"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.