Heading Home

The last few days have been challenging on several fronts. First, in order to prepare for good-byes, I believe our heads/minds start thinking of and preparing for coming home. The idea of a hot shower, clean drinking water, conveniences such as a stove, refrigerator or microwave and simply having a sense of order become much more appealing. We’ve also experienced very specific attacks from Satan, although we know that God is more powerful and we’ve seen Him work and anticipate that He’ll make good from difficult situations.

On Friday Michal and Hezz had their hair plotted (braided). They sat on the front porch for more than 10 hours to become white Africans. Rufus, Adama and I made a trip to New Kru Town to visit Rufus’ Aunt Felicia to complete the forms required for his birth certificate. My heart broke as we completed his birth parent’s information and no one knew his mom’s name. There were a few phone calls made before a name was produced for the birth certificate. We hope to finish up his paperwork today so that it can be delivered to the Ministry of Health on Monday. It has become very obvious that he needs to be with our family and we’re committed to work through the details for that to happen. Rufus has a soft, quiet spirit and I've appreciated his steadiness over the past few weeks.

Brad and Josh arrive home each evening with very visible evidence that they have been hard at work on the truck they hope to restore to running order. Progress is very slow, however, they are diligent and seem to have a good Liberian mechanic to work with.
Earlier today we said our first good-bye – to Adama. There were a few tears this morning as we prepared his belongings at the house, but he was a brave boy when we left his house and there were no tears. The children in his community seemed happy to see him and said, “he’s changed”. Maybe it was all of the food he ate over the last week. He had a bright smile on his face as we pulled away. Thank you Lord! Should adoptions re-open, we’ll continue to pray about his joining us in the U.S. He is an energetic, vivacious and caring little boy, but one that also brings a lot of Liberian fears.

So, we start our long journey home tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. Liberian time. Please pray as we say good-byes and discern how we continue to support friends here. There are many, many requests and we want to wise on our investment.

Challenges

The last few days have been challenging as we continue to integrate ourselves into the Liberian culture. There are many situations where there is little sense of order, efficiency and general respect for each other. This has been evident as we work with children and generally as we experience “real living” on the streets of Liberia. There’s a bit of irony in the whole thing, because we could not feel more loved and cared for among those that we are close to, but this does not generally translate to those outside of our circle.

Tuesday was a tough day as we were all tired from Independence Day and had a difficult time relating and caring for the children we met with. Each of us really searched our hearts to ask God to give us a compassionate spirit and work through us on Wednesday. Hezz, Michal and Moe returned to the Smell-no-Taste area today (Wednesday) and had a much better experience. Similar to last week, meal time is very challenging with fighting among children about food. I’m not sure that I understand why we were prompted to bless these communities with a meal when it becomes such chaos. Maybe it is to increase our understanding of the disparity of this country.

Dan continues to be blessed by the time he spends with church leaders. This week he has two gentlemen in his group that were formerly Muslim. Their knowledge of the scripture and contributions to the session has been significant. He has also been joined by a dear friend from Canada, Wayne Shenk, and they have complimented each other quite well.

Brad and Josh took on the task of repairing a truck that was brought to Liberia three years ago. After spending $800 on a part, they learned that it would require a good deal of retro-fitting (my mechanical term) in order to be used. They were a bit frustrated, but are headed out early tomorrow morning and trusting God to fit all of the pieces together.

I spent the day with Rufus visiting the ELWA Medical Clinic and Ministry of Health (to apply for his birth certificate). We were able to see a doctor, get blood work done and get four different medicines all for $35. We were expecting make contact with a friend when we got to the Ministry of Health, however, could not make connection. So Rufus and I decided to go ahead on our own. When we entered the gate, we saw a dear friend, Mommie Harris, inside. Mommie was a dorm matron for Rufus when he was at the orphanage. She had a friend inside the Ministry of Health who assisted us and Mommie was able to attest to the fact that Rufus was an orphan. Oh, God is soooo good!

Happy 26th!

Today Liberia celebrates their independence and greetings of “Happy 26th!” were shared throughout the day. Liberians celebrate by dressing up, visiting friends and enjoying a good meal.

It has been our pleasure to host an Independence Day dinner at the Daniel Hoover Mission School each July 26th. The dinner consisted of jollaf rice, potato salad with sausage (hot dogs), fried chicken, soda and a bag of candy. There were approximately 250 children from Hoover Village and the Deaf Home and 100+ adult workers. What a blessing it was to watch the children as they enjoyed the meal. Here are a few photos.

We also were able to reconnect with children and friends that we’ve made relationships with over the past several years. Heather has a special place in her heart for the deaf mission students and reconnected with a friend Leo, an older deaf student from the home. While we can only interact with Leo by signing or in writing, he has a special presence about him that we are all attracted to. He’ll be joining us for dinner Wednesday night at the house and we’re looking forward to it.

Dan, Momo, Michal and I had the opportunity to talk with an independent reporter about adopting a Liberian child. We told our story about the love we have for the Liberian people and how Momo joined our family. There has been negative press about the intentions of Americans that adopt, which prompted the reporter to ask Momo how he would respond to the claim that Americans adopt Liberian children to serve as slaves. Momo broke out in laughter and said, “Well, it costs a lot of money for my parents to bring me here to Liberia and I’ve been back three times. Do you think that they would spend that money on a slave?” He was great and spoke the truth. We pray that the words that we shared, along with those of others, will help to reassure the Liberian people that our intentions are pure toward these beautiful children.

We continue to enjoy Adama around the house and Momodu has named him “Surprise” because we’re never sure what to expect from him. This evening he was tired and a small brawl broke out between him and another young boy in the house. Like his brother, Adama was firmly planted in his rights to the CD and earphones in question. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I intervened, but also like his brother, he responded well to a soft voice and tender touch and we made our way to his bed where he settled in for the night and I was able to talk with him about the situation and pray for him. Amazingly, he interacted in the prayer by acknowledging with a “hmm, hmm” when I asked God to quiet his heart and help him to show kindness to Johnson. Amazing! I asked for pray to make an impact on Adama’s life – but wasn’t expecting that it would happen this way. God uses situations that come about unexpectedly and I’m so thankful that it happens this way so that I operate in His power, not mine.

Lastly, Brad arrived this afternoon and it’s nice to also have him with the team. Tomorrow we will travel to the Harbel, Smell-No-Taste area to share the same type of program as last week. We miss everyone and thank you for your ongoing prayers!

Helping Hands Around the House

It’s Michal and Hezz! We have had a wonderful opportunity to hang out and form relationships with some of the young ladies that work at the house (cook and clean for us) and boys who protect us. They have been an absolute delight. The care they have for each other makes us rethink about the relationships we have back home. They have love for each other and do not think quickly about themselves first. Every day we help them cook and clean and because of this, we have formed meaningful relationships with them that we will take back to the states with us. It will be hard to leave them, for they have stolen our hearts.

Evelyn, and Lovetta: They stay at the house and prepare meals for us each day. We have had the opportunity to sit and observe the Liberian woman customs and they have taken the time to let us be a part of it. We have had many talks about what they look for in a good girlfriend/boyfriend relationship and what forms a good Christian base. They have been such an encouragement to us in this area. We have had a lot of laughs with them!

(Evelyn and Lovetta)

Saturday and Abel: They are two young amazing boys ages15 and 20 that are here to watch over us and help around the house. They make it a priority to always protect us and truly show their love towards us while we have been here. When we first met them, we knew they had a kindness in their hearts and each day it is visible more and more. They have definitely made the trip for both of us! They always have smiles on their faces and make our day that much better.

(Hezz and Saturday)

(Michal and Abel)

We hope that we are leaving them with examples of the love we have for God. Our time so far has been well spent here and we spend most of our time with these 5 people we have grown to love. We look forward to this next week with them but we know when we leave they will be the hardest to say goodbye to. God has really provided for us and has opened our hearts to how much more joy and love there is to offer within the different relationships we form.

Momo's Family

One of the events we look most forward to in Liberia is visiting Momo’s family. His Uncle Varney is a lively, vivacious man and always makes us feel very welcome and part of his family. This year we were able to visit the mechanic shop where Varney works and meet his co-workers. We then traveled to Varney’s home to meet his wife, Momo’s mother and extended family members. While many adopted children do not have a connection to their birth family, we are blessed to be able to maintain that bond for Momo and to understand where he gets his beautiful smile (from his mom) and lively personality (Uncle Varney).

Many of you know that we would like to adopt Momo’s younger brother Adama. There was a noticeable connection between these two boys when we met in 2007 and when we returned from Liberia in 2008 we started the paperwork for adoption. Unfortunately, Liberia placed a moratorium on adoptions in early 2009 which continues today. We anticipate a meeting with governmental officials this coming week regarding adoption in Liberia. Momo, Adama and I may attend as an example of an American family that has successfully raised a Liberian boy, kept his culture alive and now wish to provide a home in the U.S. for his brother. Please pray this week that we can be the example that needs to be seen.




Adama is staying with us through next Friday. He has a contagious smile and personality, is not shy and has made himself right at home. We have many stories on him already (twirling Mama Dee around on a chair unexpectedly) – so it should be an eventful week. Adama is being raised as a Muslim boy and I pray that we can share with him an understanding of who Jesus Christ is through the week.




(Michal, Adama, Rufus & Momo)

Today we attended a Youth Scholarship Launch program for next year’s school fees. Dan was the “Chief Launcher”. We weren’t sure what that meant, but he said a few words, placed his donation in the basket and told everyone to follow him. They say Dan did exactly as a chief launcher should do. There was a soccer game following the program of which Josh suited up and played like a real Liberian. Momo stood the sidelines, not wanting to take the risk of injuring himself for American football season.


I also experienced a local Liberian medical “clinic” this afternoon. Our son, Rufus, has been feeling poorly so we went to the clinic for a malaria blood test. There were no latex gloves or alcohol used and instruments simply laid on the dirty counter. He tested negative (I think - not too confident in the test or the results) so would appreciate your ongoing prayers for his health.

One thing that I asked God before this trip was that He would provide insight and direction for our time here. We have experienced several events where God has prompted us and then confirmed where He was leading. I thank Him for his faithfulness in all things.






Hannah – this photo is for you! I told Rufus you said “My 26th on you” – so we went looking around the house for a gift for you and this is what we thought you would love! We so miss you and your bright smile here! Love you.

Time is Passing Quickly!

Funny thing how time passes so quickly in a country where the pace is so slow and no one is in a hurry. That’s one thing I love about Liberia is that schedules are virtually non-existent and programs start, shopping commences and bedtimes comes around when it comes. All this being said, our first week here has passed far too quickly.

We finished the outreach at Westside Church today and trust that we reached a few of the 200+ children that attended. Momo did a wonderful job of interpreting our American English and today led the children in a beautiful prayer of asking God to forgive their sins and reside in their hearts in a new way. The children received meals each day, which became the most difficult part of the outreach. Their anxiousness for the meal turned to pushing, shoving and vying for the best place in line. The behavior is a combination of hunger and wanting to be sure they receive a meal before the food is gone. It was difficult to experience that type of desire for food, however, we know we are only able to do a small part and our job this week was to bless them with a meal – of which we did. The day at Westside ended with the children on the beach. Here’s a picture of a couple of children with their bowls of rice of Josh with his followers.

Dan had an exceptionally beneficial time with church leaders. I believe his facilitative approach was quite different from what they have experienced in the past which allowed for interaction and honest insight among the group. This was very healthy and we pray that new, accountable relationships are established among the leaders so that they can better guide their congregations.

Tomorrow is a busy day with shopping for African fabric for dresses and for Rufus, visiting the church and school of our friend Joseph and visiting with Momo’s family. We’re looking forward to seeing Momo’s brother Adama and trust that he will be able to stay with us for the next week. I already anticipate that his time with us will be bittersweet – as it already is with our son, Rufus – and I’ve been preparing Dan that my emotional state may be difficult when the time comes to say goodbye.
Everyone is in good health and enjoying the laughter and banter that comes with hanging out in Liberians. God is good.

We're Settling In

As you’ll see from the pictures, Michal, Heather and Momo are at work around the house, washing dishes and pulling water from the well. A couple gentlemen have been working hard to fix plumbing so that we don’t have to carry water. We told them to relax, we’re just as happy bathing from a bucket. That’s part of being here.

It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, all children simply want to be recognized, called by name and given a hug. When they receive these simple gifts, their smiles make all things right in the world. This being said, around 175 children were in search of this attention from us today at Westside Church. We were somewhat unprepared for a culture that anticipates long church services. We had a brief lesson on Jonah and the whale and quickly learned that in Liberia, the whale is actually a “shark”. We trust that the children left knowing that God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. That is our God.

My memory is short when is comes to recalling the chaos of working with large groups of Liberian children. We were quickly reminded when it came time to perform a seemingly simple task of distributing stickers. Michal said quietly, “this was a mistake”. But most children received a sticker and no one was hurt or injured in the process.

Dan shared with around 30-40 pastors and church leaders. He was very encouraged by the sincerity of group and their desire for personal growth and accountability. All the children and adults received a small meal after the services.
We will be back at Westside tomorrow – more prepared than today. The children were encouraged to bring friends and were told there would be bigger and better things tomorrow. We’ve got work to do tonight to prepare.

A small group of us traveled then to the Deaf Home for a brief visit. While communication is difficult, the children are beautiful with bright smiles. Despite many, many needs at the home, they are cared for very well and loved.

We would appreciate your prayers tomorrow as Dan shares again with pastors and as the rest of us try to capture the attention of the children and teach them a small truth about the love of God. May they see it in us.

Our Journey Begins!

Arrival in Liberia is always a joyous time! The celebration begins with “hand clapping” by Liberians as the plane touches ground on Liberian soil. The Americans on the plane typically look at each other with a smile as if to say, “those crazy, happy Liberians”. I have to admit that I started the hand clapping this time, much to Michal’s dismay.

The second part of the celebration comes with seeing our dear friend Lillian outside the airport doors. If we’ve made it that far, it means that we’ve cleared immigration and customs without issue. There is much delight, and sense of security, when we’re in Lillian’s care.

We were then greeted at the guest house with many, many friends, despite the late night hour. Dinner was prepared and on the table, however, it waited for well over an hour while we hugged and caught up with each other. I’m always amazed at the warmth and love we receive. We are blessed.

The first item at hand on Monday morning was to secure connectivity with each other and those at home – thus a trip to the cell phone store. Traffic is usually difficult going into town, however, this morning was the worst we have ever seen. A simple errand turned into a three hour journey. However, we were successful and now have four cell phones between, an internet stick and a few necessities for the house! The day ended with a vigorous game Pack-Up-P outside with many of the boys who came to visit. Momo was in his glory.

Tomorrow begins the real reason we’re here. Dan learned that he will be sharing with a LARGE group of church leaders – so spent most of the day at the house preparing today. The rest of us will work with children and youth at West Side Church and will then host lunch for everyone. While Dan finishes the training in the afternoon, we will travel to the Deaf Mission to visit with the children and check on progress of a few projects. I’ve asked God to grant a special connection and understanding with the children since my sign language is sparse at best. Paper and pen will be in hand.

Thanks everyone for your prayers.

Bags are Packed!

Eight, 50 pound bags are neatly packed and ready to go. Thank you to Toni, Deb and my Mom for your organization in carefully packing, weighing and re-packing, weighing and then re-packing one more time to get each bag to just under 50 pounds! While many of the contents in our suitcases include what we think are necessities for living in Liberia over a two-week period, the most important contents are those items that we take to share and bless our friends with. It's actually pretty simple - a bottle of lotion, a jar of Jif peanut butter, etc. It doesn't take much!

So, the team is off tomorrow. Dee and Josh leave home around 6:30 a.m. and the rest of us leave at 11:00 a.m. We'll meet up in Brussels by Sunday morning and then will catch the connecting flight to Liberia - landing around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evening. While it's a bit of a hassle getting through immigration, collecting bags and passing through customs without paying bribes, real joy comes when we see the familiar faces of our friends anxiously waiting outside the airport. We are blessed.

Thank you all for your prayers and we hope to post soon upon our arrival.

The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty... to bless all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 28:12

Smell-No-Taste

"...I will save you and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong" (Zechariah 8:13)

As we were planning our time in Liberia a few months ago and asking God what He wanted to accomplish, I was prompted that we should simply "bless" those that we came in contact with. In the past, we've been tempted to carry gifts and shower our friends with physical items in an expression of love, however, it's become clear that these items are not necessarily good for those that receive them and create a culture of dependency. So, the question is how do we "bless" without the giving of gifts?

After a time of seeking God's direction, it became clear that we bless through our time, relationship and the sharing of a meal together. Nothing creates more relationship than sharing around a table - or in Liberia - sitting on whatever you can find with a bowl of rice and soup in your hands.

With this, came God's goodness and faithfulness through confirmation.....

One of the communities that we plan to share time with is in an area named "Smell-No-Taste". Shortly after we were prompted about sharing a meal, we had a Liberian visitor in our home and I asked her if she was familiar with the "Smell-No-Taste" community and she said, yes let me tell you the story of how this village got it's name. Many years ago this area was populated with several white people and the Liberians helped to care for them by cooking, washing clothes, etc. The name of the village came about because the Liberians cooked the white peoples food and it smelled sooo good, but they were never able to taste it. Dan looked at me and said "Guess we're sharing a meal with them!" God is so faithful to confirm when you're walking in HIS way.

These photos are from that particular area. We visited there on a rainy day and the photo in the upper left is their outdoor kitchen. We look forward to bringing supplies for the meal and then sitting with the women and sharing with them as they prepare a meal for the community. I'm certain there will be much joy as we learn about who they are and hear their stories.

July, 2010 Outreach

The "Hands For Liberia" blog has been brought back to life!! Although our interaction with Liberia has not been documented here over the last year and a half, our hearts and time continue to poor out to Liberians that we have come to love over the past six years.

That being said, a small team will leave for Liberia on July 17th for a two-week outreach. While many of our prior trips focused on the children from Daniel Hoover Orphanage, this trip is all about going "without a set plan" and allowing God to use us in the way He wants. Hmmm, funny thing that we have finally figured out that it's nearly impossible to have a "plan" in Africa and have resigned to simply go with freedom to be used. One thing is clear - we are to be a "blessing" to the people there, primarily in relationship.

So, a couple things are on our hearts for our time there:

• We will partner with two AFCI communities to share with and encourage church leaders, conduct a bible school of sorts with community children, encourage young women around the topic of purity and show God's love by blessing each community with a meal.
• One of the highlights of our prior trips to Liberia is hosting a July 26th Independence Day dinner for the children of Daniel Hoover Village, the Deaf Home and friends of ACFI. We will again host this dinner for around 600 children and adults. "Chicken" is on the menu, which is an unusual treat.
• Brad Neuenschwander will be assessing and evaluating equipment and tools to support the 2011 planting season for land donated in the memory of his father, Lil' John.

Who will be traveling?

• Dan, Sue, Michal and Moe Hostetler
• Heather Steiner (traveled with us in 2008!)
• Dee & Josh Neuenschwander
• Brad Neuenschwander

Brad will be joining our team the second week and will stay an additional week with Dee and Josh.

God has certainly given us direction and shown us His desires over the last few months. That's a really cool thing that happens when you step out to the uncomfortable and unknown in faith. What an experience - I'll share more about that as we go.

"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. " Hebrews 11:1 The Message