tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90866463170183555372024-03-12T18:57:49.873-07:00The Liberian ExperienceScott Shelharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11215921176352918686noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-21229955982684283552020-04-09T10:30:00.001-07:002020-04-09T10:30:24.847-07:00The Long Way HomeKelly has been after me to write about our experiences coming home so you will all know that we did arrive safely back in the United States and eventually to Russiaville.<br />
<br />
After I posted on Tuesday night, I receved an email from the US Embassy in Liberia. I had written them earlier when all the flights out of Liberia were canceled and it appeared that we would be in Liberia for some time - at least until April 15th when Brussels airlines was to resume service ( as we now know that is not going to happen). We were all packed and ready to move out to the "Kumeh Compound" in Bardnersville on Wednesday to await word on our return.<br />
<br />
Back to the email. The Embassy wanted all our information: Name, Passport #, Address in Liberia, address in the US, phone numbers, and emergency notification information. I completed all that and returned it immediately. I also registered us with the Department of State Foreign Travel Service.<br />
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Wednesday morning, I went upstairs to have breakfast and Timothy remained in our hotel room catching a few more winks before we would leave to go out to Bardnersville. About 9:30 am he came up the stairs carrying his phone saying that the Embassy had called. I called them back and was told they would be having an medical evacuation plane leaving for the US that night. Did we have any medical issues and/or were we over the age of 60? When I told them our ages, we were informed that we qualified for the flight. Were our bags packed? We could only 2 two each and one very small purse/bag for carryon as there would not be room for anything larger. Answer: Yes. We were to be at the Embassy promptly at 11:00 am to complete additional paperwork and sign a promisary note for the cost of our flight. We were to be at the airport promtly at 8:00 pm and the plane should fly out about midnight. While individuals with the virus and another critically ill person without the virus would be on board they would be in isolation.<br />
<br />
I immediately called Jeff to come and get us and take us to the Embassy. By this time it was 10 am and he said that he would leave immediately. We would be cutting it close but could make it on time. However, about 10:30, Jeff called to tell us he was caught up in traffic and would not make it.<br />
I told him we would call a taxi and leave our luggage at the hotel. He could pick it up and then meet us at the Embassy when we were finished. At least that was the plan.<br />
<br />
The hotel clerk called a friend of his who did transport and he arrived about 10:50. My anxiety level was climbing as we attempted to tell him where we were going - the Main Entrance of the US Embassy. Well....he took the long way around, got lost twice around the Embassy and finally when I told him across from the Masonic Temple he was able to get us there. This was about 11:15. He was really upset with us and took all the Liberian money we had. I think it was nearly $10 USD.<br />
We went to the door and dutifully washed our hands only to be told that we must wait outside and only one could enter at a time. OK - no choice but to wait. Several others arrived with appointments as well. When it came our turn, a lady tried to move in front of us because she was only 1 and we were two. However, the guard said that since we were together we could enter. <br />
<br />
Security check: no phone, no camera, no keys, no knitting needles, no coins, nothing metal, etc. etc. I asked if they just wanted to take my bag but they didn't have room for that. I proceeded to empty my bag and put everything in a locker and carry the empty bag into the Embassy. We went through 2 more security checks and then were give more paperwork to complete with the same information that we had given earlier. We weren't able to give them phone numbers because our phones were locked up when we entered. We were told "No problem". With the papers completed and a promisary note in the amount of $1400 each, we were able to leave with the knowledge we had a place on the flight and again to be at the airport promptly at 8:00 pm. We were to take something to eat and water because nothing would be available on the flight. (All this in a small bag. Uh huh!)<br />
<br />
As we were leaving a family was at the security desk with the information that one of them was old and infirm and needed someone to accompany him on the flight. He had his son, daughter in law, and two grandchildren he wanted to take with him. Later, we did not see him at the airport so apparently he was not able to take all the family.<br />
<br />
Jeff was waiting for us as we left and we headed out the Bardnersville. Once there we had to explain to the children and grandchildren that we would not be staying after all and would be leaving by 6 pm to get to the airport on time. The balance of the afternoon was spent sorting out things I wanted to leave and giving them to the proper people. We had promised 2 of our grands our phones but we would need to keep them until we knew for sure we were flying. I made us a couple of masks for some protection. There was an incredible gas shortage and I gave Jeff $100 to fill up the jeep with gas to make the trip. He ended up having to go three different places to get enough gas to make the trip. He finally got back about 5:30. With final tears and goodbys we were off.<br />
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It was amazing to see all the traffic and the lines at the gas stations we lined up for at least a half a mile down the street in each direction. Some people had just parked their cars and left them. Others were gathered with gas cans to get in lines for them as well. While we were under a directive for no large groups and practicing distancing, people congregated in clusters to discuss what was going on.<br />
We were finally out on the highway and making our way to the airport. It seemed to take forever and I passed the time looking for landmarks and seeing with amazement all the new construction that has taken place. <br />
<br />
As darkness fell, we finally reached the airport. We were stopped at the gate, got out, washed our hands, and presented our passports to be examined by personnel and recorded. The airport was dark as we entered and only Jeff, Timothy and myself could enter the airport proper. The others in the car had to wait out in the entrance parking lot. Security personnel told us "Yes, the plane was coming, No, they didn't know when. Go park in the inside parking lot." So - we did. Other cars were coming and soon we saw the lights of a little bar/cafe in one of the auxilary terminals. Jeff went over and bought us soft drinks. By 10 pm the main terminal was still dark and I was getting hungry. We were able to go in and get some food.<br />
<br />
About 11 pm the lights came on and we made our way to the main terminal. By this time I was so worried about Jackie, Jeff's wife O.Z. and daughter being alone in the outer lot that I told Jeff to go on home. We gave him our cell phones and waited in line. Embassy personnel told us that if anyone had not signed paperwork at the Embassy earlier in the day, to leave the line and go home, for they would not be on the flight. There were several who stepped out of the line but also several who remained in the line telling the Embassy personnel they had cause to be on the flight regardless if they had signed paperwork or not. <br />
<br />
We were then called by name to identify ourselves and asked to form another line to go through security before entering the airport. At the same time we were admonished for standing too close together and to be at least 6 feet apart. It was interesting to watch the people. Most were Liberians who had American citizenship. They felt a sense of entitlement and would push and shove their way forward in the lines. I puzzled at the size of the bags they carried filled with all sorts of things including food, water, pillows, blankets, etc. Timothy and I hung back just to watch and be safe. <br />
<br />
Later, we were called to enter and our bags scanned and passports checked at the entrance to the terminal. Then a maze to enter to move from place to place again having passports checked, paperwork checked, yellow fever cards checked, visas checked and stamped, and final immigration check. Our handheld items were examined and finally we were allowed to go upstairs to the waiting lounge. All this was done keeping everyone at a safe distance apart. <br />
<br />
When we got upstairs to a large room we were directed where to sit. At this point there was only one other white American with us. I found out that he was a Baptist minister from Arkansas and had been there teaching Baptist pastors how to preach. Later we were joined by US AID families who were also on the plane. They had been kept separated from us and even given a separate place in the terminal. We first heard the flight was to be at midnight, then 3 am and finally at 5 am we heard that it had just left the airport and was on its way to us. That flight would be about 1 hour and 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
While I was walking around to stretch my legs I talked with some of the US AID personnel. Most of them were working in healthcare either training or monitoring. Most of them had their families with them and the children really weren't aware of what was happening. The children were still bright eyed and bushy tailed at that hour in the morning just due to the nervous energy. Their laughter and playing helped to relieve some of the tension.<br />
<br />
Finally the plane arrived and once again we lined up and passports were checked. Having been separated during our wait, we were then loaded on a bus to go out to the plane. It was a cargo place and huge. We were greeted by medical personnel outfitted in isolation suits with fitted headgear and a battery pack air filtration unit on their backs. Tempertures were taken and recorded on a wrist band along with our seat assignment. There was heavy black plastic taped up everywhere in the rear of the plane along with three toilets. Two of which we could use and the other for the people isolation group.<br />
<br />
Hand sanitizer and paper towels were the order of the day. They were to be used before and after each trip to the toilet. Farther into the plane were the seats which had been added. I chuckled because they were so old they still had ashtrays built into the armrests from days long ago. There was a large boxy unit with its own air filtration unit in front of us (presumably for the medical staff for storage) and beyond that was more black plastic. It appeared that all this took up about half the space on the plane. I have no idea where the virus patients or the critically ill patient were located.<br />
<br />
For more information about the plane you can follow this link to the company who does the evacuation: <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The inside of the aircraft is specially modified designed to transport highly contagious patients. The technology was created by Phoenix Air out of Georgia, at the request of federal agencies during the height of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa six years ago.</span><br />
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We took off from Liberia at 8 am. I later found out much later after we had reached the US that a text had been sent to my US phone that we did not have to be at the airport until midnight. Such is life. The Embassy personnel told us this was a very fluid situation and to be patient as we traveled.<br />
Our flight took us to Lisbon where the flight crew would change and we would pick up some more Americans. That portion of the flight would be 4 hours. From there we would travel to Dulles Airport. We would arrive at approximately 8:30 pm US time or 11:30 pm Liberian time. We had been given a cold meal consisting of french fries and a turkey sandwich. There was also plenty of water in coolers along the sides of the planes. When we left Lisbon we were served a hot meal of beef, rice, bread, cheese, and a chocolate mousse. Later we received a danish. We did not go hungry.<br />
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Sleep, reading (I read an entire 2 story paperback), knitting and stetching our legs was the order of the day. The medical personnel were upbeat and encouraging as we traveled. We even played a couple of games of silent bingo where the numbers were written on large pieces of paper. Prizes of candy were awarded and at the end each of us received an minature Hershey bar as a treat.<br />
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Upon landing at Dulles our temperatures were taken and recorded on our wristbands. After being transported to the terminal we went through a immigration/customs/CDC processing and told we were to be in home isolation for 14 days. The airport was empty as we gathered our luggage and Timothy and I decided to find a motel and spend the night and deal with getting to Indiana the next day.<br />
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We chose an Embassy Suites because the cost was about 75% less than their usual price and I knew we would be pampered. They did not have a courtesy bus so we had to get a taxi. Our driver would not take us anyplace until I had an actual address of the hotel. My patience was running thin at this point but I managed to find it. When we arrived the hotel was empty and the clerk on duty said they didn't have enough business to even pay the electric bill for the month.<br />
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After a hot shower, I made plane reservations to get us back to Indianapolis. A good night's sleep and a sack breakfast the next morning we were ready to tackle the day. Since we were flying out of Reagan airport I made arrangements with Uber to do the transport. They didn't show up and I didn't even have the reservation on my phone. So I made another one. This time they made it and we were off to the airport. We really didn't need to be there early since the airport again was deserted and we checked through very quickly. <br />
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We grabbed some lunch and the flight personnel told us we could even take it on the plane with us if we wanted. We chose not to. When we left the airport there were only about 10 people on the plane. It wasn't long before we touched down in Indianapolis. We stopped to go to the restroom and by the time we reached the baggage claim, the only luggage left was ours.<br />
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Alan was waiting in the cell phone lot and it wasn't long before he arrived to carry us home. He had stopped at the grocery for a few items I had requested and had those in a cooler in the back of the car.<br />
Off to Russiaville we went and arrived about 7 pm. After a snack of popcorn and cold water we were off to bed.<br />
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It was quite the adventure, but we were well cared for during the entire trip. We thank God that we arrived safely and in good health. Our isolation will end on Easter Sunday and we have been blessed to have groceries delivered and even a special delivery of Popcorn Cafe popcorn. Thank you all for your prayers. Stay in and stay safe. <br />
<br />anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-20493578614919380712020-03-24T14:24:00.001-07:002020-03-24T14:24:59.526-07:00Tuesday, March 24th, 2020Normally, today would have been out last full day in Liberia. But --- as we know ---nothing is normal anymore. So, we gathered ourselves together and made the journey out to the Kumeh Compond in Bardnersville. However, before we left, we had an opportunity to video chat with Kelly and the puppies. They were trying to get at us when they heard our voices. Everyone is doing well and much comforted in seeing the others in person to know they are OK. I hope we are able to do it again soon. It certainly raised my spirits.<br />
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The police were out today enforcing the rules they had made ealier regarding the number of people carried in the taxis and KaKas. Taxis are a driver and one person in front and limit of 3 in the back.<br />
KaKas are a driver and 2 passengers. We saw a bus impounded for having too many people on the bus. It is difficult to get around and many of the government offices are either closed or on a skeleton crew. Some of the stores are closed and I anticipate even more will be closed in the near future. It probably won't be long before many of the markets are closed as well. Ozie went out today and purchased enough rice to last 2 months, plus other non-perishable items. Charcoal has risen in price and there will not be anymore coming into Monrovia from the areas producing charcoal. Even without a large number of cases, the effects are still felt in the city. As of now, there are only 3 confirmed cases of the virus. We are far removed from them but still exercise caution with hand washing. Today Ozie and I got the sewing machine up and running with lots of help from Eziekiel, a nearby tailor. Now to get used to it and get it broken in. I managed in over an hour to complete one simple face mask. Now that we know the construction techniques and how to the the machine moving we should be on a roll and able to make masks for members of the family should we need to go out.<br />
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Some of Timothy's friends are realizing he is here so he is often entertained by their visits. Fred was here all afternoon which kept Timothy out of our hair while working on the sewing machine. Ozie and I have some material and we want to start making a nine patch wall hanging so she is able to learn how it is done. Even the children want to learn. We shall see.<br />
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I did get an email from the US Embassy here in Liberia requesting information regarding our status, passport information and other information and our flight plans as they were to have been and now are canceled. Whether or not we will be able to the return to the US by government transport remains to be seen. We will wait -----<br />
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I was able to watch soap making today and had not seen how it was done. It is a very hard ball of soap and is excellent for washing clothes. It is known as "hard soap" and sells for $20 Liberian or about 10 cents US. A soft drink in a bottle is $200 LD or $1.00 USD, and gas is 3 gallons for $10 USD. The price fluctuates depending on the availabilty. I was able to get 2 yards of elastic for $20 LD and a bottle of water is $150 LD It is interesting to see what the difference is in pricing.<br />
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About 6 pm we returned back to the hotel for our last night before moving out to the family place. There still seems to be some confusion as to where we are staying but it will all be worked out tomorrow. My posts may not be as often depending on if I am able to find internet service. But I will blog daily so you are able to what is going on here.<br />
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Take care, be safe and prayers for all<br />
Anne<br />
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<br />anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-34393259422716973712020-03-23T14:23:00.000-07:002020-03-23T14:23:14.474-07:00Monday, March 23rd, 2020Good evening!<br />
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All flight reservations cancelled, all hotel reservations cancelled and Wednesday morning we will be transferring the the Kumeh compound for the duration of our stay. The grandchildren are delighted to have us back with them and we will be staying in the little house with three of the grands. It has the best screening and I think we will be fine. Faith wants to learn how to knit and we should be able to pick up some needles (sticks) and yarn at the market down the street. I will be able to get some of the sewing supplies I need and we can have plywood cut right next door in the widths we want for quilt squares. What more could I want other than to be on my way home.<br />
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I forgot the mention yesterday about my morning breakfast on the 3rd floor veranda. I asked the amn on duty (I am afraid I am unable to remember his name) if it was all right for me to eat outside rather than in the breakfast room all by myself. His reply "As you wish". I immediately thought of Kelly and her love for the movie Princess Bride. I asked if he had seen it and he just laughed.<br />
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This morning as we waited for Jeff to come and pick us up, I was able to take a short nap. I was still weary from the night before. We traveled downtown to my favorite pharmacy to pick up a supply of the medications we are taking. Our pharmacy in Kokomo prepackaged our meds for our time away. So, we were going to run out come Thursday. Fortunately we were able to get them all but one. They were much more expensive and I don't think I will complain again for the price of drugs in the US.<br />
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It had rained during the morning (it is now the beginning of rainy season) and they day was overcast and comfortable. How amazing it was to see people in winter coats, jackets and knit caps. It was very cold to them. The traffic was terrible in spite of the fact the the government had issued an order that everything was to close at 11 am. I didn't see much of anything closed but did see a large gathering of city police at the City Building on the way through town. Maybe they were getting their orders but it wasn't much better as we drove back tonight.<br />
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Son, Adolphus, works at the port unloading gas from the tankers that come in. I was asking him about it and he said the tankers came in and unloaded. Then the brand name gasoline companies come in and fill their gas delivery vehicles for distribution. There is a set time for each company. The interesting thing was they all get the same gas. I recall when I was here before our guys each had a brand of gas they preferred. Amusing to learn it is all the same gas supply. The supply operates so close if a tanker does not come in on time, there is a gas crisis and the stations run out of gas. We experienced that last week.<br />
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Faith made casava greens and rice for our meal today. It was very good, however I did pass on the chicken feet and left them for the children. She also bought me a treat that appeared puffy like the pork rinds but it didn't have much flavor - sort of like puffed up styrofoam. However, I ate it and survived. <br />
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It was intersting to watch four boys sharing crayons and a coloring book. They colored on the two open pages and exchanged crayons as they colored. It worked pretty well until they got bored. As I watched the happenings in the yard, I saw a chicken pecking around in the trash area. It had a red ribbon tied to a feather on the wing. Faith told me that is the way the owner knows it is their bird.<br />
The children were gathered at the pump filling buckerts to carry home for washing and drinking. It is a clean well a group in Illinois funded when we came in 2010. It is serving the community and gives them safe water to use in their homes. I understand that during the Eboli crisis, no one in the community got sick due to the safe water. For that I am very grateful!<br />
<br />
Soon it was time to return to the hotel for the night. We turned on the airconditioning for a time to cool things down a bit. When they went to change generators ( they have to shut one off and then turn the other one on) There is a gap of darkness and then everything resumes. I had changed to setting on the direction the air was moving. When it AC came back on agian it went to the original setting and I had a second bath in cold water than had collected on the louver. Oh well, I didn't melt and a towel quickly got the rest of the water.<br />
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Another interesting observation. News is the order of the day in the evening. The Voice UK and other shows popular shows we would watch in the evening are on during the day. We are watching BBC world news and all the updates all over the world on the virus. Come Wednesday, we will not have access to the news other than the radio.<br />
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I will continue to blog each day but I am not sure how often I will be able to post. I will keep you all up to date as best I can. I plan to pick up a flash drive so if I have access to a computer I will be able to download it right onto the blog site.<br />
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Our prayers for all of you as you practice your self isolation. We will be doing much of the same here. One day this will all be over and give us something to remember in the future. <br />
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Peace and joy,<br />
Anne<br />
<br />
<br />anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-25382066407906096962020-03-22T14:18:00.001-07:002020-03-22T14:18:24.364-07:00Sunday, March 22, 2020The news from Liberia just gets more and more interesting each and every day. This morning I learned all airlines are shutting down services tomorrow, the markets and stores are to close at 11 am. All this with 2 cases of virus in the country about the size of Indiana. In fact it is shaped much like Indiana just a mirror image.<br />
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No church today, so we hung out at the hotel while I fussed about not being able to leave, having made reservations for a flight on Tuesday, and reservations for a hotel room near the airport so we didn't have to travel 1 1/2 hours to arrive at 5 am. Then, I realized that I would save about $4,000 by staying here a couple of weeks longer. We have the hotel until Wednesday noon, then we will be going out to the house to stay the balance of the time. At least we won't have the long trip by car each day going and coming. The children are excited!!!<br />
<br />
We went out to Jeff and O.Z.'s place today to put together the treadle sewing machine we had purchased. It was quite and interesting feat since there were no directions about the assembly. Fortunately I had had a treadle machine when we lived here before so I had an approximate idea as to how it would go together. We managed with only a couple of errors and should be up and running tomorrow. I wanted to get some sewing machine oil on it before we started since I don't know how long it has been sitting packaged up. <br />
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Tomorrow O.Z. and I are going shopping for a few more supplies to get us started. I found a pattern for masks that I would like to to make in case they are needed or we can supply some of our friends the the healthcare field. These have a pocket for the filter and it can be removed and the mask washed. Thanks to all those who have been publishing these patterns.<br />
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When I told Alan and Kelly about the change in plans, Alan thought it was interesting that in 2014 we were not able to return to Liberia because of the Eboli outbreak and in 2020 we are not able to return to the US because of the Corona virus. We just have to take it in stride and not get discouraged.<br />
<br />
We met a new puppy at the Kumeh big house. His name is Puff and just a cute little fluffy thing. However he will grow into a Liberian dog which is much like a terrier of mixed varity and medium sized. They all look alike even to the color which is tan with maybe a few black markings.<br />
<br />
Chuckie overcame his fear of GGrandma today long enough to accept a piece of fried plantain from me. He would close his eyes and move forward and I would put it in his hand then he would quickly move back. Hopefully I may win him over before we leave.<br />
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The streets were fairly empty today so we saw motorcycles racing each other down the main street of the city. Too funny at times. There is a lot of construction of buildings and road work going on. The economy is bad but progress is moving forward. It is strange to see the mix of the old remains of buildings not completed before the war and now the new buildings rising in the city with lots of glass for showrooms. Supermarkets are growning and several of the smaller grocery stores located in the outlying areas of the city are closed. This is an example of the NGO's living in the city with their higher salaries and the others in the other areas who do not have the income to shop at a store. Most of their shopping is in the open air markets. <br />
<br />
I have really enjoyed our stay at the Hotel 71. Our room is cleaned daily - and I mean cleaned! Our laundry is done and folded on our bed when we return of an evening. Always fresh bottles of water for us plus the air conditioning , television, internet and small refrigerator. We are able to leave our personal items in the room and they are not disturbed. Breakfast is morning is fun and filling.<br />
Today I chose to eat on the veranda rather than in a separate dining room. It was cool, with a slight breeze and very pleasent. The staff is curious about what I hear from the US and they keep me informed about what is going on in Liberia and the rest of the world.<br />
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I was able to watch a bit of the Shiloh UMC service which was posted on the Russiaville UMC facebook page. Thank you Pastor Michael Goodspeed and our good friend David Johns for setting it up for us. It is wonderful to know there are many capable and willing people to keep things going while I am away. I pray for all of your daily and feel your prayers surrounding me. Each day is filled with challanges but also lots of joy and laughter in spite of the world being in chaos.<br />
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The day is drawing to a close and tomorrow will soon be here with all kinds of new adventures.<br />
Peace and joy,<br />
Anne<br />
<br />anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-33164815559971239782020-03-21T13:36:00.001-07:002020-03-21T13:36:19.863-07:00Saturday March 21, 2020Good news today - we are confirmed on the Ethiopian flight leaving at 8:00 am Tuesday morning. We are to be at the airport at 5 am. In order to reach the airport we need to leave Monrovia at least by 3:30 am. Yikes! While at O.Z.'s this afternoon she suggested we spend the night at the Farmington Hotel at the airport. Sounded like a good idea to us. At least we don't have to get up quite so early.<br />
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Trying to find the Airline office this morning proved to be daunting adventure. We stopped at two different airlines and a travel agency before finding the location. It is interesting doing a U-turn on a major roadway in the midst of Saturday morning traffic. Somehow Jeff managed and we made it.<br />
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We went on out the family home - it took almost 2 hours to reach there this morning the traffic was so bad. It was delightful to visit with Adolphus the oldest son, for awhile before going over to OZ's and Jeff's home for a meal. Fufu and soup was the order of the day for Timothy and I had rice and soup. She had also fixed a delicious salad of lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onion and carrots. I really enjoyed it. In addition there was fresh fruit - papaya, mango, and bananas. We shared with the grandchildren and it was enjoyed by all.<br />
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The sun was so hot, and the air so quiet that is was incredibly warm today. The temperature was 89 degrees and an added heat index. We went outside for a bit to at least have some air moving. Little Adolphus the Great grandson was having such a good time playing football. He can really kick and wanted to play a game with grandma. We played for about 15 minutes before I was worn out. Just too old for football anymore. <br />
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His mother, Sarah, was getting her nails cleaned and was going to plat her hair. She asked me to do it. Everyone had a great laugh because I have not mastered the art yet. Someday I will be able to if I can practice long enough. Friends and neighbors stopped by to say hello.<br />
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When it came time to leave, O.Z. had to bring back to the hotel. The traffic was crazy and at one point there were 5 lanes of cars moving where there should only have been two lanes. I would not have the nerves to do it. The children and I were in the back seat and my assignment was to keep them occupied while their mother was driving. We arrived at the hotel safely. The children saw my stash of M&M's and of course, needed some. It gave me an opportunity to spoil them a bit.<br />
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Cool showers, a light snack, a cold bottle of water and we are set for the evening.<br />
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Sleep will come easily tonight.<br />
<br />
Peace and joy,<br />
Anne<br />
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<br />anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-68873778295687319042020-03-20T15:18:00.002-07:002020-03-20T15:19:19.239-07:00Friday, March 20th ?? 2020As crazy as it is, I am not able to remember what the date is. I know things are in an upheaval in the US, and they are here as well. Currently, Liberia has only one case of Corona Virus, but because all the rest of the world is impacted, it impacts us as well. As I reported Brussels Airline Office locked their doors and disconnected their phones. Apparently there was a flight that was supposed to go last night, but the plane did not arrive. The report is that there was quite a crowd of people waiting to flyand they were just a "little" upset and stayed until after 2:00 am.<br />
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This morning after learning all this news, I decided it was time to go to the American Embassy here in Liberia and see what was going on and if there was an alternative to getting back to the US. After washing my hands (we do this everywhere we go) we went in only to receive an email address in order to contact the Embassy which we were told they would answer. So, back to the hotel to write the email and wait. I told Timothy he could go out to the house, but he wanted to stay with me. Sometime later, I received a response stating they were sorry I was not able to fly, to keep at Brussels to see if things could be worked out. Well -- there was no way to contact Brussels. My only alternative was to try to find a different way home, or stay until after April 19th and take my chances that the office would reopen and we would fly.<br />
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In the meantime, I contacted the travel agency we had used to get our tickets and they were able to find us a flight out at 8:00 am on Tuesday morning. We will fly to Ethiopia and then to Chicago and Indianapolis. It is the long way around and a new adventure for us, but we will do what we have to do. I plan on going to the Ethiopian Airlines office tomorrow morning to confirm the flight. You all know how much I love getting up early in the morning so this will be my challenge. We will probably have to be at the airport by 5:30 am which means we will have to leave here by 4 am. Hopefully we can have everything packed and get up at 3:15 to finish getting ready. Todd Wilson, I can feel your pain!<br />
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The hotel is next to JFK hospital and we keep hearing the ambulance as it rounds the corner and down the street to the entrance. It can be quite disconcerting at times.<br />
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Since we spent the day at the hotel, we read, worked puzzles, I knitted, and we watched an old Superman movie on TV. Surprising, neither of us took naps. Now Timothy is watching something similar to Animal Planet on snakes. Ugh! I can do without that.<br />
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We walked around the corner to the supermarket and got fried chicken legs and plantain for supper along with some 7up and ginger ale for a treat. Dessert was a coconut crossiant. Yummy!<br />
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Tomorrow we plan to go out to the house, put the sewing machine together any maybe get the masks made.<br />
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Keep the faith.<br />
Anneanne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-13894756460652266562020-03-19T12:31:00.002-07:002020-03-19T12:31:57.755-07:00Thursday, March 19th, 2020 Well, I just lost everything in the first post so I shall try once again.<br />
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As, instucted we traveled to Brussel Airline office this morning to check on the flight schedule to return to the US. Much to our dismay, the doors and gates were locked and a large crowd had gathered outside to discuss and protest what was happening. Rather that get caught up in all that we parked next door in the United Methodist Confernce Office compound to watch what was going on.<br />
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We were delightedly surprised to see a friend arriving at the Center at the same time. Lango and Barnabas Toe were a young couple at the Amelia Ross United Methodist church during the time I was a missionary. Bishop Kulah had assigned me at the Counseling Elder to the church to assist the new pastor, Agrippa Nyanti. At the time, Barnabas was teaching and Lango was in Nursing School. She later went on to be the Director of Nursing at the Women and Children's Hospital and now is serving the General Board of Global Ministries in the Health care capacity for the Annual Conference. All the offices are closed but she had come in for a bit to do some reports that needed completed. Her brother is here from Rhode Island and is in much the same situation we are. He said that the American citizens are meeting at the American Embassy on Monday morning at 9 am to request transport to the US. We shall see what happens then.<br />
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We traveled on the the house in Bardnersville where I found a shady spot and a cool breeze on the back porch. Faith was cooking for us and of course, greens and rice. I find it fascinating how they fry chicken. First it is boiled and then put in hot fat to brown. It is so crunchy and crisp on the outside but very tender on the inside. I enjoyed two servings!!!!<br />
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While in my shady spot,we were visited by several of the grandchildren, Toe, Anthony, Darlington, Teddy, Charming, Candy Girl, Riley and Sawsee. Other neighborhood children came over to visit with us as well. One little girl had part of her plats loosened on her head when she came. I put down my knitting and worked to loosen a couple more. She got sleepy and went home to lay down. He mother probably wonders what happened. The children think it is very odd that I am unable to plat hair. Two other little girls came by with their dolls and I attempted to plat the hair on one. They laughed at the old woman who wasn't able to plat it plain. It is something that they learn to do at a very young age. Justina, one of the mothers of Timothy's children when she learned to plat hair. She said she was very young but she doesn't do it any longer because of the arthritis in her fingers. When we arrived last week on Tuesday she had a very bad tooth infection. I brought her some medicine and she was much better today and even able to talk. She was so grateful that we were able to help her. She has very little money and only what the children give her from time to time.<br />
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On our way back to the hotel this evening we spied a new means of transportation. It is a very small enclosed car that is styled like the old Woody. It is a manual transmission but much more efficient that the KaKa's that are the small car mounted on a motor cycle. The KaKa is open and it not very practical in the rainy season. The Hercules caught Jeff's eye and he stopped to inquire the price. $4,000 as opposed the the KaKa at $3,300. A very good buy. It may be enough to encourage him to<br />
get some work so as to purchase one.<br />
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The airline office was still closed as we made our way back. We will check again tomorrow.<br />
After showers, a bit of food, some water, watching the news regarding the virus, it is about time for sleep. Tomorrow is another day.<br />
Peace and joy,<br />
Anne<br />
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<br />anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-30527658135404447422020-03-18T14:44:00.002-07:002020-03-18T14:44:54.703-07:00Wednesday, March 18th, 2020Another interesting day with the Kumeh family.<br />
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Jeff had trouble with his tires on the car and was much later getting here. The road are so torn up and the rocks so sharp they literally cut through the tires. It is a constant air and patch to keep the car going.<br />
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We took the time to relax, read the paper and tidy up all our stuff for a bit. I have been knitting a pair of socks for Timothy in our down time or while riding in the car and I finished the first sock today. At this rate they should be completed by the time we come home. Good thing I brought along some more yarn for me a pair. Fortunately I am able to carry them in the plane.<br />
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After dealing with the traffic for a time we stopped at a hardware store to purchase a treadle sewing machine. While we were waithing for Jeff to check it out and pay for it, we witnessed the police taking a PanPan ( a three wheeled vehicle built on a motorcycle frame. The driver is in the front and there are two bench seats for the passengers to ride. They are quickly taking the place of taxis. With their relatively small size they are able to negotiate the traffic with relative ease. Anyway it took 6 police to take the vehicle and carry to their impound. We were fortunate we parked back a little in a real parking space so there was no attempt made on us. Jeff finally returned to the car and told us that we had to go to the warehouse because they did not have them in stock at the store. So off to locate the warehouse we went. When we arrived, we were given a temperature check before we were even allowed into the area. After we got parked, Jeff seemed to get the royal runaround so I finally went in with him when they sent him to a second location. I was warmly welcomed, asked to take a seat and before long the sewing machine magically appeared. After signing some papers and being checked out and cleared we were able to leave. It took us almost 2 hours.<br />
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We went directly to Jeff's house and unloaded the machine. O.Z. had gone to work today so we left it as a surprise for her. I also gave her half of all the material I had purchased along with the sewing supplies to get her started. I will be sending her directions and patterns through email to get her hooked on the quilting experience. She had prepared some casava and rice for us before she went to work this morning. It was somewhat peppery but not overly so.<br />
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We then traveled to the Kumeh clan area and rested on the front porch and took in the breeze. Several of the children came over and we were telling Sawsee about his given name - Luther Success Kumeh. He was named after Martin Luther King. We talked about Martin Luther King and how he worked to avoid segregation along with John F. Kennedy and how they made strides in bringing people together. They were really interested. We went on to discuss the American Colonization Society who sent the freed slaves to relocated in Liberia since it was not colonized at that time.<br />
The children had been studying all this in school and it came alive for them. We told them about the quilts along the Underground Railroad and how there were many places in the area where we live in Indiana that were part of the route to freedom. Lots of questions followed and history came alive for them.<br />
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It was after 6 pm when we left the house to return to the hotel. We would have loved to stay longer but dusk was falling and the mosquitos would soon be out. They love my fair skin and I was really not anxious to be exposed to a bite causing malaria.<br />
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When we got back to the hotel, handwashing was the order of the day. I went upstairs to get us a sandwich for supper. The staff and I were talking about the virus and where we lived in the States. I was able to get Google maps working on my phone and showed them our house. It was also possible to located the hotel and our house in Liberia. Such fun to experience technology in a new and different way.<br />
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Supper was a club sandwich with tuna salad, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, fried egg and cheese. Timothy had a chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato and cheese as well. We both had fries and a Sprite.<br />
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Showers soon followed, a bit of TV and so it goes.....<br />
Good night, sweet dreams, until tomorrow.<br />
Peace and joy,<br />
Anneanne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-72342439001455793252020-03-17T12:34:00.000-07:002020-03-17T12:34:01.672-07:00Tuesday March 17th, 2020Happy St Patrick's Day from Liberia. <br />
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The Liberians have no idea who St. Patrick is and why Irish (whoever they are) celebrate.<br />
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After a very restless night I finally fell asleep about 4 am this morning and awake about 9 am.<br />
Our first plan was to go to Gbarnga today to visit one of my Liberian daughters (Anna Kaydor Labala) who is the principal of the Tubman Gray United Methodist School. Under the order of the President of Liberia, George Weah, all schools are to be closed and the Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Liberia, Bishop Samuel Quire, all United Methodist Schools are to be closed for the next two weeks. Our plans were actually cancelled due to a gasoline shortage and we didn't want to travel about 2 1/2 distance to have and problem and not be able to get gas to return home.<br />
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Then, Jeff called about 10 am to tell us that he was having a problem with his car and needed to go to the garage to get it repaired. Therefore he didn't know for sure what time we would be able to come to us. We just did some sorting and checking and repacking some things. I took a nap and Jeff arrived around 2 pm. We decided to run some errands around town because it would take us and hour to get to the house only to be able to stay a couple of hours before we had to return.<br />
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We took off to go to the Brussels Airline office to check on our return flight. We had been hearing some rumors around and wanted to be sure what was going on. We got all they way downtown only to discover the airlines had been moved to 13th street in Sinkor. We are staying on 20th street in Sinkor. While we were in town I wanted to stop and get some sewing supplies so I could teach Jeff's woman O.Z. how to quilt. We parked and walked up the street to a sewing supply store where I was able to purchase 3 spools of thread, a pair of scissors, pins, needles and a ruler for about $3.50. I went to another shop where I purchased (you guessed it!) some more fabric so I would have enough for a wall hanging. For those of you who are quilters, I am going to teach her a simple 9 patch design with two prints and a solid. I had brought two king size sheets and she can use one for the backing.<br />
Yes, of course, it is purple. What else could it be?<br />
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We returned to the car only to find that it had been booted by the traffic and parking attendents. Timothy had stayed in the car and they searched the car and asked if he could drive. He assured them that we had only stepped away for a few mintues and he did not know how to drive. We Jeff and I returned they wanted money to remove the boot from the tire. A boot is a metal frame that locks around the tire and will not allow you to drive away until it is unlocked and removed. Jeff offered them 300 Liberian Dollars ( the cost of parking is 30 Liberian Dollars). They refused. He offered them 600 Liberian Dollars, again they refused. They wanted $50.00 USD to remove the boot. I told them under no circumstances would I give them $50 dollars and that we would just continue to sit there until they released the boot. Several people came along and tried to argue with the police. Mostly that why would they keep me in a hot car and not release the boot. At this point they were only embarrassing themselves regarding their unrealistic demands, and did unlock the boot and allow us to leave. This took about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes to endure. It always annoys me that just because I have white skin it is assumned I have plenty of money and was naive enought to give it to them.<br />
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We traveled on back to Sinkor to the Brussels office. After washing hands twice I was asked to stand outside in the line to talk to an airline personnel. They were coming outside to speak to us and then returning with the information required. More than one person was very annoyed at the responses they were receiving. Many were wanting to fly back immediately, the sooner the better. The security asked me to move down off the step around the building. This would put me in the sun and I had already had a reaction to the sun and a slight sunburn. I explained I was not able to stand in the sun and she allowed me to stay where I was. Soon the travel agent came out and inquired about my need. I told her I wanted to check my flight as we were scheduled to fly on the 25th. She told me to call back to the office. I do not have their number, so she asked that I return early Thursday morning.<br />
I am in a quandry - do we return early only to be exposed to the virus on the plane and risk catching it or do we stay here where we are much safer and return when the airlines are flying again. We shall see and the answers will be made plain.<br />
<br />
After all that, we returned to the hotel to climb to the veranda on the 3rd floor. A wonderful breeze was blowing cooling the air nicely. We had a beer/Sprite mix and Jeff had juice. Since we had not eaten at the big house, we decided to order dinner. Timothy wanted buffalo wings and we ordered a family size sausage pizza to share. The buffalo wings were like a deep fried wing with a very hot sauce to dip them in. I had one wing without the sauce, thank you very much. The pizza was huge and made with crust, mushrooms, ham slices, cheese and a little tomato with seasoning on the top. It was different, but very tasty and we finished it all. Jeff left to head home, and Timothy and I lingered for a bit having another Spite before returning to our room.<br />
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Showers, CNN news, a cold bottle of water and the computer. Our day is complete.<br />
Until tomorrow<br />
Peace and joy<br />
Anneanne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-47162702877028312792020-03-16T14:46:00.001-07:002020-03-16T14:46:45.069-07:00Monday, March 16, 2020Well!!! The virus has reached Liberia. Sawsee met us at the car to tell us it was here. Apparently a high ranking government official came from a conference yesterday and had the virus. S/he is at the hospital at this time. As the day went on we found many places that now require hand washing before entering the business. This was the practice during the eboli outbreak in 2014. It is taken very seriously here. While we are wiping down with disenfectant wipes and washing hands, the possiblity of it reaching to us is very small. However, we will continue keeping the safe practices. I came prepared with antibiotic soap and wipes.<div>
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Before we left the hotel this morning we were greeted by Evelyn Toe and two more grandchildren, twins: Isaiah and Jerimiah. These are son Jackie's two youngest children. At first they let me pick them up and from then on they put their hands over there eyes so they couldn't see me. After a while, they forced themselves to sleep. It was just too funny. I tried to post a picture on facebook but FB wouldn't let me. I will have to try another way.</div>
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There is a severe gas shortage today so we stopped at the station and waited in line to fill the tank and two 5 gallon cans. Total cost $70.00 USD. Wow. While waiting I spied an ice cream shop so went and got us all some ice cream. Chocolate for Jeff, vanilla for Timothy and a Lime ice for me. While they were dipping it, my eyes went to the biggest raisin rolls (at leat 1 1/2 inches tall and about 6 inches across). They looked so good that I thought they would taste much better than bread with peanut butter and honey tonight. Ice cream was so sweet but we had to eat it fast in the almost 90 degree heat. The rolls were also a yummy treat tonight.</div>
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We got to the house to be greeted by Sawsee's news. He was so terribly serious about it and wanted to bump elbows with everyone. We did see one person in the neighborhood with a mask on. I wonder how long that will last with this heat.</div>
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Jeff's "wife" O.Z. sent word that lunch was ready for us. She wanted to cook. We went to their home and had a wonderful meal of greens and rice with tuna. Fresh tuna is so meaty and delicious. I don't recall ever having it before. The greens had pepper in them but not so much that I was not able to eat it. Two helpings later, my stomach was full! Timothy enjoyed his palava sauce and fufu. But then he had to have some greens and rice as well. Their daughter ate with us as well. What fun!</div>
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Following lunch, O.Z. and I had such a wonderful visit. I was able to give her some of the history of the family and the children to help her understand some of the family dynamics. Then we began talking about quilting - well that lasted all afternoon. She is not able to work at her office and is at home at least for the time being. She is interested in making a quilt so I explained how to make a simple nine patch. I had some pictures on my phone of one I was making so she had a general idea.</div>
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She thought it would be beautiful with Liberian fabric. We talked about different fabrics we could put together and we were off!!!!! It wasn't long before we were talking about going into business to create some different designs. I am able to take pictures of placements and send them to her though facebook messenger. Also she has a means of receiving mail so I will be able to send some sample for her to see. We talked about going into business together in a couple of years and offer not only quilts but teaching quilting and knitting here in Liberia. So exciting for both of us.</div>
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Soon it was time to return back to the hotel but not before we had some edo and soup granddaughter Faith had prepared for us. And then some friends popped by to say Hello and have a soft drink. About an hour later, we were finally able to leave, but not after some more "Sugar, sugar, kiss, um, um good.</div>
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Warm showers were the order of the day, a cold bottle of water and our sweet rolls were a treat.</div>
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I also am happy about my natural pedicure I am receiving by wearing sandals and the sand rubs gently on my feet. My skin is smooth and soft from the sea salt in the air and in spite of all my eating I am losing a few pounds. Life is good!!</div>
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Peace and joy,</div>
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Sweet dreams.</div>
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Anne</div>
anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-59949220921497927892020-03-15T14:30:00.000-07:002020-03-15T14:30:00.542-07:00Sunday, March 15,2020Wow! What a day!<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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.<br />
It can be quite interesting. <br />
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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.<br />
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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".<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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.<br />
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We returned back to the hotel for showers and a light supper of bread with peanut butter and honey.<br />
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.<br />
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Peace and joy for another day.<br />
Anneanne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-18997431794267728722020-03-14T14:03:00.001-07:002020-03-14T14:03:07.433-07:00Saturday, March 14, 2020Greetings 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.<br />
The temperature goes from hot to hotter and back to hot again.<br />
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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.<br />
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We traveled out to the house a different way so we could see all the changes on the other side.<br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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.<br />
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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<br />
Anneanne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-68969184047059343022020-03-13T13:09:00.000-07:002020-03-13T13:10:46.304-07:00 Friday, March 13, 2020<br />
Good evening.<br />
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We are coming to the of another day.<br />
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I was awake early, early this morning but managed to go back to sleep. i just wasn't ready to get up at 4 am.<br />
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We piddled around, taking quick showers, and then going up the stairs to breakfast. Three flights is a lot to climb for this old body. However, at the end of our stay, I may be in shape. We shall see.<br />
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While we waited for Jeff to arrive we had time to read the local papers. It seems that Bishop Quire of the United Methodist Church in Monrovia would like to build a complex to house the Conference Office and United Methodist University. I know there is United Methodist land out on the main highway to town. He is hoping to raise 34 million dollars and have the project funded and completed in 5 years. He has challenged each church and each district to do farming to help raise the money for this project.<br />
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We arrived at the "Kumeh Compound" to find all the children at home. Apparently on Friday they have a shortened school day and only attend until noon. We were dutifully kissed and hugged before they went their separate ways to play. Some football, some kickball and others just to be with friends.<br />
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Princess brought the clothes she had measured us for on Wednesday. She has been busy sewing since she left. Timothy and I have matching shirt and dress in a beautiful purple, green, blue geometric print. Timothy's shirt has design work all stitched on the front. He looks very handsome. My dress and suit are lovely. However, she needed to take it home and make some adjustments. A little less in the bust and a little more in the hips. She will return tomorrow with the finished product. We will look so fine when we attend church on Sunday.<br />
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Timothy's nephew came by to spend the afternoon with us. Dennis works with the Department of Health by overseeing the protecol is followed currectly. He as been involved in the work with HIV/AIDS and vactionations for children. He was a physician's assistant before beginning his work with the Health Department. His big concern was my thoughts on the situation in the United Methodist Church. Liberia is very traditional and is just not able to understand the inclusive church.<br />
Our different cultures and practices are a very large part of the differences. In Liberia the gay and lesbian population offer money to the children and prostitute them. This is the basis for the Liberian understanding of the issue. No wonder they are so opposed to the concept. We discussed it from the perspectives of our different culture and practices and began to see what drives the thought of our respective convictions.<br />
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Annie was much better today and was able to go outside and take some fresh air. Justina, the mother of Timothy's other chidlren was at the house today as well. She was not well with an infection in her tooth. Ibuprofin today and some antibiotics tomorrow. The family Dr, has arrived and treating her family. Dennis and I discussed treatment for the swelling in Annie's feet and came to and agreed upon conclussion for her treatment. And so it goes.<br />
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I had taken the girls 2 cans of corned beef and told them how to prepare it with cabbage. The soup with rice was lunch today for Timothy, Dennis and I. I would like to do it again next week and help them cook it so they can share in the feast. Jeff commented that he knew the smell and it was very sweet to his nose.<br />
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The little boys watched as I worked on a sock for Timothy. When someone would ask what I was making them would look them in the eye and say "Socks" as if there wasn't any question as to what it was. Of course, it followed soon enough with "Grandma, will you make me some socks?"<br />
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The very small ones who are deathly afraid of me no longer continue to run away screaming but still clutch at their respective Mama's legs when around. It is intersting how the family system works in Liberia. When a parent goes to work the family remaining care for the little ones until they return. The children know who their parents are but again everyone is Mommie and Daddy. The entire family and extended family raise the children. The same goes for discipline. Whoever sees something going wrong has the ability to discipline the child. It works and everyone shares the responsibility.<br />
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It was fun to listen to Dennis, Timothy, and another friend talk, laugh and tell stories of their growing up years and their children. They also had the opportunity to catch up on the status of the family and the tribe as to births and deaths that have taken place since we left in 2014.<br />
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Before long, it was time to say "Goodby" for another day. We headed back to the hotel. Along the way we stopped at a street corner and purchased a loaf of bread to eat with honey for our evening treat. Hot showers to clean off the dust were the order of the day. Plus a bottle of very cold water.<br />
Heat index today was 95 degrees with a very sunny sky.<br />
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Tomorrow is another day and we will carry the foot lockers filled with gifts for the family. I hope that we will be able to get some family pictures of each of the children so you will have an idea of the size of our clan.<br />
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Good night and God bless.<br />
Anne<br />
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<br />anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-48802783818363643812020-03-12T14:28:00.002-07:002020-03-12T14:28:29.530-07:00Thursday, March 13th, 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As promised yesterday here are some pictures taken. I finally discovered how to download them and we are off and running.</div>
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Below is Newsboy, Sawsee and Riley</div>
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Sawsee and Riley are grandchildren and Newsboy who is the same age as Sawsee was a next door neighbor and playmate to Sawsee/</div>
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This is the cemetary and mausileum of daughter Christina. Pictured are 3 of her children Sarah, Faith and Kojo. The 4th is a young woman (Mary) that Chris took in to live with her.</div>
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Shiekie Dah Dah who spends his days repairing roads in Monrovia City. What a delight to be able to see him again.</div>
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Greens and rice - Yum! Yum!</div>
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Today we were a little later getting started. While I woke up early and was all ready, Jeff called to tell us they were doing inspections along the road. He was able to arrive about noon.</div>
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We went down the road and around the corner to see Jackson. He was my mechanic when I was a missionary and after 9/11 he chased me down the street to make sure my family was safe.</div>
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He was delighted to see me and we exchanged greetings and asked after the family.</div>
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Then we made our way to Mamba Point where the American Embassy is located. There are a group of artisns in that location due to its proximity the the Embassy and American tourists who don't want to venture into Waterside to shop. We were able to purchase a nice African (Liberian made) drum for Riley to use with his bands in his teaching career.</div>
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On down to Waterside to purchase a Sasa. It is a large dried goard with the seeds removed. Bead work is woven around it and loose enough that you can hold on the handle of the goard with one hand and pull the strings attached with the beading with the other. It makes a very interesting percussion sound.</div>
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Then off to Bardnersville to the family home. We spent some time with Annie. She was feeling much better. Timothy talked with her in dialect and they had quite a long conversation about family on either side. She shared some of her boiled casava with us. I love the flavor although it is not one of her favorites. The girls fixed Timothy and I some fufu and soup. There was plenty of pepper in it and I did get my sinus cleaned out by the time we were finished.</div>
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Several of the neighborhood children came by to sit and talk with the white woman. We had a conversation for about 15 minutes before they became restless so we sent them out to play.</div>
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By this time, our grandchildren were returning from school so we have an opportunity to visit with them about their day. I purchased a soccor ball for them to use in the yard to keep them busy. They felt I should buy them each one but settled on one to share.</div>
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Today I finally got our phones working and contacted several of our friends for phone numbers. One in particular was Burphy Wheaton who was a classmate of Timothys at the AME University. He is now director of the Archives for the country. We picked him up on our way back to the Hotel . He and Timothy had such a wonderful time visiting. It did them both well.</div>
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On the other hand, I connected with one of my "daughters", Anna. She and her husband were at the hotel when we arrived and we also had a wonderful visit. She is principal for one of the Methodist Schools and James is the Dean for the United Methodist Seminary.</div>
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Another busy but intesting day in life of Liberia. Rest easy, Good night.</div>
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<br />anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-71012980051834643242020-03-11T22:31:00.000-07:002020-03-11T22:31:03.105-07:00March 11, 2020 WednesdayGreetings on Day 2 - March 11th - Wednesday.<br />
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Finally, a great night sleeping and slept through 3 alarms to awake to son Jeff tapping on the door.<br />
Grandma Annie's fever went very high in the night and they had taken her to the hospital for treatment. She was diagnosed with malaria and the medicine I had given her had helped that she was not even sicker. She received and injection and sent home to more medicine and ORS (oral hydrating solution to drink). When we arrived later in the day, she was sound asleep on the sofa and with all the noise around her, she didn't rouse until about 5 pm.<br />
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Breakfast again of French toast, water melon, fried plantain and Gold Coast coffee. I have taken some pictures but they are still downloading from my camera. Maybe they will be ready to post tomorrow.<br />
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Traffic was so very light we were able to get to the house in about 30 minutes. Today is a National Holiday so most people were at home or tending to their family gravesites for cleanup. I did get some pictures for you to see. At one location a band was playing a concert for the families.<br />
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Daughter Chris' children, Kojo, Faith, Sarah and I went to her gravesite to clean the brush and wash the grave. It is a tile covered mausoleum as are most of the graves in Liberia due to the sandy soil and the heavy rains during the rainy season. Four Liberian young men introduced themselves to us and proceeded to do the cleaning and brushing. It was a way for them to earn some small money and to show off how strong they were to the girls.<br />
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Returning to the house, Timothy and I had our dinner of Potato Greens with fish and chicken and served with rice. Granddaughter Sarah's little boy (Adolphus) sat on my lap and loved eating with Grandma. He is quite and eater and very active. He is a year old, walking, talking in sentences and calling people by name. He had great fun today throwing a piece of charcoal in the air and trying to kick it like a soccor ball. He has also learned to jump and was practicing his skills at that as well.<br />
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Friends are beginning to learn that we have arrived and are stopping by to greet us and talk to Timothy to catch up. I am sure in a couple of days the men will be gathering on the porch to talk politics and whatever else Liberian men talk about. Today Granddaughters Geraldine and Manashi (Annie) came to visit for the day. Annie has grown up so and loved sitting with Grandpa Timothy and talking and touching him on the head and arms. Up til now she has been very shy and would rarely talk to us.<br />
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Another visitor today was one of Sawsee's playmates and neighbors while we lived in the big house. Newsboy was always so small in stature and very slight. While he has grown maybe a foot since we last saw him, he is still very small. How delightful to see him and hear that he is living nearby and going to school. It was an interesting mix with several of the grandsons, Sawsee, Newsboy, Riley and Georgie fussing at each other. They range in age from about 8 - 10 years and are suffering from growing pains like boys often do.<br />
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On our return back to the motel tonight we met Shiekie Dah Dah on the street. Shiekie Dah Dah worked on the roads filling in holes with rock and sand until the goverment could make repairs. I first met him in 2000 and would often see him working hard to improve the roads. People would pass him tips as they traveled by to help support him. One time I was able to stop and hear part of his story. He had been in the US living in New York. He has a son still in the US. Unfortunately he was into drugs and was arrested. He was given the choice of serving time or being deported back to Liberia. He chose deportation, which was probably to his benefit due to the lack of drugs here. That was the time he began repairing roads. At one time, he was offered a job with the government of Liberia in the Transportation Area. He turned it down and still today is repairing the roads with rock and sand to make it safer for the Liberian drivers.<br />
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Evening has come, the sky has darkened and sleep will be soon. It is cool and quiet and a delightful ending to another day. Good night!<br />
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<br />anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-75910839010779391402020-03-10T14:07:00.001-07:002020-03-10T14:07:13.726-07:00 Tuesday - March 10, 2020Greetings from hot, humid Liberia!<br />
There was a shower this morning which cooled things off for a short time only to make it worse later.<br />
We left the hotel about 9 am and traveled to the Methodist Compound where I lived while a missionary. Several of our friends are still there who worked with security, maintenence and grounds.<br />
Kelly they send you greetings and Flomo says your chicken is still doing fine. I gave him small money to continue to purchase food for it.<br />
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Then off to Waterside to do some shopping for fabric for a new dress for Sunday. Found two lovely fabrics - one a purple print and the other a very brightly colored geomectric design to be used for the back of a quilt - or so I thought. We stopped along the street and purchased cards for our Liberian phones so we will be able to use them here to communicate. At the same time we walked down a few stores to see some old friends at the BK Pharmacy, I purchased 100 Cipro, 120 doxycylene capsules (we take this as a preventative for Malaria, and some adult Malaria medication just in case. All this for $15.00 USD.<br />
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Off to spend more than an hour and half in traffic to travel maybe 2 miles to another store to greet an old friend we did business with. We spent some time with Harris at the National Hardware store and had a cold glass of juice and got caught up on all the news from Liberia according to the business world. He also has a new son who is just turning 3.<br />
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Then to head out the the house to see family. Again 1 1/2 hours to drive maybe 10 miles. The roads are being reworked, paved, and limited to 2 lanes rather than expanding to 5 during high traffic areas.<br />
It was interesting to note that with the new design for traffic flow, that if traffic got heavy and people wanted to move faster, they would just move across the boulevard and drive the wrong way in the traffic flowing the opposite direction. It was very unnerving, especially after dark.<br />
<br />
When we reached the house people came flying from all directions. Children launched themselves into our arms for giant hugs. I was amazed at how much they had grown - of course it has been 6 years since we last saw them. Often, we would have to look and try to figure out who they were and just plain ask. We met a few grands born after we left and 2 great grands. One was terrified of me and the other was very nonchalant seeing he had a white woman as grandma.<br />
<br />
The afternoon was spend visiting, visiting, visiting after neighbors and friends heard the news and stopped by to greet us and visit for a bit. Annie, a mother to several of Timothy's children had come down with malaria and so, of course, I gave her some of the malaria medicine I purchased plus water and oral rehydration packets to keep her hydrated.<br />
<br />
Our teenage grands have matured into wonderful, caring, adults who are taking responsibility in the family to step in with help as it is needed. My beloved little Sausee has grown to almost as tall as me. He was constantly by my side touching me to make sure I was still there. Several of the neighborhood children were there as well so we went through all the pictures on my phone and who, what, where they were taken. It was fun trying to explain snow to them as well as the cold weather.<br />
<br />
Riley was curious about grandson Riley in the United States and the fact that he was studying music in college and would be a teacher and direct a band. Edwin was fascinated to see pictures of my brother Edwin who was a teacher of history. Each wanted to hear stories of the person they were named after. Three little girls in the neighborhood were fascinated by the fact the children had an grandmother who was a white woman and were mesmorized by my skin and hair. I'm sure they had never spoken to a white person or touched one. They played with the hair on my arms and head feeling the softness. They probably had plenty to say when they returned home later in the day.<br />
<br />
Granddaughter Faith was fixing palm butter and rice for the evening meal which is one of Timothy's favorites. A bowl was sent home for his supper. We stopped along the roadside and I got a loaf of Foola bread. It is like French Bread but very coarse and crusty. A stop at the local supermarket for some peanut butter and honey and my evening meal was complete.<br />
<br />
It is now about 9 pm. I want to take a nice shower and clean the dust off my body, and fall into bed for a long nights sleep. Jeff will be by about 9 am to pick us up for tomorrow's activities. Tomorrow is a holiday, Decoration Day. So it will be spent cleaning and washing the graves of the family and then a grand meal. It will be my favorite - potato greens and rice.<br />
<br />
Sweet dreams.<br />
<br />
Anne<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-11609164637774205282020-03-10T02:26:00.002-07:002020-03-10T02:26:57.133-07:00Safe arrival 3.9.2020Facebook post:<br />
Greetings friends<br />
<br />
We arrived late last night for us. About 4 pm your time. We have a wonderful room with hit and cold running water, air conditioning and such.<br />
<br />
Breakfast this morning - egg, french toast, fried plantain, watermelon, mango, and...... Gold Coast coffee. Yum!!!<br />
Off to start the day. More later. God blessKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08627434574960830542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-87997750701302940402020-03-08T15:54:00.001-07:002020-03-08T15:54:48.582-07:00March 8, 2020 A Return<br />
For those of you who have been following the work and life of my mom, Anne Girton Kumeh and Poppie, Timothy Kumeh, this blog will begin to see more posts over the next few weeks. Mom and Poppie have gotten the opportunity to return to Liberia for a short visit. Today they began the flight first to Chicago and then to Brussels before arriving in Liberia tomorrow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGWftlsV5uj_cxqXsO7MNU9KVNsS6wGEjCgdCXamJh6LlD2R4sSVlo0A1R6LQKKmKurCcBicsbC4smAjLth8sKUJyO-Z7oPImhHHFnCfnZAWIDHR8bBPTnwUBKp02oWyuhgH7TxxZctjn/s1600/Where-is-Liberia-Where-is-Liberia-Located-in-The-World-Liberia-Map-800x445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="800" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGWftlsV5uj_cxqXsO7MNU9KVNsS6wGEjCgdCXamJh6LlD2R4sSVlo0A1R6LQKKmKurCcBicsbC4smAjLth8sKUJyO-Z7oPImhHHFnCfnZAWIDHR8bBPTnwUBKp02oWyuhgH7TxxZctjn/s320/Where-is-Liberia-Where-is-Liberia-Located-in-The-World-Liberia-Map-800x445.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As she is able, Mom will be sending me updates and pictures documenting their trip. I will post those updates and photos here so that there is a common location to get information.<br />
If anyone has questions or needs anything, please feel free to contact me here in the comment section of the blog, through email kellyjurkowski@gmail.com, or on Facebook.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08627434574960830542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-79078857273438358232014-06-02T14:30:00.000-07:002014-06-02T14:30:03.736-07:00Coming to IndianaDear Friends,<br />
It has been quite a long time since I have sent you any information.<br />
We are fine and planning to return to Indiana on Thursday, June 5th for Riley's graduation.<br />
<br />
We are so looking forward to seeing lots of friends, getting medical check-ups and telling you all about our work here in Liberia. It is really getting to be exciting as crops look better, yields are better, and people are really interested in what we are doing.<br />
<br />
Housing and all has been taken care of.<br />
However, we are in need of a vehicle to use for approximately two months while we are in Indiana.<br />
We will service it and fill your gas tank.<br />
Alan has already obtained insurance for me to use on any car I would drive.<br />
If you have something available I would be able to use, please let us know.<br />
It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just some transportation.<br />
<br />
Peace and joy,<br />
Anne and Timothyanne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-44060028149868533492013-12-24T07:14:00.002-08:002013-12-24T07:14:53.222-08:00
<br />
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2013<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barnersville, Monrovia,
Liberia<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greetings to
our friends and family,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First of
all, I thank God for the internet since it would be impossible at this date to
send each one of you a Christmas card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though I wasn’t very good at getting them in the mail early when we
lived in Indiana, now it would be next to impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is hard
to believe this is our 3<sup>rd</sup> Christmas in Liberia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather today is 90 degrees, the sun is
very bright and there is very little breeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, the Christmas spirit is in the air in the neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small Children are touring the area, beating
pans with spoons, blowing whistles, and singing at the top of their lungs to
gather small money for treats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The adult
girls are wearing Mardi gras masks and dancing to an I Pod to earn some extra
money for Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neighbors are going
house to house greeting each other and we are hosting a community gathering at
our home tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have had
an exciting year as we began the Liberia Self Reliance Program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started with about 20 acres of land which
was completely depleted and have worked to restore it bit by bit with compost
and other organic supplements. Some of it has been turned now 4 times and we
are beginning to see the results with healthier plants and a greater
yield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beekeeping, moringa, honey,
sheep, fish pond and SRI programs are keeping the staff busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are developing tire and sack gardens and a
line of cooking stoves that can be used in different environments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next year looks to be even more
exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our needs include a pickup
truck, small air conditioner for the clean room where we process and package
moringa and honey, tools, and a small tractor for the ag center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also a need for funds for our bunk
room, office and library area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our children
are all doing well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alan, Lisa and Riley
are still in Russiaville and doing well in their respective lines of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Riley will graduate from Western High School
in June and has been accepted at 5 different Indiana colleges to date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The winner will be the one with the best
scholarship package.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kelly and
Bob are in Wheatfield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob had bypass
surgery earlier this year and recovered faster than the doctor’s
expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is back to work full
time, losing weight, and getting really healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelly is learning with her 3<sup>rd</sup>
graders as she does every year and loving every minute of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has started work on a PhD in Education
and enjoying her studies very much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The children
in Liberia are doing all right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
added another grandchild, Jesse Kumeh, named after my grandfather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My family names are being added to the Kumeh
family and the children are encouraging us to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They now include: Riley, Jesse, and Edwin
Kumeh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No little girls to name although
we already had an Anna, and Anne.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I traveled
back to Indiana in May for a couple of months to do fundraising for LSRI and
visit some family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Timothy
and I plan to return to Indiana in May 2014 to do medical checkups and attend
Riley’s graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We wish each
and every one of you a Blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year filled with
wonder, peace and joy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Timothy and
Anne<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-6058547936007675152012-05-02T15:46:00.001-07:002012-05-02T15:46:25.281-07:00May 2, 2012May 2, 2012<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are doing
fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Timothy is just getting over a
really bad cold because of the change of season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going into the rainy season and the
nights get cooler and the air gets wetter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have just had a really strong thunder storm go through and it is
probably now in the low 80’s and feels very pleasant to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, everyone is going around in long
sleeves and flannel pants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
Sawsee covered up on the floor with fleece blankets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rolf is
curled up on a pillow fast asleep and enjoying the quiet time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been lots of little children
(under 5 years of age) playing around here today and he just has a fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is so very protective of the house and our
grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He barks his head off if
anyone he doesn’t know or he doesn’t like to smell of when they come
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people he is not fazed by
and others he goes crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust his
instincts and for those I don’t know, we just duck inside the house.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The trees
and flowers are beginning to bloom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a lot of a tree that goes in AZ and in the south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They vine up and around and are yellow, pink,
red, and purple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t remember the
name – ah – bougainvillea vine – although they are trees here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also a tree that has beautiful
purple flowers that hang like lilacs but only larger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know if there is a fragrance because
the flowers are high up on the tree and I can’t reach them to smell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of beautiful hydrangeas in all different
colors as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are
several different kinds of lilies but I think my favorite is a white flower
that blossoms like a white lily only it feathers rather than having six leaves
like the lily we know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also an
orange one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had lots of them at the
compound but don’t have any here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
haven’t been able to get flowers to grow here as yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want Kelly to bring me some 4 o’clocks and
some other hardy flowers to see if I can get them to grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lizards like to eat the Zinnias I planted
as soon as they came through the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have a couple of pepper plants and some pineapples that are
growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also have palm nut
trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The blossom is a very big and
stiff hanging almost like a huge pine cone where the edges come down and
overlap in a smooth formation rather than the traditional pine cones we see at
Christmas, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, as they grow the
seeds or palm nuts grow under the “leaves” of the cone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once they pop out, you can see them as large
red orange fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you cut the bunch
down from the tree, you pull the palm nut clusters out of the stiff pointy cone
– they can really do a number on your hands if you aren’t careful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the time the small girls do it
because their fingers are so small they can get in a grab them without being
stuck.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then, after
a day or so, you clean the hull off the palm nut, wash them and boil them in
water for a few minutes to loosen the outside covering of the nut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, you put time in a mortar and pestle and
pound them till the oil and butter loosen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then, back in the pot to boil and strain the fiber from the liquid that
is creamy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The liquid is then boiled
with meat, fish, pepper, onion and served over rice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes almost all day to fix it and is very
labor intensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it is the
staple of Timothy’s tribe so we have it about once a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People from the interior eat it every day and
it stains their hands an orange color and even their skin has an orange cast to
it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week I
have been doing some of the cooking with some modified American recipes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to cook ground corn beef with cabbage,
onions and tomato sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put this
over rice and they really like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
also made potato soup with a variation of adding cut up hot dogs to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love it; I just eat around the hot
dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or cook potatoes, onions, green
beans and hot dogs together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One other
thing they like is spaghetti, so I try to fix it every couple of weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hamburger is like $5.00 a pound here, so we
don’t fix it very often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chicken and
fish are the main things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their fried
chicken is awesome and I finally learned the secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They parboil it first and then fry it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They put seasoning in the water when on the
inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fish is generally fried and then
added to their soup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I don’t like
it that way, they hold out some of the fried fish for me to eat separately.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Breakfast is
generally bread with peanut butter and honey drizzled on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is nutritious and tasty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little ones like it and it will hold them
until they can fix cream of wheat or rice for breakfast.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last week
for my birthday we had a big party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
actually was the one that Timothy promised me in 2007 and then spent all the
party money of fixing up the house, and then there wasn’t enough for the
party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We probably had 75 people here
and served fried chicken, potato salad, and jollif rice which is rice with a
variety of meats, tomato sauce and onions all cooked together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is really tasty and can be stretched to
meet the needs of a crowd of people. We got coke, sprite, and orange for the
adults and fruit punch mix for the little ones.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a
great time, and I received 3 beautiful dresses, material, and 2 pairs of
African made sandals to wear when I go out of the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alan, Lisa
and Riley all went to Alabama to visit friends over Spring break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a good time and decided that all of
them would go to Disney World together for Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year Alans’ went to Arizona so they want
to do something different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I am
not there they are not committed to a family gathering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is reaching the point where Riley will not
be around much longer before college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
just doesn’t seem possible that he is growing up so quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to band, he is running track and
cross country in the spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess he
is pretty good at it and really enjoys it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know it probably keeps him in shape for band so that when they start
marching again he won’t be so sore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus
he has built up his muscles from marching and that has helped with track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lisa is doing so well with her new business
that she has hired two additional people to work with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She does the books, marketing, etc. for small
businesses where the owner doesn’t have enough to hire someone to do it, but
too much for one person to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alan is
doing well with the insurance too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kelly and
Bob are doing all right too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelly will
be here from July 4<sup>th</sup> to the 23<sup>rd</sup>. </span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She got her
Lilly grant to do research on folk tales from Liberia and the similarities to
American folk tales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will do a bit
of teacher training and is bringing a couple of other people with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids here are really excited that she is
coming as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wants to help
Patient in the kitchen and learn how to make authentic Liberian dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob loves Liberian food and it is good for
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is back selling cars again and
is very content.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know why he
ever stopped in the first place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
he was just tired and Kelly didn’t like the hours he was putting in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that they have been married longer, she
is pretty much ok with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They try to
save Sundays to do things together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, it is
growing late and I need to get my beauty sleep<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ha!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peace and joy,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anne and Timothy<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-90216899813520909592012-03-04T09:43:00.003-08:002012-03-04T10:43:14.839-08:00Sunday 3-4-2012Greetings to you all!!!!!!!<br /><br />News! News! News!<br /><br />1st - my news. For all of you who were waiting for it to happen - well it happened! Earlier this week Timothy and I were at the John Koffi Asmuth United Methodist Church for the dedication of their new school. Now this was important for several reasons. Boswell UMC has donated hymnals to this church because they were singing from four different hymnals because they didn't have enough of any one hymal for their congregation. Wouldn't that be a terrible problem, to have a congregation so large that you didn't have enough hymnals? Well, Boswell helped them out and they are now ready to sing any song in the Methodist Hymnal and all on the same page! Also, Brookston UMC donated choir robes and now they are all the same! How awesome! No more mix and match! The dedication was for a new 3 story Elementary/Jr Hi school in Westpoint. Westpoint is the poorest area in town to live. And they saying is "that nothing good can come from Westpoint". Well now, thanks to the Illinois Great River Conference the possibility exists by having the first school in Westpoint available to Wespoint children! Why do we care? First, we have 4 grandchildren attending that school and church, 2 of our son's helped with the carpentry and masonry in the construction, and my former houseboy (Sam) was the School Board Presdient and in charge of the construction process! I am so very proud of all of them.<br />Now, to the news - Timothy and I, plus Bishop Innis and the District Superintendent Jerry Kulah, were walking from the church to the school. While doing so, Bishop appointed me as the Counseling Elder for our church, Johnson G. Nyan UMC. So - now you can all breathe, I am back to work again! However, this time, I don't have to do all the preaching, visiting, etc. Of course, in exchange for all this grace, I don't draw a salary either! Doesn't God have a wonderful sense of humor!<br />Also, Boswell UMC donated hymnals and Brookston UMC donated robes to our church as well. They arrived just in time for the District UMW Conference last November and the church (and the women particularly) were so excited they had robes when the choir of our church was called on to sing. There was a mass choir made up of about 6 different churches. Our church would have been the only one without robes but for this wonderful gift. In addition there were enough hymnals for the 300+ women in attendence at the Conference. This is not a one day affair but lasts for 5 days. Our women were the hosts for this district conference at our church.<br /><br />2nd - The Houseman Community well is coming right along. All the culverts were made with 2 extra - just in case. Yesterday, the boys started digging and were able to reach 4 1/2 culverts deep. It will be 8 culverts deep or about 25 feet. They reached the water table at about 3 1/2 culverts deep. That is great since this is the heighth of dry season. If we have that much water we will know that the well will not likely run dry. The community is so excited and some of the more able bodied men/boys were here to help. The digging is done by hand with a shovel that resembles 1/2 of a post hole digger. The dirt/mud is put in a bucket and lifted out. There is only room for 1 person digging and they almost have to flatten themselves against the side of the well to raise and lower the bucket. Tomorrow Jonathon will rent a water pump to keep the water out of the well while they continue to dig. Once they have reached the desired depth, they will then put gravel and sand in the bottom to filter the water. The pump will be set in concrete and sealed to the well, the water will be chlorinated and we will be in business. I have been taking pictures and hope to find some way to post them on the blog so you will have a better idea of what it will look like. The members of our community have stopped by several times to tell us Thank You! However, the thanks goes to Rev. Larry Houseman for taking on the fundraising for this project and all the congregations, friends and family who have helped support it. It will be wonderful to have clean drinking water available within 100 feet of our home and our neighbors.<br /><br />3rd - The land issue for Timothy has still not been resolved. He reached his attorney on Friday and will meet with him again of Tuesday to have the complaint taken out of the Circuit Court and to the Superior Count for resolution.<br />He is still very concerned but is much more calm now that he has confidence in his attoney and the higher court.<br /><br />4th. Christiana (our daughter) has had her ups and downs with her battle with cervical cancer. She was finally able to receive her first round of chemo treatments last week. She had to have 3 pints of blood to raise her blood levels before beginning the chemo. The Dr. was not even happy with that but went ahead to see how she would respond. If we are not able to keep her blood level up (it was 18%) he will discontinue the treatments. She received 4 different chemo drugs. We had to search Monrovia for one of them that was not available, but one pharmacy ordered it for us at the cost of over $400.00 USD. But - we have it and that is what is important!<br />She had the normal reactions to chemo but seems to be holding her own. Yesterday she even surprised us by making our bed and sweeping our room for us! She is ever tired but seems a little stronger each day. Please continue praying for her. <br />Another blood test was taken Friday and we will receive the results tomorrow. Wednesday we will travel back down to the Firestone Hospital to meet with her Dr. and learn what his prognosis is. We are also taking another daughter (Patient) with us for a check-up to make sure that she is ok.<br /><br />General news and observations:<br />All our grandchildren here at the house with us are now in school. It gets very quiet during the day but is a welcome relief. Koyo (15) and Sawsee (3) are the only grandsons here. Granddaughters: Mary (14), Faith (10), Dena (7) and Candy Girl (8), plus daughter Patient are the others in school. As you can see - women rule! We have been working on this little bit by little bit since we arrived, and have finally achieved this goal.<br /><br />Rolf is adjusting well and it well taken care of by the Grandchildren. One has spoiled him rotten by feeding him his food by hand. Now he expects everything to be handfed to him. He will just lay and look at you with "Well, here I am, do you expect me to move?" He loves to ride in the car, stick his head out the window and let his ears blow out from his head. People are always doing double takes when they see him. If we are not able to take him with us, he will meet us as we turn into our road and ride in the car to the house. Now Sawsee is doing the same thing. We have to stop and pick them up to ride that short distance. But they are both happy.<br /><br />Today traffic was moving very slowly on the way home from church. We found out that a steer ( they look like Bramah bulls with the horns and hump behind their heads) was wandering down the street with a long rope around it's head. A car had driven onto the rope and stopped the steer. The driver finally was able to get off the rope, but the steer continued down the middle of the road for some time. Eventually, he got off the side of the road and the traffic was able to pass. I am not sure where he was going and no one was with him.<br />Another day, I was waiting in the car for Jeff while he was at the mechanics - this is an open air shop along the road. Next door is an open air wooden furniture shop, on down are other shops and/or businesses. Quietly walking through all this was another steer meandering his way to the area called "cow factory" where the slaughtering takes place and the butcher shops are located. We often stop along the way at the little carts with roasted cow meat. They take fresh meat pieces and roast it it in the carts. You can pick your piece of meat, have it sliced, and have onions sliced with it and seasoned. A serving will cost about $1.50 and is very delicious.<br />Another day we saw a man holding a full size mattress on the back of a motorcycle traveling down the road. Granted, they are made from foam rubber and are about 6" thick. They are doubled over and tied so they are portable. However, it makes for a very interesting ride in the traffic.<br />The Christmas tree that was put up 2 days before Christmas on the Blvd. was finally taken down this week. However, the tree and decorations are still up at the church. Maybe they will be down in time for Easter.<br />Yesterday I made French Toast for breakfast. The children loved it. 1 1/2 dozen eggs and 2 loaves of bread managed to feed us all. I hope to get a large skillet and fix pancakes one day. I did the French toast in a large dutch oven type pan over a charcoal fire.. Very interesting experence.<br />Life is good, God is good and all is well!<br />Love and hugs from the Kumeh clan.anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-70414691745275722062012-02-25T11:28:00.001-08:002012-02-25T11:28:44.847-08:00BoxDear friends,<br />
I am preparing a box of supplies to be sent to Mom in the next few weeks. If you would like to send items to me to ship over or if you would like to contribute to the filling and shipping of the box, please contact me at kellyjurkowski@gmail.com<br />
Mom has given me a list of items she would like and I would be happy to share that list with anyone who wishes to see it.<br />
<br />
KellyKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08627434574960830542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-45754084275762750712012-01-17T06:38:00.000-08:002012-01-17T07:31:52.346-08:00Tuesday, Jan. 17th, 2012<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Greetings,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Yesterday was a nationa holiday here in Liberia as President Ellen Johnson Serliff was sworn in for a second term of office. Her term is 6 years and she will be 80 years old when she completes the term. She is asking for a show of patriotism in every Liberian resulting not only respect for the country but for each and every individual. Great strides were taken in the past years in the recovery efforts and I anticipate many more in the years to come as she continues to rebuild this country.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">We now have 24 hour access to electricity available in our area. There was quite a cheer went up from the community when the street lights came on for the first time last week. There are four homes in our immediate area seeking electricity so we are going together to purchase a pole ($200.00 US) for the area. We have to provide our own line and then current will be connected to our homes along with a usage box. How wonderful to be able to have a fan running when the days are very warm and still plus power whenever we need it!!!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">We began the sale of our moringa products this week. Our sales people have red wagons that they pull around the area and explain to people the benefits of usage. Many have already heard about it and are welcoming the supply. Sales have been good and we are now looking for more leaves to wash, dry and process. It was quite a sight last Friday to see all our boys competing to see who could grind the leaf into powder the fastest. We were able to package over 50 small bags that will sell for about $1.25 USD or $100 Liberian. One teaspoon of the powder added to food will prevent malnutrition. We have the leaf and powder for sale along with the honey. In the future we will add moringa seeds and root. The root can be placed in a bottle of liquid (anything from Palm Wine, beer or water) and drank with the same nutritioal benefits.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">The well project will soon be underway. We have enough funds now to rent the forms to make the 30" roun concrete tiles that will be placed in the hold as it is being dug for the well. It has been explained to me that as the hole is dug a tile is placed in the hole. As the hole deepens the tile will slide down and another tile will be placed on top of the first. This will continue until the well is the desired depth. We will be digging during dry season so when we get water we will be assured that the well will be deep enough to meet the community's needs. Once a sufficient level of water is reached the bottom of the hole will be filled with rock and gravel for the water to pass through thus cleaning the water. Then the well will be covered and sealed with the hand pump installed. Finally the water will be chlorinated on a regular basis to ensure that it is pure and drinkable.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">We really thank Rev. Larry Houseman for his efforts to help us with the community well. The entire project will cost about $1500 USD and we have about $600 in hand. That will start us making the tile which takes 3 days for each tile to set in the mold and then an additional 21 days to dry. With our time frame will will not be able to install the pump and seal the well until April. There is still time to donate to this community project.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">I am certainly enjoying having Christiana home with us. Her children are here as well so it makes for a lively house. Can you imagine that we still have trouble with the girls taking their turn at doing the dishes. There are 4 of them, and always an arguement about whose turn it is. Today I made all 4 of them do the dishes together. I guess that children are the same the world over for my siblings and I had a discussion one day around the table about this very issue. They were saying that I was the "Queen" of avoiding doing dishes and went so far as to call our older brother to confirm it. Just adding insult to injury - don't you feel sorry for me being the smallest and always picked on!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">Chris is an excellent cook and loves cooking so I have been letting her take charge of the kitchen. Oh, the tasty meals she prepares with just the right amount of pepper to give flavor but not overpower the food. She has taken to frying me a fish each evening for supper because she knows I will enjoy it so much. The only problem is that I have to share with Timothy and Rolf so it doesn't go very far. But yes, I love fresh fish. Yesterday she took some ripe plantain, mashed it, added flour, baking powder, milk, pepper and ginger to make a batter. Then spooned into grease to fry as a donut without a hole. The fresh ginger and pepper mix gave it a real kick! Yummy!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">The land issue still is an issue. The man who is selling our land filed suit against Timothy to try to circumvent appearing in court to bring his deeds to compare with ours. So far, it has stood in court that we are the rightful owners but we are not able to do anything as long as the issue is in court. It gets more and more interesting and now has been referred to the Temple of Justice and the Circuit Court rather than the local court. I dread each day that Timothy has to go because he gets so very stressed out over the entire situation. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">We have a little garden with okra, cucumber and tomatoes in it. It is a trial to see what we can do. We are using the soil that is here at the house but have been advised to add dirt, manure, and sawdust to it to strengthen it and hold the water. It is a start and if it does well we have plenty of room to make it larger.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">As I sit on my porch to write, I can see Sawsee wheeling a tire around the yard. He has so much fun and will do it for hours. It is his truck because he can put things in it and they will ride along. His car is an old 5 gallon water jug that he pushes or sits on and scoots around the yard. He found an old key so he has to come in and hang it on the key rack when he is finished for the day. I hope to be able to get him a tricycle for his birthday in May. He will the be "hottest" kid in the neighborhood. Earlier I saw two little boys with their handmade cars of tin cans and wheels made from old flipflops. The girls play a jumping game with a "rope" made from unraveling a rice bag and tying the strips together. It is more knots than rope but it does the trick. One has made the circuit of the entire neighborhood as they will lay it down when they are finished and someone else will pick it up. At times there is a game of kickball going on with the girls in one area and soccer with the boys in another. One evening the women were having elimination races to see who could run the fasted from one palm tree to another about 25 yards apart.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">So it goes here at Lulu Parham community at the 1603 turnoff across from the Cellcom tower on the Barndersville Road.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">Peace and joy,</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">Anne and Timothy</span>anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086646317018355537.post-16508259560094271142012-01-09T12:51:00.000-08:002012-01-09T12:53:46.062-08:00Friday,Jan 6th, 2012Friday, Jan. 6th, 2012<br />Greetings and a very Happy New Year to everyone!<br />The New Year celebration in Liberia is in some ways similar and other ways very different than I have celebrated in the US.<br />But first, let me back up just a little – Wednesday and Thursday (the last of December) Timothy and Zayzay went to Cape Mount to bring back moringa leaf to have dried. Then we would package and label it for sale as one of our Liberia’s Own products. Well-----they brought back moringa leaf ----- more that we could actually handle. They returned about 6 pm with their haul plus four bags of charcoal, fish, and other assorted goodies that I was supposed to be proud of my “mighty hunters”. The only problem was that it was almost dark, we have no refrigeration, supper had already been prepared and we had all this wonderful fish and crab that was going to go to waste. Patient pan fried and parboiled it to save for the next day.<br />The moringa had been packed in 100 pound rice bags and was already hot from the moisture that had gathered in the bags from the leaves. Zayzay quickly began spreading it on my living room floor (even though it is cement) I was a “little bit” disconcerted, however even more so when I didn’t have any extra sheets and they had to spread it out on my 4 best tablecloths because they are so large. At the time I was not able to laugh about it, but now I guess one will do almost anything to make sure a product is taken care of to avoid spoilage.<br />The next morning, some of the moringa was carried to a nearby community where it could be washed and dried and ready for packaging. The balance was gathered up in the tablecloths, carried to the warehouse to be washed in water and salt, strained through a large strainer and mosquito netting and then spread to dry in the warehouse. This was a process that took the entire day.<br />In the meantime – people were marking our property for foundations for new houses requiring Timothy to go to the Court to lay his complaint to have the man selling the land unlawfully arrested. They went to serve to papers and the man fled. To date, I believe that people have started to mark for foundations or begin to build on the land. Ironically, the man resold some of the same property that he had sold to one person who lost his suit against Timothy. The man just doesn’t know when to stop. We also have a complaint to have him give to us the value of our house that he had knocked down in all this process.<br />In fact, Timothy is in court today, on this very issue once again. I truly hope that it can be settled and we can use our land for farming as was the plan. All this fuss over a dirt block house and 3 acres of land has consumed most of Timothy’s time this week.<br />However, at this point, the moringa is drying to be packaged, we have honey to package as well and then we will be able to actually get it in the market. We have been selling honey privately up to this point. <br />On Friday, December 30th, Chris arrived home safe and sound from Ghana. She is very weak, still has pain, tired and frustrated, but home! For that we are very thankful. She is staying with us and is able to help some with things that she enjoys doing and don’t involve a lot of physical activity. Her girls are thrilled and couldn’t wait for their time for her to plat their hair. She seems to be gaining strength from being around those who love and care for her. She also brings her own unique sense of humor, authority and no-nonsense that I appreciate in her so very much. Everyone is happier since she is back with us.<br />Saturday night, New Year’s Eve, the adult children all went for watch night services at various churches. Since I was preaching New Year’s Day, Timothy and I did not go out but stayed home with all the grandchildren. Watch night services begin around 7 or 8 pm and go through midnight. Singing, praying, singing, preaching, singing, testimony, and did I mention singing? Everyone came home hoarse from so much singing.<br />Here at home, Timothy and I listened to the drummers going around the neighborhood; others with portable stereos were grouped together singing, and parties. It was quite exciting, and very noisy, but we all took it in stride. <br />Sunday morning we were awakened to singing and stereo music outside our bedroom door. The girls who live in the houses behind us were over to wake us to the New Year with their own kind of music. We prepared to go to church and arrived late, almost just in time for me to preach. However, I did beat the pastor there and discovered that a church is able to carry-on whether there is a pastor or not. The sermon was well received, the offering was taken (several times) and money was raised for the various programs in the church.<br />Sunday afternoon I cooked with what we had on hand. I thought I would make spaghetti with cucumbers, onion, garlic and mayonnaise. However, we could not find cucumbers anywhere. So, I got creative with diced hot dogs, spaghetti, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, garlic, kidney beans and made spaghetti/chili without chili power. We had guests for dinner and served Timothy’s birthday cake (without frosting which would have cost me an additional $10.00). Everyone had a great time.<br />The older children went out to celebrate New Year’s Day, so once again we had all the grandchildren. There was a wedding reception with a DJ at a nearby house, so we all danced on the porch till dark and the party ended. Monday was a rest day for everyone and a sense of back to work on Tuesday.<br />Tuesday afternoon, I began to feel bad and ended up going to the clinic on Wednesday morning. We figure it must have been a bad case of the flu for I tested negative for both typhoid and malaria. I spent most of Tuesday and Wednesday in bed. By Friday, I was pretty well back to normal and glad it was nothing serious.<br />The trip to the clinic was an experience in itself. As we entered the building set back from the road accessible by a back alley, it was dark with rows of benches for the patients who were waiting to register. We went up the iron staircase to the second floor where Timothy and Jasper (his nephew who is living on the farm) knew a nurse. She then carried us back downstairs to the emergency room. There I was registered, blood pressure checked, temperature taken and paid my money for fees. It was $150 Liberian Dollars to register (about $2.00 USD) and $1,000 Liberian Dollars (about $15.00 USD) for treatment and lab work. Since I would require a drip they had us go back upstairs where I was taken to a semi-private room. It consisted of two old iron beds with bare mattresses. They put two hospital gowns on a bed as sheets for me. They started a drip line with about a pint of fluid. They also injected into the line medication for nausea and diarrhea. Later the nurse gave me an injection for the pain.<br />While we were waiting for the drip to finish, an evangelist was preaching to the people downstairs waiting to be seen by the Doctor. We could hear it all because an interior window in our room opened into the lobby below. She was preaching repentance and was really into it. I commented to the Physician’s Assistant that I was a pastor and would really prefer to hear prayers than preaching. He agreed and commented that I was already the second pastor that day in the clinic. At the completion of the drip the lab technician came and took blood for tests, they we waited some more. <br />After about 2 ½ hours total, we learned that I probably had food poisoning since I had tested negative to their lab tests. They gave me 4 different kinds of medicine and sent me home to rest. The next day, Timothy’s nephew Dennis who is a PA came by to see me. We were discussing the illness, diagnosis, and treatment. I commented that nobody else got sick on the food, and I really felt like it was the old-fashioned flu. I asked if they had flu in Liberia and he said “Oh, yes” That is what you have when we don’t know what else it could be. Ah, the wonders of medical science in a third world country.<br />Life goes on and we are doing well. I am learning to praise God for every little thing and trust God even more .<br />Peace and joy, Anne and Timothy<br />Sawsee and Candy Girl on Christmas morning before church. I made Candy Girl’s dress for her Christmas present and we gave Sawsee a small toy car.anne kumehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623311318497816115noreply@blogger.com0