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)