Greetings from hot, hot Liberia. Today the heat index must have been over 100. I understand that many of you have experienced snow the past couple of days. Liberians are not even able to understand how temperatures can get so cold it is like living in a freezer. All they know is the heat.
The temperature goes from hot to hotter and back to hot again.
Today when Jeff picked us up we had our foot lockers ready to go with all the goodies we had brought for the children and adults. They couldn't wait to see what we had for them. Socks for all the children, small cars for the little boys and blow up beach balls for the greats who are under 2 years. The girls got jewelry, toothpaste, Irish Spring Soap, socks and underwear. The older boys got shirts, toothpaste, soap, and razors. Annie just put her hand out for anything I would give her. She can be so funny at times.
We traveled out to the house a different way so we could see all the changes on the other side.
The main road is in a circle on either side of the river. If we go to the Northwest to the other side it is the downtown area of Monrovia and around. If we go to the Southeast we travel through many of the smaller communities before reaching our community. The city of Monrovia is on the ocean side of the circle and our community is directly across the circle. Either way is about the same, just a different look but same heavy traffic.
We stopped at the market and I purchased some ripe plantain and donuts for the children. The girls fried the plantain and that was my meal for today. The donuts go quickly and there were enough to go around for everyone. Twenty of them fed the pack. Later on in the morning there must have been about 10 or 12 small boys gathered at the front of the house. I went out on the steps and spent some time with them. We talked about school, sports and other things that they were interested in. Of course each wanted me to give them a toy car and a football (Soccer ball). I told them I didn't know there would be so many of them. Besides their friends would find out and they would come, and I just didn't have enough for all. As for the football, they could play with the one I bought our boys when they were playing. In the afternoon, they were playing it and a bigger boy from another community came and took it from them. That is life. I will think about whether I will purchase another for the boys.
Princess came by with my dresses and I will be ready for church tomorrow. I will post a picture of them on facebook so you will be able to see them. Words don't do them justice, they are so pretty.
Timothy's sons came to see him and he was so very happy to see them. It has been a delight to hear him laugh and enjoy himself with his friends and children. This trip has done him so much good. Thank you to the Russiaville United Methodist Church for making this trip a possiblity for us. It has been good medicine for Timothy.
For supper, Timothy had a soup similar to bean soup. It was thick with fish and pork in it. He loved it and ate almost every drop they prepared. I had my fried plantain and very happy with it as well.
On the way home, we purchased a loaf of Foola bread from a wheelbarrow at the intersection to the main road. It is so wonderful and crusty, I savor every bite.
Some of the market ladies came through the neighborhood selling meat in a wheel barrow. The selection was chicken, fish, and pigs feet. Newsboy followed along with a basin of chicken feet helping his Ma sell. It is not unusual for this to occur. Particularly on Saturday because the market is not open on Sunday. You must purchase on Saturday, cook it up and save it to reheat on Sunday. There is no refrigeration but it does not spoil. I have yet to get sick when food is prepared this way.
Sunday is also a holiday. J.J. Roberts birthday. He was the first President of Liberia. Since it falls on a Sunday, it will be observed on Monday. So, another free day with no work, no school. The children are so very happy.
We arrived back at the motel for a shower, light supper of bread, honey and bananas. Timothy went down to sleep about 8 p,m. He gets so very tired in the heat. It is now about 9 and I will not be far behind. Sleep tight. Love and hugs
Anne
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