Tales from the Field

The very first thing we fell in love with here in Liberia is the wonderfully responsive preaching field.  When your audience is God-oriented, hospitable and foreigner-friendly it makes our objective much easier and enjoyable.  So here’s something that happened recently:

One woman Daun had stopped visiting was very low-key and never seemed outwardly excited or even pleased.  After a couple of months while next door to her, she said she’d been wondering where we were.  A study was offered and accepted, but since Bible Teach books are more than scarce she was told that a book would be brought for her to use on the study and then taken back so others could share it.   Guess that was unacceptable because the next time she had on hand a copy she was given in the past and was ready with many questions like ‘Why does God allow suffering?’.  A couple of sessions were conducted from Chapter 11 to quench her initial thirst and then started from Chapter 1.   

Funny thing though she has never accepted invitation to attend meeting at the local Kingdom Hall.  However, when our recent ‘No Part of the World’ Circuit Assembly was near she was very surprised to learn that Jesus told us to be ‘no part of the world’.  When asked what she thought that might involve, she didn’t know so we invited her to attend and asked her to phone when she was en route.  Unfortunately Saturday before she arrived she had a little mishap that made her return home but the next morning she called to apologize for not making it.  Not too easy to hear me amidst crowd before program so she asked why.  Seems that she didn’t realize the program continued on Sunday so she hurriedly prepared again and came just before the lunch break.

She ate lunch with us and met many some friends who had already been on her study along with some new ones.  Her eyes scanned and she was even more quiet than usual.  During the talks she followed along in her KJ Version and paid close attention till the end of the day.  In a little bit of an awkward way she left looking very thoughtful.  The next time we studied her sister joined us and she had the assembly program handy to share with us and her sister which points she really enjoyed.

It was nice to find out what she found most strange (like signs for ‘FIRST AID’ ‘TRUCKING’ ‘ATTENDANTS’) and what she loved most (that seating was general, with even children who are of little account in African culture deserving a seat and that all points were supported/explained from the Bible).  We told her that now since she’s seen on a large scale how we worship that she shouldn’t feel shy about our smaller gatherings.   Still waiting to see how this one grows . . .

It's funny, no actually hilarious when . . . .

You realize that recreation is best appreciated the more it is differs from your day-to-day activities.    For example we were raised playing outdoors, even if that meant Mom would lock the door and make you stay outside for a prescribed time.  It was fun and added adventure and imagination to our upbringing.  Or a camping outing was neat because it was so different from our hurried city life. 

So it’s interesting that now our idea of recreation is reversed, involving more pampering and structure than it used to because we never know what will happen next.  Imagine we’ve been invited to go camping right here in Liberia, but have declined the offer because who needs it when at any time the generator and the local electricity provider decide not to work at the same time?  And it just so happens at 6 a.m. on your cookday when there are 6+ hungry bellies to fill by 7:15. . . .

Or,  running across your feet as you exit your bathroom is an uninvited lizard.  See how we do it at the Paynesville camp.

Let's Eat-O

So don’t know why but I’ve been getting quite adventurous with food preparation.  Maybe since we’re all settled in and cozy now is the time to try and branch out.  In the past ‘branch out’ means jump in the car with the girls and try that new Thai or Indian restaurant that just opened up. Or if Gene and I are wiped out we’ll order something different to take out from that extra busy greasy spoon neighborhood spot.  So when you are miles away from that neighborhood spot and oceans away from your girls (you know who you are)  --what to do?

Time to explore the local edibles(both plant and animal):  Liberia produces cocoa so recently a householder went to her tree and picked some fresh for me.  The fruit resembles a small yellow-orange oblong gourd.  If ripe inside will be full of seeds covered with a thin sweet flesh like the inside of a grape.  Not much to them, but when dried the seeds can be ground into real cocoa powder

There’s even a contact that can bring fresh seafood, as he's pulling them in he's calling and the catch is YES still moving!  However you call them prawns, shrimp, scrimps .  . . . . they’re some ugly looking fellas, but YUMMY!  This is about 1200+ that Gene is trying to keep fresh as we wash and prep for freezing. 

But when those cravings for a One World bagel or Dunkin’ Donut hits I head straight to the kitchen.   Well actually it’s quite a process – first, I check online for recipe(s) and if they are well reviewed, then it’s off to the kitchen.  After I modify to fit my low skill level and any lacking ingredients stand back cuz what comes next is gonna be something . . . . . . .   hopefully something edible and baring a slight resemblance to the original.

Here’s the recent list:

Donuts (glazed/jelly or custard-filled)

Cinnabon knock offs

Raisin bread + Honey wheat bread

Bagels (cinn +raisin/ whole wheat/ plain egg)  never knew they had to be boiled & baked

Banana bread pudding

Waffle cones for ice cream  (where’s ColdStone when I needed them)

Pizza
Falafel

Wine (pineapple = yum, banana = not a good idea)

English muffins

I know it’s not earth moving, but I was never the all-from-scratch kinda girl but now I have a new appreciation for ‘kitchen science’.  You know me I’ll never be Martha Stewart, Emeril or Bobby Flay but until Papa Johns starts delivering to Monrovia, I’ll be spending lots of time in apron and oven mitts.  Been thinking of those buttery Auntie Ann pretzels at the mall. . . .  mmm.  . . .  gotta go.

District Convention and Zone Visit 2011

Our Remain in God’s Love District though held months ago was truly unforgettable.  Over the years, in addition to those at various locations in the interior, there has been one for all of the Greater Monrovia area.  However because last year’s was a bit large, it was scheduled differently being divided in 2.  Our congregation was assigned to attend on November 12-14, 2010 with peak attendance of 8,100.   With the other section’s attendance well over 7,000, it means in a country of 6,000 pubs one convention alone doubles our national count. 

From the Sign Language side it was a boost for 2 new brothers to be baptized.  They are both different in that one has been drawn to the truth in last year or two and despite many challenges has made his stand clearly known.  (see left)

And, the other has known the truth for years but just recently overcame a major hurdle -- made his relationship legal and is now serving Jehovah along with his wife who is also a deaf publisher.  It was nice that even though it was not the largest deaf crowd in attendance that there were a couple of new faces.  One young girl, who has just begun to attend school, gets instruction from her peers on the ABC's. 

During the program it was hard to find Gene and the other brothers from our missionary home but here’s a picture of all the sisters from our home. 

       

           L to R (Andrea, me, Teresa, Julie)

It was very hot as usual so when I did catch up with Gene he was getting pointers from this little guy on how to keep cool  . . . . .

 . . . . .DRESS LIGHT  !!

After a couple of months, we were eagerly anticipating the arrival of our Zone Overseer and his wife, Bro. and Sister Walls from U.S. Branch (NY). (above)

 February, though the shortest month, was power packed.  We soaked up every bit of encouragement from Bro. Walls and filled our spiritual and physical bellies at the same time.

At the Branch the whole week of activity is a treat but also requires much extra work and attention.  Notice even the awesome floral arrangement which met us at the door.  A real tortoise shell filled with exotic tropical blooms! It was like the Branch had been transformed into a very welcoming luxurious restaurant. Then the meal and experiences/expressions that followed were no disappointment.

During the special meeting with the missionaries (which is similar to the Pioneer mtg. prior to the Circuit Assembly) the following point(s) were shared for our application/reminders:

(in home)

There are many reasons that problems may arise, but no reason for them to continue.

Procedures change but Bible principles never do.

(in field)

Always respect people for where they are and how they live, just as Jesus HUMBLY left a place of perfection and beauty to live among humans.  None of us selected our country of origin/situation in life so we have no reason to look down on the the circumstances of others.  Resist all hints of nationalism/feelings of superiority, condescension, etc. we all are equal already in Jehovah’s eyes.

(in heart)

Spirituality can become a shallow endeavor if we focus simply on displaying qualities (i.e. character development/personality) but forgetting the truly active role of Jehovah’s holy spirit.  Knowledge, years of service by itself will not suffice but should be based on meditative Bible study that aligns our thinking with Jehovah’s.

Little Bit of Home

Well, here's just a peek of what's up in our Missionary Home.  As some of you know we're in the Paynesville Home (named after the town) right across the road from the Branch.  Gene and I have been here since the home opened in 2008 but the family has changed alot since then.  Some have been reassigned to other homes and new missionaries have joined us here as well.  As some moved we took the opportunity to change rooms, so now we're in a "double" with a nice apartment feel.  Check out the pics and see where you'll be staying when you visit (haha)

(left) First view when you enter - living room/kitchenette

(right)  view from couch - front door/kitchenette that Gene designed/built for me.  Isn't he talented?

Bedroom - Office (out of view far left)

Yes we have our own personal facilities that's what

you really wanted to know right?

Oh yeah, in June we celebrated our 15th anniversary and though we were far from you all, our family here outdid themselves to make it special for us.  Liberia has not been a place that offers many entertainment/recreation options.  Though we both are rarely bored, it was our 15th so we wanted it to be nice. For the past few years there were no options, if you wanted a nice dinner it meant coming home early from service and cooking it yourself.  But this time our family + friends spoiled us with a surprise dinner with decorations, cake and all.

We should have suspected it but didn't when a Bethelite couple took us out for drinks + appetizers that evening.  I was like 'hey I'm still hungry' (Daun) and asked for a menu to order more but they discouraged it.  Of course they weren't being cheap but they wanted us to have room for the meal waiting for us.  We were TOTALLY surprised and thoroughly enjoyed being spoiled for the evening.

Well that's all for now.  As we speak we're preparing for the District Convention, yes, the one you finished with aeons ago.  Thanks for not telling us all the goodies and releases received.  Two more weeks we'll see for ourselves.  So,  until then just know that we're always thinking bout ya from way over here in the other corner of the 'courtyard'   G n D

Has it really been a year already?

Ugh . . . . . we hadn't been in our assignment 3 years yet so unfortunately we would not receive invitations to attend the International Conventions in our home country. How awesome that many loved ones surprised us by sponsoring our awesome vacation.  We began by a brief stop in Belgium and because we ended up staying overnight we got to see the Branch there.  (see pics) So much was accomplished and enjoyed in the 4 months we spent in the States. Gene and I even had to 'divide & conquer' but we squeezed as much as we could into the time.

We were thrilled to catch up with lots of old friends and make new ones too! Can you imagine being there to welcome newborn family members, but knowing the next time you see them you'll have to convince them they know you? Or what about catching up with our Gilead classmates who are assigned to the country right next door (Fiedlers in Republic of Guinea) but it was easier(and safer) to meet up in US? Still we know we missed some of you and we hope you'll forgive us. Hard to believe exactly a year ago we were there with you. Here's a few pics . . . .

Just like old times

The Triplets

2009 District Convention - Foya, Lofa County

After we returned to Liberia, we were excited to finally attend our Convention. We had gone in ASL (Belleville, MI) but spent much of the time in the hallways 'talking' and hugging(totally disregarding the attendants' PLEASE BE SEATED sign). So now is our chance to really soak up the program.

So we take off from Monrovia for Lofa County, City of Foya for the Convention. The full day journey is by Land Cruiser along verrRRrrRRrrrrry bumpy roads. The distance is relatively short, but on dirt roads still ravaged by war and eroded by the heavy rainy seasons , “Are we there yet?” is the only thought on your mind. Better to think it because every time you open your mouth it fills with dust.

When we arrive you forget the whole process because the natural beauty of this upcountry city is very welcoming. The grounds were very sweetly adorned with local foliage and palm fronds were thickly laid across bamboo supports to make the 'roof' for our 'facility'. It was enough to shield us from the blazing sun while allowing the gentle breeze to flow through.

On our long list of 'must-haves' for going on this upcountry excursion was a coat. Gene laughed as I packed but every morning we awoke to a dewy chill I had never felt since coming to Liberia. Not sure but it felt like about 60ºF, quite frosty when you've grown accustomed to averages around 90ºF.

Gene got a brief lesson in the Kissi dialect to have

  some local lingo for his talk.  The friends loved his effort and so did I.

 

Being our first time to this side of Liberia, which borders with Guinea, I jumped at a chance travel just across the border to see what their market had to offer. Though it involved a 40 min motorbike trek followed by a questionable canoe ride .  .  .   .   .  I was going.

 

 I mean you say SHOPPING what was I supposed to do. Sorry wasn't brave enough to take the camera, but will next time for sure.  I was so beautiful.  Just spent a few hours over there but at least I did it. Now with a few Guinea Francs for posterity and gorgeous material purchased I thought it was worth it. And of course we made lots of friends and have memories that will stick with us forever.

We sat in front of this interested family and their
                                                                                    3 handsome, active sons.                                  

Nyumah Family (4 generations of JW's)