March 29, 2011 Where is Home? An overview of my trip....

So.....I set out to blog this morning and in trying to log in to blogspot, found that I actually have two blogs, so I set out to combine them.   This is an old post (from way back in March when I had just returned from my trip to Liberia) that most of you have probably read already......

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011

Where is Home? An overview of my trip....

Well, I'm back in Colorado after a wonderful trip to my childhood home: ELWA, Liberia, West Africa.   As the plane took off from Roberts Field International Airport Sunday morning, my tears flowed as I left that place that has always been dear to me---now, even more so!  As I talked with people on my way back to the states, I could only say that I was leaving home ... to go home.

I'm pretty jet lagged today---didn't know where I was when I woke up this morning.  I don't know whether to be hot or cold or happy or sad.  I'm unpacking, doing laundry, resting and, of course, starting to blog a little and post some pictures.

While in Liberia, I was privileged to: 

• take part in an ELWA Radio segment. 

• attend two memorial services--one informal and one more formal---for ELWA missionaries who have recently passed away.

• help with and participate in The All-Liberia Life Festival with Franklin Graham at Samuel K. Doe stadium.   

• hear the miraculous testimony of Joshua Milton Blahyi, a Liberian tribal priest and vicious warlord during the devastating civil war.

• visit the Susie Guenter orphanage and see the work being done there along with the tremendous needs.

• shop at the market in Monrovia.

• see inside the house I grew up in.

• share and laugh (and cry) with fellow MK's.

• swim, walk and hunt agates on ELWA beach.

.....and so much more that I hope to document in future blogs

If I had to choose one overall feeling or impression of ELWA and Liberia, I would have to say:  CONTRAST.  

·         Demolished, vacant buildings, people living in shacks next to homes, offices, hotels and businesses being built or rebuilt.

·         Abject poverty and signs of wealth and prosperity.

·         Post-war ugliness slowly being replaced by the natural beauty of Liberia.

·         Real challenges and situations to be concerned about along withencouraging signs and support.

·         The reality of civil war's devastation and the determination to survive and thrive reflected in the eyes of the Liberian people.

·         Many reasons for despair; even more reason to hope.

For those who are giving their life, time and resources for ELWA and Liberia (EMA, EMA-USA, SIM, ELWA Ministries, Kedrick, Steve & Carol, Will & Jenny, Christine Normal, and so many more....), I pray for unity, focus, endurance and wisdom.  I believe God has an exciting plan for ELWA and Liberia!!

I'm overwhelmingly grateful for the opportunity to take this trip.  I don't know what God wants me to do with this experience.  I'm sure He will reveal His plan for me in His perfect time.  

.....just passing through....

Robin 

Debriefing.......Part 2

Well, it's been quite an interesting couple of weeks -- lots of ups and downs -- I feel like a yo-yo, emotionally.  Enjoying sweet little Brenna, hearing about extended family health issues, Annie and Garret getting engaged, my boss whom I love and respect announcing her resignation, spending the day with my mom in the hospital, good enrollment numbers at work, my car in the shop for expensive repairs......up and down and up and down..... 


I've tried to blog several times but have realized that blogging is no fun unless I'm inspired and not over-tired.


I'm still experiencing a special after-glow from my trip.  As more and more pictures are uploaded by others who were there with me, I get the warm fuzzies every time I can say "I was there, too."  "I touched that."  "I saw that with my own eyes."  


So.......Monday


Sunday night, my body shut down before it was bed time, but that was the only jet lag I experienced for that trip.  Spending the night in Ghana with Lee and Michelle probably helped.   My feet swelled up pretty nicely -- they took about two days to reduce to their normal size.  


Monday morning after a light breakfast of Nene's quickbread and fresh fruit from Christine Norman, we connected with ---oh shoot, I can't remember her name--- she was helping with the festival, trying to compile a list of local pastors in an Excel spreadsheet and was having trouble.  I was able to do some formatting and fixing.  Then Kevin, Sally and I were able to finish up all the data entry over the next few days.


Right after lunch, I moved from Kejr's into the guesthouse so I could be with the team more.  It was a hard decision because I so enjoyed Carol's company and hospitality on Sunday.  But it was the right decision....


My new room was air conditioned which was nice, but I did miss listening to the ocean like I did on the first night -- you can see pictures of the room at http://s1103.photobucket.com/albums/g474/Eaglemomo/ELWA%202011/ELWA%20People%20and%20Places--March%202011/ELWA%20Guesthouses/
It had bunk beds, a single bed and a full-size bed.  The bed frames were simple wood platforms with 2-inch pallet mattresses.  I was alone in the room one night, then Judy Thompson was my roomie the rest of the time I was there.  Our other roomies were a cockroach who only showed himself once and several spiders of various colors and sizes.  I strung a clothes line between the closet door and a random nail in the concrete wall.  I happened to be right in front of the air conditioner which helped our wet swim suits and towels actually get mostly dry over night.  We all had quite a bit of cash with us, as credit cards are pretty useless in Liberia.  I stuffed my money under the mattresses to hide it.   The bathroom, which we shared with several other guests, was right across the hall.  Sometimes there was toilet paper---sometimes not.  The door didn't latch -- there was a bent nail that held the door shut, but anyone who tried could peek through the gap between the door and the door frame if they wanted to.  I never knew if the door was actually going to stay shut as I noticed it standing open at times with other guests were showering.  Ok, so I didn't go to Africa to protect my privacy!!  :-)   (All in all, a better bathroom than my favorite campgrounds here in Colorado.)  One evening, I heard a lady's shrieks in the hallway and found John Schindler trying to trap and catch a crab that had frightened a guest in the bathroom.  (See a picture of a similar-looking one at http://fireflyforest.net/firefly/2006/05/30/ghost-crabs/)   He had a bucket and was trying to trap the crab, but if you've ever tried to catch a crab, you can imagine the scene!!  He tried to convince her that the crab wouldn't hurt her and she should just ignore it, but she was not about to share her bathroom with that crab.  I grabbed my blue plastic fan (a gift from Carol Kejr that I used A LOT during the week) and gave it to John who used it to scoop the crab into the bucket.  It was missing only one or two legs at that point.  The morning I left, a pretty friendly and, may I say handsome, young crab shared my morning shower time with me.  I let him keep his legs.


The guesthouse I stayed in was my friend, Karen, home as we were growing up.   The Ackley's living room was a huge room where we kids spent many hours playing board games (Risk and Monopoly).  We also had hymn sings and Christmas carol sings and piano recitals in that room.  Every time I went into the kitchen, I thought of Aunt Sadie...her famous cinnamon rolls, her joyful countenance and her gracious hospitality.  The back part of the house has been remodeled but from what I could remember, I tried to figure out where Karen's room had been--where we had sleepovers and played Barbies.  Karen's dad, Uncle Pete, who just recently went home to heaven, used to give hair cuts on their large back porch.  That porch is not nearly as big as I remember it, but I can still see Uncle Pete and their dog (General, a black Basenji, if I remember correctly) on that porch.  I could also envision the bamboo thicket that used to stand beside the garage and the rubber industrial tank that we used as a swimming pool at one time.  It was sort of surreal at times to be in Karen's house -- still familiar and a happy place even after 36 years.


Back to Monday...


After moving my stuff into the guesthouse, I went for a swim.  The beach line looked and felt very much the same, but has eroded back several feet exposing rocks that were never there before.  


We had a wonderful supper of Greens, Palm Butter and Eggplant stew hosted by Steve and Carol Kejr and Will and Jenny Elphick (SIM Country Director).  Cork Loken and Alan Shea were able to join us---(they had been working at Bethesda.)  Steve shared some ELWA history--things he lived through during and after the war.  Then Will shared his vision for ELWA and some encouraging stories.  I was so touched by these two couples who are sacrificing for the sake of ELWA and SIM in Liberia.  Steve Kejr is a quiet hero.  I believe ELWA might not even exist today if not for Steve.  I look forward to hearing more from Will and Jenny.  I wish I had had more time to spend with these very special people.


After supper, we were to have a festival meeting at Kendeja, a beautiful resort just up the beach from ELWA.   (Check it out at http://www.rljkendejaresort.com/)   In my very first post, I noted the contrasts I saw in Liberia.  Kendeja is not too far from the orphanage I visited.  A beautiful, modern, exclusive resort so close to a place where children live and learn in the most basic, bare necessity conditions.   -----has given me much to think about.....    
After the meeting, which ended up not being much of a meeting, Dan and John Morris and I visited the internet cafe.  We were there for 2.25 hours and I was able to send two emails, and never able to log on to Facebook.  There a picture at http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g474/Eaglemomo/ELWA%202011/Monrovia%20and%20Liberia/220Monday--InternetCafe.jpg.  It was HOT!  and the computers were SLOW!!  But it was a fun experience.  I decided that email and facebook wasn't that important.  I got a cheap phone and decided my time and money was better spend making phone calls home.


Well, another day recorded for posterity!
More soon!


----just passing through.....
Robin

Debriefing.....Part 1

Well, I've been home for six full days:  unpacked, two days of jet lag, went back to work, did some laundry and cleaning, and welcomed my second granddaughter, Brenna Lynn, into the world. After resigning myself to probably missing Brenna's birth, I ended up getting to see her less than an hour after her birth.  She is precious, beautiful -- a genuine gift to this family.


I'm working on getting my pictures labeled---it's a slow process.


So how do I begin to tell about my trip?  I guess I'll just start at the beginning...


Friday-Saturday:  
I left Colorado Springs at 6:30am, flew to Atlanta, then to JFK (New York).  I missed my flight at JFK but with Delta's help, was able to book another flight at no cost.  So I took a detour through Amsterdam and ended up spending the night in Accra at Lee and Michelle Sonius' home.   Thanks, Lee, for transporting me to and from the airport and thanks, Michelle, for your hospitality and homemade granola for breakfast!


Sunday:
Although Delta had promised that my luggage was checked all the way through to Liberia, I decided to check again in Accra, just in case....   Sure enough, there were my suitcases, sitting all by themselves in the baggage claim area.  I checked them in and paid for the 8kg overage---not bad.


As we landed at Robertsfield Airport in Liberia, I found myself a little emotional...  I was realizing a dream---something I've wanted to do for 15 years!!  


I had just stepped up to immigration when an airport official walked up to me and asked me if I was Robin.  He then escorted me through the rest of the process in the airport and outside to where Dan Snyder and Steve and Carol Kejr were waiting for me.  (Dan had arranged for my special escort.)  


I feel like my eyes were popping out of my head as we drove away from the airport.  So much to see.  Some familiar scenery---some very unfamiliar.   We drove around the ELWA compound slowly while Dan, Steve and Carol told me about each house.  Most of ELWA was immediately familiar to me.  I had to laugh, though, that so much was smaller than I remembered.   Either ELWA shrunk, or I got older.  


After having a lunch of palm butter (Liberian food) and rice and getting settled in my room at Kejr's house, Dan and I went swimming -- ELWA beach!!  My childhood playground; one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!  We connected with Walter Bliss and Alan Shea and Steve _____ (Alan's friend from his church) as we swam.  It was great to talk to Walter and compare our experiences.  Steve and I let Alan and Dan swim out to the reef.  As I drifted in the ocean, I kept looking up toward the familiar row of houses that line the beach road thinking "I'm at ELWA!  I'm really, truly, actually here at ELWA swimming in the ocean!!"


After my swim, I enjoyed a wonderful long talk with Carol on her front porch.  After a little supper, I lost my battle with my body clock and headed to bed to sleep to the sound of the ocean.


Wow...I only got through Day 1 at ELWA.  I guess there's going to be a part 2, 3 and maybe 4.  


As for now, I must get to bed.  My body clock is still a little off and I get the sleepies about 8:30 every evening.
More soon...


Just passing through....
Robin

On my way.....

Well, here I am in JFK Airport in New York.  My flight to Accra leaves in about an hour.  


My connection in Atlanta was closer than I thought it would be.  For those of you familiar, I came in at Gate E6 and had about 20 minutes to get to Gate T2.  Good exercise.


The last few days have been interesting and exhausting.  I'm so glad to be on my way---I don't think I could have taken much more "getting ready."   


I woke this morning well before my 3:30am alarm with that blessed desperation for God---His Presence, His Provision, His Protection, His Power, His Way, His Timing, His EVERYTHING.  I don't want to be anything apart from Him and don't want to do anything without Him.  I have never been more grateful for those of you who have committed to pray for me.  Please, PLEASE pray for me an my team and the Life Festival.  It matters!


I'll try to post when I can and look forward to sharing my pictures and experiences when I get back.


Just passing through.....
Robin




P.S.   No pictures this time....I didn't think you would be interested in Gate 5 of JFK International Airport.

5 Days -- Countdown to ELWA

Sunday rambling....

11:30am   I have literally worked up a sweat this morning as I finish gathering, bundling and packing.  It looks like it's all going to fit nicely.  It seems like the 'todo' list doesn't diminish, but the items on the list are getting less crucial.

I'm about $300 in the hole right now....trusting God to provide.  I would like to purchase a couple more items to take with me....trying to figure out how to come up with another $100-200.   So many have been generous already---I'm so grateful!!   Please know that every penny donated toward my trip goes directly toward supplies and gifts and $$ donations for Liberia and ELWA---none of it is for my personal expenses.

I still have not received my passport/visa -- it should come tomorrow according to FedEx.   Please pray with me that all the documents are in order.

I had a chance to talk with SG from the high school where I work last week.   He was born in Liberia and lived through the civil war.  He wants me to bring him a Liberian flag from Liberia.  I so wish I could take him with me!

Here is a great video about the work that EMAUSA is doing in Liberia.  It is long, but worth the watch!  I am still collecting money for scholarships for Liberian children to attend school.    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWrnFNRFFH0     You can follow this ministry on Facebook (ELWA Ministries Association USA)  or at their website:  http://www.elwamausa.org.   You can make donations directly to the scholarship fund on the website.

Something in Pastor Brady's sermon stuck out to me this morning.  (Of course, my interpretation of what he said.)   When the powerful become humble, they can empower the powerless!!    I'm meditating on that today.   In Liberia, some powerful people became proud and caused destruction to the country.   Now, we're seeing some humble people use the power they have been given to give life and power to Liberians who were almost destroyed by the war.

7:00pm  One last trip to Goodwill and Walmart this afternoon; weighed the suitcases, visited with Mom for a little bit and now sitting with my feet up.   I have a full week at work---much to do before I wrap up work Thursday afternoon!  

Here is a picture taken last year by Annette--a fellow ELWAKid---on her visit.  I love the symbolism she saw in this fallen tree that refuses to lie down and die.  Here are her words....

This tree reminds us even though there is so much 'cut down' in Liberia or even in our own lives, with God's nourishment, LIFE is still there, and fruit will still grow.

....just passing through.....

Robin

6 Days: Countdown to ELWA Part 1

8:30 am   One week from today I will arrive in Monrovia, Liberia!   I don't know if my brain or emotions can wrap around it.....   I had the strangest dream last night----a modgepodge of circumstances and thoughts and places including both the Dallas and Ohare airports merged into one maze-like mall/airport, missing luggage, not being able to get my family to answer their cell phones, Karen Ackley, and a mystery reunion (or was it a wedding?) venue and hotel.  I think I'm excited.    and probably have a little anticipatory anxiety about my trip.....   I'm laughing this morning.....


Today's task:  Packing trial run----gathering all the stuff I think I need to take with me, deciding what I REALLY need to take with me, and deciding what luggage I'm taking!   


9:30 am  Just sent Chris out to do a bunch of errands for me, bless his heart.   I'm wearing a new pair of shoes all day to break them in.  They're one of the very few new items I bought for my trip.  Goodwill and Arc have been my friends during this process.


11:30   Packing is coming along.....condensing everything into the smallest possible bag.  I'll take a break to upload a few more pictures.


More history of ELWA and Liberia....


My family left ELWA/Liberia in 1975 when I was 14 years old.  (Yes, I just turned 50 -- still getting used to that number....)   Here is an arial view of the compound as I remember it.  The big building housed the radio station.  Houses lined the beach road amongst the trees.

In the 1980s and 1990s Liberia suffered a tragic civil war.  Missionaries and were evacuated and ELWA---my little bit of paradise---became home to thousands and thousands of refugees and the site of wartime battles.   Here is some of the destruction....

This is my friend Karen Ackley's house after the war.

Here is the same house now.  As you can see people who care about ELWA and Liberia are repairing, rebuilding, refreshing this very special place.   That's what I'm hoping to participate in----bringing life back to my childhood home.   








......back to packing......






1:15pm   After packing for the tropics, it's strange to look outside and see snow on the peak.......   Heading out to CSEC's final basketball game, then to do a few more errands.     More later.....

12 Days: Countdown to ELWA

Two weeks from today I'll be at ELWA.

Last I heard, I'm going to be staying at this house, known as the Weber house.  The ocean is right behind whomever is taking this picture so I will sleep and wake to the sound of waves on the beach.   There is no air conditioning.  

I have had a pretty productive weekend....  

• Hobby Lobby is working with me on sewing supplies for the orphanage and two generous people have promised to send me money to help pay for it.  I'm hoping to collect a little more money to buy some baby and children's clothes for the orphanage, also.   
• I made a haul at the ARC and Goodwill for some traveling clothes that I will be able to leave at ELWA.  I'm planning on not bringing anything home that could be used in Liberia.
• I bought a bunch of fun little stuff at the Dollar Store to carry with me to give as gifts to children as opportunities come up.
• I balanced my checkbook and found that I'm while essentials for the trip are covered, there is no excess.  So from this point on, I won't be able to purchase anything else to take with me unless I receive money gifts.   This is all in God's hand.  I'm grateful for what I have been able to do and will be blessed if I get to do more!
• I got a good laugh when Toto's "I Miss the Rains Down in Africa" came on in one of the stores as I was shopping.
• Of course, I had to do some housework because those needs never quit.
• I ordered a small fan from Amazon.com that works both with batteries and with electricity and weighs only 3 lbs.  The D batteries needed to run the fan weigh more than the fan itself!

Please pray that my Passport and Visas will come tomorrow.  That is my biggest concern at this point.  Also pray as I prepare spiritually--that I will have mind and heart prepared with a sound answer for every question and an encouraging message for every opportunity that comes up.

A little history:  ELWA, where my family lived from 1963-1975, was a compound of around 50 expatriate families from around the world.  The main function of the compound was the Radio Station: ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa).  

My dad had his own program called "Talk with the Pastor"  Here he is dressed in Liberian clothes.

 More ELWA/Liberia history next time....

I have been thinking a lot about Brenna, my grandbaby who is due right about the time I leave for Africa.  I think it would be so special if she came a tad early on my birthday!   But most of all, I want her to be born on the exact day that God has ordained just for her.  If that means she is born when I am gone, so be it.  As much as I want to be able to participate in her birth, I trust God's perfect timing.  And even though my grandma's heart is pretty tender in this area, I refuse, for Katie's sake to ask God to hold Brenna's birth until I get back!   

Ben, Katie and Ella--all ready to become a family of four!

....and I always have to leave off with an ocean view.

This is the area of the beach that was most popular.  I circled what we called "Diving Rock."  (I hope I have this right--my memory is a little fuzzy.)  At low tide, the water level was below the top of the rock.  At higher tides, we would get up on the rock, get a toe hold and see who could stay on the longest as waves kept rolling and crashing in one after the other...    Maybe two weeks from today, I will stand on that rock again....oh wait, no swimming on Sunday, right?   (We were missionaries, after all....)

....just passing through....

Robin