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