It’s July 26th and Independence Day in Liberia. Throughout the day, Liberians enthusiastically say, “Happy 26th”, “Happy Independence Day” and my personal favorite…
Liberian 1: “My 26th on You” (meaning the person they’re greeting should give them something.)
Liberian 2: “I take bath” (which means they will take a bath and wash it off.)
Liberian 1: “It’s in Your Blood”. (it’s in you’re blood and there is no way you can rid of it).

This bantering brings a lot of laughter among the Liberians. I’m able to understand much more Liberian English this year which opens the door for more appreciation of their culture and personalities.

After a long day of shopping and preparation on Monday, we were ready to host the Independence Day party. If you check out Michal’s blog, she has provided a summary of what it takes to feed 400-500 people. The shopping was exhausting and complicated given the rush of shoppers the day before the holiday. After a late night trip for coal (to cook popcorn), everyone in the house worked together to fill 300 popcorn/candy bags.
We also connected with Adama on Monday. After several attempts to reach his Auntie by phone, we decided to travel to his house to find him. With Rufus’ help, we found the house and boys were sent to locate Adama who was out playing. His grandmother commented that Adama said we would be coming for him. He appeared about 5 minutes later with arms wide open for us. So, Adama is now staying at the house with us. He’s 12 years old and his high squeaky voice from last year has now changed and is quite low, like Momo’s. He’s also more set in his ways and we’ve had several mother/son conversations already. I’m trusting that our time with him is profitable in the formation of who he is and his understanding of God’s love for him.
We traveled on Tuesday morning with two taxis to Daniel Hoover only to arrive to find workers still preparing the school for visitors. I thought the program was to start at 11:00 a.m. and soon learned that it was planned for 12:00 p.m. In normal Liberian schedule, things got underway at 3:00 p.m. We had plenty of “hang out” time with the kids and made several trips to the kitchen to encourage the women as they cooked. My only job for the day was to put the soda on ice. No easy task – it took an hour and a half to find something to put the soda in and to travel for ice.

During the Independence Day program, the was music, dancing and a 30 minute exposition about the history of Liberia, its formation and finally independence. As “distinguished international guests” for the day, we were expected to have a few comments. I talked with the children about who we place our dependence on. While we live in free countries with good leaders, God is still our provider. I sang “Everlasting God” for the children while Becky Brooks (an American visiting the Deaf Home this week) signed the words.

The dinner followed the program and went exceptionally smooth this year. We were able to encourage an assembly line approach for serving the food which made things much simpler than prior years. To my amazement, we were filling the last paper plate when I heard Michal say, “that’s it”! There was plenty of food and everyone ate well! The celebration is anticipated by the children and adults and everyone is very appreciative, particularly the students and staff from the Deaf Home. Thank you to all who donated! The children (and adults) were delighted.

Wednesday is a day of errands. We will stop to the tailor, visit ELWA to deliver medical supplies, visit with Eric’s brother Prince, find a place to skype with Living Water this coming Sunday and maybe connect with Momo’s mother, Jarsee. While it seems like simple tasks for the day, they will take energy and time.

Everyone is “good in their body” (Liberian for feeling well) and we are comfortable and feel safe where we are staying. I’m feeling particularly good because the rat was caught Saturday night and we’ve seen no further sightings.

We miss everyone! Please keep praying for Rufus’ future. We had a long conversation on Tuesday and his options for a “good” education, mentorship and housing (a dry room and safe place for his things) are few. Also pray for the next few days and how God can use us.