I am feeling a bit nostalgic as I sit here listening to Christmas music at 11:20pm on Christmas Eve. Overall I have not really felt like it is Christmas. I can think of all kinds of reasons why- the 90+ degree weather, hearing the ocean through my window at night, no Christmas tree or Christmas lights, but I think the main reason is being away from my family and friends. I am realizing how much of what makes Christmas for me is the familiar memories and fun times with those whom I love. I was looking at some pictures of my friend Holly's kids playing out in the snow and almost wanted to cry knowing that I am missing out on those memories with them.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love being in Liberia. I have been honored and blessed with new and wonderful friends and "family." I will definitely never forget this Christmas, my first in Africa. Tonight I went to a Christmas Eve church service with some friends. It was in an old building with beautiful, vibrant stained glass windows and pews and candles. We sang wonderfully familiar Christmas carols and walked around the block in a candle light procession. Somewhere during the amazing rendition of the Hallelujah chorus from Handel's Messiah I felt it- Christmas.
I hope that wherever you find yourself this season, you will be surrounded by friends and family (new or old) and that you will feel it too.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Christmas is Coming.
There are just 10 shopping days left...
Today, Emmanuel, one of our guards brought these Christmas decorations for us to proudly display in our home. These are the only Christmas decorations that we have so now that they are up we are feeling pretty festive. I spent several hours today organizing and sorting through clothes and making a shopping list for the Christmas bundles we are making for some of our orphanage homes. If you have not already checked out our ORR website regarding the Christmas giving campaign please check it out soon. There are several ways you can give a child a happier Christmas this year- personalized Christmas letter, bunk beds, chickens and rabbits, a bag of rice and more.
Visit www.orphanreliefandrescue.org/christmas today.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Driving
Driving in Liberia is a daily life and death experience.
(Mom, you might not want to read this one.) :-)
You know the line from Pirates of the Caribbean that says something like "the code is more like guidelines anyway?" That is how it is driving here. There are very few paved roads. Those that are paved have no lane markings or speed limits. There is road "construction" (more like de-construction) everywhere. They do not seem to have much of a plan for rerouting traffic, so often you end up in a four lane wide head on situation playing turkey down the middle of the road while being yelled at by construction workers, other drivers and random people walking along the road. The Liberian drivers seem to feel that the more cars you can squeeze into a small space travelling as fast as possible is the only way to go. Then there are the pedestrians. It is like Frogger. You never know when someone is going to jump out in front of you to race across the road. Oh, and the horns. You have to have an extra hand available at all times to announce your presence on the road. There are taxi's everywhere and they will stop anywhere, without warning or brake lights, to drop off or pick up a passenger. There are huge trucks filled to the brim with sand or construction equipment or coal or people. And the motorcycles are running the obstacle course around it all.
Add all of that to the fact that I have not driven a manual transmission in like 8 years (and all of our vehicles have one) and you might not be surprised to hear that I put off driving as long as possible. But this week I decided to give it a try. Well, Andrew made me. And. . .it really was not so bad. I mean yes, I get stares and "white woman driving" comments everywhere I go and a guy on a motorcycle ran into my side mirror the other day and I don't know how it is possible that I have not hit a person yet (I really hope that does not happen). Overall, I have a new found freedom. I went to a meeting the other day by myself, without a taxi. I can drive badly and no one knows. Who needs rules? It is liberating. I love it. Let me drive!
Watch out Liberia, here I come. . .in a car.
(Mom, you might not want to read this one.) :-)
You know the line from Pirates of the Caribbean that says something like "the code is more like guidelines anyway?" That is how it is driving here. There are very few paved roads. Those that are paved have no lane markings or speed limits. There is road "construction" (more like de-construction) everywhere. They do not seem to have much of a plan for rerouting traffic, so often you end up in a four lane wide head on situation playing turkey down the middle of the road while being yelled at by construction workers, other drivers and random people walking along the road. The Liberian drivers seem to feel that the more cars you can squeeze into a small space travelling as fast as possible is the only way to go. Then there are the pedestrians. It is like Frogger. You never know when someone is going to jump out in front of you to race across the road. Oh, and the horns. You have to have an extra hand available at all times to announce your presence on the road. There are taxi's everywhere and they will stop anywhere, without warning or brake lights, to drop off or pick up a passenger. There are huge trucks filled to the brim with sand or construction equipment or coal or people. And the motorcycles are running the obstacle course around it all.
Add all of that to the fact that I have not driven a manual transmission in like 8 years (and all of our vehicles have one) and you might not be surprised to hear that I put off driving as long as possible. But this week I decided to give it a try. Well, Andrew made me. And. . .it really was not so bad. I mean yes, I get stares and "white woman driving" comments everywhere I go and a guy on a motorcycle ran into my side mirror the other day and I don't know how it is possible that I have not hit a person yet (I really hope that does not happen). Overall, I have a new found freedom. I went to a meeting the other day by myself, without a taxi. I can drive badly and no one knows. Who needs rules? It is liberating. I love it. Let me drive!
Watch out Liberia, here I come. . .in a car.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Gifty is going home!
I am happy to announce that tonight Gifty is on a plane heading towards America!
It has been a hard fight against recurring infections, prolonged hospital stays, jumping through hoops for both the Liberian and American governments and piles of paperwork. But all praise to God, Gifty is heading home with her new Mom, Heidi. Gifty was discharged from the hospital last week and was able to stay with Heidi almost the entire time she was here. She has stayed healthy, infection- and fever-free the entire time. Heidi and Gifty bonded instantly, like two pieces of a puzzle - a perfect fit! Gifty will be the baby (and princess) of the family. She is joining 4 older siblings including a 10 year-old brother from Liberia.
Even though she has left Liberia and my care, Gifty has not left my heart. I am going to miss that girl! Her precious smile, squeeky laugh, spunky spirit, kissing her little ears and getting the sideways "do it again" look. I thank God for the opportunity to have been a part of her life even for this short time.
As amazing as all this is (and it is amazing!), it is not the end of the fight for Gifty. Now starts a long and unknown path, hopefully towards the liver transplant that she needs to save her life. Please continue to join in prayer for her and her new family as they adjust to each other and what lies ahead.
Thank you.
It has been a hard fight against recurring infections, prolonged hospital stays, jumping through hoops for both the Liberian and American governments and piles of paperwork. But all praise to God, Gifty is heading home with her new Mom, Heidi. Gifty was discharged from the hospital last week and was able to stay with Heidi almost the entire time she was here. She has stayed healthy, infection- and fever-free the entire time. Heidi and Gifty bonded instantly, like two pieces of a puzzle - a perfect fit! Gifty will be the baby (and princess) of the family. She is joining 4 older siblings including a 10 year-old brother from Liberia.
(Gifty and her new Ma, Heidi)
Even though she has left Liberia and my care, Gifty has not left my heart. I am going to miss that girl! Her precious smile, squeeky laugh, spunky spirit, kissing her little ears and getting the sideways "do it again" look. I thank God for the opportunity to have been a part of her life even for this short time.
As amazing as all this is (and it is amazing!), it is not the end of the fight for Gifty. Now starts a long and unknown path, hopefully towards the liver transplant that she needs to save her life. Please continue to join in prayer for her and her new family as they adjust to each other and what lies ahead.
Thank you.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Gifty is still in Liberia.
Gifty was not able to leave today.
She is still infection free!
She is now officially Heidi's daughter according to the Liberian Government!
The US Embassy still has some concerns that we are trying to work out.
Please keep praying that this will work out soon!
She is still infection free!
She is now officially Heidi's daughter according to the Liberian Government!
The US Embassy still has some concerns that we are trying to work out.
Please keep praying that this will work out soon!
This is a picture of Gifty in the car after she was discharged from the hospital last Monday. We spent A LOT of time in the car this week and she was a trooper.
Monday, December 1, 2008
A Great Day!
Today was a great Gifty day!
After spending almost 2 months straight in the hospital tonight she is at home sleeping with her new ma.
Let me explain-
It was a month ago today that I had bring Gifty back to the emergency room to be admitted again for a respiratory infection. During that time she has had at least 3 runs of different IV antibiotics trying to get it under control. Last Wednesday she was transferred to another hospital for more tests and x-rays.
Meanwhile, at home in Wisconsin, a family has been preparing to welcome Gifty. Last Friday Heidi arrived with a hopeful heart that she would be able to return home with Gifty when she has to leave, this Friday, December 5th.
Today we got the good news. Gifty was discharged into Heidi's care! This is a victory day. It is precious to see the two of them together. While we were driving home to where Heidi is staying you could feel the excitement in the air. It felt like we were bringing a new baby home from the hospital for the first time, but then I realized we were doing exactly that.
I have to admit that I am struggling a bit with the fact that Gifty will be leaving me soon. It is both wonderful and heartbreaking to think about. It is also odd to watch her bonding so quickly with her new ma. I mean, it is amazing, but also difficult to not feel replaced. I know that I have been here for Gifty for this time and am thankful for it. I am just not sure what to do with all these emotions I am feeling.
There are still a lot of things that have to happen this week for Gifty to be able to leave. She needs to stay healthy, the medical visa needs to be confirmed, and all the government/adoption paperwork needs to be finalized.
But right now, today, I am basking in the joy I saw reflected in Heidi's face as she bathed and dressed her daughter for the first time this evening. It was priceless.
After spending almost 2 months straight in the hospital tonight she is at home sleeping with her new ma.
Let me explain-
It was a month ago today that I had bring Gifty back to the emergency room to be admitted again for a respiratory infection. During that time she has had at least 3 runs of different IV antibiotics trying to get it under control. Last Wednesday she was transferred to another hospital for more tests and x-rays.
Meanwhile, at home in Wisconsin, a family has been preparing to welcome Gifty. Last Friday Heidi arrived with a hopeful heart that she would be able to return home with Gifty when she has to leave, this Friday, December 5th.
Today we got the good news. Gifty was discharged into Heidi's care! This is a victory day. It is precious to see the two of them together. While we were driving home to where Heidi is staying you could feel the excitement in the air. It felt like we were bringing a new baby home from the hospital for the first time, but then I realized we were doing exactly that.
I have to admit that I am struggling a bit with the fact that Gifty will be leaving me soon. It is both wonderful and heartbreaking to think about. It is also odd to watch her bonding so quickly with her new ma. I mean, it is amazing, but also difficult to not feel replaced. I know that I have been here for Gifty for this time and am thankful for it. I am just not sure what to do with all these emotions I am feeling.
There are still a lot of things that have to happen this week for Gifty to be able to leave. She needs to stay healthy, the medical visa needs to be confirmed, and all the government/adoption paperwork needs to be finalized.
But right now, today, I am basking in the joy I saw reflected in Heidi's face as she bathed and dressed her daughter for the first time this evening. It was priceless.
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