About a week ago, I was flying on the red eye to Liberia from South Africa. It was a long, but thankfully uneventful, journey. I wasn’t prepared for the heat and humidity that greeted me when we disembarked in Monrovia (the capital city). When I say Monrovia is hot, it is 90+ degrees hot with 95% humidity all day, every day. We definitely had to adjust to the setting by drinking lots of water (and rehydration drinks when we could find them). The heat didn’t effect me too much as I was absorbed in the beauty of the country and her people. Now, sitting here in the airport lounge waiting for my (delayed) flight, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for having the opportunity to connect with the church here in Liberia.
Liberia, as I mentioned the other day, is a very poor country that struggles with high levels of illiteracy and poverty. As we were driven through town I was touched by the conditions that millions experience in their daily lives. I wish there was a way to transport you, for a moment, so you could see and feel what I saw and felt. There wasn’t a moment I didn’t want to experience. I prayed that God would give me the grace to breathe it all in, I never want to be one of those who hide when things get uncomfortable.
Balancing life in the airport lounge
We have always tried to find the balance with our children when it comes to our work. It’s important we don’t shield them from everything. Life is harsh here and they need to see it. However, we understand that we need to be sensitive to what they can handle. Andreya didn’t blink an eye this week. I know we timed things just right as she voluntarily served without being asked throughout the week. My heart is full and I am grateful.
Our daughter Andreya came with us on this trip. Even though she’s grown up with us in Africa, this was an eye-opening trip for her. On other similar trips we have left her home with friends or family. This time we wanted her to accompany us and experience a new part of Africa. Our schedule was hard, we spent many hours teaching. And she surprised us all by how she engaged with the people and helped as she could and holding babies.
I’m not even complaining about our flight’s delay and having to sit in the airport lounge for hours. It’s giving me a few more minutes to breathe in Liberian air and remember the few minutes we had with the people. I think we’ll come back soon, I hope we do, to work with the local church here. We’ve discussed a few possibilities with our friends here, may God’s will be done. Who knows what doors will open from Liberia? I’m excited to find out. Let’s go.
