Michael

Many people picture orphans in Africa as small runny nosed children running around with big bellies and no shoes. Often that is the case. However, in a country like Liberia that is recovering from years of civil war, a legacy of teenagers has been left behind. Children who were orphaned or abandoned during the war are now trying to find their way as adolescents living in orphanage homes.

Michael is one such boy. He just turned 18, he is in 7th grade, he loves to play football, and he was just diagnosed with Hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis. It is likely that he contracted Hepatitis B from his mother at birth. In fact, according to Michael he has had several family members, including his mother, die of similar liver conditions. Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. It is a serious problem that can result in life long liver disease or death. Michael’s case is quite advanced- his enlarged liver makes him appear several months pregnant, his abdomen and lower extremities are swollen and his eyes are jaundiced. It is uncomfortable for him to sit which makes attending school difficult. Unfortunately, Michael has already missed several weeks of school from being so sick.

But he is a good student. I spent several hours with him at the clinic last week and he spent most of the waiting time studying notes from class, trying to catch up and prepare for testing this week. He requires a special diet which makes it hard for him to eat (on top of diet restrictions for his liver disease, he was hit by a car several weeks ago and had significant damage done to his teeth). The director at his home is under pressure to find specialized food for him and since he is 18, at any given moment she could decide she can’t afford his medical problems and put him out of the house. It appears to be a bleak outlook for Michael, but there is hope. A doctor at a nearby clinic is treating him with a newly available antiviral medication. After a few weeks of medical treatment he is already noticing some improvement. But it can take months or years for a full recovery.

Please join us in prayer for Michael. Pray for a quick recovery. Pray that he can persevere through this necessary medical treatment. Pray for continued wisdom for the doctor and orphanage director. Pray that he can continue in school. Pray that he does not become discouraged. Pray that the Orphan Relief and Rescue staff working with him will know how best to help and encourage him.

Send some JOY to Liberia this Christmas.

One of my favorite things over the last year working in Liberia has been, by far, CHRISTMAS!


It is amazing how simple it is-- a Christmas bundle filled with pencils, an orange, a toothbrush, a small toy and a few pieces of candy, flip-flops, a new set of clothes and a Christmas greeting from someone who cares. Very small by American standards, but for most of these kids it is the only gift they will receive this year and it is something of their very own. It is a day for each one to feel especially loved and unique, not just one of the crowd. Words cannot describe the look of pure joy each child has as they come up to claim their gift bundle and new clothes. I will never forget one boy last year who's entire countenance changed when he received his gifts. Bright smile from ear to ear and eyes sparkling, he looked radiant in his new yellow shirt as he clung to his new Hot Wheels car and school supplies in his bundle. And these precious children give something in return: a hug, smile, shy giggle and whispered thanks or a sweet chorus of familiar Liberian-accented Christmas carols. It is an honor to be able to serve such and amazing group of kids. I feel selfish really-- they give so much more to me than I could ever bring them.

Last Christmas Orphan Relief and Rescue brought Christmas to 135 children. Together we can increase that number this Christmas. We really need your help: $25 and a few moments to write a Christmas greeting can really bring joy to a child in Liberia this Christmas.

Go to the Christmas page at www.orphanreliefandrescue.org to see last year's joy, and help make Christmas even bigger and more special this year!

Liberian Thanksgiving

Liberian Thanksgiving is tomorrow. As you can imagine there are no Indians or pilgrims associated with Thanksgiving in Liberia. But, unlike many other Liberian holidays it does have a meaning behind it. After the war that occurred between the native people and new settlers here over one hundred years ago the people decided to set a day apart to celebrate the end of the war and be thankful for everything they still had.

Today we celebrated by having dinner with some of our Liberian staff and friends. Eleven of us (the 4 ORR team members currently in country, Ma Mary, Piko, Alvina, Momo, Moses, Alvin and Emmanuel) joined around the table to share our rice, cassava with palm butter, fried plantains and cucumbers.

After we had all finished (Momo personally checking to make sure every dish was empty) we introduced the Liberians to the American tradition of going around the table and sharing what you are thankful for. It turned out to be a very touching time. In a country where there is so little and people are struggling daily to find food and clean water and trustworthy medical care and love, we were able to take a break and thank God for all His provision this year. As we circled the table the thanks included; work, friends and family, plenty of rice, a new daughter, the first year of marriage, money for school fees, health, healing, the miracle life of a small girl we all know as Gifty and the opportunity to serve the orphans of Liberia, as well as the promises of things to come such as going to college and many more times of meeting together in this way.

Bellies full and hearts happy... we sure do have a lot to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!