Wow! What a day!
We started out this morning at 10:00 am to reach church across town at Johnson G, Nyan United Methodist Church. This month they are celebrating 37 years of activity, It is made up of mostly Kru Tribe people who are living in the Monrovia area. Some of the songs they sing are in the Kru dialect and the use of percussion instruments is extensive. Today 2 drums of different sizes and 2 salsa ( dried goards with beading around them to make a swishing noise as they are shaken. Couple that with all the singing and dancing and it was quite a worship experience. There were 4 pastors present for about 60 people including 36 children. The pastor in charge, the counseling elder, myself and one other paster who was visiting. We all shared in the service. I was invited to read the gospel lesson, consecrate the elements for communion and assist in serving communion. What a blessing to be in touch with friends. Beatrice Hinnis, who lives in Minnesota and sends Timothy food on a regular basis was in Liberia as well. It was wonderful for her to be in church with us and to see her once again. Too sad that we have to travel half way around the world to see each other when we live so much closer.
Service started at 10:30 am and after a sermon, numerous recognitions, singing, 4 offerings , communion and lots of tributes we were finished at 2:30 pm. Can you imagine that occuring the the US? It was very, very hot, but we managed. The church has made great strides in the time we have worshiped there over the years. They have raised the walls about 3 feet and put in a balcony. Also they have replaced the ceiling fiber board with plywood and varnished it to a brilliant color. Electricity has been installed and adds to the lighting in the building. Now they are working to replace the windows that have been filled with decorative concrete block with sliding glass windows. After all that, the painting begins. They hope to have it all finished by the end of May when the District United Methodist Women will be coming for a celebration.
Following church we returned to the house to see all the children and eat. Today we had Casava greens and rice. The leaf can be very textured and if not well prepared can taste gritty. I suggest that it is like eating green sand. However, today it was really prepared well and tasted so good. It didn't hurt that I was very hungry as well. Following lunch some of the other children came by to see us. Timothy Jr. (also called Archie Boy) came by with his family. Riley, his oldest son, lives nearby but the rest of the family lives in a community called West Point. Archie Boy had two boys that I did not know about. Robert, named after my brother and a little one Timothy III who is just over 2 year.
Since we are on our round of grandchildren by Timothy's younger children and great grands by the older grandchildren, we now have 3 little boys all around 1 year, plus Oliver who is about 3 years.
It can be quite interesting.
Also son Jonathan came by for a visit. He has been working out of town and just got back yesterday. We are in touch with him on a regular basis by Facebook and phone but it was good to se him again. He is a mason by trade and does very good work. He has two sons, Jonathan Jr. and Edwin, named after my older brother. Jonathan was telling us that when he told Edwin about the death of my brother, Edwin was very dismayed that he was named after a dead person. It took some explaining to convince him that my brother was alive when Edwin was born and named. They were all very interested in seeing the persons in my family they were named after. I have promised to have pictures made of all of them so they will have them in the future.
The day was overcast and there was a delightful breeze this afternoon and it was nice and cool to sit outside and visit. I have been working on a pair of socks for Timothy. People have been passing by and asking what I am making. The children love to tell them "Socks" like it was so obvious, why would they even ask. What is even funnier is that they stand and watch in fastination as I knit with four "sticks".
We laughingly said the drums were beating, for the news of our arrival has traveled through the family and neighborhood. One couple drove by on the road and saw a white woman at the house so they knew that we had arrived. Tomorrow will be even busier as many more friends will be stopping by because of the holiday. We will be eating at Jeff's house and Timothy is excited to have Palava sauce and rice. I will be having my favorite, greens and rice.
On our way to church we saw a motorcycle accident. The onlookers were loading the injured biker in a car to take him to the hospital. It is the responsibility of the driver who hit him to make sure he is cared for and pays for his expenses. If he were to die, the driver would be responsible for his funeral.
On our way home we saw three people on a motorcycle. This is not unusual at all, however, the back two riders were switching places on the bike while the driver was traveling down the road. In the words of one of my friends "Oh, my people!" Some just do not have the common sense to be safe.
We returned back to the hotel for showers and a light supper of bread with peanut butter and honey.
Once again it has been a wonderful day. We are watching the virus report from President Trump and Vice President Pence on CNN. While it is not here, many people are concerned about the US and our family. Prayers are going up from Liberia for all of you.
Peace and joy for another day.
Anne
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