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.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
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.
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
Saturday, March 12, 2011
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.....
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....
......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.....
Sunday, March 6, 2011
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
Thursday, March 3, 2011
15 Days: Countdown to ELWA
Two weeks from tomorrow, I will be on my way to ELWA, Liberia, West Africa--my childhood home.
I went to Walmart this afternoon and picked up a bunch of unexciting stuff like sunscreen, deet, immodium, hand sanitizer, a pair of sandals and various other practical stuff. Finding a small fan and summer clothes has been a challenge because it's winter in Colorado.
I have to admit that I am somewhat overwhelmed at all I need to do before I can leave. I think I might be in a little denial that I'm really going! Mostly I am excited----so, so excited!!
I decided to focus in on a couple projects for the trip:
1. I attended ELWA Academy and got an amazing education there! I have many fond memories (and, of course, some not-so-fond ones also.) Today, ELWA Academy provides education for Liberian students. Scholarships are needed!
2. There is an orphanage near ELWA: the Susie Guenter Orphanage. In January, a sewing center was started there. They need sewing supplies, especially good quality thread. I hope to take a suitcase 1/2 full of sewing supplies!
Would you be willing to help me with either of these two projects? All money gifts I get will go directly to these projects. Thanks for considering helping the Liberian people.
I was planning on creating a fancy power point this evening with pictures and graphics and text telling all about my trip, the history of ELWA, what I'm going to be doing, etc. ---but I ran out of time and energy. Instead, I'll share a few here and hopefully more as I count down the days to my trip!
This is what ELWA Academy classrooms looked like. Louvered windows let in the humid, salty Atlantic ocean breeze.......and speaking of the ocean....
ELWA beach.....one of the most beautiful places in whole wide world. And a great playground for a bunch of missionary kids over the years!!
Well, it's late and I've got a looooonnnnnggggg day at work tomorrow. Thanks for your interest in my trip! I appreciate your prayers as you think of me....
Pray:
1. That my passport, visa and all necessary paperwork will get to me in the next few days.
2. That God would prepare the way ahead of me and my team. I look forward to divine appointments and holy appointments!!
3. That I would manage my time and priorities wisely.
4. That I would have a very productive weekend.
If you feel led to give, send your money gifts to:
Robin Zook
6437 Galway Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Just passing through.....
Robin
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Home to Africa
Well, it's official. I'm going to Africa over spring break!! I'm so excited. This has been a dream of mine for 15 years---a major item on my bucket list!!
In case you don't know, I grew up in Liberia, West Africa as a Missionary Kid (MK). We lived on a compound with about 50 other expatriate families from all over the world. Our main purpose was radio station ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa). My dad had his own radio program "Talk with the Pastor" along with many other technical and administrative duties over the years. We also had a hospital/clinic/medical ministry. The ELWA compound was located right on the Atlantic ocean---the beach was my playground. My family lived at ELWA 8 out of 12 years between 1962-1974. (We also spent one year in Jos, Nigeria.) The other missionaries at ELWA became my extended family: Aunts and Uncles and Cousins who are still dear to me.
In the 80's and 90's Liberia experienced massive civil war. The country was decimated politically, economically, socially and physically. ELWA was home to thousands of refugees in the early years of the war. ELWA missionaries had to leave with what they could carry. The compound was bombed, trees cut down for fuel, homes looted, the radio voice used for political purposes and finally silenced. It's been a long road, but Liberia and ELWA are coming back. There is great hope for the country and community of my childhood!! Liberia's new president is making great strides in rebuilding the country. Utilities are being restored. People who love Liberia are moving back and helping make positive change in this weary country. Radio station ELWA is back on the air and ELWA hospital is offering limited services.
I will be going to ELWA with 9 'cousins' and and an 'Aunt & Uncle'--- 12 of us going to participate in the ALL Liberia Festival with Franklin Graham & the BGEA March 25-27, 2011. I have not been assigned a task yet---I'm willing to do anything and very excited to serve!!
I know ELWA is not the same place I left 36 years ago. The house I lived in was one of the first destroyed by bombs. The beautiful palm trees that lined the beach are gone. Much has changed. But I'm hopeful to see and touch some memories of my childhood. The tennis court my dad helped put in behind my house. The road we raced our bikes on. The school I went to. The hospital where my sister was born. The grave sites of Aunt Betty and Uncle Elsworth. And, of course, the beach and the lagoon.
My husband's nephew and family live near ELWA. I'm so excited to see them see first-hand the ministry they have to the Liberian people. Their ministry is Spirit Liberia.
My Itenerary:
Friday morning, March 18 -- leave Colorado Springs
Saturday noon, March 19 -- arrive in Monrovia, Liberia
Festival: Friday-Sunday March 25-27
Sunday noon, March 27 -- leave Monrovia, Liberia
Lay-over in Accra to visit with another 'cousin'
Monday afternoon, March 28 -- arrive in Colorado Springs
I have a lot to do to get ready---it's a little overwhelming as I have not traveled internationally for 36 years and never as an adult.
I will not be asking for financial help for my travel expenses. I will, however, make known specific projects that need funding. I hope to go bearing financial gifts that will meet specific needs of ELWA, Spirit Liberia and the Festival. Stay tuned.
I turn 50 just before my trip.....if you have any inclination to help me celebrate, I challenge you to think of something 50-ish to contribute to Liberia!! 50 minutes of prayer, 50 scripture promises, 1 minute of spiritual warfare for 50 days, 50 cents, 50 dollars. You pray. You think about it. And do what you feel led to do!!
One more thing before I close.....I work at a charter high school of about 500 students: Colorado Springs Early Colleges. In the four years we have existed, 4 students from Liberia have attended CSEC. I had the privilege of seeing a presentation done by one of our current Liberian students last fall. "S" shared about growing up in Liberia during the civil war. He showed pictures of places that I remember----buildings that are now riddled with bullets, run down---crumbling. "S" experienced horrible things during the war---there was silence in the classroom as he shared as the students tried to wrap their brains around his story. As I said before, there is great HOPE for Liberia. I can't wait to bring hopeful pictures back to "S" of his birth country. I want "S" to know the Liberia I knew---what it can be again!
I'm just realizing that of the hundreds--maybe thousands---of missionary or mission trip letters I've read over the years....this is the first one I've ever written!!
.....just passing through....
Robin
In case you don't know, I grew up in Liberia, West Africa as a Missionary Kid (MK). We lived on a compound with about 50 other expatriate families from all over the world. Our main purpose was radio station ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa). My dad had his own radio program "Talk with the Pastor" along with many other technical and administrative duties over the years. We also had a hospital/clinic/medical ministry. The ELWA compound was located right on the Atlantic ocean---the beach was my playground. My family lived at ELWA 8 out of 12 years between 1962-1974. (We also spent one year in Jos, Nigeria.) The other missionaries at ELWA became my extended family: Aunts and Uncles and Cousins who are still dear to me.
In the 80's and 90's Liberia experienced massive civil war. The country was decimated politically, economically, socially and physically. ELWA was home to thousands of refugees in the early years of the war. ELWA missionaries had to leave with what they could carry. The compound was bombed, trees cut down for fuel, homes looted, the radio voice used for political purposes and finally silenced. It's been a long road, but Liberia and ELWA are coming back. There is great hope for the country and community of my childhood!! Liberia's new president is making great strides in rebuilding the country. Utilities are being restored. People who love Liberia are moving back and helping make positive change in this weary country. Radio station ELWA is back on the air and ELWA hospital is offering limited services.
I will be going to ELWA with 9 'cousins' and and an 'Aunt & Uncle'--- 12 of us going to participate in the ALL Liberia Festival with Franklin Graham & the BGEA March 25-27, 2011. I have not been assigned a task yet---I'm willing to do anything and very excited to serve!!
I know ELWA is not the same place I left 36 years ago. The house I lived in was one of the first destroyed by bombs. The beautiful palm trees that lined the beach are gone. Much has changed. But I'm hopeful to see and touch some memories of my childhood. The tennis court my dad helped put in behind my house. The road we raced our bikes on. The school I went to. The hospital where my sister was born. The grave sites of Aunt Betty and Uncle Elsworth. And, of course, the beach and the lagoon.
My husband's nephew and family live near ELWA. I'm so excited to see them see first-hand the ministry they have to the Liberian people. Their ministry is Spirit Liberia.
My Itenerary:
Friday morning, March 18 -- leave Colorado Springs
Saturday noon, March 19 -- arrive in Monrovia, Liberia
Festival: Friday-Sunday March 25-27
Sunday noon, March 27 -- leave Monrovia, Liberia
Lay-over in Accra to visit with another 'cousin'
Monday afternoon, March 28 -- arrive in Colorado Springs
I have a lot to do to get ready---it's a little overwhelming as I have not traveled internationally for 36 years and never as an adult.
I will not be asking for financial help for my travel expenses. I will, however, make known specific projects that need funding. I hope to go bearing financial gifts that will meet specific needs of ELWA, Spirit Liberia and the Festival. Stay tuned.
I turn 50 just before my trip.....if you have any inclination to help me celebrate, I challenge you to think of something 50-ish to contribute to Liberia!! 50 minutes of prayer, 50 scripture promises, 1 minute of spiritual warfare for 50 days, 50 cents, 50 dollars. You pray. You think about it. And do what you feel led to do!!
One more thing before I close.....I work at a charter high school of about 500 students: Colorado Springs Early Colleges. In the four years we have existed, 4 students from Liberia have attended CSEC. I had the privilege of seeing a presentation done by one of our current Liberian students last fall. "S" shared about growing up in Liberia during the civil war. He showed pictures of places that I remember----buildings that are now riddled with bullets, run down---crumbling. "S" experienced horrible things during the war---there was silence in the classroom as he shared as the students tried to wrap their brains around his story. As I said before, there is great HOPE for Liberia. I can't wait to bring hopeful pictures back to "S" of his birth country. I want "S" to know the Liberia I knew---what it can be again!
I'm just realizing that of the hundreds--maybe thousands---of missionary or mission trip letters I've read over the years....this is the first one I've ever written!!
.....just passing through....
Robin
Sunday, January 16, 2011
What's true? What's not?
I'm not feeling terribly clever tonight, but I'm willing to take the risk of being boring to get some words "on paper."
It's getting harder and harder to know what's true -- what's real.
Now if you think I'm opposed to PhotoShop, faux finishes, hair color and opinions in media, you're missing my point.
I'm just asking the question: How do I know what's true?
I think I'm a reasonably intelligent person. Given a set of facts, I can draw my own conclusions. However, I know I am susceptible to being swayed by other's opinions. During election seasons and during weeks like the past week, when there is as much if not more opinion as facts flying around, I long for a list of facts---just facts---so I can form my own opinion.
This week, at work, I'm interviewing prospective employees -- a task I don't particularly enjoy. This person is putting up her best front, under pressure to make a good impression, maybe desperate enough to adjust the truth? How do I know what's true?
I don't know that I have the answer.....but I do know what I can do to try to get to the truth.
So tomorrow, I will interview three more potential assistants. Then I will need to choose who I am going to hire. This person will work closely with me five days a week hopefully for years to come! She will have the power to make my life miserable. She will either be an asset or liability to the school. Lord help me! Show me what's true--what's real--what's important.
That's all for tonight....
.....just passing through....
Robin
It's getting harder and harder to know what's true -- what's real.
- Photos can be 'photo-shopped' -- people added or deleted; facial expressions changed, unwanted objects removed; cars, buildings, even mountains added to a landscape.
- People can be altered -- makeup, hair color, plastic surgery.
- Faux is popular -- leather, wall treatments, fur.
- Music can be digitally re-mastered, lip synched, over-dubbed, distorted on purpose
- Someone can look wealthy, but in reality be heavily in debt on the verge of bankruptcy.
- News can be spun, slanted and combined with more opinion than facts.
- Political dialog can combine half-truths into non-truths.
Now if you think I'm opposed to PhotoShop, faux finishes, hair color and opinions in media, you're missing my point.
I'm just asking the question: How do I know what's true?
I think I'm a reasonably intelligent person. Given a set of facts, I can draw my own conclusions. However, I know I am susceptible to being swayed by other's opinions. During election seasons and during weeks like the past week, when there is as much if not more opinion as facts flying around, I long for a list of facts---just facts---so I can form my own opinion.
This week, at work, I'm interviewing prospective employees -- a task I don't particularly enjoy. This person is putting up her best front, under pressure to make a good impression, maybe desperate enough to adjust the truth? How do I know what's true?
I don't know that I have the answer.....but I do know what I can do to try to get to the truth.
- Do the work, the research, the fact-finding for myself.
- Look past the surface. Probe a little deeper.
- Be aware that what I see/hear might not be true without being suspicious or paranoid.
- Avoid judging or jumping to conclusions too quickly.
- Don't fall into the trap of comparing myself, my life or my possessions to pictures, people or movies that are most likely NOT real!
- Ask God for discernment.
So tomorrow, I will interview three more potential assistants. Then I will need to choose who I am going to hire. This person will work closely with me five days a week hopefully for years to come! She will have the power to make my life miserable. She will either be an asset or liability to the school. Lord help me! Show me what's true--what's real--what's important.
That's all for tonight....
.....just passing through....
Robin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)