tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88425539767106385432024-03-05T12:52:06.403-08:00Beautiful Feet: LiberiaSimonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-63414328496256781212016-07-26T12:16:00.002-07:002016-07-26T13:22:26.675-07:00Life in Liberia: My birthday at school<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Better late than never has become my blog mantra:) I am pleased to share some pictures from my recent birthday, spent with my favorite people: teachers and learners.</span><br />
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I decided to take my birthday off from work and spend it at the private school of a family friend. The school runs from kindergarten through 12th grade. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieohOLvNVY6TMYBG2E66h22G6ZYrNAAXHUC4YbY3wQlUChs5uS809Gv6vmQecRlgKUpDTzhnJh1ZF7HRldsKie4USDPIErWo606omUap9fD4LIxSQTyx54B-X3JGkioJP8o9FjzbHvZ8o/s1600/IMG_2260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieohOLvNVY6TMYBG2E66h22G6ZYrNAAXHUC4YbY3wQlUChs5uS809Gv6vmQecRlgKUpDTzhnJh1ZF7HRldsKie4USDPIErWo606omUap9fD4LIxSQTyx54B-X3JGkioJP8o9FjzbHvZ8o/s320/IMG_2260.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The founder/principal and my birthday twin.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">When I arrived the teachers were just returning to the classroom from lunch. The first classroom I went into was a 5th grade class and didn't have a teacher. It was quite concerning that the students were not well-accompanied by their teacher. I just promised to return once the teacher returned.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOulXxqSMq8wKQgzQFIgkY75bSAZtmfrxMAiMolKxueQ1mEFxDWZp9LOahcyFZdiE8UeitH2J5fmMBXwA4ooAlLIRASvSBk7ArpCrMKHBCZ_1mdWUSW36LwicU-JXza3yb1Ylu3rXbzo/s1600/IMG_2255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOulXxqSMq8wKQgzQFIgkY75bSAZtmfrxMAiMolKxueQ1mEFxDWZp9LOahcyFZdiE8UeitH2J5fmMBXwA4ooAlLIRASvSBk7ArpCrMKHBCZ_1mdWUSW36LwicU-JXza3yb1Ylu3rXbzo/s320/IMG_2255.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kindergarden classroom: Nosey neighbor:)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEMtHdUTBNHB30pNub5KNTL8icpc-cjfVlbQNgRNEshy9X9aHe8wPIpYNYqAwdtnIswE6LqN27mNeDXh615SeVIm6eLFNO7y4n3ZHAe0VUU0lVp8QHw5UrLe8TGSUmbHFOc1XEOxDiY0/s1600/IMG_2264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><br />
When returned this is what I saw:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snoozing on the job</td></tr>
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If this is what happens to teachers after lunch, the students of this school are at a serious disadvantage. Curious to see how long she would stay like this I started reading with a few students. They struggled through the passages and couldn't really explain to me what they read. My heart sank. Once I got to the third student the teacher was still knocked out in the back of the room. The principal walked in and woke up the teacher. I was speechless. Once we got out of the classroom I asked about it. I don't recall the response as much as the fact that the principal was nonplussed.<br />
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Situations like this really make me reflect on the state of education here. I will likely only have one more year here and there is still much to be done. I am nearly convinced that the problem is not so much resources as it is stewardship. <br />
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Whether you have a library or one book, the question becomes "What are you doing with your book?" <br />
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I can't begin to imagine what is going on in the life of this teacher. While I seek to understand I also believe there should be a standard that should be upheld. It can be a difficult balance to strike in a city where lawlessness is rampant and thieves often take advantage of the loud rains of the season. Many of my colleagues, among the middle class that can afford more security measures, sometimes lose sleeps over security concerns. How much more these teachers? <br />
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Again, while I seek to understand I also believe there should be a standard that should be upheld. I won't solve the stewardship issues in a blog post but sometimes getting closer to the solution involves making the right diagnoses along the way. . .<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5th grader</td></tr>
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Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-83183508704088152012016-07-26T11:40:00.000-07:002016-07-26T11:40:07.942-07:00The Treasures of Cote D'Ivoire<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic view of the capital, Abidjan, from L'Cathedral d'Abidjan.</td></tr>
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I just got back from the Ivory Coast. It's also approaching a year since the last time I shared bits from my West African life. So, here I am, eager to tell you about my trip!<br />
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How did I find myself in Abidjan and Grand Bassam, Cote D'Ivoire? <br />
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About a month ago, a friend asked I was interested in going there for a long weekend. I said "YES!" It's been something I've been wanting to do before I left West Africa. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking the city of Abidjan</td></tr>
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It was worth it! <br />
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There are many things I deeply appreciated about Cote D'Ivoire: resurrecting my French, abundant local transportation, Ivorian hospitality, salsa-dancing in Abidjan, canoing on the lagoon, melt-in-your-mouth croissants, "poisson braise e alloco" (fresh grilled fish and plantains) daily. <br />
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This was only the beginning of the treasures we experienced.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Market women in anticipation</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfectly lit photo inside the cathedral: Me, travel buddy and Ivorian friend</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On of many beautiful stained glass pictures in the Cathedral. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Breakfast table and lovely garden at Abidjan B&B</td></tr>
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We spent two days in Abidjan and three days in Grand Bassam. </div>
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Grand Bassam was the location of the recent attack. We didn't stay at the same hotel, if that's any consolation. If someone hadn't told me I wouldn't have know there was an attack recently. The village was large but peaceful. Our lodging was perfectly situated between a lagoon and a beach. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "giraffe" room at the lagoon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Strolling through the neigborhood "Modeste"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Fresh fish</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Canoeing on the lagoon<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHBg9OX4sXXCaC5amShw-fLJVKIfrRWc2Lk8Drb5JwzZ9UAbEt9vM0xQeVlwFhJycCu52QS3bREeYpYngCBIFRZPVSNgnrecp8G_b9RZKh7kIVX47ufAlgVDsdXtJnsKVYmTzoTWjyYE/s1600/IMG_2533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHBg9OX4sXXCaC5amShw-fLJVKIfrRWc2Lk8Drb5JwzZ9UAbEt9vM0xQeVlwFhJycCu52QS3bREeYpYngCBIFRZPVSNgnrecp8G_b9RZKh7kIVX47ufAlgVDsdXtJnsKVYmTzoTWjyYE/s320/IMG_2533.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Delicious: Natural Honey"</td></tr>
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However, the thing(s) I loved the most were the local arts and products. I enjoyed them so much. <br />
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The longer I am in West Africa the more I am struck and saddened by how much the local popular cultures do not attribute as much value to local artists and products as they merit. These countries have gifts from God that are in stunning abundance and are often underutilized. In Cote D'Ivoire I was pleased as punch to find many great items. <br />
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Below are several products which I also consider treasures of the Ivory Coast:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1f16ScGzkNOIyyNTsOBCTXllYZ2YBUjJ-o9QPg5ECYPTi7cFj95nDcbQI2HMwZ8FzRy54hFkN7iuT5NUUII86z2EEkOeXGETD4FSWOY1Hv6OFjHcNYHW1A2eLAJqYDrKcBvcrnZRgSIk/s1600/IMG_2530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1f16ScGzkNOIyyNTsOBCTXllYZ2YBUjJ-o9QPg5ECYPTi7cFj95nDcbQI2HMwZ8FzRy54hFkN7iuT5NUUII86z2EEkOeXGETD4FSWOY1Hv6OFjHcNYHW1A2eLAJqYDrKcBvcrnZRgSIk/s320/IMG_2530.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanuts, candied peanuts and dried (hot) ginger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNR-fH3UJ-_9PMkaoyeW7KkM1hQbdiwDJueTsmv4L7lf8WYjAYfaESOd54Zj1nlGaGkvizdGunTFhnut7nfpJyd1_A3MQQBLddsSY49BqRvpgvDl_zIGZQ8-PwAPnzCiJcrPwJsY1olPc/s1600/IMG_2528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNR-fH3UJ-_9PMkaoyeW7KkM1hQbdiwDJueTsmv4L7lf8WYjAYfaESOd54Zj1nlGaGkvizdGunTFhnut7nfpJyd1_A3MQQBLddsSY49BqRvpgvDl_zIGZQ8-PwAPnzCiJcrPwJsY1olPc/s320/IMG_2528.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locally produced Ivorian figurines</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyBZF_Qa4Kx-SKGjaWIoKL5MHV64xMgvQTcRUPd3SAJnzSWn6At0BfZUUP3QUCk2SFhW_6i5H3xJVrZ9ZqpIQFhZwDkStD2t54rSPfbzsFlGJYCgtFVIlYBHlLuRiS-aKBJ9j-3frGgA/s1600/IMG_2524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyBZF_Qa4Kx-SKGjaWIoKL5MHV64xMgvQTcRUPd3SAJnzSWn6At0BfZUUP3QUCk2SFhW_6i5H3xJVrZ9ZqpIQFhZwDkStD2t54rSPfbzsFlGJYCgtFVIlYBHlLuRiS-aKBJ9j-3frGgA/s320/IMG_2524.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awoulaba woman in front of figures-in-progress</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXNeLdGVwq23kwL5qD757ez2AgPu7-J-nKbQL8DQc0Nfrm55loZBeIjKXisX3zTrHZUAxUXm81cZYgbTFj5eXfzamibDtbohhb1tTrrplFmFXDxpMkEcS9VIl9kq9QUBg66_sP_4zzrE/s1600/IMG_2526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXNeLdGVwq23kwL5qD757ez2AgPu7-J-nKbQL8DQc0Nfrm55loZBeIjKXisX3zTrHZUAxUXm81cZYgbTFj5eXfzamibDtbohhb1tTrrplFmFXDxpMkEcS9VIl9kq9QUBg66_sP_4zzrE/s320/IMG_2526.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Awoulaba" woman: Ivorian art accentuating curvy women</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M59pkIp17J3SBMA51obasFw6A0n3GXiZjJ-fmUsRFqMXFlk8WXe60FWTZ-yTd_yfUZ3cJedZ6azK4HbtKR-tka9HNmHKFsoKqMyC7l5MGownHYSXmxDEDvx9aNpxzuHZ5anN1p5vHmI/s1600/IMG_2534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M59pkIp17J3SBMA51obasFw6A0n3GXiZjJ-fmUsRFqMXFlk8WXe60FWTZ-yTd_yfUZ3cJedZ6azK4HbtKR-tka9HNmHKFsoKqMyC7l5MGownHYSXmxDEDvx9aNpxzuHZ5anN1p5vHmI/s200/IMG_2534.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local chocolate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPH04Yq2ywMzFAwTy4MYwG4z0LmusPtn5mr2ikp8dca0O3E5a52lZ9W1kFH6ykv4894SSh9CUo4ppaxe-pX2wLtm6Jvk2N3hM0hrdZonP8RaBZVE6KHSgLEQMzl6MOVI5NY80qkHwH6M/s1600/IMG_2532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPH04Yq2ywMzFAwTy4MYwG4z0LmusPtn5mr2ikp8dca0O3E5a52lZ9W1kFH6ykv4894SSh9CUo4ppaxe-pX2wLtm6Jvk2N3hM0hrdZonP8RaBZVE6KHSgLEQMzl6MOVI5NY80qkHwH6M/s320/IMG_2532.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locally made clay necklace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAOwmttt3tKSor3fTrNGWVYeqnyeOA_dGAETx8vCK7-kIIGYEvoIgtB-H-NNs_-ZV2PLuVtZDFTABJjwwVhstVczR8bz6UYBsdAF9LG0jYacYbIV61dabQ8m8-HpPALfU1eVHsqjiJ1U/s1600/IMG_2536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAOwmttt3tKSor3fTrNGWVYeqnyeOA_dGAETx8vCK7-kIIGYEvoIgtB-H-NNs_-ZV2PLuVtZDFTABJjwwVhstVczR8bz6UYBsdAF9LG0jYacYbIV61dabQ8m8-HpPALfU1eVHsqjiJ1U/s320/IMG_2536.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batik (cloth-dye painting)</td></tr>
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Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-12249846193863254182015-09-17T11:46:00.004-07:002016-01-25T13:30:01.271-08:00Southern Cyprus: Stunning stones<br />
Today we stayed close to home in the region of Pissouri Bay. We took a stroll around Pissouri Village about 10 minutes from my apartment. As we climbed the hill to the village we were treated with stunning views of the bay. Unfortunately I was so stunned I couldn't quite get a picture as beautiful as what my eyes saw. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmt7It_7qGbz03f5jZpHgWN0QNHSpaWFmvF5z2cebK9GfdoyNPfsDm4JrNrtVmECca55M9JStXnS_0SrzBW-Oc10cyk5xwgU7YTbrDhpfGex3L8irfhCE2h4Rw5_nCEiB6T0petIXYyg/s1600/IMG_0660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmt7It_7qGbz03f5jZpHgWN0QNHSpaWFmvF5z2cebK9GfdoyNPfsDm4JrNrtVmECca55M9JStXnS_0SrzBW-Oc10cyk5xwgU7YTbrDhpfGex3L8irfhCE2h4Rw5_nCEiB6T0petIXYyg/s400/IMG_0660.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Later in the afternoon we went to another stony beach near Episkopi. <br />
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Stunning. </div>
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Stones. </div>
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Everywhere. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCRiD9i72_hgUB-kXriigZTX5DnJpEj0wqp9fydXPgQ0HuUrIzx-Ksfgg3ahdZKwxxOYITAMWI38w09eCs-8gXZ89ipqfUSg6awe3pnjqU2ntiGOn___bNCtbmU7xDgTQm92KCS0Fg2I/s1600/IMG_0716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCRiD9i72_hgUB-kXriigZTX5DnJpEj0wqp9fydXPgQ0HuUrIzx-Ksfgg3ahdZKwxxOYITAMWI38w09eCs-8gXZ89ipqfUSg6awe3pnjqU2ntiGOn___bNCtbmU7xDgTQm92KCS0Fg2I/s400/IMG_0716.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqTE57RlasWGJELnV9-XR_vqf5R1IhgwNGYgql4DrK1M7YPaon98_ifPdfA9WxtestgGZRuXq4zQBAYBwmCURLSOEgcwiZaInytTPrm0fmSwPGHtI43Y1JlyLSHpYlb-feV5DooOdMpU/s1600/IMG_0725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqTE57RlasWGJELnV9-XR_vqf5R1IhgwNGYgql4DrK1M7YPaon98_ifPdfA9WxtestgGZRuXq4zQBAYBwmCURLSOEgcwiZaInytTPrm0fmSwPGHtI43Y1JlyLSHpYlb-feV5DooOdMpU/s320/IMG_0725.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb3UIn_4G-CFTIL2Sio-rMV666ZTYNfW0YHuRhJo8vGiSdHWoCYCTCNVvTL8KdLxYzbFUmBJg2ZZL9fam7CHAa3siUUT_TLSbIN8pi9VSex-KSwWjv7H8rPEfHl95jkZsQPx0w-9v4gQ/s1600/IMG_0703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb3UIn_4G-CFTIL2Sio-rMV666ZTYNfW0YHuRhJo8vGiSdHWoCYCTCNVvTL8KdLxYzbFUmBJg2ZZL9fam7CHAa3siUUT_TLSbIN8pi9VSex-KSwWjv7H8rPEfHl95jkZsQPx0w-9v4gQ/s320/IMG_0703.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I mentioned to my friend how this is probably the most stones I have ever seen on a beach in my long life. As I pondered these stones I thought about their diversity, strength and unassuming beauty. How does a stone begin? How long did it take to get to something so small I could perch it on my knee? Does it start from a large cliff and end in sand or is it's formation much more complex? I deeply enjoy vacation and the chance to ponder and appreciate simple yet complex creation</div>
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Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-89881935244838513862015-09-17T02:20:00.002-07:002015-09-17T11:18:22.719-07:00Southern Cyprus: Celebrating beauty<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjq4akO19pioBdEwGXJP0NJpGJScMg6impXqA56UIrPOBBVoaQwccVP7oaaRdmIXZXQTwu7J75Tx_53R3_PWpBK7SpmHHBLBnBzqi7eH9l35lFBXQQK-7ErHZyNpd5onODDKZ-ihzX-A/s1600/IMG_0597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjq4akO19pioBdEwGXJP0NJpGJScMg6impXqA56UIrPOBBVoaQwccVP7oaaRdmIXZXQTwu7J75Tx_53R3_PWpBK7SpmHHBLBnBzqi7eH9l35lFBXQQK-7ErHZyNpd5onODDKZ-ihzX-A/s320/IMG_0597.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paramali beach</td></tr>
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Our journey continues to Southern Cyprus. On Monday we drove down from Nicosia to Pissouri Bay. I am staying in Pissouri Bay. From Pissouri Bay area we've gone to Paramali, Paphos and Limassol all places of distinct beauty. I am staying in Pissouri Bay. Here are photos to feast your eyes on:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkRy6PXgWmNYSpynsol7PYQ002u32gDevi8XGr6W6lh4xO1sLg_0Fo_Lc3G-3iojpwoU3KW_UHU44dTJ0ywztvAJUZj3GoHuTg3h2VN4MeKz7Eg8A4BaoSBwwPdkUsZOBIDrOVIfJqGo/s1600/IMG_0645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkRy6PXgWmNYSpynsol7PYQ002u32gDevi8XGr6W6lh4xO1sLg_0Fo_Lc3G-3iojpwoU3KW_UHU44dTJ0ywztvAJUZj3GoHuTg3h2VN4MeKz7Eg8A4BaoSBwwPdkUsZOBIDrOVIfJqGo/s320/IMG_0645.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paramali: Stunning stony beach</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX7nsPYEzeS2fqNeTsBo5Y1avdo3A-zVxxtru2n-n3CPzxWPRujYVReKtBIOpD3KQ4g6IWSqY7XGd8Z046_J3lpDBazGUkrT8RMJw3HcKjllDTPDakP2xmVeKbGN7zoX5fnbJ3GbZHmM/s1600/IMG_0467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX7nsPYEzeS2fqNeTsBo5Y1avdo3A-zVxxtru2n-n3CPzxWPRujYVReKtBIOpD3KQ4g6IWSqY7XGd8Z046_J3lpDBazGUkrT8RMJw3HcKjllDTPDakP2xmVeKbGN7zoX5fnbJ3GbZHmM/s320/IMG_0467.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paphos Castle</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BZ6zYiW8ZfOmx3LHN9OV54kxl9AN3Vrnw4dku7-gDm0iff5f1KESRHUtZwEjAVpzTwTu0eG1GiZDFJFlfToMZyZKAPc4bBpubVdlsPkESxUPnseaOgb2fH2WELSNGr-WDZo-PJMWcCo/s1600/IMG_0524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BZ6zYiW8ZfOmx3LHN9OV54kxl9AN3Vrnw4dku7-gDm0iff5f1KESRHUtZwEjAVpzTwTu0eG1GiZDFJFlfToMZyZKAPc4bBpubVdlsPkESxUPnseaOgb2fH2WELSNGr-WDZo-PJMWcCo/s320/IMG_0524.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paphos Castle interior: Stepping into the Light</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqp_Y5PUbQJijSloqSncK6a6hwUeu7Przdof9EG4OwZoYZTmuC6zA47DxDZTgZ2a7f4D2WbdQWSt1Aa1w0-0HM86ePL8ZDM6gQhoA8hXHHDkEXLYLuMo8f25rFgudawU6c78s8Ussb5M/s1600/IMG_0535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqp_Y5PUbQJijSloqSncK6a6hwUeu7Przdof9EG4OwZoYZTmuC6zA47DxDZTgZ2a7f4D2WbdQWSt1Aa1w0-0HM86ePL8ZDM6gQhoA8hXHHDkEXLYLuMo8f25rFgudawU6c78s8Ussb5M/s320/IMG_0535.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paphos Marina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXmCfFM6lbUxz9XoO5WIgrn2lFShlrgerqcOXFMHNHtPQ5fEQn1O6X2PFU4866Z-qsbDYdVuxM6Kkm8-TucmQGdM_4gZPvUb5M7leyShNqoyOIIndAff3SFG3eZ05PzvlWJZ_JvaDof0/s1600/IMG_0536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXmCfFM6lbUxz9XoO5WIgrn2lFShlrgerqcOXFMHNHtPQ5fEQn1O6X2PFU4866Z-qsbDYdVuxM6Kkm8-TucmQGdM_4gZPvUb5M7leyShNqoyOIIndAff3SFG3eZ05PzvlWJZ_JvaDof0/s320/IMG_0536.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paphos boardwalk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limassol: Marina</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paphos: Ruins of multiple churches with one remaining</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paphos: Yes, the juice was delish</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pissouri Bay: 5 minutes from my apt.</td></tr>
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Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-13570974544537321502015-09-17T01:41:00.001-07:002015-09-17T11:16:19.541-07:00Northern Cyprus: Antiquities and ModernitiesIt's been 4 months since my last post. I am now on vacation. After weeks of saying and thinking "I want to get back to blogging," I am inspired. I hope it is worth the wait, informative and at the very least, pretty. <br />
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My trip to Cyprus was inspired by the desire to go somewhere else but close. Getting a tourist visa to Benin was too complex. I had an open invitation to Cyprus from a dear sister. So Cyprus it was. The reaction I got from folks as I mentioned Cyprus was the same: "Wow! Cyprus?" </div>
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"Yes, have you been there?" I'd reply. Unfailingly they'd say "No, but I've heard about it."</div>
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Does it live up to the reputation it has in people's minds? They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Below are pictures from the beginning of our journey to Famagusta and Salamis, both with antiquities dating back to 11th century BC:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZZjUCJQhyNBzkC2H09RKny6ng9GW29bCsv4S1jiOND-yqrU96xK-aQMC6aRfPnPBL_h_57mwRpzYw6gBJDk41tawOLTqTY8QNXW7KWPth9bfIP2Mh_iUT3yFjrISzZHAuVKPdXTbOTs/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZZjUCJQhyNBzkC2H09RKny6ng9GW29bCsv4S1jiOND-yqrU96xK-aQMC6aRfPnPBL_h_57mwRpzYw6gBJDk41tawOLTqTY8QNXW7KWPth9bfIP2Mh_iUT3yFjrISzZHAuVKPdXTbOTs/s320/IMG_0316.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the wall surrounding the City of Famagusta. Church in background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abundant pomegranates at a fresh juice stand. The juice: divine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gKpNw3h3m_c8nBfInVPN4cxIQiB5vWw_DW2dBBRiDbDU5ganwHVNgjZe2yK3DqAsZZ7jkHtqjCi_EZepSJd5D7XIwACRJdxPpE6EXUtU5BpCk5JgSdJtq1ID7hTeGHN88iWnQ5ZWHOc/s1600/IMG_0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gKpNw3h3m_c8nBfInVPN4cxIQiB5vWw_DW2dBBRiDbDU5ganwHVNgjZe2yK3DqAsZZ7jkHtqjCi_EZepSJd5D7XIwACRJdxPpE6EXUtU5BpCk5JgSdJtq1ID7hTeGHN88iWnQ5ZWHOc/s320/IMG_0361.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauty in brokenness.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KY-PlVOOOv-usWMmdQfiRfmacgd8BZn45MhMI1sf5Cv-8I8mgXR9j4SFlKGy0qHjRpX-7rpy88BEI9djteOojBoTQHXY4wGHVZ-9FuNjqd1QowDsKWLM6Yum-an5B0drsttXod3I9uo/s1600/IMG_0386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KY-PlVOOOv-usWMmdQfiRfmacgd8BZn45MhMI1sf5Cv-8I8mgXR9j4SFlKGy0qHjRpX-7rpy88BEI9djteOojBoTQHXY4wGHVZ-9FuNjqd1QowDsKWLM6Yum-an5B0drsttXod3I9uo/s320/IMG_0386.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkish delights.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvdKRs8cjTigWZ168zUbKwhQPQ-uvxmH9gDDULJEJgB0tzdy1G6V0O91DjX_tsSFYkvWv6Ex7BOoo32FLS7n6E7bfqUrqc8sTf2EDnInr1NnIChWK9sUFl0B_1DnndJesLaGVA7dYDnQ/s1600/IMG_0396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvdKRs8cjTigWZ168zUbKwhQPQ-uvxmH9gDDULJEJgB0tzdy1G6V0O91DjX_tsSFYkvWv6Ex7BOoo32FLS7n6E7bfqUrqc8sTf2EDnInr1NnIChWK9sUFl0B_1DnndJesLaGVA7dYDnQ/s320/IMG_0396.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salamis Ruins: Columns surrounding the Gymnasium </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwO9slOMi_16LTd3ENZifRtn-3X7xt8jyR7LAKfs2obQV1oxtNBUbJu203_fVaK2PHC7wyGRutN5KsDJdp_AOqsM6w87DKQgPQ7qKiWSRj_DcswqvxKdYaVdFFqltj6juI1Cd6BZmjbV4/s1600/IMG_0403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwO9slOMi_16LTd3ENZifRtn-3X7xt8jyR7LAKfs2obQV1oxtNBUbJu203_fVaK2PHC7wyGRutN5KsDJdp_AOqsM6w87DKQgPQ7qKiWSRj_DcswqvxKdYaVdFFqltj6juI1Cd6BZmjbV4/s320/IMG_0403.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salamis: One of several statues around the Pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRv5_edD971GWVRgJjPUIm5K6ulbx56QV1auAZWB23sZtwZr_KuaXHW4VUeTp80G2MwwkO93HfYqY-qp94skarq1gdnWxF8OIlTp9zZ6i8vVd2qaji6B6wNSPcoSrOcxSEoMLF5Est1C4/s1600/IMG_0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRv5_edD971GWVRgJjPUIm5K6ulbx56QV1auAZWB23sZtwZr_KuaXHW4VUeTp80G2MwwkO93HfYqY-qp94skarq1gdnWxF8OIlTp9zZ6i8vVd2qaji6B6wNSPcoSrOcxSEoMLF5Est1C4/s320/IMG_0411.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salamis: Statue overlooking the Theatre</td></tr>
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Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-2519330583657882162015-05-10T06:22:00.005-07:002015-05-10T09:14:22.749-07:00Sweet Freedom From Ebola!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's true! Yesterday Liberia celebrated it's 42nd day of freedom from person-to-person transmission of the Ebola virus. Forty-two days represents two cycles of the maximum 21-day incubation of the virus. <br />
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The victory is "so sweet" as the Liberians say. It has been a difficult journey from being the country hardest hit in the region to the first one declared free. I sincerely believe it's nothing short of a miracle, an answer to many prayers, and a salve to much heartache and sadness. This news is so inspiring it helped me break the nearly 3-month hiatus from the blog. "Sorry-o!" (my favorite Liberian saying). It's been quite a long time. <br />
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The question on everyone's mind: How will it affect travel and monitoring, particularly on the US. No changes yet but I hope that I will not have to be monitored by the time I arrive on my next trip.<br />
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The question on my mind: How soon will family and friends come to visit? Very soon I hope:) Perhaps you will follow Mama Brown's footsteps. My mom just returned to the States from a month-long visit. What a time to be here! More on her visit to come. <br />
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Celebration time!Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-8683341519153626182015-02-11T14:10:00.003-08:002015-03-16T14:09:41.293-07:00Why I pray for Angels.It's been a while. No excuses. <br />
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I'm happy to report my inspiration has returned!<br />
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I'm taking a pause from discussing written autobiographies to reflect on a common story. This is an autobiography in the making.<br />
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Last week I was undone when I heard the story of a young woman caught in cycle of prostitution when money gets low and there seems to be no other options. I'm learning when something hits my heart to the point of tears I need to go with that feeling and invest it into prayer and intercession for the person and the larger issue. <br />
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You would think the "no-touch" culture that Ebola created would have impacted it. Not so, dear friend. The enemy is relentless. He continues to work with and among humans to kill, steal and destroy the human body, soul and spirit. <br />
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Let me be explicit: sexual abuse, prostitution and human trafficking is alive and well in Liberia. Girls are giving sex for grades, a meal, protection, and the most basic of necessities. And their parents look away in complicity. I've heard too many stories and met the girls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmTcDeFqFakQoa5lIg-8sLVbY-FNWxAE-3sdH9wKC2o70P_S5ay5N_u8ltjQ7yWd4YybKJK57lsSN5EzoyXKQGSmNPoRzeG3ldCojhEzR-5VdzbZvwZEtexza5WTh2fo0EveqqDy6sgE/s1600/woman_at_jesus_feet.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmTcDeFqFakQoa5lIg-8sLVbY-FNWxAE-3sdH9wKC2o70P_S5ay5N_u8ltjQ7yWd4YybKJK57lsSN5EzoyXKQGSmNPoRzeG3ldCojhEzR-5VdzbZvwZEtexza5WTh2fo0EveqqDy6sgE/s1600/woman_at_jesus_feet.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
While looking up resources for a study on purity I came across the following podcast.<br />
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<a href="http://www.authenticintimacy.com/java-with-juli/lessons-from-a-former-prostitute/">http://www.authenticintimacy.com/java-with-juli/lessons-from-a-former-prostitute/</a><br />
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It pains me bringing me to the point of tears to realize that there are countless "Angels" in Liberia.<br />
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Listening to this has refueled my prayer for the Angels caught in a devaluing cycle of sexual exploitation.<br />
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Listen. Respond as your heart leads.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">After a failed attempt at
reading Mandela’s other compilation of writings (too disconnected for me), I
downloaded a free copy of Booker T. Washington’s autobiography, “Up From
Slavery.”</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">It knocked my socks off.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">#2 Greatness is
cultivated and maintained through hard work to benefit others as much as if not
more than oneself. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Booker T. Washington was
one hardworking man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a boy he was a
slave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While still a boy, he was freed
by the Emancipation Proclamation. Then through an inspiring path became a
lifelong educator and founder of what is now known as Tuskegee University, one
of the first all-black institutes of higher education. Two ways Booker T.
Washington exemplified the principle of “right living” and hard work is:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was convinced that the advancement of his
people depended on hard work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">“I believe that my race
will succeed in proportion as it learns to do a common thing in an uncommon
manner; learns to do a thing so thoroughly that no one can improve upon what it
has done; learns to make its services of indispensable value. This was the
spirit that inspired me in my first effort at Hampton, when I was given the
opportunity to sweep and dust that schoolroom. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a degree I felt that my whole future life
depended upon the thoroughness with which I cleaned that room and I was
determined to do it so well that no one could find any fault with the job. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I think the whole future
of my race hinges on the question as to whether or not it can make itself of
such indispensable value that the people in the town and the state where we
reside will feel that our presence is necessary to the happiness and well-being
of the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No man who continues
to add something to the material, intellectual and moral well-being of the
place in which he lives is long left without proper reward. This is a great
human law…” – Booker T. Washington<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He recognized the indomitable value of
service, a form of love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">“In meeting men, in many
places, I have found that the happiest people are those who do the most for
others; the most miserable are those who do the least.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">And this is coming from a former slave, a man
who’s live was bound in all possible ways by a dehumanizing institution and
group of people that perpetuated the system. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Recently I’ve been faced with a staffing
decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a team member who is
ok but not really adding value to the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Often responding to tasks but not initiating them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> My f</span>ollow-up with them on assigned tasks has become the norm rather
than the exception. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For better or worse,
I thought of that person often when reading and re-reading these quotes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">It has also causes me to take another look at
my own work ethic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I pouring my passion
and energy into doing my best for the good of the team and the organization or
am I doing just what is expected of me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will be the first to admit I’m not that intense when it comes to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living and working in this national emergency
context over the past few months has changed that drastically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never worked so hard (at my paid job</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J)</span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> and poured my energies
into the service of another country in my life. It’s been fulfilling in a way I
never would have imagined. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Booker T. was definitely
onto something. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-39743744749089361592015-01-07T13:27:00.000-08:002015-01-07T13:27:00.443-08:00Greatness lesson: Mandela<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I’m starting a series on
greatness, inspired by folks you probably know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">My inspiration -- Over
the past few months I’ve read and watched a number of autobiographies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started with watching <b><i>Invictus</i></b>,
a gift from Simone and Morris <wave & smiles> when they visited me in
Benin earlier this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing Mandela
portrayed as such a remarkable man and leader inspired me to read his book, “A
Long Road to Freedom”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I was
previously turned off by the length and weight of it, downloading it to my
e-reader made it easily accessible and portable. It was worth every page!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Sidenote: If you want to
read more and have some waiting/travel/down time, get an e-reader! As the
Liberians say, “I beg of you”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
it’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">From Mandela I learned
that no man can be great unless he’s wrestled with and decided to move forward
in doing what is right despite the inner and outer “demons” threatening to get
in his way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mandela wasn’t any smarter
than me or you and, like us, was well-acquainted with difficulties and inner
struggles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He persevered nonetheless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4AZ5K273tCFDOr6gW_IpckCOHNH9qS8titMhXWvwDGEllyT_MhoBz0fONBHb_Pu2qgomfWGx8gmsQTAOU4Vd1hF4OakqxuKJwyIuUy6AOvA3rA39FIH12a_ym5iaoZIAkbqO4DN-yUA/s1600/images-7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4AZ5K273tCFDOr6gW_IpckCOHNH9qS8titMhXWvwDGEllyT_MhoBz0fONBHb_Pu2qgomfWGx8gmsQTAOU4Vd1hF4OakqxuKJwyIuUy6AOvA3rA39FIH12a_ym5iaoZIAkbqO4DN-yUA/s1600/images-7.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">#1: <i>The root of
greatness is dog-stubborn “stick-to-it-iveness” or perseverance despite
internal or external resistance.</i></span></b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Many know about the
acclaimed battles Mandela fought against the apartheid regime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet some of his greatest triumphs were personal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am convinced that these inner achievements,
many of which occurred during his decades in prison, built the foundation for
public victories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below are two ways he
persevered in his personal life:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exercising regularly</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Exercise dissipates
tension and tension is the enemy of serenity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I found that I worked better and thought more clearly when I was in good
physical condition, and so training became one of the inflexible disciplines of
my life.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">– Mandela</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Having struggled with
doing regular exercise most of my adult life, feeling compelled but not always
motivated to maintain the habit, Mandela’s words impacted me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exercise in times of difficulty isn’t only a
good idea physically but also has mental and emotional benefits. Right now I’m
into <i>PraiseMoves</i>, <i>Zumba</i>, tennis and I may join a bike riding
club. I’m now engaging in regular exercise to fuel perseverance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pursuing contentment</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">To survive in prison, one must develop ways to take
satisfaction in one’s daily life. One
can feel fulfilled by washing one’s clothes so that they are particularly
clean, by sweeping a hallway so that it is empty of dust, by organizing one’s
cell to conserve as much space as possible.
The same pride one takes in more consequential tasks outside of prison,
one can find in doing small things inside of prison.“ </span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;">– Mandela</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I’m really feeling this
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding contentment in doing the
smallest tasks well truly helps us build a sense of accomplishment and
self-worth, which comes in handy when we are faced with seemingly
insurmountable obstacles and setbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I washed two loads of laundry and spent quality time in my hammock
reading, by golly, I can tackle submitting that paper on time! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This satisfaction applies not only to work but
also to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I grow older. I’m
learning to allow myself to schedule and take deep satisfaction in resting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Recently during a
conversation with a dear friend, we discussed how life is like compound
interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not simply that our
decisions and investments add up or multiply, but that they add up <u>and</u>
multiply building on one another yielding more than we can imagine for better
or worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Our moments of fame and
recognition may be as scarce as good ice cream in West Africa but opportunities
to persevere despite obstacles abound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right
now, my single friends and I are persevering to find our partners in life – a
husband or wife. In the meanwhile, each day we continue to pray, encourage one
another, and invest our time building healthy relationships. Ultimately we are
working to realize God’s full purpose and plan for our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">So what are you
persevering in right now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">You may have
already had the privilege of seeing the fruit of your endeavors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I’d love to hear about it if you'd like to
share.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-14020354678960837872014-12-31T13:18:00.003-08:002014-12-31T13:18:37.384-08:001st Weeks in Monrovia: A flip-flop and an unwelcome guest<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Last night in Bible study
we talked about journaling as a way to remind ourselves of questions posed to
God and what the answers looked like. This morning I decided to look back
through old journal entries I had written right when I initially arrived in
Monrovia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a particularly
memorable moment:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI26dP32vncxhl3_q6_kz5FhnYDJY2JGQZ-8rD6BRS-6USCThyphenhyphen9yVDQ5VxqxTsMMmQW_capATMNSOovFFYQY-dCUt7gBvX4-pdzo_ES4nc-tc587-VKoZOPZX1TBCXIUbc-ws8GHgufY/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI26dP32vncxhl3_q6_kz5FhnYDJY2JGQZ-8rD6BRS-6USCThyphenhyphen9yVDQ5VxqxTsMMmQW_capATMNSOovFFYQY-dCUt7gBvX4-pdzo_ES4nc-tc587-VKoZOPZX1TBCXIUbc-ws8GHgufY/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">“I’ve
been in Monrovia for about six weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First temporary apt was bad experience. Second permanent apartment is
working out pretty well… except for the A/C issues -- and then the unwelcome
guest.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">After my bedroom A/C
started leaking and soaking into the carpet on Thursday I shut it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A/C men didn’t come on Thursday. No show
Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I was to spend the weekend
without A/C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was fine since it wasn’t
too hot in my bedroom.<br /> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">But then late last night
I saw an unwelcome guest on the move with purpose coming down from my
malfunctioning A/C. A roach! A big one nevertheless, known by some as a waterbus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I screamed and realized I had no insect
spray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead I grabbed a fly
swatter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I approached it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It fled in the opposite direction and
continued to descend the wall.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I texted a neighbor to ask
if she had spray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had none. A few
thoughts of desperation raced through my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I lamented the fact that I didn’t have any.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought about using white vinegar mix
instead. I resolved to sleep in the living room that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wondered how comfortable my couch would be.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Then I prayed, sincerely
asking for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of my most
heartfelt prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How was I to a) get
to it and b) kill it? Dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I imagined it roaming
around the room, maybe even following the path of my wet upturned carpet and
making its way onto my bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, the
horrors!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, breaking my train of
thought, I saw it near the window close to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I grabbed the vinegar mix and sprayed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it started moving across the floor
towards me, in plain shoe-hit range!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
flung off one flip-flop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure
why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It moved a bit closer within my
reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed the flip-flop and
“Bam!” I stopped it in its tracks, yelling the entire time.<br /> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">David had his Goliath. Mine
was a bit smaller but equally unnerving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What praise went up that night! God hears my prayers, tends to the needs
of my weak heart and strengthens me to do great exploits!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An hour later, once I was ready to go to bed
I mustered up the courage to clean up my kill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I approached it to scoop it into the dustpan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The antennae moved. “Bam!” It was truly flat
them. Scooped it, howled/squealed/groaned in angst, heaved it out the front
door, then went off to sleep. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">In big and small things,
God is a true Father, Keeper, and Strength.</span></i></blockquote>
Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-41465807671314163002014-11-16T12:12:00.000-08:002014-11-16T12:12:00.052-08:00Crafternoon: Thanksgiving in LiberiaHappy Liberian Thanksgiving!<br />
<br />
What a gift to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving twice in one month #1 up November 6th.<br />
<br />
In honor of the day I invited a few craft-inclined ladies over to work on and share crafts using one of God's greatest gifts: the gift of creativity.<br />
<br />
Voila pictures and the fruits of our labors:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTwYV13zASgyu51d_v0_4L2uxwsBKPrQ2AmcOG2LshexItbQuW0m9mzhgw90moMPOqBTIyvw7PeyRYt8kUeqpSVxhJTWn118hnF4EUwtpFBQ_QYTzyBe5oP8bN7MPbAI-SYZs7cxzoDU/s1600/IMG_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTwYV13zASgyu51d_v0_4L2uxwsBKPrQ2AmcOG2LshexItbQuW0m9mzhgw90moMPOqBTIyvw7PeyRYt8kUeqpSVxhJTWn118hnF4EUwtpFBQ_QYTzyBe5oP8bN7MPbAI-SYZs7cxzoDU/s1600/IMG_0290.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st attempt at an origami telescope.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1c-ZFOPrejqMB1XaorlzKVUguB8pFvcpMV0Jrcl9z8nJI5EB8WQgOLiquUKqjv0JDfHt1iP2Q4Lg0sN1nC7_C6TXtn7gbs0Nf5QUTBSe3cN69x-LpH2qWHWM23PRoEczyRuV87oZJCNg/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1c-ZFOPrejqMB1XaorlzKVUguB8pFvcpMV0Jrcl9z8nJI5EB8WQgOLiquUKqjv0JDfHt1iP2Q4Lg0sN1nC7_C6TXtn7gbs0Nf5QUTBSe3cN69x-LpH2qWHWM23PRoEczyRuV87oZJCNg/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group effort papier mache.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9W_IurTRDIcEr67q7-SqrAjP59wA0O_wO8cQiNYJmj4y8sR6uIDIWl_pWTyfh_dxm57vVntmNf1ECuu3QkDUNp_HXTxw0BorqXkOIc0IXUq27UcCHAK8o4P7SGUPC0fqZRqEvWDHOJQ/s1600/IMG_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9W_IurTRDIcEr67q7-SqrAjP59wA0O_wO8cQiNYJmj4y8sR6uIDIWl_pWTyfh_dxm57vVntmNf1ECuu3QkDUNp_HXTxw0BorqXkOIc0IXUq27UcCHAK8o4P7SGUPC0fqZRqEvWDHOJQ/s1600/IMG_0292.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this was needlepoint.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WkfaXhQxeyFBhYJ1vQZApp7i-kPVj7ozNB98E_GCKA1y06jVem6QM3Sk8nRBfnFydQbhK5whfvnNslLSaxiJMZ9lyzJSs4gV5XPC6wvhQKbr8NiZx4zSWBey4SZzFygqeRUdIGpvbWo/s1600/IMG_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WkfaXhQxeyFBhYJ1vQZApp7i-kPVj7ozNB98E_GCKA1y06jVem6QM3Sk8nRBfnFydQbhK5whfvnNslLSaxiJMZ9lyzJSs4gV5XPC6wvhQKbr8NiZx4zSWBey4SZzFygqeRUdIGpvbWo/s1600/IMG_0295.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pom-pom and my favorite easy craft: flower pen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6DfgWJwkGXmnagxXlORNRLoETiv5vRcfv7oQpOP5Ax-uonV0Whhqs-GcQ-QCmWQHMG0pphoIWoHZnqdgc_vYC3M5JDedp_LpowMBJl_qsXSx2ylneuJvtj3UWDb0ydMqUuxFt4T0Xxc/s1600/IMG_0296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6DfgWJwkGXmnagxXlORNRLoETiv5vRcfv7oQpOP5Ax-uonV0Whhqs-GcQ-QCmWQHMG0pphoIWoHZnqdgc_vYC3M5JDedp_LpowMBJl_qsXSx2ylneuJvtj3UWDb0ydMqUuxFt4T0Xxc/s1600/IMG_0296.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely local fabric apron.<br /></td></tr>
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<br />Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-81478201187064181542014-11-09T13:03:00.000-08:002014-11-09T13:03:00.345-08:00Ebola: Awareness-raising<br />
Some have asked me "So what is it like living there? Do people talk about Ebola at all?"<br />
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Do people talk about it? Here it's like talking about the weather: frequent and sometimes informative. </div>
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On the way back from Firestone the other week I got inspired to take pictures of the posters. We were going at a snail's pace in the towing vehicle so it provided the perfect opportunity. </div>
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The outbreak will end and the posters and paraphernalia will be replaced by other ads. So I memorialize this moment while I can:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Ebola awareness-raising in the heart of Monrovia. </td></tr>
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Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-8810750337636250842014-11-02T12:53:00.001-08:002014-11-02T13:08:59.849-08:00Road trip to Firestone PlantationYes, THE Firestone. As in the tires. <br />
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Little know fact: Some of trees that Firestones taps to get rubber to make their tires are in Liberia. Bought for a ridiculously low price, the Firestone company owns a HUGE plantation that is like a city to itself with a hospital, clubhouse, golf course and even a school. It's one of Liberia's best kept secrets. They also did an amazing job at curbing the spread of Ebola on the plantation: Article with video <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/goatsandsoda/2014/10/06/354054915/firestone-did-what-governments-have-not-stopped-ebola-in-its-tracks" target="_blank">Firestone Did What Governments Have Not</a>. A briefer albeit inaccurately titled article is <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/10/08/ebola-firestone-liberia/16908853/" target="_blank">How Firestone Shut Ebola down in Liberia</a>.<br />
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One Sunday I spontaneously joined three colleagues for what ended up being an eventful yet delightful day. <br />
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Fascinated by how the trees are "tapped" or cut at a were precise angle in for the rubber sap to flow correctly. Buckets are attached to the trees to catch the slow drips for days. For some reason looking at this gave me an appetite.<br />
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After explaining to me how the seeds of the tree drop to the ground and create new trees like weeds, Ken went off searching for seedlings. The seeds come in clips of 3, sometimes 4. In the background are beautifully manicured rows of trees. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firestone golf course. Lessons $10 an hour?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and one of my favorite folk.</td></tr>
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After leaving Firestone we made a stop for catfish. We ended up taking a look at the other items for sale. We got nothing but a few laughs with the ladies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEeWswqLLN5eh36ljGBDyJV_OajUdxAJJzKksDI3XBioTC82eo82sdJ5k4fu4URxdLibz0DHWWsMzxjnbGG2761gpT-HbC76KkJhyGYyzhZFMy6SkwkC_M82osZcff85j0hAppa_RVdo/s1600/IMG_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEeWswqLLN5eh36ljGBDyJV_OajUdxAJJzKksDI3XBioTC82eo82sdJ5k4fu4URxdLibz0DHWWsMzxjnbGG2761gpT-HbC76KkJhyGYyzhZFMy6SkwkC_M82osZcff85j0hAppa_RVdo/s1600/IMG_0259.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friend inspecting dried fish at the side of the rod to Monrovia.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palm oil seeds</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: right;">After leaving the catfish/palm nut/dried fish stand, Ken's car refused to start. We were still a ways outside of town so we flagged down some help. They jumpstarted the car. A few miles down the road the car started sputtering and slowed down to a stop again. </span> <span style="text-align: right;">By this time we were already in Monrovia.</span><span style="text-align: right;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The remnant of the 11 dudes plus an Embassy colleague.</td></tr>
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The way crowds gather around unusual events, especially those involving foreigners, is uncanny. When dudes started crossing the road to the car I estimated 15 people would gather. I was too amazed to take a picture. We ended up with 11. They were unable to jumpstart the car this time around. We called the Embassy and they sent a vehicle to tow us home.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZvU7qkk2_7-oqGNanmXoY4Utzh0PAVsIF9qC-hMdPoiYTB4qq4iP2DMN8AIvBm6mArRj-2I46Ervp7uKHB058r6QMgp36neoaSVaPYanwr0MHkpBCKXVOW1ZNyyO8M_ETjpciryeThs/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZvU7qkk2_7-oqGNanmXoY4Utzh0PAVsIF9qC-hMdPoiYTB4qq4iP2DMN8AIvBm6mArRj-2I46Ervp7uKHB058r6QMgp36neoaSVaPYanwr0MHkpBCKXVOW1ZNyyO8M_ETjpciryeThs/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favorite picture of the day: Damsels in distress.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2BDYUS2YCzj35cYibbTM1IhVK1mrJZ6odMENDicNaWKWQXPX6UgQtunEVDs9-zja9n6APuhmcYoSFfVNW0KzTzzGXCcb77PW2-kuLwEzaCUmuW5fUkgeiKyyr6NOLIKRkIclWMW6Yr0/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2BDYUS2YCzj35cYibbTM1IhVK1mrJZ6odMENDicNaWKWQXPX6UgQtunEVDs9-zja9n6APuhmcYoSFfVNW0KzTzzGXCcb77PW2-kuLwEzaCUmuW5fUkgeiKyyr6NOLIKRkIclWMW6Yr0/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lourdes and Ken happy to be towed.</td></tr>
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Altogether a delightful day. </div>
Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-66612360112852259012014-10-28T14:51:00.001-07:002014-10-28T14:51:48.252-07:00It's 0.001.0.001. <br />
<br />
That's the percentage of the Liberian population that has Ebola. I feel like someone should start a campaign letting people know how absurd the hysteria over letting people from the region into the US or any country for that matter. The likelihood that a person will NOT have Ebola is so much higher than the slight chance that they would have come into contact with someone who has the virus. <br />
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Literally less than one in a million.<br />
<br />
0.001% of the population of Liberia has contracted Ebola.<br />
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Oddly enough this unprecedented spread can be credited more to individual behavior not the virulence of the virus alone. Liberians are purveyors of a complex culture which has at it's core a deep distrust of government. It is evident in the main message of the in-country awareness campaign "Ebola is real." For months many people didn't believe it was real and refused to change their behaviors.<br />
<br />
0.001. <br />
<br />
This number came up in conversation with my mom. I assured her that while there are 4665 probable/suspected/confirmed cases of Ebola in Liberia, more than in any one country, the population is 4.6 MILLION. <br />
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I did the math.<br />
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Yes, it is sometimes deadly but it is also rare and treatable, especially in the US. No matter what we say, we have a basic trust in government, especially when it comes to health messages. Who will hear me when I say "An Ebola epidemic in the US is the least of it's worries."<br />
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<br />
0.001%.<br />
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The value of lives lost and transformed directly and indirectly by the virus can't be quantified. This is a region in grief.<br />
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It's been painful to watch the media and a portion of the American public that the media chooses to represent expressing such misinformed and downright malicious perspectives. This is truly a battle against fear and undue discrimination that is based on paranoid delusions of a violent epidemic, not on the facts. <br />
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While my fellow countrymen watch from across the ocean, sometimes condemning healthcare workers for their contributions, belittling their immense sacrifice while lobbying for increased travel restrictions, I look to the Lord. <br />
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May God to continue to comfort those from the young to the old who have lost so much.<br />
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May God bring healing to the hearts of those who are gripped and blinded by fear around the world.<br />
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May physical and emotional healing flow worldwide to those directly and indirectly affected by this crisis.<br />
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<br />Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-89697915783150612182014-10-05T14:51:00.000-07:002014-10-13T14:56:59.442-07:00An excretionEvery Friday I go to ladies bible study. Hands down the highlight of my week.</div>
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The study in early September was very unique because we had a special guest: Miss Constance Hill, aged 5. She is the daughter of a friend of the host, Rushie. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneQip7vVBp-ru5kgqfAKZ94O0c7LnP9snctcKN5wcveokdGHS7hFpqM-L8DHTsvfVMKO3fLn00HfItpHDjWVH6qsaw0jK5f2oMNgBZsX5rYkIcjuoBCN1X-Rc5PHhdHvsbV0xe1_2J2E/s1600/pleasure-post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneQip7vVBp-ru5kgqfAKZ94O0c7LnP9snctcKN5wcveokdGHS7hFpqM-L8DHTsvfVMKO3fLn00HfItpHDjWVH6qsaw0jK5f2oMNgBZsX5rYkIcjuoBCN1X-Rc5PHhdHvsbV0xe1_2J2E/s1600/pleasure-post.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a>Immediately we found something we had in common: love for lounging in Rushie's hammock. We became besties because neither of us were willing to forsake the lure of our hammock cocoon even if it meant sharing it with a perfect stranger.
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As we were lounging, swinging and discussing the Book of Esther and I hear a little "blurp." Miss Constance Hill <br />
had relaxed herself to sleep while her stomach churned to the rhythm of the hammock. And up came her latest snack.
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Now, living in Ebola times it's hard to ever look at throw-up, cough, sneeze, or any bodily fluid exiting someone else's body the same again. But you know me, cool as a cucumber, I peeled the sleeping beauty off of me, helped her take her slightly soiled shirt off and used it to clean my generously soiled dress and sandal. It was awkward yet serious yet funny. I could feel the medical doctor I'd invited watching very carefully how I handled the body excretion. She instructed me to wash my hands. I complied.
Anyways, the study continued and it was fabulous.
Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-80272841116659294492014-09-28T13:20:00.000-07:002014-09-28T13:20:00.721-07:00Relishing lifeAt a recent staff meeting while waiting for other colleagues to arrive I asked one colleague "So, what's been the highlight of the day so far." He started to respond "Well, with Ebola. . ."<br />
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I was like "Wait, stop right there."<br />
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He got me started on Ebola. The Ebola epidemic is like a cold. You can let it get the best of you and encroach on every inch of life or you can do your best to keep it at bay and live life to the fullest possible.<br />
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I told him that while we are in the epidemic, we can still be realists yet optimists. <br />
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<b>Lesson #4: In life there is always something to appreciate even in the gloomiest of situations. </b><br />
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He never did give me a highlight. <br />
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So this list is dedicated to all who hesitate to seek and relish the highlights in life.<br />
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Highlights of living in Liberia during the Ebola crisis:<br />
<ul>
<li>Seeing Liberian resilience in action</li>
<li>Learning unforgettable lessons about facing fears</li>
<li>Learning priceless lessons about trust in God</li>
<li>Finding more time than ever to read </li>
<li>Valuing the smallest gifts of life (though while writing I just saw and killed the biggest ant I've seen in a while)</li>
<li>Doing more regular exercise than I've done in years (mainly walking and Zumba)</li>
<li>Seizing the day, relishing and indulging in healthy living and relationships</li>
<li>Blogging more regularly (after recovering from an Ebola-induced hiatus:)</li>
<li>Hearing more regularly from friends checking in to make sure I'm still alive</li>
</ul>
Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-44644169342800108592014-09-20T15:38:00.002-07:002014-09-20T15:57:46.958-07:00Sweet Grandma's sunset<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcCd5r4V2_iPyOuOvpM8P2r7zLhBDxvI9fubh9k9VDJ3mCRmrJX1FjYfo5pu6YwLD7UpObp79fuJSdqOGmZYHmzF3FhiGb9weE9TbimxDaRDGtiToiZPd76MxhknoM-RaUF40grlVkww/s1600/IMG_2722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcCd5r4V2_iPyOuOvpM8P2r7zLhBDxvI9fubh9k9VDJ3mCRmrJX1FjYfo5pu6YwLD7UpObp79fuJSdqOGmZYHmzF3FhiGb9weE9TbimxDaRDGtiToiZPd76MxhknoM-RaUF40grlVkww/s1600/IMG_2722.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The joy of Beauty.</td></tr>
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I received the news yesterday afternoon that my grandma, the loveliest of all lovelies, passed away yesterday morning. She was 92 years old. We knew her health had been declining over the past year but her issues breathing was a very recent issue. I spoke to my mom yesterday and today and she is doing ok, sad but reassured that she passed quickly and very peacefully. The family and I are doing ok. Tears come but I am also thankful for the quality quality time spent with her my last two trips to the US. Such a gift. God shows His immense goodness and love in all seasons of life.
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Please pray for our family as we grieve her absence yet celebrate her final rest with the Love of her life.<br />
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Things I learned from grandma:<br />
<ul>
<li>What a perfect sweet potato pie tastes like</li>
<li>Knowing the value of and time that goes into hand-sewn clothing</li>
<li>Hospitality</li>
<li>The importance of cooking and eating well</li>
<li>Appreciating the beauty of a tree</li>
<li>How to love fiercely despite hurt and difficulty</li>
<li>Resilience</li>
<li>The transforming power of lively relationship with Jesus especially for us, the imperfect ones</li>
</ul>
and so much more. . .<br />
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Follow this link for a video of her (and me in the background) doing one of her favorite things: <a href="http://youtu.be/czo_qHdylNs?list=UUq-9V2yjSl-SO7m_EcKiDVg" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/czo_qHdylNs?<wbr></wbr>list=UUq-9V2yjSl-SO7m_EcKiDVg</a>
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Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-23008282913295835092014-09-14T13:03:00.000-07:002014-09-18T14:34:51.117-07:00What I want to be when I grow up. Today I went out to dinner with two friends. It's amazing how normal events carry such special delight in the midst of a national emergency. While at dinner the topic of midwifes/doulas came up. I hadn't thought about it for so long but that's one job I would LOVE to have. <br />
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Here are a few more:<br />
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1) Auto mechanic generalist (I want to simply hear a troubled car and know what the issue is)<br />
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2) Natural hair tutor (To host natural haircare workshops)<br />
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3) Action Learning coach (Helping groups work together and solve problems more effectively)<br />
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4) Bed and Breakfast House Manager (Creating an unforgettable hospitality experience)<br />
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5) Handywoman<br />
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6) Pro-bono doula<br />
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7) Professional organizer (bringing order to messes:)Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-85872653677120683592014-09-11T14:47:00.003-07:002014-09-11T14:47:40.925-07:00News I could useI got my 1st nearly frantic email today from a dear friend. You know who you are:) <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"You have to keep me updated! I'm seeing too much on the news. Where are you, what's going on?"</blockquote>
I replied: <blockquote class="tr_bq">
Hey there. Hmm, perhaps you need to change the channel, friend:) I'm still here, still well, thank God. . .</blockquote>
<div>
<b>Lesson #4: Words are powerful. In times of stress be careful about what you read and what you say.</b><br />
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I honestly don't understand why the forecasts are so grim. </div>
<br />I've begun to limit my intake and will start to be very selective about my sources of information because the news isn't so much news as it is mundane (so-and-so donated such-and-such) or horrific.<br /><div>
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News stories I wish I'd see more of:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuLVB7SetgRiWdc6OrYUBQi3bx67gke-LzE9URIS7c8V-Ta0Y6vz8OqU5qauXzBCyeZt3PFEJJ5rA8CYlsaqZ2cQjBkaCBX7MVlOekG-J5_agj7jMmK1lhnIQu69UNVEjX8xx1IxYuq0/s1600/Unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuLVB7SetgRiWdc6OrYUBQi3bx67gke-LzE9URIS7c8V-Ta0Y6vz8OqU5qauXzBCyeZt3PFEJJ5rA8CYlsaqZ2cQjBkaCBX7MVlOekG-J5_agj7jMmK1lhnIQu69UNVEjX8xx1IxYuq0/s1600/Unknown.jpg" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>"Do you know someone who lives in or had recently returned from Liberia? How you can support them"</li>
<li>"Non-sensational, factual sources of information on the epidemic"</li>
<li>"Life in a time of Ebola: Activities you think you can't do but can"</li>
<li>Statistics: How those who got it got it, how unlikely it is for the average Joe to get it. </li>
<li>Reliable organizations to partner with in the fight against Ebola</li>
<li>Stress management tips for family and friends of Ebola region dwellers</li>
<li>Uses for bleach you never knew</li>
<li>Surprising uses for hand sanitizer</li>
</ul>
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Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-64280477082936198982014-09-07T12:56:00.000-07:002014-09-07T12:56:00.257-07:00Current crushesAs I walked home one afternoon I realized that there were number of men that have become my favorites here. There are three, six or seven if we count married ones.<br />
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To avoid scandal, perhaps I should define "crush." It's not romantic but rather my appreciation they've won and that sets them apart. Since they have become a nice set, I decided to analyze them and highlight what it is about them that make them recipients of my appreciation. Each has a distinguishing characteristic:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudt_Z-nMx-u_pGprdx3XzWE9y6fFItXHexi5yN_49KnZKM9h3J_ZGBLtqpYNDEjlrgNSHI971KVnSL8jjVTa37O_X4BvI1VbgMRUPCLRxR3pt0LVW1I2IjJR_fIrS-_Zd-kVkFsm6e98/s1600/Unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudt_Z-nMx-u_pGprdx3XzWE9y6fFItXHexi5yN_49KnZKM9h3J_ZGBLtqpYNDEjlrgNSHI971KVnSL8jjVTa37O_X4BvI1VbgMRUPCLRxR3pt0LVW1I2IjJR_fIrS-_Zd-kVkFsm6e98/s1600/Unknown.jpg" /></a><br />
1. Generosity with physical strength<br />
2. Passion (about work, of course)<br />
3. Intellect<br />
4. Sincere kindness<br />
5. Humility<br />
6. Patience<br />
7. Voice/Expressed Wisdom<br />
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Now to have all of these characteristics rolled up into one. That would be fabulous.<br />
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No, friend. I know the question on your mind: "Is any of them a possibility?" Not that I know of. And so, ever the learner, I learn about my preferences from my crushes and move on.<br />
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Movin' on.Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-51481817521195359112014-09-04T12:59:00.001-07:002014-09-06T14:59:57.070-07:00Stronger than sticks and stones<b>Lesson #3: Our greatest weapon: the Word</b><br />
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I don't often beg but when it came to my Bible Study leader sharing her experience with the power of the Word, I nearly groveled.<br />
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She emailed her story the other night. Knowing that she'd be happy for others to learn from it, I am reprinting it below:<br />
<blockquote>
Recently it pleased me to see the effect of the power of God's Word. . .</blockquote>
<blockquote>
While meeting with a girlfriend the other day, she began to become 'unglued'. Strange because she is usually a strong and bubbly lady, but all of a sudden her face began to look flushed and as if she was about to cry. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
. . .I asked her 'what's wrong'? She exploded... explaining with so much emotion that up til now she had been fine following the rules and dealing with all this Ebola craziness, but after receiving another anxious call from a relative abroad, and hearing the dismal report from the head of the CDC upon his quick visit to Liberia, she began to lose hope and become fearful. What was she to do now with a young child, all borders closed and nearly no flight options out of the country? </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Understanding her concerns, but being more at peace with the situation, I asked a man of God in our company to pray with her. He prayed a powerful prayer of grace etc, but that did not seem to totally calm her down, for she began to share her fears almost at the "Amen". </blockquote>
<blockquote>
While trying to talk through her "Buts" and "what ifs", my spirit led me to just open the Bible and share a direct message from Philippians 4:6-7 which says: </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"Do not be anxious about anything (not even this Ebola or the minimal flights). but in everything (even this current situation), by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God". I then told her when and after you do this, replay/meditate on it (vs 7) says "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus". </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Immediately her face lit up with a smile. Her entire expression changed and I could see the relief, and that was the end of the conversation. We said our good byes and she walked away. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
All first efforts to console her failed, it was only by the power of the Word that did it in an instant! </blockquote>
<blockquote>
For me, it was amazing to see how powerful the Word of God is to transform and restore. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
We must use it often and share it more. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Be blessed!</blockquote>
What an example of a powerful truth.Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-17401662459956223272014-08-12T13:33:00.000-07:002014-09-04T13:46:58.758-07:00Shakin' in my sandalsMy biggest issue living in Liberia during this Ebola crisis hasn’t been so much the threat of the illness. I don't think I'm really even afraid of death. That's another posting:)<br />
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<b>Lesson #2: Living in a crisis situation is the ULTIMATE leadership challenge.</b><br />
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It’s the leadership I have to take in many areas that gives me shivers. It's really got me shakin' in my sandals.<br />
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At work I’m acting Education Team Leader working with a team to manage over $100 million in aid to the education sector in Liberia while representing the USAID Liberia mission in education. In the education sector I serve as the coordinating agency leading other agencies in coordinating education development efforts with the Ministry of Education of Liberia. Wow. Even as I write these words I get the sense that I’ve overwhelmed by it because that’s not what I’m supposed to do.<br />
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True confessions: I remember when I inherited a life group at Capital City Church around 2011 or 2012, I thought it was too much too soon. I felt like I hadn’t been groomed enough, mentored enough or mature enough. I just didn’t feel like I was fit for the position. Then the Lord gave me the revelation that it’s His group. He positioned me to be a facilitator of what He wants to do. Man did that take the load off. Once I saw myself as a facilitator, nothing was impossible. No perceived insufficiency on my part could hinder what He wanted to do.<br />
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So I feel Him comforting me with the same truth. While the position in the world’s eye is leadership, in God’s eyes, I’m still merely a facilitator of what He wants to do. And there is much to do.<br />
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Please join me in praying/declaring that:<br />
<ol>
<li>God releases his wisdom to leaders in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone to make decisions that set the nations up for QUICK recovery once the crisis is over. </li>
<li>I receive and act on a clear revelation of what He’s doing through my position.</li>
</ol>
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Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-7847175641522979272014-08-10T11:31:00.002-07:002014-08-10T13:12:23.172-07:00"What, Ebola? It's not airborne, you know!"As my Liberian colleagues say, "This Ebola business is serious." It was so quiet and distant when I first arrived but has transformed and impacted every aspect of life from buying groceries to greetings to entertainment. Living in Liberia during what may be the worst viral outbreak in recent history has been an eye-opening experience.<br />
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<div>
Yet, as a believer in the habit of reaching to God for answers and clarity in the cloudy situations that life brings, there is much to learn. Over the next few weeks, perhaps even months I’ll share those lessons. Actually, it may take a lifetime:)<br />
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<b>Lesson #1:</b> Fear is the worst attack known man.</div>
<div>
People literally don't want to leave their homes for fear of somehow running into and exchanging body fluids with someone who has the virus. Yesterday I proposed taking a walk around the neighborhood to a friend. I could almost see the fear creeping into her eyes. She said “Sure, but let’s stay on the compound, I just don’t feel comfortable. I just don’t feel comfortable walking around. “ I responded, perhaps a bit too flippantly “What, Ebola? It’s not airborne, you know!” It’s been a hard battle between taking necessary precautions and avoiding paranoia.<br />
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The verse about how God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, power and sound mind has taken on an entirely new meaning (II Timothy 1:7). Its amazing the things God challenges us in in the toughest situations. He's says to me almost on a daily basis now "No, dearest, there is absolutely no room for fear, even in the most justifiable, fear-inducing situation. Likewise, there is no room for worry (Phillipians 4:6-7), even when all the signs point to the likelihood that you're at the threshold of the worst case scenario." He is really awesome and His word is coming to life in new and fresh ways.<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">A reflection on courage:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONKc6WRJbl-cFppcVrE6aFkFK-QyPpTjXpUuKORR7P3Cn4jhL2o5Bs60tlsmcIANexXTAu0Hihi1any_TVXGc2jZB5mvIxjlOrXqA_RJ7nMpzkrsgSsSM0u7kRwedvRcCaxDs9wXrqhY/s1600/Courage-NelsonMandela1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONKc6WRJbl-cFppcVrE6aFkFK-QyPpTjXpUuKORR7P3Cn4jhL2o5Bs60tlsmcIANexXTAu0Hihi1any_TVXGc2jZB5mvIxjlOrXqA_RJ7nMpzkrsgSsSM0u7kRwedvRcCaxDs9wXrqhY/s1600/Courage-NelsonMandela1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">If there's no teacher like the school of life, there's no principal like the Author of Life. </span><span style="font-size: small;">The</span><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"> Lord (en)courages me that in the face of fear, His <b>courage</b> is there, ready to rise up and undergird me. </span></div>
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Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-19528880250059626302014-07-28T14:26:00.000-07:002014-07-28T14:26:02.033-07:00Ebola in townFirst, a musical prelude. Yes, there is a song about it. <br />
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We're in West Africa, after all. Music = communication and we desperately need excellent communication about this virus.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ebola-town-rapper-shadows-smash-hit-soundtrack-killer-plague-1458650">http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ebola-town-rapper-shadows-smash-hit-soundtrack-killer-plague-1458650</a><br />
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Isn't is catchy? Morbid but danceable. I pray it helps with raising awareness that the illness is to be taken seriously.<br />
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I think the fear and panic that surrounds the illness may rival the threat of the virus itself. Fear can drive folk to do things reality doesn't warrant. As you may have heard, Ebola, like a rambunctious mischievous cousin who doesn't know when enough is enough, is thriving in Liberia. But even worse a spirit of fear and distrust has amplified its effect.<br /><br />Please pray. The word stands true:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there I Chron 7:14-16</blockquote>
So let us join our Liberian and international brothers and sisters here and pray. In an all-hands meeting this afternoon, the Ambassador really captured the truth of the issue. Money, government mandate and international involvement are limited in impacting the spread of the virus. This is at its core a human issue and every individual plays a role in either helping to spread through disobedience and carelessness or containing it through caution and wisdom. Pray that God's wisdom will touch the heart of each and every Liberian and international resident causing them to act out of love of their fellow man and humble submission to guidance, not fear and distrust of authorities.<div>
<br />Thank you, friend:)</div>
Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842553976710638543.post-78489433977287722372014-07-13T14:28:00.000-07:002014-09-06T14:37:16.912-07:00A "school garden" Liberian-style<div class="" style="clear: both;">
As part of a 4-day site visit to multiple project, one of our alternative basic education school sites invited us to tour a school garden prior to observing a lesson. We jumped at the opportunity to tour a garden, relatively new aspect of an education project that taught students valuable life/agricultural skill in addition to the traditional reading and numeracy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wISipXGWmzUt77kGVfUQjF2EwirHgxck9sk_EFXIJf601Ks7NDn91KqYqEoZczmwORbHNeIwigLQDzE-oCI4LauzP9h4w6vTA18pLlDfgZMvNy_8NQ_cUGw08DEhc5_iUYGKPVkyzSo/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wISipXGWmzUt77kGVfUQjF2EwirHgxck9sk_EFXIJf601Ks7NDn91KqYqEoZczmwORbHNeIwigLQDzE-oCI4LauzP9h4w6vTA18pLlDfgZMvNy_8NQ_cUGw08DEhc5_iUYGKPVkyzSo/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a>Now, when I think school garden, this is what I picture. Apparently, this is what the average American may picture since this and many other pictures of cute kids alongside cute little plots popped up in my "school garden" Google search. Clearly the Google search engine has never ventured into Nimba County, Liberia.</div>
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When we arrived at the school we descended the vehicle and introduced ourselves to the school, project and county education officials. </div>
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When they instructed us to get back into the vehicle to go to the garden I should have suspected something was up. </div>
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When we drove. . .and drove. . .and drove about 15 minutes away from the school I started to really get suspicious. </div>
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When we pulled off at the side of the road and were directed to climb up a nondescript dirt incline on the side of the road I thought "This is NOT a 'typical' garden."</div>
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So we climbed, cut through brush, turned down a lightly tread overgrown path then down another. I though about my heels and my skirt. I scratched my leg on a wayward branch. One of many. Finally one of the officials suggested we stop soon and not go "too deep." I thought we were already pretty deep. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCt3Rz3RAfAeowa8C_fgVH-4MjMrITfr0CL9EImATKoufSBHIHYAXDl8p3g-mBlu3c65i4erRjVA29CurJYRYQaLeC5GGp_ajHmkwdCnsBD1QkdWv6NfseEUGChlGSRAN5V3eOcqQFKM/s1600/IMG_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCt3Rz3RAfAeowa8C_fgVH-4MjMrITfr0CL9EImATKoufSBHIHYAXDl8p3g-mBlu3c65i4erRjVA29CurJYRYQaLeC5GGp_ajHmkwdCnsBD1QkdWv6NfseEUGChlGSRAN5V3eOcqQFKM/s1600/IMG_0151.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>The "garden" was a cross between a forest and a farm! Apparently that's how they roll with school gardens up in here:) Behold, a school garden in Liberia: </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsd9zzNNzxEEtrg6-UeTRPwyZ7-gLhFjFwsG8rpy4LKUCZGnNFSGLDI3u0ml_DBgUDyaQtOHqauk877DVuEZf9HWEFl_D26DdWHnnitmTMeHjZjF6luDjs0kmejns4P98M8XWOUdUmSL4/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsd9zzNNzxEEtrg6-UeTRPwyZ7-gLhFjFwsG8rpy4LKUCZGnNFSGLDI3u0ml_DBgUDyaQtOHqauk877DVuEZf9HWEFl_D26DdWHnnitmTMeHjZjF6luDjs0kmejns4P98M8XWOUdUmSL4/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official pulled out a plant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNjeW3HHRnWfeUqKt5N3Afpf956OV7XKMePqgJy1RuYkWJZJNpeoyYNAss9eMlNWbhrDpuHBGYCqQQP0MGjWAo1aR2d9RYGGT_O5bHCTCdelGCnPg7-g5WshLdqdsOTzuIW_BPuncHR8/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNjeW3HHRnWfeUqKt5N3Afpf956OV7XKMePqgJy1RuYkWJZJNpeoyYNAss9eMlNWbhrDpuHBGYCqQQP0MGjWAo1aR2d9RYGGT_O5bHCTCdelGCnPg7-g5WshLdqdsOTzuIW_BPuncHR8/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cassava plant leave.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB309aTcuC6IuhP-gtFpstVuCUGOrfxYTYS4ReLhpxyp_IN35sPqstfSBfuKQsAq1tKhEi9-0da8n8NwZuAdz4ZLvakN1RrFJF-28wW13Zx8M-fn4hf_-6h70485QVZturi-1JqYNZ9k/s1600/IMG_0149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB309aTcuC6IuhP-gtFpstVuCUGOrfxYTYS4ReLhpxyp_IN35sPqstfSBfuKQsAq1tKhEi9-0da8n8NwZuAdz4ZLvakN1RrFJF-28wW13Zx8M-fn4hf_-6h70485QVZturi-1JqYNZ9k/s1600/IMG_0149.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roots of cassava plant: The cassava itself</td></tr>
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Simonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781986031969073143noreply@blogger.com0