The first surprise is NOT that we lost the internet again but that it actually came back BEFORE they said it would. After being without it for over a month in Jan/Feb, this time Darrell had already started looking for another provider and was about ready to sign us up when he got a phone call--surprise #2--saying that service had been restored. That was on Friday and they had told him it would be Monday before it was restored. Well, the first time he called they told him it would be the next evening; the second time he called they told him they didn't know when it would be. A few days later, they told him it would be Monday, so he figured he'd heard this tale before and they were just stringing him along. So, I guess it was more than a surprise--it was more of a shock--when it was restored 3 days ahead of schedule and we were notified by a phone call. Wow!!!
Another surprise was when it hit us that it had been almost 4 months since we had prepared an American meal. We thoroughly enjoy Liberian food and planned to eat lots of it while we're here, but it still was surprising when we realized how long it had been. And then I got a hankering for spaghetti, so that's what we had last night. It was yummy but I'm not ready to give up Liberian food anytime soon! Another 6 months should be about right!
Golden Beach was another nice surprise. No, we didn't go swimming. (I can't imagine struggling to get this sticky body into a bathing suit--YUK!!!) We had heard about Golden Beach so followed directions to the sign, headed down a narrow alley that looked liked it was leading nowhere, and came to a wonderful little restaurant. We walked right through the restaurant to the beach where tables were set up in the sand. There were several palm trees with tables under them for people who didn't want to be in the sun, but we went just before sunset and wanted to be right on the beach. It was beautiful! Ocean breeze, crashing waves, sunset, and then the moon and stars overhead. What a nice evening! And we never would have known about this place if someone hadn't told us.
The last surprise I want to mention will be a teaser for my next post. We were in another section of the city for a meeting and afterward a young girl came up to me and asked my name. We chatted a bit and then I headed for the car. As I was walking along I heard someone on the path behind me very clearly call my name. That was a surprise because usually out here I'm called Ma, Madam, Old Ma, Grandma--anything but my name. And since this post is already long enough, you'll have to wait until next time to find out who it was and what we talked about! (I won't make you wait too long!)
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Success, Sweet Success
I told you he was cute; now you can see for yourself. Of course, I'm not prejudiced!
The happy family!
Monday, April 9, 2012
He's Here
Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here you are: grrrr--I am not happy with blogspot. It won't let me download the cutest picture in the whole wide world. Of course that would be a picture of our new grandson! He's adorable! I'd really like to give him and the rest of his family a big hug, but I'm afraid that will have to wait for 7 months.
Anyway, we praise God for this new life. We think all is well, though he has had us wondering. At least the doctors have had us wondering. He developed some sort of rash the day after he was born, and the doctors seemed very concerned about it. So far, all tests have been negative, but they are waiting for the results of a few cultures. They have him on medication just to be on the safe side, so he will remain hospitalized until they are certain he's okay. He's in a "transition room" in the NICU, and Eric and Val can stay right there in the room with him. Other than the rash, he seems to be fine.
I keep trying to download the picture but it's not working. Our "high speed" internet has been very slow--slower than usual--the last few days, so that may be the problem. Usually it's a tad faster in the evening, but it's almost midnight and it's still slow. One other time it was so slow that I couldn't even enter a new post. That particular night I was wide awake in the middle of the night so came out to see if it would work then--success! I'm not hoping for a bad night's sleep, but if it happens I will try. You just have to see how cute he is!
Anyway, we praise God for this new life. We think all is well, though he has had us wondering. At least the doctors have had us wondering. He developed some sort of rash the day after he was born, and the doctors seemed very concerned about it. So far, all tests have been negative, but they are waiting for the results of a few cultures. They have him on medication just to be on the safe side, so he will remain hospitalized until they are certain he's okay. He's in a "transition room" in the NICU, and Eric and Val can stay right there in the room with him. Other than the rash, he seems to be fine.
I keep trying to download the picture but it's not working. Our "high speed" internet has been very slow--slower than usual--the last few days, so that may be the problem. Usually it's a tad faster in the evening, but it's almost midnight and it's still slow. One other time it was so slow that I couldn't even enter a new post. That particular night I was wide awake in the middle of the night so came out to see if it would work then--success! I'm not hoping for a bad night's sleep, but if it happens I will try. You just have to see how cute he is!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Remembering and Waiting
I can tell you exactly where I was and what I was doing 31 years ago to the minute! I was lying on the dining room table in an efficiency apartment here in Monrovia too weak to hold my newborn son! They don't call it "labor" for nothing; it's not easy to deliver a 10 pound moose!!!
Any mother could bore you with details you'd probably rather not hear--even 31 years later--so I'll spare you for the most part! But I will say my home delivery with a midwife was way better by far than my experience in the hospital in the States 2 years earlier. Way better!
And for what are we now waiting? Today is the due date for the son of that 31 year old "baby" of ours! Yes, we will soon be grandparents again; we're just waiting for the good word. And then we will have to wait several months before we get to meet the little guy. My parents had to wait 13 months before they met their grandson and they survived, so I have no doubt we will survive, too.
I praise the Lord for our 2 sons and the fine young men they have grown up to be. I also praise Him for the 2 fine daughters our sons have given us! And now the grandchildren--it just keeps getting better and better!
There was a time when we had just about given up hope of having any kids of our own, but I remember the peace the Lord gave me in spite of my longing. At one point, after we had been told we would probably never have kids, I wondered if I would ever be able to hold a baby again without crying. I cried out to the Lord for His grace, strength, and peace. Within a day or two I was holding a tiny baby and rejoicing at the marvel of new life--without tears! God's peace truly is beyond our understanding. Philippians 4:7 It would be 3 more years before I got to hold our firstborn. What a day of rejoicing, not just at the marvel of new life but also rejoicing over God's blessings showered upon us. And then, 2 years later, another son.
And now we wait for that grandson. God is so good!!!
Any mother could bore you with details you'd probably rather not hear--even 31 years later--so I'll spare you for the most part! But I will say my home delivery with a midwife was way better by far than my experience in the hospital in the States 2 years earlier. Way better!
And for what are we now waiting? Today is the due date for the son of that 31 year old "baby" of ours! Yes, we will soon be grandparents again; we're just waiting for the good word. And then we will have to wait several months before we get to meet the little guy. My parents had to wait 13 months before they met their grandson and they survived, so I have no doubt we will survive, too.
I praise the Lord for our 2 sons and the fine young men they have grown up to be. I also praise Him for the 2 fine daughters our sons have given us! And now the grandchildren--it just keeps getting better and better!
There was a time when we had just about given up hope of having any kids of our own, but I remember the peace the Lord gave me in spite of my longing. At one point, after we had been told we would probably never have kids, I wondered if I would ever be able to hold a baby again without crying. I cried out to the Lord for His grace, strength, and peace. Within a day or two I was holding a tiny baby and rejoicing at the marvel of new life--without tears! God's peace truly is beyond our understanding. Philippians 4:7 It would be 3 more years before I got to hold our firstborn. What a day of rejoicing, not just at the marvel of new life but also rejoicing over God's blessings showered upon us. And then, 2 years later, another son.
And now we wait for that grandson. God is so good!!!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Jigger-toe, Jigger-foot, and Drs. D and D
Yep, it's happened. Both Darrell and I have had jiggers this week! At first I thought I had been bitten by a red ant on the side of my foot because it itched so much, but as it started to feel as if I was stepping on something I asked Darrell to check it out. He confirmed my suspicions and went to work with a needle to dig it out.
A jigger is the smallest of fleas that burrows under the skin to live comfortably--at least for the jigger--until its belly swells with eggs. During removal, care must be taken to get the whole thing; sometimes, depending on how big it got, it can leave quite a hole. This one wasn't too big.
Today Darrell asked me to check out his little toe. We're quite sure he had a jigger too, though it didn't itch. His was in a crazy spot--right on the end of his toe by the nail. He trimmed the nail as short as he could and I went to work with the needle. It was partly under the nail and I wasn't able to get it out in one piece, but by the time I was done he had the typical hole.
It's not surprising that this happened, especially for me since I wear flip-flops, and we both had had them when we lived here before. What really surprised us is that Sackie told us he has had only one in his life. He must know a secret that we don't know! Oh well, it's just part of living in the tropics!
A jigger is the smallest of fleas that burrows under the skin to live comfortably--at least for the jigger--until its belly swells with eggs. During removal, care must be taken to get the whole thing; sometimes, depending on how big it got, it can leave quite a hole. This one wasn't too big.
Today Darrell asked me to check out his little toe. We're quite sure he had a jigger too, though it didn't itch. His was in a crazy spot--right on the end of his toe by the nail. He trimmed the nail as short as he could and I went to work with the needle. It was partly under the nail and I wasn't able to get it out in one piece, but by the time I was done he had the typical hole.
It's not surprising that this happened, especially for me since I wear flip-flops, and we both had had them when we lived here before. What really surprised us is that Sackie told us he has had only one in his life. He must know a secret that we don't know! Oh well, it's just part of living in the tropics!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Worthy Causes
I don't know about you, but I know I greatly dislike pleas for money. Please give for this and please give for that--and then if you do give they only want more. I do know sometimes people would like to help but just aren't sure which causes are legitimate. Also people wonder how much of their money actually reaches the spot that needs it.
Well, we have never asked for money for ourselves; we've only asked the Lord to take care of us and He has provided in some amazing ways over the years. But we don't hesitate to make known some worthy causes just to make people aware of the need. I WILL NOT USE THIS BLOG TO BE CONSTANTLY BEGGING FOR MONEY! I'm going to tell you just this once about four areas that could stand some help; if any money comes in, I will report once in a while on what has been accomplished. And I can guarantee that 100% of any money given will go directly to the causes mentioned--no overhead, nothing skimmed off the top. And no one will ask for MORE.....EVER.
Cause #1: The folk in our home church gave money to buy Thompson Chain Reference Bibles for pastors and Bible school students in Liberia. Some pastors have told us they lost theirs during the war. Tommy Ben, who is pastoring the church at Zondo where Darrell grew up and where we spent some time when we lived here, told us soldiers in the 90's took his Bible and other books to destroy them and he has been trying to get another Thompson ever since. I wish I could have captured the smile on his face when he first held a new one in his hands. He was/is one happy man and very grateful.
Well, we have never asked for money for ourselves; we've only asked the Lord to take care of us and He has provided in some amazing ways over the years. But we don't hesitate to make known some worthy causes just to make people aware of the need. I WILL NOT USE THIS BLOG TO BE CONSTANTLY BEGGING FOR MONEY! I'm going to tell you just this once about four areas that could stand some help; if any money comes in, I will report once in a while on what has been accomplished. And I can guarantee that 100% of any money given will go directly to the causes mentioned--no overhead, nothing skimmed off the top. And no one will ask for MORE.....EVER.
Cause #1: The folk in our home church gave money to buy Thompson Chain Reference Bibles for pastors and Bible school students in Liberia. Some pastors have told us they lost theirs during the war. Tommy Ben, who is pastoring the church at Zondo where Darrell grew up and where we spent some time when we lived here, told us soldiers in the 90's took his Bible and other books to destroy them and he has been trying to get another Thompson ever since. I wish I could have captured the smile on his face when he first held a new one in his hands. He was/is one happy man and very grateful.
Tommy Ben with his new Bible
The reason we list this as a worthy cause is that the 48 Bibles provided by the people in our church are not enough. Each Bible costs approximately $50 when buying by the case of 12.
Cause #2 Darrell and I have both written booklets that we would like to use while here. Darrell's booklet is called "Back to Basics" and gives the Biblical plan of salvation in 6 easy lessons. My booklet is called "I Dare You: A Challenge that Requires a Response" and presents the Biblical concept of tithing. We would like to see both of these printed in English and Bassa.
Cause #3 The Mother Susie Guenter Orphanage was started by Jefferson and Helena Zeon and named in honor of Darrell's mother who had a great influence on Jefferson. There are 28 children in the orphanage and they also run a Christian day school with 370 students. The work will continue even though Jefferson has been promoted to Heaven.
Cause #4 Baptist Mid-Missions still has a lease from the government on 100 acres at Zondo even though no resident missionaries have been there since 1980. The Liberians have carried on the work of the church and Christian day school (70 students) and have maintained the buildings to the best of their ability financially. The church building had to be rebuilt; they were able to use the same foundation and also were able to salvage some of the mud bricks from the original building. However, one of 2 school buildings is no longer standing and the two houses need repair. (We stayed in Darrell's folk's house for a night in 2010 and saw the sky through a large hole in the roof.) Some local people have petitioned the government to take the land back for development, saying missionaries will never go back there again. So far they have been unsuccessful and the work of the Lord goes on. I know they would be greatly encouraged by any help that came their way.
I had hoped to include some pictures from Zondo but they are only in my Facebook albums and I don't know how to download them to this page. If you are my facebook friend, you can go to my albums and look for Liberia--Places--2010. Scroll through and you will find pictures of the church building, the remaining school building, and Darrell's folk's house.
If any of these causes interest you and you would like to help, any money can be sent to Liberia Projects, Northfield Baptist Church, 87 Main Street, Northfield, MA 01360 and they will send you a receipt if you would like one. Please designate the money for whichever cause you would like to support. If enough comes in for the printing, we will put any leftover money into the other causes.
Thank you for taking the time to read about these causes which are close to our hearts and thank you for any help you may give.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Catching Up
Wow! Where has the time gone? I don't want to believe it has been over a week since I last posted. It's not that I don't have anything to write about. I probably could go on forever, but it's late so I'll keep this short.
Jefferson's wake and funeral were a real blessing. We stayed at the wake until 12:30am when they were starting a time of singspiration. Mind you, wakes and funerals are different here from what we're used to at home.
Darrell preached for only 45 minutes instead of the 3 hours he was told he could take. I'm sure he was told that with tongue in cheek as a way to tell him he could take as long as he wanted, but I'm also sure people would have been disappointed if he had made it too short. He preached from Isaiah 40:12ff about how big our God is, including the fact that He is big enough to know how to take care of the empty spots left by Jefferson's departure.
Many tributes were given both at the wake and funeral testifying to the impact Jefferson had on many lives, young and old. One of the saddest parts was when the orphans--28 of them--got up to sing and we all knew they had just lost their "daddy." And then a group of students from the school sang, some of them singing their hearts out with tears streaming down their faces. Believe me, I had tears streaming down my face too!
The funeral was scheduled to start at 10am--probably started more like 10:30--and went until about 2. I couldn't see everyone there since many--maybe most--were seated outside under canopies, but when they filed past the casket at the end, the line kept coming and coming and coming. I asked later if anyone knew how many people were there and Jefferson's sister-in-law said they planned for 1,000. I'm sure there were at least that many there which is another tribute to the impact of Jefferson's life.
After the burial we went back for a feast of rice and soup. I can't imagine cooking for that many people, but they did an excellent job. It was a good end to a day honoring Jefferson and the God he served so faithfully.
Jefferson's wake and funeral were a real blessing. We stayed at the wake until 12:30am when they were starting a time of singspiration. Mind you, wakes and funerals are different here from what we're used to at home.
Darrell preached for only 45 minutes instead of the 3 hours he was told he could take. I'm sure he was told that with tongue in cheek as a way to tell him he could take as long as he wanted, but I'm also sure people would have been disappointed if he had made it too short. He preached from Isaiah 40:12ff about how big our God is, including the fact that He is big enough to know how to take care of the empty spots left by Jefferson's departure.
Many tributes were given both at the wake and funeral testifying to the impact Jefferson had on many lives, young and old. One of the saddest parts was when the orphans--28 of them--got up to sing and we all knew they had just lost their "daddy." And then a group of students from the school sang, some of them singing their hearts out with tears streaming down their faces. Believe me, I had tears streaming down my face too!
The funeral was scheduled to start at 10am--probably started more like 10:30--and went until about 2. I couldn't see everyone there since many--maybe most--were seated outside under canopies, but when they filed past the casket at the end, the line kept coming and coming and coming. I asked later if anyone knew how many people were there and Jefferson's sister-in-law said they planned for 1,000. I'm sure there were at least that many there which is another tribute to the impact of Jefferson's life.
After the burial we went back for a feast of rice and soup. I can't imagine cooking for that many people, but they did an excellent job. It was a good end to a day honoring Jefferson and the God he served so faithfully.
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