#2 - Giving-thanks, Liberian style

Let's remember to give thanks all year 'round.

Original post - November 4, 2009

"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!

#3 -- Post -op.

 Children's Surgery International (CSI) has partnered with ORR in Liberia since 2010. Thanks to CSI nine orphans, from homes that I work with, have had life changing surgeries, for free! Hundreds of other needy children have had the healthcare they need as well. Besides providing free surgeries and healthcare consultations, the CSI team has provided thousands of de-worming treatments, as well as, food, toys, books and other educational supplies for children in orphanages in Liberia. They are coming for another outreach next month, and I am looking forward to partnering with them again this year.

Original post February 4, 2010

Jeremiah showing off his new belly button.

Jeremiah, Joshua and Fumbeh the day after their hernia repair surgeries. They are all doing great! Even ran across the room and jumped into my arms when I came to pick them up yesterday. They were totally spoiled by the CSI team (chocolate pudding and TV watching!) and didn't want to leave the hospital. The trip home included a stop off to visit Uncle Matt at the construction site in Cottontree, the supermarket (they were overwhelmed at all of the cracker options) and some loving from Ma Mary in the ORR kitchen. I actually felt bad taking them home, as the day went on I could see the adrenaline wearing off and the realization that they were going back to their old lives setting in. Thanks again to Lora, Anna, Jennifer, Emmi, Dr Steve and the rest of the Children's Surgery Intl team. They have been doing over 20 surgeries a day all week and changing all kinds of Liberian lives.

*Two years later the boys mentioned in this post are still healthy and doing well. Jeremiah has grown into a very inquisitive and curious 10 year old. He is always looking to learn about and understand how things work. He loves to sing and dance and his smile is contagious. Fumbeh loves football and plays every chance he gets. He always comes up and greets me with a thankful smile. Joshua was reunited with his family in August 2011.*

#4 - Remembering my Sapo adventure

Originally posted April 11, 2009

"Sapo National Park"

There is only one national park in Liberia. Sapo National Park. Some friends and I had the great opportunity to explore it. Sapo is the second largest primitive rain forest in West Africa. We had to get special permission from the forestry department of Liberia to even visit.

Our adventure began last Friday afternoon as we headed out from Monrovia with our packs, drinking water and enough food to get us through 4 days of the unknown. We found a camping spot on the beach in a town about 3 hours away. We slept right on the beach surrounded by sounds of the ocean waves and underneath a million stars. Amazing! We woke up before dawn and were sipping a delicious camp mocha when we spotted 2 dolphins playing off the coast and enjoyed watching them for a few minutes before loading up the car for the estimated 7 more hours drive to Sapo.

After several hours on the road we finally found a sign that gave us hope! Sapo was near. The roads along the way were bumpy at times and some of the bridges questionable but we made it without any problems. As we arrived in the village where the park headquarters is located, we were greeted by a town full of naked children (which I have a great pic of but don't think it is appropriate to post on a blog, watch for it in National Geographic). The park warden was expecting us and after a short inservice about what to expect in the park and meeting our guides, Alfonzo and Junior, we were introduced to the village chief and town elders. It felt so African, sitting in a Palava hut and being welcomed by the village chief just prior to setting out on a big wilderness adventure. Our departure was somewhat delayed by a brief rain storm, but that seemed appropriate, heading into the rain forest and all.

Camp Michael.

We hiked about a hour and a half to get to the place where we set up camp. After about 45 minutes we reached the river and had to be carried across in shifts by a canoe. By the time we reached and set up camp we had just enough time to cook dinner and filter enough drinking water out of the creek before it got dark. That night we took it easy, enjoyed the campfire and some great conversations before heading to bed.

Upacca tree- run here if you see an elephant.

We started our big day of hiking early Sunday morning. The forest actually reminded me a lot of home, except it was warmer (much more humid) and there were fewer (ok, none) pine trees. But overall I felt very at home there. All the lush green and foliage on the ground was comforting. Our guides were great, they pointed out trees and tracks of animals and attempted to teach us the call of the dieger (some deer-like animal). We did not actually see any great forest animals, but we did see proof of them. We saw a lot of elephant tracks, I still have a hard time picturing them living in the dense forest, but their foot prints were everywhere, often the trail we were following. We were told that we could use the Upacca tree (pic above) to protect us from an elephant if need be. We also saw the tracks of the Bonga, some huge cow like animal that as the guides described is bigger than our tent and taller than me. ah! There was also some hippo droppings (the very rare pygmy hippo lives in that area), I really wish we could have seen the real thing.

Along the trail.

About 5 hours into our day hike we came to the river. After that long of trekking and sweating through the forest it did not take long for us to dive in and enjoy the refreshment. Crocodiles? Um, don't worry about what you don't see, right?

Picture break. That is a pretty good looking group after how many hours of trekking through the forest?

We had been told that there were no trails throughout the park and the guys has come prepared with cutlasses (machetes) to blaze our own trail. There were trails. but very primitive and there was a lot of chopping of overgrowth along the way. We also had to cross countless small rivers and creeks, sometimes with only a few branches to use as a bridge. It got iffy a couple of times but we all made it without an unwanted plunge.

Love the trees!

We arrived back at camp after 8 crazy hours of tromping through the park. We did not see another person the entire time. After a wash in the creek and dinner (which I literally fell asleep while making) we all hunkered under the tarp as the evening rain storm hit. It was a great storm, reminded me of camping in WA (it is not a good camping trip without a good rain storm, right?). I think the evening gathered under the tarp in the rain was actually one of my favorite parts of the weekend. But it was not for long, by 8:30 we were all asleep.

I told you, I really fell asleep while fixing dinner, thanks Ashley for capturing it for the world to see.

We packed up early the next morning and hiked back to the park headquarters where the warden and some freshly fried plantains (yum!) were waiting for us. We did not linger too long before loading up the car and heading out because we still had the 11 hour drive home.

We made it! Everyone at the finish line. Junior, Andrew, Solo, Laura, Alfonzo, John, Ashley and I

So is 22 hours driving worth 11 hours hiking through the Liberian rain forest? Definitely! It was an amazing and beautiful experience, shared with great friends in God's creation. It really does not get any better than that.

PS- If you are interested in a different, more technical version of the weekend (including GPS positioning) check out John's blog at www.johnetherton.com.

Top 5 count-down begins!

I just read about an idea that I love! Over the last 10 days of this year, I am going to re-post some of the most popular blog posts that I've had over the last few years. What a great way to reflect --  this is going to be fun!

#5 - Originally posted December 11, 2010

(This one is appropriate as we are making our Christmas bundle deliveries, including an apple of course, this week.)

"An Apple Means 'I Love You'."

One of my favorite things about Christmas in Liberia is delivering gift bundles to the children. After weeks of planning, collecting, sorting, and wrapping, I get to see the shining smiles of the kids as they open their presents (usually the only one they will receive), try on shoes, and model new clothes. Originally, we included an orange with the Christmas bundles. A piece of fruit seemed to be a smart addition to the other sweets that are often included in Christmas celebrating.

However, last year, that changed. Throughout the year, we noticed that, every time a child was drawing an apple, they would start with a heart shape and add a stem. If we were giving out heart shaped stickers, they would thank us for the “apple” sticker. There seemed to be a distinct connection between apples and hearts. We started to wonder if the children in Liberia see apples as a sign of love, like children in the US see hearts as a sign of love.

To put our theory to the test, we substituted apples for the oranges in the Christmas bundles. At each home, the children’s names were called and bundles distributed so all the children could open their gifts at the same time. As the bundles were opened we started hearing gasps of joy. The gasps were not over the candy, a Hot Wheel car, or new tooth brush; they were for the apples. Faces lit up as children held their apples up to show their friends.

I then asked the kids, “Do you know why we put an apple in your Christmas bundle this year?” At every orphanage, they were quick to reply, “Because an apple means love.” 

They got it! 

Apples are definitely being included in the Christmas bundles again this year.
Follow this link to help spread some apple-love this Christmas.

Bundles!

Today I made 153 Christmas bundles to distribute to Orphanages this week. If you are curious what the rest of my week might look like watch this video from last Christmas.



Christmas in Liberia 2010 from Orphan Relief and Rescue on Vimeo.

Three Things

1) I was originally going to entitle this blog entry; "I'm fat, I'm fat... I know it."

I've been back in Liberia for a week now, after 10 amazing, wonderful, relaxing, cold, eat-everything-American-I-can-get-my-hands-on weeks in the states. And ok, yes, I put on a few pounds. This is something that every Liberian feels is their personal responsibility to remind me of. Of course here it is a compliment, they are telling me I look healthy and they are happy to see me again... yada, yada, yada. It is one of those things I know in my head, but every time a --wanting to do well-- Liberian mentions my weight, something inside of me recoils. The American in me can't let go of the stereotype. I want to laugh it off, often I can, but sometimes it really stings. Posting this is my attempt to laugh it off, so I am going to share some of the things my Liberian friends have said to me, in welcoming me home this week--
-You're fat-o!
-You looking fine.
-You really got fat in America.
-I'm enjoying your body.
-You really got body-o!
-You're coming up.
-You're ready to bust.
And my personal favorite--You're really trying to expand! (Apparently I'm not only trying to, I've succeeded. ha!)
 
2) Arriving back in Liberia the first week of December can only mean one thing-- CHRISTMAS!!!

I've already started sorting, organizing and planning this year's Christmas deliveries for the orphanages. Wanna help? Ok-- go to the Orphan Relief and Rescue Christmas page and donate a Christmas bundle (or two) to help bring Christmas love to an orphan in Liberia this season. As of today, we have 185 bundles donated, our goal is at least 250.

If you are looking for other options to give this Christmas, check out my friend (and fellow ORRer) Ashley's on-line Christmas sale. She is selling all kinds of hand made Christmas gift options. Believe me, they are beautiful and worth checking out.

3) And, I can't leave you without some new pictures of my kiddos. Here are a few of my favs from my first week back--
(My parents got me a new camera as an early Christmas present and I am pretty much in love with it!)

Some of my Danny Feeney girls.

Miracle!

Practicing the grand-finale of the new and improved Frances Gaskin Cultural performance.

Solomon's story

Solomon is about five years old. I say “about” because, as with many children in Liberia, no one bothered to keep a record of the day he was born. His mother died when he was a baby, and Solomon went to live with an elderly female relative who was unable to properly care for him. The situation took a turn for the worse when his caretaker’s vision deteriorated to the point of almost blindness. The day that Salome Gbaryou (director at Danny Feeney Memorial Orphanage) stumbled upon him, Solomon was crawling around on the dirt floor of the kitchen, dangerously close to the cooking fire. Salome rescued Solomon that day, and he now lives safely with the 36 other children at Salome’s home. 

Danny Feeney is just one of many orphanages that Orphan Relief and Rescue works with in Liberia and Benin, West Africa. We work tirelessly to be able to serve orphans like Solomon and help to give them another chance at life.

This Sunday, (November 6, 2011) is Orphan Sunday, a day set apart to remember the plight of orphans worldwide. In honor of this day, Orphan Relief and Rescue is having an Open House at our stateside office in Burien, WA. If you are in the area, please stop by any time between 4 and 8 pm to meet our staff, share our vision, and, most importantly, hear more stories like Solomon’s. If you can not join us on Sunday, please remember us in your prayers and consider donating to the work Orphan Relief and Rescue is doing today.

The Orphan Relief and Rescue office is located at 1416 SW 151^st Street; Burien, WA; 98166. Call 206-453-3158 for questions or directions. 

Deb in the USA

I've been back in the states for about 6 weeks and am just finishing up a month of traveling, resting, visiting friends and family and eating just about every yummy food that I can get my hands on over here. My plan is to head back to Liberia December 3rd. Just because I am not in Liberia right now doesn't mean there isn't stuff happening over there. Follow the Orphan Relief and Rescue blog to find out what is going on.

Pray for Peace in Liberia

Today the winners of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize were announced. Three women who have fought hard for peace have been awarded this great honor. Two of the women are from Liberia. One is the current president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. There may be many different speculations on the timing of this announcement-- she is up for re-election next Tuesday, but I am going to choose to use it as a reminder that Liberians can stand for peace.

A lot is up in the air and uncertain for the future of Liberia. The elections next week could go very badly, the country could easily fall back into the familiar pattern of war. But, and this is what I am praying for, the elections could go well, a leader could be chosen who can continue to lead them in peace. Whether that leader is Ma Ellen or not, hers is an example that I pray is followed by many.

I have a lot of friends in Liberia, not to mention the children I have been serving for the last three years. What happens with this upcoming election has the potential to drastically affect all of this. To use a Liberian phrase-- I beg you, please join me in praying for Peace in Liberia.

Going Home

Tomorrow I am starting the 30+ hour trek back to Washington State.

Going home.

I've been in Liberia for a year straight this time. Some people would ask "What's the big deal about a year?" But anyone who has lived in Liberia will understand-- I kinda feel like I am going insane. I love Liberia, and am coming back, but it is time for break.

It is always a strange feeling to leave a place that I have spent so much time, a place that has become home in it's own way-- to go home.

In years past I have fought against leaving Liberia to return to the states. This time, I am VERY ready. But, I am not without mixed feelings. It is difficult to leave people and places-- a way of life-- that has become so familiar. In a way, I am heading into a great unknown.

As much as we may try, I don't know what people back home have been through in the last year and they don't know about me. As my life has been going full force here, so has everyone's back home. I have found with some people it is easy to pick right back up, while with others it is more difficult each time I return. I find myself feeling very insecure about where or how I will fit back in to people's lives.

It is an awkward feeling to be sitting in a room of people I've known well, for years, and not know the inside jokes, the hurts and the celebrations of the last year. To not get the pop-culture references or be the only one at the table without an iphone. I've learned all this from past experiences, but I've also learned something else... it's worth it.

To reconnect with loved ones, to hear stories of pain, sorrows, frustrations, joys, happy-times, mediocre times. To be able to laugh, hug, cry, talk, whisper, walk, together over coffee, in a familiar living room, at the mall, on the trail, in a car.

This year there have been some horrible things that happened while I was gone, like the death of one of my closest friends, my dear Michelle. I don't know what life on that side is like without her. People have been hospitalized, become engaged, travelled to other parts of the world. I want to hear all the stories.

And so, as I pack up my Liberian life in a neat little package to carry back with me, I hope those of you I know on the other side of the Atlantic will want to hear my stories too. Let's be patient with each other, listen and learn from each other. We might not know or understand everything that has gone on in the last year of our lives, but we know and love each other. I think that alone, being in the presence of someone who loves you, who wants to know you more-- that is going home. 

"Sometimes I can feel scared."

Yesterday I visited my friends at Frances Gaskin orphanage. After I made my rounds—watching the cook serve up their daily meal, checking in with the orphanage Director, changing a dressing on a girl fresh from surgery, administering some other miscellaneous first aid and giving out plenty of hugs—I sat on the porch, listening to the August rain and had a chat with my friend Jeremiah.

Jeremiah is 10 years old. He is curious about everything. He is constantly asking questions and observing the world around him. And he remembers everything I ever told him. I love to sit and talk with him whenever I get the chance. Yesterday our conversation drifted towards the upcoming elections in Liberia. Even though Jeremiah is young, he is very aware. He was telling me about how everyone is scared of bad people during this time. He remembers when armed robbers broke into the orphanage a few years ago and how scared he was. He told me, “I thought they were going to harm us.” Thankfully no one was hurt that day.

Living in Liberia, a country that is still recovering from 14 years of civil war, safety and security are always close to mind. Not too long ago my neighbor was shot and killed. I am thankful for the security fence I have around my yard to keep my house safe.

I could talk all day about why I think Frances Gaskin needs a security fence, but instead, let me tell you what Jeremiah says about it—“I don’t like to be in the yard without a fence because anytime somebody can just come in the yard.” He went on to say that, “Sometimes I can feel scared.”

Here, Jeremiah is standing near the existing 'fence,' a hedge of hibiscus bushes. You can see the road directly behind him. He is open, exposed, without protection.

I hate the fact that children are feeling scared to live in their own home. A home should be a safe haven. We still need $3000 to finish the security fence that will help keep Jeremiah, his brothers and sisters safe. Please help today.

Marathon!

Today was an historic day in Liberia. The first ever marathon in this country. In America there is probably a marathon somewhere every week, but here, it is actually a really big deal. Many Liberian's have never even heard of a marathon and the concept of a 26 mile road race is incomprehensible.  Even though this was the first race of it's kind in Liberia, it was officially accredited to count for serious marathon runners-- meaning we may (probably will) see people who ran today in the next Olympics.  

I am not a runner. Never have been and have no real desire to torture myself by running for 26 miles. I think people who do it must have a certain level of insanity (don't we all) but I greatly admire them. 

I was, however, a part of this momentous day in Liberia by volunteering on the medical team. We set up a make-shift hospital at the end of the race-- SKD Stadium. The bonus of being there was watching the winning runner cross the finish line. The down-side (but reason we were all there) was caring for the dozens of passed-out, exhausted runners. At one point every cot was full and we were starting IV's on people laying on the floor. We were worried, there were several cash prizes available, including $3000 USD for first place. Unfortunately, that is more than many Liberians would see in a year. No one knew how many would turn out to run, untrained but hoping for the cash prize. Thankfully, even though there was chaos, there were no major injuries. It was pretty amazing to watch people who collapsed, after after pushing themselves through 26 miles in the pouring Liberian rain, perk up after a half hour of fluids and snacks and walk out of the medical station smiling and showing off their medal.

A friend of mine wrote a great article about today. Follow this link to read it.

about a mile in.

the finish line

the first runner into the stadium. a sweet ethiopian man who was WAY ahead of everyone else.

just passed the finish line.

there was a 10K race for amputees as well. 

Jogma

Please pray for my friend Jogma. Last week she had a semi-emergent c-section. I feel like any surgery in Liberia is a scary one, but especially this one. After 60+ hours of labor and still no baby-- she was exhausted, baby's heart rate showed signs of stress, the doctors decided that was the only way to go.

Thankfully, the baby was born without any problems. Small Joshua (as we call him) is perfect in every way.

Jogma, however, is having a really hard time. She has been having a lot of pain and fevers since Joshua was born. Two days ago I took her back to the hospital to have her stitches removed and they found an infection in the wound. Today I brought her back for a dressing change and not only is the infection there, she is severely anemic. She has been re-admitted to the hospital (I will say again here how scary hospitals are in Liberia!) for IV antibiotics and an emergent transfusion.

Jogma is young, 16 years old, and scared. She is one of the smartest, sweetest and most talented girls I know. Please join me in praying for her health and safety today.

Updates--

Baby Wonderful

When I first met Wonderful, in March of 2008, he was a pathetic nine month old trying to recover from pneumonia.

At almost four years old, we can't call him 'baby' anymore. Whenever he sees my truck driving up he comes running with a huge smile and leaps into my arms (sometimes even smelling of cologne, never to young to impress I guess).

 Korpu

Longtime readers of my blog will remember Korpu. Here she February of 2010-- four years old and 15 pounds.

She has never been a fan of the camera, but here she is today. She actually looks her age!

 Emmie

I first told Emmie's story about a month ago-- head covered with sores from a chemical burn at the hands of her step-mother. Today she is laughing and playing with the other children in the home-- head clean and clear, new hair growing in.

Rough edges

I’m tired.

Today, I am tired. I am discouraged. I am saddened.

I want to give up. God says, ‘Press on.’

I have realized over the last few weeks how deeply exhausted I am. How tired I am of fighting so hard for everything. Can’t anything be easy? Can’t I just have a refrigerator that works all the time and I don’t have to think about changing the tank? Is it so much to ask for a day of running errands without the hassle? Can’t anything ever go as planned? And don’t even get me started on hot water! 

My strength is over. It’s finished.

I was talking to a friend the other day and he said he felt so stripped of everything he didn’t even think God could use him anymore. My response to him— that’s exactly when God can use you. I guess this is one of those times I need to take my own advice. But that, of course, is not always easy.

Today was filled with rough edges-- A confrontational meeting, traffic, disappointing news about choices that some kids are making, a child afraid to smile, a small boy still limping three years later, a brand new fence… busted.

And of course today's rough edges just build on the ones from yesterday. 

I am not meaning to sound sorry for myself, just being honest. Today was a rough day. I am tired. If it was up to me I would be curled up in the fetal position—done. I am even discouraged that I am discouraged.

Some of this may be true. Some may be hormonal. Some may be situational.

The day may have had rough edges, but there is so much more. There is the beauty of a child’s laugh, a hug, an interlaced hand-hold, coffee in the morning, sunshine in the afternoon, someone who cares enough about me to fix my favorite dinner. 

A God who says, ‘Press on,’ when I don’t want to anymore, and then gives me the strength to do it.

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on… I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Phil 3:13-14, 4:13

sweet Emmie

Today I met a precious girl. I hugged her. I tried to find a smile. I cut off all her hair.

Emmie is about six years old. She was dropped off at an orphanage this week after her step-mother put a chemical on her head which caused serious burns over most of her scalp. The only reason to do so was to cause her harm. There were other reports of abuse as well, so another family member brought her to the orphanage and begged for help. She is in a safe place now.

When I found her today, her big sad eyes showed her confusion and fear. As I tried to examine her scalp she burst into tears, afraid of further pain and the unknown. As I cut off her hair, trying to assess the damage, she stiffened and jumped at each touch. I applied soothing ointment and covered the wounds with clean dressings but the wounds on her heart run deeper.

Please join us in prayer for sweet Emmie today.

Thank you. 

www.orphanreliefandrescue.org

Safe and Secure

In the past week the owner of the night club next door was murdered-- shot by armed robbers as he left for the night,  his family staged a loud and disruptive protest (riot) against the police right outside my house and some of my own security guards (the ones who I increased for security due to the problems outside the fence) were caught stealing from inside my fence. Needless to say, it has been a rough week.

I heard the shot, witnessed the traffic stopping protest, discovered the missing fuel. There has been a great range of emotions-- fear, anger, numbness, disbelief. And even just plain feeling like an idiot. There were many moments that I didn't exactly feel safe and secure.

Somehow I am still standing. Somehow through it all I have felt protected. Scared, yes. Unsure, yes. Betrayed, yes. But, most of all, protected and saved and thankful.

I am thankful tonight for those who have worked hard for my safety and security. I am proud and thankful for my team, who has endured the trials of the last week and has come through strong, even smiling. I am thankful  for God's protection and the endurance to carry on.

Celebrating Buster

 A year ago my friend Buster died. Even though Buster didn’t talk much, he was the life of the home. You could always find a smile and a laugh when you were with Buster. The orphanage is not the same without him.

Since the anniversary of his passing was on its way, we (at ORR) decided to honor him by bringing some Buster-sized smiles to the orphanage family he left behind. It was declared “Buster Day"! Our Buster party-pack included smiley face stamps, silly bands, balloons, and a heart shaped craft to remember our love for Buster. And, of course, no party is complete without chocolate biscuits, candy, and juice!

I started out by asking what everyone remembered most about Buster and got a little worried as I was greeted with serious, unsure faces and a few trembling lips. Then an answer came—“Buster loved to sing!” “He loved to dance.” “Buster always loved to smile!”

Everyone enjoyed the Buster Day party. It even ended with a spontaneous sing-a-long in his honor. We may never know why Buster died so early, but thankfully we can always remember the life he brought when he was here.

Miss you buddy!

Buster "Busta Rhymes" Findley
Died June 2010

Click here to see what else we are up to at Orphan Relief and Rescue.

Beach Day!

Spending time with kids affords many fun experiences and creates many unforgettable memories. There are some days that outweigh the rest... some days you wish you could live over and over... some days you don't think you could possibly smile any bigger and you maybe have to wipe a tear away, it is so real, so amazing.

A day at the beach. 

A sunny, playful afternoon at the beach was a staple in my growing up years. Something I took for granted. You might think, living in a tropical beach bordered country, it would be something the kids in Liberia enjoy too. The truth is that most children here, HAVE NEVER BEEN TO THE BEACH! There are some who grow up on the beach, and for them is it a place to wash and (unfortunately for the rest of us) go to the bathroom. Others may live a short distance away, yet have never seen the sand, felt the wind or heard the crashing waves. This is a tragedy.

There are 26 kids inside this beach-bound clown car.

We decided that the time had come to introduce some (of our favorite) kiddos to the beach. We borrowed a friend's Land Cruiser for the afternoon and loaded it up for the 15 minute drive. As we rolled to a stop at our destination, all you could hear were gasps of delight (and fear). Some kids didn't even want to cross the street towards the water. Others ran close then came to a quick stop. I literally had to carry one small girl over.

Then we stood there for awhile--
30 kids soaking in the ocean view for the first time. 

These two were very reluctant to get their feet wet.

Slowly we inched closer. Some cried out and ran away while their braver friends forged on. As the minutes went by, more feet were wet, clothes started coming off, squeals of delight snuck out. Dodging the waves seemed to be instinct, shovels and buckets were filled and emptied, Uncle Josh was buried in the sand, a football was kicked in the surf. 

Warming up to the ocean-- a wave is coming...

BAM!

When it was time to go we had to pull kids out of the water, they didn't want to go. The mother of the home exclaimed, "they are going to be talking about this for days!" ... And so are we.

Maybe this isn't so bad after all.

house for rent

Necessity dictates that I take a break from all news Liberia and focus back at home for a moment. 

My current renters (who have been wonderful and amazing in every way) have just informed me that they will be moving in a few weeks. While this is a great opportunity for them, it leaves my house empty and me without means to pay my mortgage. I was stewing about this yesterday and a song came on that reminded me, "everything's gonna be alright." Phew. I know God is faithful to fill this need and trust that He is already working on something good, but in the meantime can you pray? 

And if you or anyone you know are looking to rent in the Bonney Lake, WA area, please let me know. (debbie@orronline.org would be the best way to contact me.)

Two bedrooms/two bathrooms, large wrap around deck, good sized yard. ~$1100/month + utilities.  

Can't tell you how many hours I've spent on this great porch!

(More pics and info available upon request.)

I love this house. It has been a blessing and a refuge to me. I am praying that while I can't be there enjoying it there is someone else who will. Thanks.

A tale of two days.

May 20, 2010. I received a phone call at 0600 am, my heart dropped before I heard the words, somehow I already knew-- Michael was dead. 

Michael was an amazing boy. I had been spending a lot of time with him over the last few months as he struggled with complications of liver disease. He was 18. All he wanted to do was finish school, learn agriculture and help his country. Humble dreams. Instead he spent his last weeks in a horrible hospital room that he shared with as many as six other extremely ill boys. Crying, stench, depression all around. Even though he was weak and tired, Michael remained strong within. He wasn't scared. He encouraged me when I couldn't find the words to encourage him. 

The day before Michael died was my birthday. He had fallen into a coma, he desperately needed a blood transfusion. There are no blood banks in Liberia, if you need blood you have to provide it. We were able to find a match and start the transfusion. I left him like that to go to my birthday party. I didn't know it at the time, but, my last words to Michael were pleading with him to stay strong and fight. I may have been pleading for myself. Late that night I called to check on him, there had been no change.

I received the call in the morning. A wailing cry from his Auntie, "Michael died-o!" I rushed to the hospital, saw the empty bed, it was true. That started a surreal parade of events. There is no time to waste, things must be done-- order a casket, watch as cheap wood is nailed together haphazardly and covered with gold spray paint (Michael deserved better than this), bring the casket to the morgue, lift his body into it, nail it closed, drive to the grave site, carry the casket, lower it down. Words were shared, women wailed, I wept. It was finished. Now what do you do? It was mourning in fast forward. Somehow at the end of the day there was closure, but there was also still a huge hole in my heart.

Michael Dimhue
Died May 20, 2010

Not sure how I would handle it, I was dreading May 20th as it approached this year. I was planning to go to Michael's grave and spend some time honoring him there. I didn't know what else to do.

The day before was my birthday, I was out celebrating with friends in the evening and drank too much coffee. At 0440 am, I had only slept about an hour, when I received a text from my good friend and co-worker Matt, "We are at the hospital, this is not a drill." Matt's wife, Alvina, was in labor three weeks early. After texting back and forth for about an hour I gave up on sleep and headed to the hospital. As I made another early morning drive to the hospital, I couldn't help notice the irony. I spent the day with Matt and Alvina, didn't do much, except be there, but I knew that's where I was supposed to be.

That afternoon Alvina delivered. It was a boy! Perfect in every way. (as Avina put it, "all his parts are correct."

Kingsley Cramer
Born May 20, 2011

A few hours later, as Alvina was resting, Matt and I couldn't help notice the difference the day had made. We thought we would be remembering Michael, spending the day at a graveyard. Instead, we spent the day celebrating new life. What a difference. What a blessing. 

What a great way to honor Michael and redeem the day.

American Barvor

Last month Barvor headed to the states to get some much needed medical assistance for his eyes. No one really knew what kind of care that he would need, but the need for surgery was suspected. After two appointments with a specialist it has been determined that he will NOT need surgery. He is using a different kind of eye drops and has brand new specialized prescription glasses.

All in all he is doing very well—he is fitting in well with his foster family and LOVING all things America. He even made a trip to the Central Park Zoo in New York City!

American Barvor-- April 2011

For the contrast-
Barvor in Liberia -- March 2009

Baby Favor

Towards the end of September a baby girl was born in Liberia. For some reason we will never know, her mother decided to place her inside a cardboard box and discard her in a pile of garbage behind a latrine. There this precious new life sat, surrounded by flies, rubbish, and human excrement. No one knows how long she lay there. Hours, maybe a day. 

A woman was minding her own business that day. Rushing through her day, caring for her kids, trying to find meat to sell at her small booth in the market. The last thing she was expecting to find, as she stopped by the community latrine, was a baby. But that is what she found. Small, quiet cry. Dirty box. A decision.

Elizabeth chose to open the box. Inside she found a tiny newborn baby girl. No one saw anything, no one knew how long she was there, no one wanted anything to do with her. Elizabeth took her to the hospital, miraculously she was healthy. She went to the police who were unable (unwilling?) to help.

That brought Elizabeth to another decision. What to do with the girl? Bringing another mouth to feed into the family is not an easy thing in Liberia. She was already struggling to make ends meet as it was. No one would think any less of her if she decided not to keep her. But this girl had already been discarded once, Elizabeth couldn't do it again. It really wasn't a decision for her, she knew what she would do from the moment she opened the box...

She took the girl home and named her Favor because, surely she had received favor from God to survive, to be found, to be loved.

I met Elizabeth only a few weeks after she found Favor. The girl was so small, so vulnerable. Even though it is a story that I have heard before in Liberia, I was shocked. Shocked that someone could throw away their baby and shocked that someone could so selflessly rescue one. Honestly, there are probably more reasons here to get rid of a baby that to keep one-- resources are so scarce, food is expensive, school fees unimaginable for most.

I have had the pleasure of watching Favor grow over the last few months. She started so small, so shaky, always looking so fragile. Today Elizabeth brought Favor by for a surprise visit and I was blown away. The spunky, smily, chubby cheeked eight month old who greeted me today was too much. I couldn't stop thanking God for her. Thanking Elizabeth for everything she had done. Favor truly is a miracle. And I couldn't help but share her with you today.

Baby Favor

The Resurrection and the Life

An excerpt from-- Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Written by Lew Wallace.

“All the eyes then looking were fixed upon the Nazarene. It may have been pity with which he was moved; whatever the cause, Ben-Hur was conscious of a change in his feelings. A conception of something better than the best of this life—something so much better that it could serve a weak man with strength to endure agonies of spirit as well as of body; something to make death welcome—perhaps another life purer than this one—perhaps the Spirit life which Balthasar held to so fast, began to dawn upon his mind clearer and clearer, bringing to him a certain sense that, after all, the mission of the Nazarene was that of guide across the boundary for such as loved him; across the boundary to where his kingdom was set up and waiting for him. Then, as something borne through the air out of the almost forgotten, he heard again, or seemed to hear, the saying of the Nazarene,

“I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE.”

And the words repeated themselves over and over, and took form, and the dawn touched them with its light, and filled them with a new meaning. And as men repeat a question to grasp and fix the meaning, he asked, gazing at the figure on the hill fainting under its crown, Who the Resurrection? And who the Life?

“I AM,”

the figure seemed to say—and say it for him; for instantly he was sensible of a peace such as he had never known—the peace, which is the end of doubt and mystery, and the beginning of faith and love and clear understanding.”

May you find such Peace this Easter.  

Cecelia is out of the ICU!

After three tough nights in the ICU Cecelia was moved to the medical ward Sunday afternoon. She was smiling and laughing and licking a lollipop when I stopped by to visit. There is still some minor swelling in her throat and she’s still receiving IV antibiotics and steroids. However, she is drinking fluids and trying to eat soft foods, which is a huge step in the right direction. When I asked her what I could bring for her next time I visit her scratchy, raspy voice squeaked out, “Anything, Auntie.”

Thank you so much for all the prayers and messages of concern for Cecelia. Having a sick child is scary anywhere in the world, but here in Liberia where the health care system is lacking in so many ways-- where an ICU with 20 kids has only one nurse to care for them-- it is down right terrifying. Each night Cecelia was in the ICU a child in the bed next to her died. This is the hard reality of life in Africa. Orphan Relief and Rescue is thankful for the support we receive from you so that we can continue to care for children like Cecelia. 

Fighting for her life

A little girl named Cecelia urgently needs your prayers. She is literally fighting for her life right now. I just got back from seeing her admitted to the ICU at a local hospital where she is being treated for a life threatening condition called epiglottitis. She has severe swelling of her throat, difficulty breathing, a fever of 104 and severe dehydration due to the fact that she has not been able to eat or drink anything for a couple days. This is a rare and serious medical condition even with the best medical facilities available.

I was holding her as we waited to see the doctor in the emergency room and she could barely hold her head up. Exhausted from working so hard to breathe, she just kept looking up at me, big dark eyes pleading for help. So, now I plead with you. Please pray for this sweet girl who is struggling to make it through the night.

Thank you. 

Barvor's big adventure

On Sunday Barvor is going to start the greatest adventure of his lifetime. He is leaving Liberia for the first time and flying on a “big bird” to the United States for eye surgery.

We have known Barvor for about four years and almost from the very first day have been trying to get him help for his eyes. He has been to several local ‘eye specialists,’ worn special sunglasses, and used daily eye drops. His diagnosis is unclear, but it was clear that nothing more could be done to treat him in Liberia. I thought we had hit the end of the road.

Then we met Michelle Quinn. From the moment she met Barvor over a year ago she has been his greatest advocate. She has been in contact with doctors from all over the globe-- from Dubai to the states-- trying to figure out what could be done to save this boys eye sight.

Finally his day has come. On Sunday afternoon Barvor will be boarding a plane and flying to New York where a doctor and foster family are waiting for him. Due to less than adequate diagnostic equipment in Liberia, no one knows for sure what kind of treatment that Barvor will need. Arrangements have been made for him to stay in the states up to a year for recovery if surgery is required.

Please join us in praying for Barvor. There are many unknowns in the future for him. His biological mother and older brother are already blind. He has already been uprooted and moved to three different homes in the last nine months, now is the biggest move of all.

There are a lot of people to thank for making this opportunity a reality for Barvor. Thank you, Michelle Quinn and Sis Leonora Tucker from the MacDella Cooper Foundation Academy, your vision to help Barvor see is the only way we have reached this point today. Thanks is also due to Donna Barber from Global Orphan Outreach who has facilitated Barvor’s medical VISA, travel arrangements and is accompanying him on his flight to the states. 

(This was originally posted on the Orphan Relief and Rescue blog.)