her brother.)

Thanks for your prayers and interest.  You keep me going!

Mixing Experiences with Other Kinds of Learning

Last night the staff met at "my house for a few more days", house #2 for Bible Study and prayer.  I found out on Tuesday that I was to give the devotional thought.  All I knew to do was tell them what I've been pondering in my time alone with God, unconditional love versus the needy kind that we humans give. Tim  Keller says we need love like we need air and water.  That's a lot of need, isn't it? 


Keller's book King's Cross  handles the subject in a way that helps me.  He quotes from an out of print book by William Vanstone in chapter 8 that made me want to try to find a copy of that book..


I wonder too how I've found time to read two books while I've been here.  It makes me wonder what I do at home that 'steals reading time".  Surely, I am better off from reading John Piper's latest book, going to a staff/student Bible study reading Steve Fry's book and now focusing on the book of Mark with Tim Keller's book, than activities like the evening news or even so many movies.  Now, I guess I haven't gotten as much physical exercise as I would have at home, and I DO miss having my exercise buddies.


I've also missed chatting time with Barry, but I think you get my point, that even in the "down time" differences, I am being challenged to rethink their use.


Anyone got ideas to help me as I assimilate back into "our world"?

Making Introductions

I'd like to introduce you to my friend, Ruth.  Yesterday she came
to my house for lunch.  Here she is working in the college business office.
I've written the story she told me.  Hummm?  Do I post it?  It is about 4 pages!

Remember George and Jutonue?  Father and son I wrote about the other day?
This is the son, giving his persuasive speech yesterday which with the outline counts 17.5 percent
of his grade.  

I'd like you to meet Boye-Nelson.  You've heard his name before when
I wrote about the bus ride from Monrovia on Sunday.
He brought down the house with his speech yesterday, persuading his classmates
to write the administration their concerns about so many of "us" short term professors.
I videoed a part of it, but alas, I'm not good at uploading, YET.

On Contentment, chapter 22

More from Fry's book
"If we go a step further and ask God for a sense of his presence in our place of need, feeling that the only way we can be content is to know he's there, then are we not being ruled by our senses?"....... 


"contentment based on these other things suggests a submission to God for what he does; peace, on the other hand, is the evidence that we're submitted because of who he is.".......


"The rule of peace begins when we no longer want answers, but want only God."


"The journey is the destination," 'which means that the character that is built in the process of growing is itself the most important goal."...........


"it is when fear becomes a stranger to you and pride an enemy.  It is only as you tiptoe on ledges so precarious on either side----- impossible circumstances on one side and the sometimes silence of God on the other---that you learn wisdom, enjoy the miracle of divine peace, and ultimately are able to feast at a table prepared for you in the presence of enemies."

Next Wednesday and Thursday I'm treating my students to chocolate chip cookies, thanks to my last housemate, Vicki, giving me "the treat" idea, and Barry sending over the chocolate chips with Peggy.


See why everything feels like it's in FAST MOTION now.  Barry and I are talking about plans we'll share TOGETHER.  I DO want to return home different!  but different in a way that draws people to Jesus, not to noticing my difference.  Now, that IS a God-sized project, the new revelation I discovered as I began to prepare for the journey I am about to complete. 

Webcast, Not Last Night

Samaritan's Purse webcast was "live" at 11:30 P.M. in Liberia, at a much more decent hour in the U.S. but you wouldn't  believe how many of us were up then to TRY to watch it.  Our college president was going to be interviewed, and we'd get to see the SP description of last week's rededication of this campus.  But it wasn't to be here.  Maybe some of you saw it and can tell us what it was like.  The internet had been unsettled earlier in the evening as I talked with Barry, so it doesn't surprise me that it happened.

Last Tuesday as preparations were being made for the Dedication
that would take place the next day  (taken as Peggy
and I went for a walk in this beautiful world)

First time I'd seen goats grazing as we took our walk that day.

This morning we had Small Group with faculty and students that took the place of chapel.  We're going through Steve Fry's book  I Am, The Unveiling of God.
Here's a couple of lines from that book that stood out to me.
"It is when we face our seasons of discontent that we discover what rules us."....."if the only way we can be content is to get answers, then are we not being rules by knowledge?"

Oh, there's more I might quote in another post.  I was in a pondering mood as I began this pilgrimage, and I see myself returning to that state of mind .  I may even keep this blog going a few weeks after I get home as I de-brief, process the journey back into the world that was and is to be.  Boy, are these two worlds different!  ......... and yet the same.





Ruth, a 53 year old 3rd year student, is coming to lunch today.  I have baked a chicken.  Jamaima is preparing WHITE rice (something I personally have eaten very little of if I have had a choice.)  I've had BROWN rice instead, but I figure my guest will like the white variety.  We have fresh avocados that I put a little garlic powder and Italian dressing on.  Different?  yes, to us, but I'm learning contentment, which is the chapter we focused on this morning.  I hope Ruth will tell me "her story".  We've talked a little about it before so she knows that is why we're having lunch.  I imagine that she has a rich story to tell.  I hope I can do it justice, and that each of you reading this will also benefit from hearing a godly Liberian woman tell her story.

Talking With My Fingers

At 6:15 P.M, I'm eating potato logs and asparagus I got frozen in Monrovia.  (yes, I cooked it first.ha!)  May not sound gourmet, but my eyes gravitate to anything green.  I've asked for cucumbers, cabbage and garlic that I can usually get here in Yekepa, but alas, not this week.  I did buy 30 more eggs;  that's the quantity I have to buy.  Thankfully, Hannah and Stephanie like eggs too, for I imagine that they'll be eating these long after I'm gone.  It rained on the tin roof classroom while class was going on this afternoon.  Now, that's challenging anytime, but today, the only advantage I saw to it was that the air is now nice and cool.


Why did it make such a difference today?  Well, I taught from 8-11 this morning, talking constantly as I helped PR students understand how to give me work that would be acceptable/ yes, they are just like us all, waiting to the last minute to begin projects they knew were due on the first day of class.


Then I came home to eat a bite and GRADE papers.  I like to have FAST turn around with their work so that the learning can be reinforced and hopefully, they'll be motivated to keep working on projects still to finish.  From 1-3 I had a STEADY STREAM of students in my office, going over their outlines which all needed major revision.

From 3-6 I taught AGAIN.  So, now you see why my voice was SHOT by the time the rains came.  My fingers, however, still work, and I enjoy chatting with my friends this way. 

 I still have to pinch myself in realizing how SHORT I am for this place.  I'm almost looking around again for the very first time, savoring the discussions, the smiles, the lively discussions, the scenery and yes, even letting the tears absorb in my soul.

This afternoon one of my girls shed tears.  I'd just recently learned about the significant struggles she and her husband have experienced regarding housing.  I've reached out to her before but with 35 others, it's hard to keep reaching out when she didn't make the initiative.  I DO care about the "girls", the "women" who to just BE HERE is HUGE.  But how do I in 7 weeks shrink the gap?  
Could I have prayed more? You bet I could!
Could  I have been more available?  probably not, but with more prayer, I might have been wiser and more creative.


I DO CARE, and I think they know that.  Some are realizing that the lack of efforts are really going to affect the outcome of their grades.  They're appealing for extra credit, for bonus points, grabbing at anything.  The Administration has been very plain about my holding up the standards.  This isn't easy.  Can you tell?

George and Jutonue

I recognize George by his hat. When we were introduced, I was told he is the night guard. I think he "wears" many other hats though besides the straw, flat brimmed one I recognize.   Jutonue is his son that I have the privilege of teaching. He's an interesting young man, loves the game of soccer. For a while I wondered what his love had to do with a college education. But the more I get to know him, I see that he like his Dad has a lot more to him than soccer.

The other day I told my students go dress professionally for the field trips. Remember, I spoke of this in a previous posts. Well, Jutonue "tested" me. I won't describe his dress, but let's just say he stood out. When I asked him about it, he said he didn't have long pants. Several days later I found out that this wasn't the case when I saw him very appropriately dressed at the Dedication.  I playfully pointed it out to him. He got the point, smiling broadly when I commented.

Imagine how delighted I was when he made a good grade on his mid-term.  As I was coming in tonight from my walk, I ran into George leaving campus. I told him I was proud of his son. He came over to me to tell me how he appreciated the "pants" episode. I wonder how he'd heard. He told me to keep his feet to the fire, and insist he look professional.

I think I will.

Thank You, Father for Sleep

I fought going to bed until 8:45 last night, but I must have needed it..  I feel SO much better this morning.   How thankful I am for the GIFT of sleep, and for the nourishment it is to my body.  This morning I've been able to grade all the mid- term tests for 36 students.  I've even got a list of their approximate standing in the class so that they can know what it will take to get the final grade they want.  As I began to plan, it suddenly dawned on me that I am planning classes for THIS WEEK and NEXT WEEK.  That is it! 


Can you believe you have stuck with these posts for FIVE of the SEVEN weeks now?   Please pray that I finish well! (There is LOTS of grading to be done in these two weeks.)  Someone asked what is required for the students' finishing well.  Some of them still need lots of help with critical thinking, following directions and writing organized outlines.  Others are improving listening skills. All of them need to make sure that they stay on top of reading assignments in the text.  I really do have some excellent students who would do well in any classroom setting you placed them in, but others need lots of  extra help.  It's not hard to want to help them when you realize their background and how much they have been deprived of educational opportunities over the past 14 years. It's amazing what they all know when you realize how little lab equipment, or even textbooks are generally available. 


  I'll be giving notes today on ways to motivate your audience and how to use visual aids effectively.  That's about all the time that is left when you consider how much time it will take to listen to 36 persuasive speeches and give the final exams.


There are 13 of the 36 students that I teach in Public Relations.  They have a final project that takes the place of an exam.  It's BIG, and they don't have a background in thinking big.  I find the task of guiding them in doing quality work daunting.  I've seen what's out there in "the professional world of Liberia" and what I've seen isn't too good.  I want my students to be able rise above that level.

So, Did I Frame It?

Bus took us with less than 15 passengers, all Dedication Week visitors
but bus came back with 29 students and 2 professors.

VIP table with President and VP of the Country attending Festival

Friday night arriving at Samuel K Doe Stadium for Franklin Graham Festival

Did I frame the "bus" story so that the only conclusion you could come to was how relieved I am to be "home?"  or was it just descriptive of my day? I was reminded several times to do all things without murmuring or complaining.  That includes the times when your legs feel like that are folded into your chest, your back hurts, your stomach growls, and your head hits the window when you try to nap.

VP sees again some of us he'd met at Dedication.  He's such a nice, humble man.

The Bus Ride

Priscillia is a freshman and was chosen to
be a model for the Sankofa Fashion
Show in May

In class I've taught my students that "Framing" is writing or showing a journalistic piece in such a way as to guide the viewer/ reader to reach certain conclusions. What follows is my description of an interesting bus ride.  Let's see if I have "framed it for you."


It all began at 7:45 this morning.  I was told that those who came late wouldn't get a ride.  Little did we know that the bus driver would be one of those that barely sweeked by.  Nelson is a fine young man and a good driver.  I can see why he is trusted with such a huge responsibility as getting 30 people safely back to Yekepa.  It's about a 200 mile journey.  We arrived at 3:30 P.M.  Does that describe the terrain we covered?

A cacophony of sound was my constant companion throughout the day.  Since I was sitting in the front of the bus, I assumed that everyone behind me was talking at the same time. (topped off with the radio being played too.)  Imagine how surprised I was when I looked back to see most of the seat occupants quietly sitting in their seats.  Those who were talking were "lively"!  ....... and they were all the way in the back! 


I heard Nelson being given instructions as we left, but I only caught a few of them.  As the day progressed, the pre- trip directions became very clear.  We stopped on the side of the road for "our bathroom" stop about 2 hours into the trip.  I seemed to be the only female needing to use the "facilities", but Priscillia, my seat mate directed me to a "semi-private spot".  


About 2 hours after this, some students began to playfully talk about not wanting to fast today.  At first Nelson smiled at their comments which I mostly missed due to the need I still have in understanding their dialect.  But as the day continued and there were no more stops, the discussions got livelier and with passionate.  Not knowing whether or not I was reading the body language right, I asked one or two of "my students" whether or not those talking to Nelson were really angry.  They confirmed that body language here is consistent with what I'd expect at home.  At our only other stop about 1 1/2 hours from our destination, one student called the college president to say that what they'd experienced was inhuman.  Others were fussing at the driver.  I casually commented to one of mine who was deep into the discussion that "if you keep this up, you'll die young."


He said nothing to me until I was let off at House #2, and he got off the bus too.  He wanted to talk with me about my comment.  He'd not taken it as a reference to his blood pressure being raised over something he had no control over, and my attempt to make this situation "lighter".  He took me seriously.  I am SO glad that he had the courage to confront me.  I wouldn't want to hurt any of them for anything, and I DO see how I used words carelessly.  I will try to learn from the experience.


There was a Liberian "prof" riding in the seat in front of me.  I whispered to him at one point as to whether or not the time had come to redirect the conversation and to wait to take out grievances with the proper persons.  He did that, and it seemed to help the situation.

lunch at a lebanese Restaurant in Monrovia

Scenes from the balcony from my hotel room in Monrovia

Festival tonight

Franklin Graham's Festival goes one more night, but tonight was my last one to attend. Reactions? Well, there were some good performers, but I must admit I wouldn't have known most of them were singing songs about Jesus! Dr. Graham preached on Luke 15, Prodigal Son. When he finished, they did sing "Just as I Am" which I could relate to. Also hundreds of people literally RAN forward. I have never seen such before. It was a touching sight.

It was an extremely HOT two and a half hours which I can't imagine Americans enduring, so I realized that what we think is intolerable varies drastically with people and cultures. The Liberian VP and his wife were back again. Mrs.a Boakai was in intercessory prayer last night and tonight, she went forward as one of the counsellors.

One more observation: I believe that even in Liberia, that a sports event would have attracted lots more people than came the 2 nights I was there. I don't think I'm through meditating on my impressions, but I've shared with you my first impressions.

Tomorrow Del and Becky, Jack and Nelle will have breakfast with Franklin Graham. I'll let you know what I find out about that event.
Next post I'll try to include pictures.

Friday night' Recap

No Internet through The Golden Key Hotel in Monrovia though they advertise that they do. ( I take that back; we just didn't have the password, which is different on each floor of the hotel) No stopper for the bathtub though the bathroom is more elegant than I have seen in a while. Today it took the projected 8 hours to make it in the bus from Yekepa to Monrovia. But you know what, it really wasn't bad. The A.C. worked great. I could take a nap and when I woke, there was stimulating conversation with those who traveled together like talking about worship with Palmer Robertson and Peter Siaway, or learning about Allen Thomas, freshman student who rode with us. He'd given up his sets yesterday on the student bus to a lady who wanted to go early. Then there was fun and funny conversations with Laurel and Peggy.

Oh, my, it's fun to be in a hotel. All the group besides Del and Becky and Peggy and I are at the ABCU guesthouse. I am so glad there was not room for everyone. I didn't know how much I would enjoy a.c., big clean room, restaurant food, few people, laughter with friends, and a chance to unwind.

We had to be at the "Festival" at 6 since we thought Del was on program. He wasn't, but we got to see the whole thing anyway. What a difference between generations, and. cultures. The last time I went to a Billy Graham Crusade, I was in the7th or 8th grade. It was a fabulous experience that I will always thank Daddy for taking us to. Now Billy Graham's son is working the world.

There were similarities to the event of years ago, but what struck me as not just the change in the music which was significant was when the people came forward they literally ran.

I got to SEE Her Excellency, The President of Liberia, dressed in head to toe in green, seated not far from where our group sat. The Vice President who we met on Wednesday at our dedication waved at me. That was fun. We also spoke with Edith, the Superintendent of Nimba County tonight. She's been so helpful in going to bat for Amani, when there was a question whether or not the steel company officials would renig on a gift for a factory site they had promised.

It was fun to see people in the Samuel Doe Stadium that we recognized.

One of my students, Nelson Kiamu, probably the student with the highest GPA so far was our bus driver today. Tonight we saw his Father as he was part of the program at the festival.

Tomorrow, we will shop a bit and relax. Maybe we won't go to the festival quite as early tomorrow night. I do pray that friends invite friends to come tomorrow night.

I won't get to go Sunday, as I will have to go back on the bus with the students so I can prepare for class Monday. My "housemates" and Becky will be staying in Monrovia most of the week next week, getting ready for the May Fashion Show. I think a few days of quiet will be nice.

Time is beginning to fly now. Wow, is it hard to get a semester's worth of work into students in 7 weeks. I so want them to succeed. Thanks for your prayers!

It's Saturday Morning

Last night I got to see the President and Vice President of Liberia at the Festival. How exciting to see such prominent officials at such an event. Pray that the hundreds od people who came forward, actually ran forward, will take root in their lives, and get plugged in with churches.

Now, I'm trying to copy and paste what I wrote last night.

We are off to see the crafts of the country, the first time I have done anything like this. Tomorrow I will go back on the bus with the college kids. My roomies are staying with Becky in Monrovia for 5 more days. I will enjoy the change of pace, and I will probably be glad to see them when they return.

Pray! These are very intense and busy days ahead for both me and my students. They have so much work to complete in a short amount of time.

Scenes from Our Play Day

Peter Siaway, ABCU staff took us to the waterfalls and up in the mountains

Clothes dryer at the falls  Disappointing falls, but still fun
Then we walked through jungle looking for more Falls.  that too was fun!

More beauty and different views in the abandoned mines from what I had seen before

Peggy, Laurel and me enjoying the view

Regan, a visitor for the dedication yesterday, is actually a young man "coming home".  He left Liberia
when he was 15, and he remembers it well.  Peter Siaway, our driver today, knew Regan when he was here.
But Peter didn't remember the sites and how to get there like Regan did.
It was fun to watch Regan "climb" memory lane.
Magdalene, still recovering from malaria went with us too.  It was
fun to have her go with us.

Maybe the BIG EXCITEMENT for her, however, came AFTER we got home.
I was called outside to see the pretty (if you can use that word with a SNAKE)
but the color GREEN really was pretty.
Magdalene told us there was no good snake!
They kill them all!
Peggy had fun with that.

It's Not All Work

Last night I went to bed REAL early, but I've been up since 5 feeling good. I am so looking forward to today, a chance to play, picnic, enjoy my friends, and take in more of the beauty around here. Reagan,a visitor who grew up here will show us the sites through the eyes of a "little boy".
Peggy's made oatmeal cookies. I am making potato logs ( had to plan those by getting someone to buy potatoes for us in Monrovia) To eat American you have to be organized ha! But then because of the reality of what is available, the creations are often quite good. Take supper last night, for example. Laurel fixed us a salad with papaya, avocados etc. I can't describe how good it was, but my family will definitely taste my version of it.

You can eat the core of pineapples here.

Well, that's enough words for now. Hopefully, you will get pictures before today is over.

By the way, I do appreciate all of you who pray. I need it!

Final Installment of March 23 Event

Del and Franklin were friends in college days in Longview, Texas

All the students were easy to spot which team they were working on.  what servants.  This is Emmanuel, son of Betty Jonah, who owns the orphanage I visited last Saturday.

Celebrating!  Becky's hands tell it all.  "Event was a success!"

     Just as the day's activities came to an end, the dark clouds and cooler temperatures moved in.

We've enjoyed a late afternoon, sharing with one another (the 5 of us in House #2) all the stories we've heard, the people we've met and our memories of how to spell names. etc. 

Dedication Day, Praising God for Reconstruction

In just 3 years,  this campus has gone from jungled RUINS to a beautiful testimony of God's reclaiming, restoring and reclaiming lives for His Glory.  March 23 will stand out in my mind for many reasons.  First of all it was for a Public Relations teacher an event to marvel at.  This event was masterfully carried out, and is such a living testimony to my students of how to work hard and execute well.

Though the service was to begin at 10:30, it was after 10:45 before Franklin Graham's helicopter landed.  He was met by the President of the College and his wife and escorted to their home for a reception.  I have so many pictures because Becky asked me to take candid shots of the events for her.  Besides Dr. Graham and others from Samaritan's Purse, I got to meet Carney Johnson, the brother of Liberia's President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.  He is also on the Advisory Board for the College.  Liberia's Vice President, Joseph Boakai and his wife and daughter were dignitaries here as well.

Eleazar Gbengan's daughter, Angel with us after Dedication Service

The program got started late and was not over until 1:45.  Many, many dignitaries "made comments" many of them seemed like speeches.  Some were real interesting; others were just long.  The Vice President didn't sound at all like a politician but a very humble man.  Dr. Graham gave "two speeches in one". The first part he stuck close to his script and noted how many U.S. colleges were founded on Scripture only to be shadows of that today.  THEN he "switched" gears and began a passionate evangelistic message with lots of eye contact that reminded me of his father, Billy Graham.

Those ladies from the Pentecostal Church in town were really good entertainers.  They performed by the tent where dinner was served.

Three men from Ganta, are all interested in EAFC.  The one on the right I met in Nairobi many years ago when Del and Oscar Muriu introduced us.  The EAFC introductory video shows that meeting.  Now Anthony has returned to Liberia and is working with Christian and Eleazar.  It'll be fun to see how this relationship develops

                            Magdalene, a college freshman, met Peggy.  She's got a long way to go before she becomes the doctor she desires to be, but she's making the grades now so that she could get in.  She's here now because she's been in the hospital since Sunday with either malaria or a blood infection.  EAFC is working with her church to see if we can develop a relationship so that together we can partner to pray for, mentor and raise funds for Magdalene to become a doctor, something quite rare in this country for a female to be allowed to do.  Her Dad is the Vice President of the College.

                          In black is Liberia's VP Joseph Boakai, listening to the entertainers.

                   Nimba County's Superintendent and other guests  at lunch after the Dedication.

Pictures Worth A Thousand Words

Dr. Franklin Graham arrives with Becky and Del Chinchen ;  behind him is Ross Rhoads, assistant pastor Brooklyn Tabernacle and VP of  Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan's Purse 

He not only looks like his father, but he got to preaching like Billy Graham too!

Dr. Graham meets Edith, Superintendent of Nimba County

Visiting Prof Gets a Guest Lecturer

Samaritan's Purse film crew came to my class today.  We got the honors because we were the only class going on this week on this campus. ha!  Thankfully, Peggy was teaching for me.  It was fun to learn from her and to watch my students as they listened to someone else teaching them.  They were very attentive and seemed to like her topic/ how to run an organized and efficient board meeting.  One student even suggested that he could use principles she taught in leading his family.  I thought that showed his ability to apply what he's learning.  That's a delight for a teacher to observe.


Peggy and I walked this afternoon and only at the very end did we get rained on.  While we were out, the workers around her constructed an arbor out of palm branches for the Dedication tomorrow.  There's also a big tent with table and chairs for our dinner after the program.


Everything looks so lovely.  I hope I'm not too busy to be able to take some pictures.  Franklin Graham is supposed to get here by helicopter at 9:30.  

How I've Pleased My Students

Today I wore "my market dress" I got in Ganta.  The smiles and comments have made me feel like an African Princess.  Even "an old lady" can be made to feel special.  Maybe later there'll be pictures of me in it.  The day is young, and Peggy and I are off to class.  I'm so glad that the Visiting Professor has a Visiting Lecturer today!  It'll be fun for all, I expect.
 Since everyone seems to like pictures I'll show you the little boy of Morris and Isabella Williams, 2 of my students.  I took this in chapel this morning.

An Unusual Week, An Unusually Good Day So Far

This morning, chapel was from 7:30 to 9, but it didn't feel that long.  We did the usual singing, but instead of one speaker, we had THREE.  Jack and Nelle Chinchen founders of the original college talked and then Palmer Robertson, President of the Uganda campus.  Each added to our understanding, and yet it was Palmer's message from 1 Kings 19 that touched my heart.  I'll comment after I've had time to reflect, because from chapel I went to give my 37 students their mid term test.  


Oh, I knew question 1 was hard; taking a scrambled outline and organizing it to make sense, but what I didn't know was that this time  I shouldn't have been more concerned about wasting paper and SHOULD HAVE just COPIED  the test AGAIN when I discovered the mistakes I'd made in it.  Oh, it was "my bad" as the young people would say. So I got to go around the room and almost 37 times explain the directions that I'd already given to the group.  Following directions don't seem to be easy, even when asked how to fold their test papers and where to write their names on it.


Below are pictures that Malue took for me after he finished his exam.  I had to stay in the class and miss the excitement of the helicopter landing right outside my classroom, but you'll now get to see what I've seen, and know what I know/ hardly anything.  But I'll let you know when I find out the details of the landing.    Peggy just filled me in on the reason for the helicopters.  There were 2 of them, Samaritan's Purse was bringing in security and photographers for tomorrow.

You'd know that when you ask a young man to photograph for you, you'll get this! ha!

Week 5 in Liberia Begins

Does it seem like a long time to you? 

sporting the "Professional Look" in the afternoon

I can answer "yes" or "no" to that question depending on the time of day and whether or not I'm talking to Barry.  Right now, I'm having lots of fun.  Here's a picture of my Public Relations Class on a field trip this morning to St Joseph's Catholic High School, after their interview with the principal.  I'd asked them to come to class today dressed as professionals.  They did but I didn't.  The girls didn't mind telling the "Prof" that she didn't look professional.   Actually, I thought it was cute that they felt free enough to talk with me like that, and I answered them that I hadn't known I'd be needing professional attire when I'd packed my two suitcases, full of BOOKS.

Most of the group after our interview: 2 are missing in this picture.  The tall one beside me, Boye-Nelson was our driver too!

When I came back for lunch, I decided to re-assess my wardrobe to see whether or not I could find something a bit more professional looking.  This afternoon, you will find me wearing a different outfit.  You decide;  did I improve? 


This afternoon the HR Director at the steel mill was called out and the man who was supposed to meet us was "sacked" we were told.  Thankfully, we'd designated Nelson as our class spokesman and so he sorted out with the people when to reschedule our field trip.  The morning outing had been so beneficial that I want to try to make the effort to reschedule.
At least this afternoon, I had extra time to spend with students who need lots of extra help.


Now my friend Peggy's arrived.   What fun!  We have so many wonderful trips together to relive together.  Right now Peggy and Laurel are sharing GRAND pictures as I finish this post.

Linda, Morris, and Boye-Nelson  are 3 of the students in these pictures

Prayer Requests

Tomorrow I teach 6 hours, the only prof on campus having to teach this week.  That's what happens when you take on a semester's work in 2 courses in 7 weeks.  I'm giving mid- term tests and visit the HR Director for the steel company in this town.  Better grade FAST as my friend Peggy will arrive later in the day for the week.  Will you pray for the FIVE of us that will share this house this week with one bathroom?  Will you pray for the Dedication on Wednesday in which Franklin Graham will be the speaker?

Posting might be a bit tricky this week with a guest, but I'll bet I can take some pretty interesting pictures.  Thanks to all of you who write me!

Hope all you have a wonderful week!

Sunday Morning's Unusual Beginning Got Me Thinking

What an interesting morning I have awakened to.  Just like last week in Ganta, there was no running water or electrical power in the place of my abode and the same is true here this morning..  It has rained hard all night now so it is unlike last week being quite cool in my room this morning.

I sit in bed listening to beautiful music played on my iPad (thanks to batteries) while I write on my computer with the hopes of being able to record this on my blog at some point today. (You are reading this, so I've obviously accomplished that. ha!)  I have already, thanks again to the books on my iPad read some in Tim Keller’s King’s Cross.  IN that I noticed points I could bring out with my students when I see them in the morning.  LIke a mother, I find myself always thinking of ways I can touch the hearts of “my children” with truth.

No coffee or tea this morning; no early morning walk, or I don’t think so.  It seems to have quit raining but if we don’t get water so I can take a shower to get ready for church, it might not be wise to go for that walk.

Reflections on the “now” make me turn my thoughts to the future, wondering how the “past” has affected who I really am.

I have now passed that mark on the calendar beyond half way through this  particular venture in faith.  I begin to ponder whether or not I believe there is anything in me that has profoundly changed so far. I have had enough experiences in Africa to recognize a pattern in these events.  For a while I return to a world which has continued doing what it has known to do.  Many that I love strive to love God more and serve Him more faithfully.  “That world back home” has had different experiences with God than I have.  I know a little of the type of struggles my friends have faced but have never walked in their shoes.  On the other hand, my friends have for the most part not experienced the exposures to life that have touched me here, and from what they’ve heard, they’re glad they haven’t.

I “think” I know what they mean.  Since my heart is in Africa, when I hear stories of people being touched by Asia, it’s as though the stories take me into overload.  I can hardly deal with what is on my plate, much less let my life be touched with more intense pain associated with caring and not knowing how to manifest that care.

This time, because of the blog, I think that I’ve had more friends who have taken the time to enter into this world.  Because “the doses” have been measured out in daily increments, they have seemed to feel like  they absorb , and digest this better than in the past.  I have been continuing to hear reports that Africa “might” be making a little more sense than in the past.  If that is true, that will allow us to process these weeks together.  I’d like that.

 For truly, this task seems too big for me to do alone..  I say I want to be changed into the likeness of His Son, but am I really willing to embrace the pain, the self-denial when the temptations are so deep, so imbedded in my soul?  How do I live life in THAT world with the proper eyes on the people in THIS world who have genuinely impacted me?  How do I live, not in guilt, but in love?  Even in this world, I get too many reminders that I have not left that heart of flesh that haunted me back home.  Oh, how I wish I could say that I know and love God better here, but alas, it is not so.  I struggle with self centeredness, with impulsiveness in my speech.  I fight making myself “my savior”, trusting God only with the insurmountable, only to return to self reliance in “the little things.”   Can anyone relate to my story?

Can we allow one another to know us and touch us deeply as we process how this path can be a vehicle for our transformation?  That, this morning, is the prayer of my heart.

Now, I would STILL like to have a cup of coffee right now!  Ah, I just turned on the lamp, and it works!  Maybe there’s symbolism in that.  I hope so!

How We Can Help the Orphans

Mrs. Jonah is a nurse mid wife.  She has just built a clinic for the children and the people who live around the orphanage.  They have no furniture in the clinic.  They don't have vitamins or even aspirin.  They need eye drops for their infections.  I didn't even see any mosquito nets in the girls' rooms.  There are 4 sets of bunk beds in each room.  Mosquito nets cost about $2 each.


The children have very little paper, pens or textbooks.  Mrs. Jonah's son is one of my students who is in college, and he is studying education.  His heart is in being a qualified teacher for children like this.  He and his wife also are raising some orphans as well as a baby of their own.

 This is in the hall in the clinic they have built for the children and community when they get sick.










This is the outside of one of the buildings where they have school for the elementary and junior high students.