Alrighty trainees, twas an interesting week. We didnt have a working SIM card/phone number till saturday. So alot of Whatsapp maxxing and find maxxing. But it was still pretty great. On Teusday we had zone conference, which was fire. The Kerrs (the mission president and his wife) are awesome people. The main topic was effective daily and weekly planning. so we did some practical and thoughful discussions on the best ways we can go about it. For lunch we had pasta and salad. the rolls were very good. Meeting all the Elders and Sisters in my zone was cool too. I met one of my friends from high schoo. Elder Levi Birch, he is a year younger than me, but we talked a good amount in the welding shop. It was really great to catch up with him. He got here last transfer, so he is only a month ahead of me. Hopefully we will get to be companions at some point.
The rest of the week was great, knocked doors, walked around markets and the such. Most of the people are pretty nice. We get alot of online refferals from like facebook ads the church runs. Or directly from their website. But not many of them answer our communication attemps. All is well. We had a great lesson with one person who lives real close to us. So that is great. He said he wants his family to join us next time. Because he works nights, and his wife works during the day sometimes its hard, but we have another lesson scheduled. I am really hopeful for him and his family, they are really nice. He has one son who is in his rebellious phase and is doing the usual rebellious teenager things.
I guess it was a pretty mediocre week. But some will be better than others. Such is life. In my personal studies I have read alot and taken notes about Captain Moroni. Throughout his whole life, he fought for the freedom of his brethren. Defended his peoples peace and religion. When he heard of troubles in the kingdom, he took action as soon as possible to defend the righteous from the evil doers who sought to take away their freedom. Was incredibly smart and future oriented. As soon as he had gained victory over the enemy, he never stopped forifying and protecting the cities and people. Constantly fortifying and strengthening our personal testimony and faith in Jesus Christ WILL protect us WHEN the howling storms and tempests blow. One of the verses in the section when Captain Moroni sent a letter to the government, is as follows “Yea behold I do not fear your power nor you authority, but it is my God whom I fear” and later. “Behold, I am Moroni, your cheif captain. I seek not for power but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country.” This man is such a baller.
Have a wonderful week, till we meet again.
Those who seek the fold of Christ will be eager to hear more of his words. That being the Book of Mormon.
Man, time changes are rough. I’m chilling now though.
But anyways, the last few days at the MTC were fun. I lowkey like packing (its more fun when it isnt a punishment haha). I almost missed the bus to the airport becuase my alarm didnt go off at 3 30 AM. Luckily the MTC knows missionaries like sleeping, becuase a security guard opened up my door and said “Is there a Sam Berky in here?” Yea, I was like 40 minutes late. I’ll tell you what though, took me 10 minutes to get ready, and run to the other side of the mtc for my bus. Of which, running was 5 minutes. Yea that was fun. Other than that, travel went well. Flights got delayed, but we had a good layover buffer for them all, so it wasn’t an issue. Got a little bit of sleep on the transatlantic flight to Amsterdam. I wasnt able to get any belgian waffles sadly, as due to previous delays, our flight to England was in like 20 minutes. I dont know why, but the hour flight from Amsterdam to England was way worse than the 9 hour flight. Probably because the seats sucked, and I was motion sick.
We landed and got off the plane, went through customs, then got our bags. I say “our” because there was 6 of us, 2 Sisters and 4 Elders. The Leeds airport is very new, and still under construction, but I was impressed by its efficiency and design. Leaving, we saw some elders and an older guy, walked with them to some vans. Put our luggage in, and then all piled into another van. The rental van had one row of seats facing the normal way, then the seats closer to the front, were facing the rear. I mistakingly chose the rearfacing seat. I was doing my best not to empty what little contents remained in my stomach. I dont know why I was so motion sick, maybe just my inner American being angry with the tea sippers. But alas, we made it to the mission home. Very nice place, chilled for a bit, did some paperwork and orientation. Talked with some folks, did a short interview with the Mission President, Kerr, and his wife. They are cool. Took some pictures. Us 6 from the airport weren’t the only new ones this transfer, they had about 13 other missionaries from the Preston MTC there too. A bus arrived and we loaded all of the luggage on, and made our way to the Leeds Institute, where we had some lunch (sandwiches, 4/10) and then had a small meeting to get introduced to the mission, as well as our trainers. I was one of the last people called up. And was introduced to Elder Olds. He is a pretty cool guy. Has been here for 9 months, the last 5 of which were in the office doing behind the scenes stuff. Like managing flats (apartments) and other various paperwork things that come along with having 176 missionaries. Apparently, when the office got all the intake information, Elder Olds saw my picture and said, “I’m gonna train that guy” so when he got called up everyone was cheering.
That whole introduction sequence was super fun. Afterwards we loaded all of our luggage into different vans. Because we are splitting off into different areas. (duhh) Me and Elder Olds were the first to get dropped off, in Castleford. Our area is the Pontefract area. with surrounding cities. It is quite large. But we have a Sister companionship in our area too, so we have it split up with them. Me and Elder Olds are actually staying in an AirB&B right now. He said its because the flat that they had lined up, fell through at the last minute. So while the new office people try to get another place for us. The AirB&B is alright, in a basement, small, landlord special. But its alright. This area is a newly made district in the mission. So we have no areabook from previous missionaries to work with. So we are doing alot of finding as of now.
Its been great so far. Found a decent amount of people. England is an interesting place. We had our first member meal 2 days ago. It was actually fire, they are from the philipienes and Equador, so they made some tasty grub. they even gave us some watermelon to take back with us. We met with another member in the ward and talked with them for awhile (maybe a little too long) but they were fun. The bus system here is pretty fun. I had to get a card, but the machine didnt spit one out, so now I am out 27 pound (36 bucks (a pair of ball joints)) untill I complain enough to them. They said it would go back into my account. (But an American has skepticism for the cavity connoisseurs) I will probably go back and complain today or tommorow. Because I have no money đ
General conference has been nice, both days were very slow for knocking/prosceliting, since its easter people are like, “I have had enough Jesus for the day, bye!” but all is well. We watched the first sessions at the church with the Sisters. But had to go back home for the second sessions, since it started at 9 pm for us. They were very nice. We had some members join us yesterday at the church for our watch party. One was baptized a couple of months ago, he is cool, had been a smoker his whole life, quit before he was baptized. but he still has the aura to him. But that is okay, Jesus heals the sick and the weary.
Onto the Segment about british food. My first experience was at the institute where we had some sandwiches made for us by some members. they were okay, not very good, but that could have been the motion sickness talking. Sandwiches 4/10. Had some crisps (potato chips), they were decent, nothing mind boggling. 5/10. Other food has been decent. had a chicken sandwich from GREGGS (like a maverick bonfire grill, but dedicated store. Good meal deals) It was pretty good, the crispyness was an 8/10, chicken 5/10 a little dry, and the bun was pretty good 7/10. Overall, I would give it an 7/10. Yesterday I had some Fish and Chips. it was a very good portion size. I did a video review. I’ll attach that. but at first, a 7/10. the Cod was very good. Chips were okay could have used a higher heat on the fryer for a better crisp. After eating about half, I felt like I had just drank a cup of vegtable oil. which is probably true. So I saved the rest for later. Looking back on that experience, its no wonder there are many horizontally challenged people here. Your national dish is frier oil and carbs. I thought we were bad with our soda and burgers, but yikes. But alas. The people are very nice, even if they dont want to hear about Jesus. We have met many athiests, but everytime they are like “sorry I am actually an athiest, but have a great day! Cheers!” It has been interesting to see the different dynamics. While I may speak ill of the stereotypes, I do truly love the people here.
In conference, President Oaks spoke of loving your enemies. When I first got my call to England, I will admit, I was slightly confused. However, I know the Lord has called me to where I am needed most, both for the peoples conversion to Christ, and for my conversion to Christ. And thinking more about being here and the culture that I am in, I know that I will change for the better. Also considering there is a large Muslim population in many cities in England, I know that one of my transfers will likely include such cities. And those truly will be a blessing to me in helping me grow closer to Christ.
The buildings here are very interesting as well. I will talk about it more in my next epistle. I have been reading in my personal study about Captain Moroni and his dealings. Because I figure, If I want to be a good Military Officer, I need to study the greats. It has been going great, I have been notating all of the desicions he had to make, as well as his atributes. Those chapters in Alma really are fascinating.
Well, I shall go henceforth into the days of P, and onward into the forth coming days, preaching and teaching the good word. The Doctrine of Christ. Till we meet again fine chaps! Cheers!
B, (my aunts dog) has been hit, by a mobile of old.
She will be here shortly, when arrived, her canine she gave
We said our goodbyes, and placed her in the grave.
A dedicatory prayer I prayed. Tears were shed, for the young, young babe.
My very first act as an elder. To dig and bless the resting place of the innocent.
Well… that was an interesting first night. But it gets better, such is life.
Home MTC went well, boring being I was sat in front of a screen for hours at a time.
Which isn’t nearly as fun when not playing something. But i got through it. On Tuesday 2 weeks ago I got a call from a sergeant at my battalions S1. (Admin people) saying that my transfer to Inactive National Guard was denied because of a flag on my account. That flag being my height/weight measurements were out of regulation. So I met with them and they taped my waist/weighed me. When i first got the call. I taped myself at 42 Inches. And when the army did it a week later. I was 38.5 inches. But in order to be within regulation at my weight. I needed a waist of 37 Inches. So we set up a time for me to get checked out of the MTC in the morning before classes. And off I went on Wednesday last week to the Provo MTC. And this Monday just went back to the Army guys and got taped again. Right on the dot. 37 inches. So I passed my tape. And got the flag removed from my account. So my paperwork flew up the chain of command. And now on Monday it will be signed. So I can leave for England on Tuesday. I have my travel plans. Just gotta get through it.
I was appointed district leader last week. And it has been busy. But fun. Two of the sisters in my district are now in the sick bay with the flu. But they should be out on Sunday. One elder had to go to the ER one night because of abnormal heart rate for 2 days straight. They said it was just inflammation, and gave him pills. He says his heart rate is down now. But still has some chest pain. Hopefully he will be fine. We gave him a blessing too. We also gave some of the sisters blessing as well. They were just feeling nervous. But that was nice.
Classes have been good. Have learned a lot. Got more to learn. I have some good goals. But I need to write them down somewhere. But I am excited.
Was woken up, and we got everything packed and ready. We got a driver and they took us to the airport, and waited for 2 hours. Mom during this past 2-3 days, mom has been wiping her laptop. So we were waiting for her friend to come and pick it up, as well as some other goodies. But we found that we might miss our check-in. So mom sent a taxi with the laptop in it as well as the goodies. Mom explained it in hers. I thought that was good job on his part, but with a consequence of Karma. I during that time, was sliding around on my suitcase. We finally got into the airport, got through security, and went to the same lounge as before. Even some of the people remembered us. Then we finally boarded our plane. Very nice seat, but we did hit a little turbulence.
LaReita:
We got up at 5am, to leave by 5:30 to arrive by 6am for our 9:30am flight to JFK, then to SLC. We were going to meet Esther last night at the airport, as we arrived to give her my wiped laptop. Unfortunately the hard drive wipe was not cooperating for the 2 hours I was in the Monrovia lounge yesterday. So I asked for her to meet us at 6am at the airport. She lives quite a distance from the airport, and we had arranged for a taxi driver in her ward/stake to bring her last night, but he couldnât this morning. She got up at 4am to start making her way to the airport with tro-tros. (Private transit mini-vans, packed with 20 people, that stop frequently.)
We got there at 6am, and stood out front for her arrival. When it breezy it was nice, but still humid. Dave patiently rolled his eyes, âand I was nice and dry after my shower this morning.â Alas. Dav
I would call every 30 minutes to see where her progress was. Tro-tros move at their own pace, and getting as many customers as possible to the next stop. Dave suggested to hire a taxi to meet her at the last tro-tro stop which is a taxi station. By 7:40 I am very nervous because we needed to go inside to get checked-in. I called her and said I am sending a taxi to you with the laptop and 2 bags. The taxi station is a 5-10 minute drive. I gave a taxi driver out front 300ghc and asked for him to take this to this woman (gave phone number), at the taxi station, and take her to Buduburam. He scoffed and said it would be 500ghc to go that far. Then I asked to take her to Kasoa, or as far as he would. He mumbled something and went to his taxi.
We rushed inside to the Delta check-in counter. There were lots of people in line, but the ropes were closed off, preventing entry. I was a bit confused. An airport agent man said, âcheck-in is now closed. It closed at 7:30am.â I immediately went into begging mode – Ghana woman style. I donât think Dave or Ammon ever saw me do that. Or myself. I was seriously stressed we would not be allowed to check-in and get to our flight! Here I was trying to do a good deed of giving my old laptop to our literacy volunteer. An older Delta agent man came up and motioned with his hands, âcalm down, calm down, calm downâ. I explained why we were late, but werenât late (here early, but waiting for someone to arrive to hand them a gift). He was gracious and pulled the rope for us to enter. I saw him later at the gate and gratefully smiled at him!
I called Esther to make sure she got the laptop and 2 small bags. She did, but the driver wouldnât take her to Kasoa. He insisted his 5 minute drive to the taxi station was 300ghc. Not so. An Uber would have charged 40ghc for the same distance. This was Godâs test of his integrity. The karma will come back to him. And some Ghanaians wonder why making money is so hard. Itâs because they curse their own money by cheating others.
My adrenaline was pumping. Ammonâs too! Whew!!! Dave calmly said, âone last adventure before going home.â Going through security, Dave forgot to take off his belt. That was probably subliminal because heâs lost some weight that he has to hold up his shorts! Went to the same lounge to get a quick breakfast. The manager and host recognized us from a week ago when we left for Monrovia. He greeted Ammon in that Ghana-style, âEh! My man!!â
Delta has ANOTHER security scan at the gate. A full-on search: open your suitcase, bags, and body pat down. I donât remember this from last time, but apparently theyâve been doing it for years.
Iâve been typing up the past 2 days the past 2 hours while on the plane, sitting in Premium (not the Delta One fancy shmancy 1st class â too many points and not a good redemption.)
I am very much looking forward to being home and hugging my boys (and daughter-in-law) long hugs. I already gave Jacob the memo to be emotionally prepared for a long mom hug. Getting back digging in the dirt, gathering eggs, taking my dog on a walk, and snuggling with her will help regulate my body and spirit after all the physical, emotional and spiritual demands the past month. Oh, and being in my own bed will be fabulous. Dave is looking forward to getting back to his regularly scheduled programming by working for a living!
We left our nice hotel, and went BACK to the Stop And Shop to buy more book. We also bought some hunger stavers. Then we started driving to a place, and once we got there we got out, and went up to the top of a building, but the room moms friend had was kinda small. Then they got to business and I got dads phone. Then we left and on the was to the airport, we stopped and got two meat pies. One for me, one for dad. We got to the airport and once we got through security, we got to the lounge and they had HOT CHOCOLATE. Then we boarded. Once we landed (it was only a 2 hour flight,) we went through crowded security, then found a driver, and the stupid Google/Apple maps took us to a military zone, so we finally got the right place and got there. Then we got there, and apparently the gate guard somehow, locked us out. Then we got inside, and got our luggage inside and when we were doing that, we saw that they had a Mini Mini Mart. So we bought some stuff. Then we watched a little TV and went to bed.
Pictures from Sept 29 (Mon)
https://photos.app.goo.gl/TNY5hcWm6WdRzA1w7
LaReita:
We checked out of our apartment at 10am and left a few helpful suggestions for the VRBO host (i.e. Americans and Europeans who book with VRBO will expect toilet paper and towels to be stocked before their arrival.) Note to self: yes, it was risky to be the guinea pig first client of this VRBO host, but it turned out fine. Besides, the Rakuten points booking with VRBO was too alluring to my travel points game since I am now âpoints-poorâ (having used a lot of our points accumulation for this month-long trip.)
Speaking of Rakuten points and booking rooms, I booked on Expedia an apartment âMaat Luxury Homesâ for our overnight stay tonight in Accra On the map pin they provided on Expedia, it showed it was quite close to the airport, and the website stated it had an airport shuttle. I booked the place a week prior to arrival. At the time of booking I sent a message through the Expedia messaging requesting an airport pick-up and drop off with our day and times. No response. I checked every couple of days. On Sunday I called the +44 number (a London number) and left a voicemail. No reply. I wondered how itâll all go down when we land in Accra tonight. Since I had no energy to make backup plans, I just trusted itâll work out.
Back to the beginning of the day â I hired the other taxi driver for today (I alternated between 2 drivers). Today was Francis (he has 2 âgahlsâ â girls, and another on the way). He took us to visit Garndersville, a suburb of Monrovia, where a new literacy group has started a couple of months ago. The group started a couple months ago by Victor C, a former teacher at a school in the Buduburam refugee camp. When the camp was bulldozed last year, he and his family repatriated back to Liberia after 20+ years in Ghana. Victor has rented an office space – a small room rented at the top of a 3 story building, and the 16 students (all women) meet in the hallway/breezeway.
I brought books from Dave, the bookseller, for them to start utilizing in their teaching. They didnât seem very excited about the books. Itâs interesting to see how the leaders of different groups give off what type of energy, and how the students pick up on it. This visit was very different than the Brewerville visit. The group in Brewerville were excited to have the opportunity to learn, grow, and mentor. This group had more of the âwoe is me, I canât do anythingâ energy, and âwhat benefit do I get for comingâ (a direct quote from one of the students). It was also evident with Victor, who is still living in the refugee state of mind, asking for help with everything and anything. Living in the refugee camp with a refugee state of mind, he has forgotten he has power to act for himself.
Sigh. I taught LifeStory – the power of your thoughts and words how it creates your world, your âlife storyâ. I gave a couple of examples of how your imagination is powerful and God wants us to use it to create and receive the gifts he has in store for us. Some of them were amazed at these true stories of fellow Africans. (Timothyâs truck story.) I also quoted John, âIn the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. And the word became flesh.â I also taught them about âI Amâ statements. In the scriptures Jesus is also known as âThe Great I Amâ. When we say âI am ____â we are coupling our statement with the power of Jesus. So what do we really want to say about ourselves? And what does Jesus want us to say about ourselves using His name and His power?
There was one particular woman who locked eyes with me and I could see her eyes lighting up and really getting this concept of the power of your thoughts and words. This will be an interesting location and big opportunity for mentoring in the growth mindset. Fortunately, Iâve got a couple of Liberians in mind who can assist with this.
We had a mostly smooth drive today, this part of town having a lot of new roads, or working on the roads. AhhhâŚ. Feels like home. Wide, smooth roads. I told the driver, âLiberia roads are better than Ghana roads.â He was happy to hear that! Checked in at the airport. Itâs so interesting how every airport has a different security process at places that you donât expect. Went to the lounge for a couple of hours before our flight. I worked on wiping my old laptop to give it to Esther, our Literacy volunteer in Buduburam, Ghana.
Flight back to Accra, Ghana was uneventful. We got our luggage (now really light after handing off the last of the items we brought.)
I had a delightful surprise while at the Accra airport ATM getting cash for a taxi. Iâm concentrating on the screen when I feel a gentle touch on my shoulders, and a whispered, âhelloâ in my ear. My response? I turned around slowly thinking it was Dave. When I saw who it was, I responded with the delighted yell and open arm surprise followed by a BIG hug that our dear Aunt Elaine would give!
It was our good friend, Cornelius Kayode, whom we have known since my first Ghana trip in 2016. Dave and Ammon saw him come while my back was turned, and they recognized each other from last year. Dave smiled and let Cornel continue with the surprise.
It was truly so good to see Cornel! In 2016, Cornel came from Nigeria a broken man, emotionally and financially. Truly so proud of the changes he has made in his life! He has become a successful businessman and motivational speaker. Whenever FMF has a graduation in the Accra area, we have him as the keynote speaker. I was feeling a little bummed that I didnât make time this trip to connect with him, but God has a way of making things happen for his children!
We got a taxi and went to the dropped pin on the Expedia map, but it lead to the middle of the military complex. Oh boy. Did I get scammed? There were reviews on this place (but they could have been fake?) I looked up the name of the place on Google maps itself, and fortunately it was there. What was going to be a 15 min taxi drive became a 40 minute taxi drive. We get to the gate and I chastise the caretaker a bit for not answering my messages on Expedia. The taxi driver overcharged me (300ghc/$25, but at this point I didnât have the energy to negotiate, I just wanted to get in the apartment. It really was luxury for Ghana. In fact, the area is East Lagon, which is the more affluent side of Accra. We didnât see any trash on the road while getting there. The homes were all completed and well-maintained. Dave said, âoh, I could stay here for a few days.â
I finished getting my old laptop cleared for Esther for tomorrow.
I woke up and read a text in my sibling group chat. President Nelson has graduated and returned home! Oh, what a dear man! Whenever I would feel lonely for my dad, I would listen to a talk by Pres Nelson, and my heart would be assuaged. Dad and Pres Nelson LOVED people, and were so optimistic about life! I really am going to miss our dear prophet!
We woke up to HEAVY rain â cats, dogs and elephants rain, which continued non-stop for 2 hours. Good thing it happened today, and not yesterday on our trip to Brewerville. I found online an 11:30am church time. One of our taxi drivers took us (only a 5 minute drive). We got there quite early, but spent time greeting others (especially the missionaries), and being greeted warmly by others. One tall, large, white missionary approached me (from England), but was speaking in Liberian English which caught me by surprise! We met 4 other Utah-based missionaries. One of them only 1 week into the mission. He said he was excited to come to an English-speaking mission, but this was not English! He hasnât been able to understand a word!
Liberian English (or pigeon English) is spoken through the back of the throat/nose, and the last consonant of a word is dropped. Also, speaking the end of a sentence goes up, not down.
The branch we attended usually has 100 in attendance, but there were only 20 there for sacrament meeting due to the cat, dog & elephant rain. No Primary today for Ammon. He sat with dad in Elderâs Quorum, while I went to the Relief Society room with one other sister, Theresa. She has been a member for 3 years, and said, ânothee kee me froh churâ. [Say it out loud to yourself â this is Liberian English.] I taught her a little bit about what happens now in church leadership since President Nelson passed away today. My accents today were a mix of American, Ghana, and Liberian. She was probably so confused and most of the time she nodded while I âspokeâ.
I asked her some questions. She is 56, and has 5 children. Her first-born is 42. Yup you read that right. Her first child was when she was a child herself, at age 14. Thatâs pretty ânormalâ here. A child born in 1983, and a 2nd child in 1987 – just before the start of the 1989 conflict/war. I canât imagine trying to keep myself and my children safe/alive during that vicious war. No wonder she says that she never misses church. Iâd also be thankful to God every day for my life and my childrenâs lives.
We came back to our apartment. Dave read & took a nap. Ammon worked on building a (online) plane with engineering principles. I typed up the last 2 days, made contacts for the next 2 days, and rehydrated one of the split-pea soup packages we brought. One of Ammonâs complaints from our July 2024 Ghana trip was âI was starving the whole time.â Yeah, spicy Ghana food is hard for a kid. Before we left the USA, I packed one side Ammonâs suitcase with dried soups, freeze-dried meals, and small packaged snacks. We have used them all up over the course of our Ghana and Liberia days.
It has been a good day of rest for us. Definitely needed.
We got up, and started driving to Brewerville because it was a 2 hour drive. Only felt like 30 minutes to me tho. Also, on the way there, dad apparently saw a 6 PERSON MOTO CYCLE (which was 3 adults and 2 kids). We got there and there was a big surprise, and amidst all of the chaos, mom pulled me into a gift thing and I had to take a bite out of something, I donât even know what it was, but it tasted not too great. Then we had a 5 minute walk to their place, and it was HOT in there. So I went outside to cool off. I had a notebook to fan myself with, then a group of kids came up to me, and one of them had a pencil. So we sat down and I started drawing. Then it was over, and everyone was HOT and radiating their heat to me, so I was BURNING and had to wait 15 minutes while being roasted alive. Turned into a rotisserie chicken-human. Then we left and I got good airflow sticking my head out of the car window.
Then we got to the market, and had to shut off the car a couple times because of how backed up it was.
Then we got back to the Stop And Shop and I got M&Mâs, and some Wild Berry Skittles. Then got a wrap and some chocko muffins. Half a dozen. Then got home and had a good shower. Then got in the pool, and got bored really fast, cuz there was no kids in the pool.
Last year when the Liberian refugee camp in Buduburam, Ghana was bulldozed, one family who had been through the FMF programs, decided it was time to go back to their motherland. Mary & Arthur Gborlie (also members of the church) began doing literacy classes in their hometown of Brewerville.
Over the past few months, the numbers of literacy students in Brewerville has swelled to 80 women and 10 men. The biggest draw is that after literacy comes vocational training. A woman pastor of a local church, made with bamboo walls and scavenged tin roof, gladly offered her location so the people in her village/town could lift themselves with literacy and vocational training.
We were greeted in the traditional Liberian style which is a bit overwhelming! Singing, dancing, surrounded by the mob of happy people. We were offered the traditional gift of white kola nuts wrapped in a banana leaf. Ammon said while we were being joyfully escorted to the bamboo church, âIâm looking forward to going home where Iâm not videoed all the time, and I can be anonymous.â Yes, my son, so is your dad, and me.
As we entered the bamboo, tin roof hut church, the humidity-heat was stifling. Fortunately, Liberians are much more efficient with time than Ghanaians. There was a printed program outline, and they were brief with their comments. Dave later said he was preparing for the long-haul, but was pleasantly surprised with how quickly it went. Which was good because you could see how he was almost melting away with sweat!
Going into these situations it is important to maintain expectations. I clearly stated that I am not their Savior, Dave is not their Savior, only Jesus is their Savior. I made comments about the importance of literacy and business training before the vocational training. I introduced Dave as a successful businessman. Dave made some good comments also about the importance of continued learning. I followed-up with a statement that the glory of God is intelligence. As we are Godâs children, we are also capable of increasing our knowledge, and he wants to grow our gifts (our minds) he has given us.
We presented the books to the literacy teacher (they didnât have any books). The vocational teachers they have found were presented to everyone, and the Reverend mother stated that vocational training will start November 1s to which everyone erupted with cheers. Oh boy. She took us outside to show us the land that she will gift to FMF to build a literacy and vocational center. I smiled and nodded. Managing expectations and negotiations is an art form.
More group photos, and Ammon was going into teenager mode because it was a clear day, no wind and the heat was oppressive.
We began our drive back and when we reached the marketplace we were at a standstill for 1.5 hours. To Liberiaâs credit, they are preparing to expand the roads in this northern area, which could be seen with the rubble of buildings once at the side of the road. After we passed through the crowded marketplace, we approached huge, new road equipment, and a sign that said road improvements will take 2 years. I asked our driver, âis that 2 years in USA time? Or Africa 2 years?â He smiled and said probably about 6 years because they can only do the pavement work during the dry season (Nov-March).
We stopped again at the Stop & Shop store next to our apartment and ordered $100 worth of used picture and young adult chapter books from Dave, the bookseller. We are going to another location on Monday morning. He was over-joyed!
That reminds me, a couple of days ago we went to âOrcaâ (their WalMart) to get plastic bins to hold the books we presented today. When we walked in the air conditioned building, and saw organized products on shelves, Ammon was thrilled! He started wandering through the aisles, followed by a store worker. This was a good teaching moment of how our bodies/minds are regulated (feel better) when we see what we consider is ânormalâ.
Ammon & I did go to the pool at the apartment. There were kids who came over to say hi to Ammon, but he barely acknowledged them. Probably because he is ready to be anonymous and not be a curiosity!
We watched Karate Kid III and went to bed. It was an emotionally exhausting day.
When we were driving, we saw a 4 people on a moto cycle! We drove by the Firestone Rubber Tree Farm. It was a 1.5 hour drive there. Then we got to the new FMF rental house. We had a quick tour, and I saw a gigantic generator. Then we gifted them 3 wata bottles and a filter pump. Then I let the adults talk while I played after dads phone. Then we left and I saw a 5 PERSON MOTO CYCLE (which was 4 people and a baby) then we stopped at the market to get more bottled water, and I convinced mom to give me 55 cents to buy something with. I bought a meat pie, and some bananas. Then we got back to our hotel/apartment.
We drove to FMFâs rental house in the middle of the county, situated closer to farm land. The plan is to create a local farming business to fund in-country FMF operations. We have 3 workers who graduated a couple months ago from agricultural training in Uganda. The 5 month program, Genesis Agroecology Leadership Training, is also how to operate and create sustainable farming methods (not the slash and burn methods). We spent the day with our workers creating the vision and started the business outline. Also negotiations for their monthly salaries.
The drive there and back was on 90% smooth, paved and wide roads! Liberia really is working on rebuilding their infrastructure.
We went to the National Museum of Liberia. Then took a short drive to Providence Island and saw The Tree Of Peace which was made of AKâs, M4âs, RPGâs, and other firearms. Even the roped off barrier was made of RPGs. Then saw a really old well (still working), then drove to DUCOR HOTEL. It was the first luxury hotel in Africa. And right next to it was a statue of their first president. And then we went to a grocery store called Stop And Shop, and dad got MTN dew and I got âsugarâ cereal. Then we took a sorta long drive to Tropicana Beach. I got buried in sand 2 times, and the waves were âtoo bigâ for me to play in.
Brief Liberia history: Liberia was founded July 26, 1847 (note the date-close to Pioneer Day) by freed American slaves sent by the âAmerican Colonization Societyâ. Among others, Lincoln was a supporter of the ACS. The freed slaves became the ruling class â the âmastersâ â over the 16 local tribes. There was at least one Liberian president that tried to get the âAmericosâ to integrate and allow the locals representation, but he was ousted. After 142 years of tensions, civil war erupted where 250,000+ Liberians died between 1989-2003. Although today they donât call it a war â it was a âcivil conflictâ.
We hired Chris Sullivanâs (a FMF friend) former Liberian mission companion (Toye) to be our tour guide for the day, and Toyeâs taxi friend. The National Museum of Liberia has different sections, including their equivalent of Philadelphiaâs Independence Hall that holds official government functions. We even got to stand at the presidential podium when he delivers speeches. Saw the 3 main presidential limosuines (well, one was an armored Land Rover for war lord Charles Taylor, complete with his âthroneâ back seat.) Went through the museum created by the first president post-war, who also was the first woman president. Not quite up to USA and European standards, but they are doing the best with what they got, and trying bring the people together to heal.
Visited Providence Island, where the ACS settlers first arrived. It is also in stages of being renovated. While walking down the cement ramps to the island, you can still see bullet holes. Their nation is still healing.
Drove to the highest point in the capital city (Monrovia) where the first 5 star hotel in Africa was built by Pan-Am in 1960, and run by IHG – Ducor Hotel, or Ducor Palace. In 1987 when tensions were rising, IHG pulled out. By 1989, the war lord set up operations there (good location overlooking city). As the war calmed displaced residents and refugees squatted there. After the war ended, they were kicked out, but the hotel was stripped of everything. It is just bare concrete now.
Also at this highest point is a monument to âthe REAL FIRST African-American president, JJ Roberts,â as our tour guide proudly stated. (Roberts International Airport is Liberiaâs main airport.)
We went to an American-style beach property. Had good food. Relaxed listening to the waves. Though the waves are very turbulent and it is not safe. Ammon was belligerent and still went into the water. The manager asked him to get out.
Went to a nearby grocery store “Stop & Shop” – also run by some more Syrian friends to get some basics for our kitchen, and toilet paper! In front of the store was the ONLY used bookseller within a 25-minute drive. Dave introduced himself to Dave, the bookseller. I told Dave, the bookseller, what we do and said I’ll buy $100 worth of books from you for us to take on Saturday to one of our literacy centers. He was thrilled! And I was thrilled we have a source on the ground where we can stimulate the local economy instead of storing books in the USA and trying to get them over there.
Liberia follows so much in the American ways, and they love their American roots. Yet, it feels like Liberia is the unspoken step-child of the USA. To quote a Disney film, âWe donât talk about Bruno.â or “We don’t talk about Liberia.”
First of all, I woke up to no AC because we had run out of electricity, and had no breakfast, so we decided to go to the airport 4-3 hours early. Finally the stand opened and we could go to the lounge. Had some nice food, and learned how engines and transmissions work from a video because I was curious. I also learned how jet engines work! Then we boarded and we had a 2 hour flight so I decided to read my book for an hour, then play on dads phone for an hour. Then we landed (the airport was an old military base) and had a 1 hour drive to our apartment. Then tried to watch Karate Kid II but the internet was slow.
I woke up to the sound of massive rain fall on the aluminum roof, and the A/C no longer running. During heavy rain storms, Ghana Electric Company shuts off the power grid (because it was built in 1960âs and there have been limited upgrades.) To clarify Ammonâs statement, Ghana Electric Company turned off the supply for everyone.
We had planned to leave for the airport at 11am. However, since there was no electricity, we might as well go early to the airport where there is uninterrupted electricity, and sit in a lounge. Good thing we left at 9am, because it took nearly 2 hours to get to the airport due to flooding on the main road. Once at the airport, we were so early, we had to wait 1.5 hours until the departures counter opened to check-in our bags.
Finally, we got through the passport and security processes, and on to the lounge to eat a good breakfast of Ghanaian style food. Our 2 hour flight was half-full going to Monrovia, Liberia. Interesting side note: the roads from Ghana, through Ivory Coast, and to Liberia are mostly unpaved, and no bridges to make a bee-line from capitol to capitol. This distance is either
a) a 2 hour plane ride –or– b) TWO full 24-hour days in a bus.
We got our bags, and as we began to exit, we had to go through ANOTHER security scan. This was a first for me. Weâve already been through Ghana airport security (2x) on our departure, but Liberia was doing security again as we exited the airport. Interesting.
Our agricultural trainer met us with his taxi driver. Another guy met us to receive a missionary back-pack full of American comfort items for an American missionary serving in Liberia. I was a little annoyed in taking the items, but we had the space so I relented. My personal feelings is that a missionary grows as they make sacrifices by leaving the comforts of home. Additionally, mothers need to let go so their missionary can grow.
Roberts International Airport (ROB) is in the middle of the country (not in a city), so it took about 1.5 hours drive to get to our apartment rental I found on VRBO. We arrived and there was no toilet paper and only 1 bath towel. I knew something like this would happen at one point, so thatâs why I always travel with TP and a hiking quick-dry towel whenever I come to Africa!
Other than that, the apartment rental is quite nice (A/C and running water!), operated by a Syrian family, who have been in Liberia since 2015.
