It is not easy being so far from family and friends.
It is not easy eating unfamiliar foods (e.g. fish with heads, tails, and bones)
It is not easy to live without electricity (for one month now).
It is not easy to live without running water (pump broken for 2 weeks now).
It is not easy to be without a vehicle (asking others for rides or jumping on the back of motorbikes or in taxis).
It is not easy to have beggars at my door daily (e.g. for food, school fees, notebooks, roofing).
It is not easy to have your patients die ( 2 with both TB/HIV this week alone).
It is not easy to ride a jollopy of a taxi that takes twice the time to get somewhere (last night).
It is not easy to wait 10 minutes for aol to load then wait 3 minutes for each reply to get sent.
It is not easy to watch fist fights on the street of Monrovia knowing the ex-fighters are still here.
It is not easy to watch parents hitting their children with a stick in the name of discipline.
These are some of the many things that I am being confronted with here in Liberia, most of which I have no control over.
Even so,
It is easy to love and care for the people as they are so simple.
It is easy to help them as their needs are real.
It is easy to reach out to my family and friends due to cellphones (although expensive).
It is easy to stay connected to the Lord as He is with us in all that we do.
It is easy to stay close to the religious communities here as we support each other.
It is easy to do social work in a place so in need of education (workshops, awarenesses) and counselling.
It is easy to be joyful since my burdens are light (e.g. no bills, no mortgage, no taxes).
It is easy to be happy here since I know why I am here.
So, I thank God for bringing me here to Liberia to work with His people. What little I can do to help them, I do with your support and the Lord's blessings. As for the other, I just let go knowing that there will be other missionaries to follow. The work is ongoing. It is the Lord's work afterall.
Pray for me as I continue to pray for you that His will be done here and at home.
May He continue to bless each one of you that have been so generous to His mission in Liberia. Please direct any support to SMA, c/o Theresa Hicks, 256 Manor Circle, Takoma Park, MD 20912. Thank you very much.
Many blessings,
Ann
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Raising the Roof
Life in Liberia is similar to other West African countries, or so I am told. Although some say that people here are less religious and tend to beg more. During the war, people were frightened, so they turned more to God for help and comfort. Now that the war is over, many have fallen away from their faith. So, the work of evangelization is so important now.
As for the begging, many ask for money, not by standing on a street with outstretched hands, but by knocking on white people’s doors. Sometimes they hand us a letter explaining their hardship, but often they just tell their story and ask for money. The most common requests are for help with school fees, uniforms, and shoes. Many also ask for funds to repair their homes that have been damaged in a recent storm. The winds here can literally raise the roof, leaving leaks galore. Jobs as we know them are slim. The only salaried positions are with NGO’s, churches, or with the government. So, many people make “small money” by selling things in the marketplace, driving motorbike taxis, selling handicrafts, cutting grass, coking, cleaning, and so on. Of course, the Leprosy and TB Rehabilitation Center, AKA the Rehab, employs many people here in Ganta.
The age group from 13 to 22 is of special concern. These are the teens and young adults that have only known war. It is a forgotten group, those left behind, if you will. Their education was disrupted time and again as they had to escape from their homes in the middle of the night when the rebels came in to Nimba County. They have seen so much brutality, killing, and raping that has caused them to become traumatized. Many are able to put it behind them, but some cannot. This age group is my central focus. They will be the future leaders of this country.
We will soon be starting monthly programs for these teens and young adults incorporating evangelization along with good Christian values, e.g. honesty, fidelity, respect for each other and for their bodies, good work ethics, etc. We want this age group to know the saving power of Jesus, how He can transform their lives, to understand His love for them, and to learn to go to Him in prayer for his help and guidance. We want to train them to be responsible citizens with a caring, Christian attitude towards all peoples. It will be their challenge to help to maintain peace in Liberia once the peace keeping forces have left. As you know, peace begins in the home.
Only education and God’s grace can help to lift Liberia out of this cycle of ignorance, poverty, and begging that the war has created. At the Rehab and in Ganta and Sanniquille schools, I will soon be doing presentations on Substance Abuse, HIV/AIDS, Communication Skills, Verbal Abuse, Mental Illness, Hopefulness, etc. Plus, I have begun counseling work. Please keep me in your prayers as this missionary starts digging in her heels here, doing the work that the Lord has sent me to do.
Please make the check out to SMA attention Theresa Hicks, SMA Lay Missionaries, 256 Manor Circle, Takoma Park, MD 20912. Of course, any contribution is tax deductible. Thanks so very much. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity. I continue to pray for you and your families every day. Please continue to pray for me.
As for the begging, many ask for money, not by standing on a street with outstretched hands, but by knocking on white people’s doors. Sometimes they hand us a letter explaining their hardship, but often they just tell their story and ask for money. The most common requests are for help with school fees, uniforms, and shoes. Many also ask for funds to repair their homes that have been damaged in a recent storm. The winds here can literally raise the roof, leaving leaks galore. Jobs as we know them are slim. The only salaried positions are with NGO’s, churches, or with the government. So, many people make “small money” by selling things in the marketplace, driving motorbike taxis, selling handicrafts, cutting grass, coking, cleaning, and so on. Of course, the Leprosy and TB Rehabilitation Center, AKA the Rehab, employs many people here in Ganta.
The age group from 13 to 22 is of special concern. These are the teens and young adults that have only known war. It is a forgotten group, those left behind, if you will. Their education was disrupted time and again as they had to escape from their homes in the middle of the night when the rebels came in to Nimba County. They have seen so much brutality, killing, and raping that has caused them to become traumatized. Many are able to put it behind them, but some cannot. This age group is my central focus. They will be the future leaders of this country.
We will soon be starting monthly programs for these teens and young adults incorporating evangelization along with good Christian values, e.g. honesty, fidelity, respect for each other and for their bodies, good work ethics, etc. We want this age group to know the saving power of Jesus, how He can transform their lives, to understand His love for them, and to learn to go to Him in prayer for his help and guidance. We want to train them to be responsible citizens with a caring, Christian attitude towards all peoples. It will be their challenge to help to maintain peace in Liberia once the peace keeping forces have left. As you know, peace begins in the home.
Only education and God’s grace can help to lift Liberia out of this cycle of ignorance, poverty, and begging that the war has created. At the Rehab and in Ganta and Sanniquille schools, I will soon be doing presentations on Substance Abuse, HIV/AIDS, Communication Skills, Verbal Abuse, Mental Illness, Hopefulness, etc. Plus, I have begun counseling work. Please keep me in your prayers as this missionary starts digging in her heels here, doing the work that the Lord has sent me to do.
Please make the check out to SMA attention Theresa Hicks, SMA Lay Missionaries, 256 Manor Circle, Takoma Park, MD 20912. Of course, any contribution is tax deductible. Thanks so very much. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity. I continue to pray for you and your families every day. Please continue to pray for me.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Important - Announcing our new project
Blog continued…
The ordinary people cannot afford to own a car here, although some have motorbikes. They just walk everywhere. The roads are mostly unpaved and in poor repair. As for clothes, there are many poor children that are literally dressed in rags and are barefoot. Medical care is at a low level as there are extreme shortages of doctors, medicines, and medical facilities. Some people own or rent places that are usually small rectangular mud brick homes with few rooms. The children generally sleep on mats on the floor. Outside are “kitchens” where the women cook over charcoal fires. There is virtually no running water nor electricity except for the lucky ones. The latrines are in the back yard. Women and children carry water in buckets from nearby wells that they hand pump. As for education, many children are not in school at all or are in school and struggling because they cannot afford the school fees. Need I go on? So, you can see that we are living in two different worlds: one of extreme wealth and one of extreme poverty.
So many questions surface for me. How is it that God has blessed us Americans with so much, yet these Liberians are suffering and have so little? Does God love us more? Or does He want us to learn to share more from our wealth? Does He want the Liberians to have more faith that He will answer their prayers? What do these people need most right now?
After much discussion, thought, and prayers, Father Donatien Djohossou, SMA pastor from Sanniquellie and myself have decided to launch a new SMA (Society of African Missions) initiative to address a pressing problem here. We are very happy to be introducing:
THE BRESILLAC PROJECT FOR EDUCATION IN LIBERIA, NIMBA COUNTY
Since 2003, Liberia has been slowly recovering from a 14 year civil war that closed schools and disrupted social and economic structures. With a soaring unemployment rate (85%), most people (80%) are living below the poverty line. Due to the war, many fathers were killed. This has left widows struggling to feed their children while paying for school fees and tuition. In the fall of 2007, the Liberian government will begin providing “free” education for only elementary school students. This means no public assistance for any middle or high school students. So, the burden rests heavily on parents, in many cases, single mothers, to pay the entire bill of middle and high school fees for their children. This money is sorely needed by these families to pay for basic needs, e.g. shelter, food.
“Wisdom directs all things well. Where justice reigns under wisdom, there people will establish peace and order. In peace and order it is possible for people to find happiness. “
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
THE PROJECT GOALS: 1. Provide student scholarships for faith-based middle and high schools in Liberia. 2. Promote evangelization for Jesus Christ among the youth .3. Provide counseling for students as needed.
YEAR ONE OBJECTIVES: 1. Provide 200 scholarships for needy middle and high school students in faith-based schools in Nimba County, Liberia. 2. Provide school uniforms for scholarship students, as needed. 3. Promote evangelization for Jesus Christ among these students. 4. Teach scholarship students core Christian values, good citizenship, and proper behavior. 5. Provide counseling for scholarship students as needed.
More details- As of today we have interviewed about 40 students from Sanniquellie that are viable candidates for the Bresillac scholarships and next week will meet 35 more from Ganta. Many are from single parent families where the fathers were killed in the war. The students do not even eat every day due to lack of money. By paying their school fees and some of their uniform expenses, these students will be able to buy food to eat and stay in school. Any donations that you make to this project will go directly toward providing scholarships for as many students as we have funding for. Please open your hearts to help us with this new project.
Please make your checks out to SMA Lay Missionaries.
On the bottom of the check please be sure to write: Bresillac Project for Education
Then send your checks to:
SMA Lay Missionaries, 256 Manor Circle, Takoma Park, MD 20912 Attention: Theresa Hicks
May the Lord bless you and your family abundantly for your generosity. I pledge that I will guard your money well and make sure that it goes to this cause only. I will keep you updated and send pictures one way or another of the students.
In His love and peace,
Ann
The ordinary people cannot afford to own a car here, although some have motorbikes. They just walk everywhere. The roads are mostly unpaved and in poor repair. As for clothes, there are many poor children that are literally dressed in rags and are barefoot. Medical care is at a low level as there are extreme shortages of doctors, medicines, and medical facilities. Some people own or rent places that are usually small rectangular mud brick homes with few rooms. The children generally sleep on mats on the floor. Outside are “kitchens” where the women cook over charcoal fires. There is virtually no running water nor electricity except for the lucky ones. The latrines are in the back yard. Women and children carry water in buckets from nearby wells that they hand pump. As for education, many children are not in school at all or are in school and struggling because they cannot afford the school fees. Need I go on? So, you can see that we are living in two different worlds: one of extreme wealth and one of extreme poverty.
So many questions surface for me. How is it that God has blessed us Americans with so much, yet these Liberians are suffering and have so little? Does God love us more? Or does He want us to learn to share more from our wealth? Does He want the Liberians to have more faith that He will answer their prayers? What do these people need most right now?
After much discussion, thought, and prayers, Father Donatien Djohossou, SMA pastor from Sanniquellie and myself have decided to launch a new SMA (Society of African Missions) initiative to address a pressing problem here. We are very happy to be introducing:
THE BRESILLAC PROJECT FOR EDUCATION IN LIBERIA, NIMBA COUNTY
Since 2003, Liberia has been slowly recovering from a 14 year civil war that closed schools and disrupted social and economic structures. With a soaring unemployment rate (85%), most people (80%) are living below the poverty line. Due to the war, many fathers were killed. This has left widows struggling to feed their children while paying for school fees and tuition. In the fall of 2007, the Liberian government will begin providing “free” education for only elementary school students. This means no public assistance for any middle or high school students. So, the burden rests heavily on parents, in many cases, single mothers, to pay the entire bill of middle and high school fees for their children. This money is sorely needed by these families to pay for basic needs, e.g. shelter, food.
“Wisdom directs all things well. Where justice reigns under wisdom, there people will establish peace and order. In peace and order it is possible for people to find happiness. “
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
THE PROJECT GOALS: 1. Provide student scholarships for faith-based middle and high schools in Liberia. 2. Promote evangelization for Jesus Christ among the youth .3. Provide counseling for students as needed.
YEAR ONE OBJECTIVES: 1. Provide 200 scholarships for needy middle and high school students in faith-based schools in Nimba County, Liberia. 2. Provide school uniforms for scholarship students, as needed. 3. Promote evangelization for Jesus Christ among these students. 4. Teach scholarship students core Christian values, good citizenship, and proper behavior. 5. Provide counseling for scholarship students as needed.
More details- As of today we have interviewed about 40 students from Sanniquellie that are viable candidates for the Bresillac scholarships and next week will meet 35 more from Ganta. Many are from single parent families where the fathers were killed in the war. The students do not even eat every day due to lack of money. By paying their school fees and some of their uniform expenses, these students will be able to buy food to eat and stay in school. Any donations that you make to this project will go directly toward providing scholarships for as many students as we have funding for. Please open your hearts to help us with this new project.
Please make your checks out to SMA Lay Missionaries.
On the bottom of the check please be sure to write: Bresillac Project for Education
Then send your checks to:
SMA Lay Missionaries, 256 Manor Circle, Takoma Park, MD 20912 Attention: Theresa Hicks
May the Lord bless you and your family abundantly for your generosity. I pledge that I will guard your money well and make sure that it goes to this cause only. I will keep you updated and send pictures one way or another of the students.
In His love and peace,
Ann
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
None of the above
As I sit in a posh air-conditioned room at the US Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia's capital city, I ponder how my perceptions have changed these past three months. The UN reminds me of home where we live in airconditioned comforte free from the dust and out hot sweating bodies. It reminds me of the privileged life we lead in America where most everyone that wants a job, has one; where everyone has at least a high school diploma and so many have college degrees; where we eat at least three means a day; where we all drive nice new cars on smoothly paved highways; where our clothes are stylish, clean, and lovely; where women are generally treated as equals to men; where we have excellent medical care and state of the art hospitals; where most people own their own homes that contain many rooms and are beautifully furnished. Need I go on? Here in Liberia the people have NONE OF THE ABOVE! No airconditioning in this oppressive heat where our bodies sweat 24 hours. There are virtually no jobs with an 85% unemployment rate. The illiteracy rate is 65% and the rest of the people are lucky if they have a 6th grade education. Most people consider themselves fortunate if they can eat one meal a day. Virtually no one owns a car here, although some NGOs, churches, and governement officials have one. More later....
Friday, April 20, 2007
April 20, 2007
Greetings to all from Ganta, Liberia. All is well here and I am enjoying an experience of a lifetime. I have been here for two months now and time is flying by. There is so much work that needs to be done here, yet I do small, small things along the way. The details follow for the last month. There are three accounts in this one posting, so please read to the end.
Today I was saddened to hear that one of our young TB patients died. I visited her several times a week, and she was so weak when I saw her last. She had diabetes and a bout of malaria that was too much for her frail body to handle. She died this morning as one of our caring nurses was at her side. Please pray for Louise that she may find eternal rest in heaven and that her family may be comforted.
On a happier note, we began the Rehab survey last week and have completed 9 houses thus far. It is not a simple task, given that the residents may speak one of ten different dialects. So, the other social worker here translates for me. Additionally, there are many living in one half of each house so it takes a long time to interview each person. What we have discovered thus far is that some are fairing well, while others are living in extreme poverty. The disparity is dependent on several factors, e.g. the number of family members living in the house, the disabilities of the ex-leprosy patients, and whether they are able to do small work. Life seems to be most difficult for those that have no hands or feet, as they are unable to perform household tasks, e.g. hauling water, washing clothes, cleaning, and yard work. So, many beg in Ganta in order to have enough money to pay others to do these tasks and to buy small things. My heart goes out to all of them as I can see that they are struggling. The survey should clear up some misperceptions and better inform the sisters as to who is living here and to help them to make decisions based on the people’s best interest. Also, it should inform us of the social problems that the people are confronted with, e.g. substance abuse, parenting problems, women’s issues and so on. So, the work continues.
I am also working very closely with the fathers in Ganta and Sannequille putting together a project to help educate the young people and keep them in school, be it public, Catholic, or Protestant. There is no free education here in Liberia. The school fees are low, but the children also need to buy uniforms, books, and school supplies. Consequently, many children are not in school that should be. This is a huge problem here as the children are illiterate due to the 14 year civil war that prevented schools from staying open. Yesterday, during the survey, I met a 19 year old boy who is taking care of his grandparents with leprosy and he has NEVER gone to school. This is very common and so sad! Imagine your own children not going to any school. I will give you more details on this proposed project when it is firmed up. For now, just know that we are all united in the same purpose and that is in doing the Lord’s work for His people that are suffering here in Liberia.
May the Lord bless you abundantly!
April 3, 2007 Holy Week – A Spiritual Reflection
Sitting under the mosquito net on my bed, I reflect on the paradoxical nature of Jesus. This leads me on a search for new meaning. Some things I take on faith, others I just know in my heart to be true. For example, I know that Jesus is the king of all kings, yet he humbled himself as a servant, even washing his disciples’ feet on Holy Thursday. Imagine a great world leader today doing such a thing! It would be unheard of, a scandal, really. Yet Jesus understood the importance of not just talking about humility, but being a living example of it. After all, He was born in a lowly manger. The paradox, as scripture reminds us, is that Jesus came from humble beginnings and lived a simple life, but His name is higher than any other name and one day every knee will bow to his name. So, I ask myself, what is it about humility that our Lord understood so well, but I stumble over? Is it that by humbling myself I can better serve God and others? Is it that through humility I can feel the suffering of others? Or is it that when I am on my knees, I am better able to be closer to Christ in my daily life?
Another paradox is that Jesus Christ was as innocent as a lamb yet he willingly carried the cross with all of the world’s sins. I am struck by the fact that He is carrying my sins, of which there are aplenty! It seems so unfair that Jesus had to suffer and die such a horrible death on the cross to remove my sins from me. This is the undeserved kindness that he offers for all people of the world. No one deserves it as we are all sinners. Yet, He offers it freely through His unconditional love for us. He washes us whiter than snow with His sacred blood. So, on my knees I pray in thanksgiving.
Still, the greatest paradox is that although he died on the cross, He arose from the dead. He and only He has ever conquered death. So, I ask myself what this means for me in my life. It is this promise that I hold close to my heart, that if I follow the Lord’s commandments and do good works, that someday I, too, will share in everlasting life. Now, that is something that gives me peace of mind and warms my heart! To know that one day I will be united with the Lord, all of my loved ones and friends in paradise forever is His Easter gift. Praise God!
Wishing everyone a blessed Easter season, because He lives!
March 30, 2007
As I sit at my desk in my house in Ganta, I reflect on all that has happened since my arrival seven weeks ago. Through the supportive direction of Sister Rita and the fathers, both in Ganta and in Sanniquelli, and with the Lord’s guidance, I have been able to make some very strong connections with the Liberian people. The children come up to me and hold my hand as I walk to the Rehab in the morning. The students show me their schoolwork and I praise their efforts, encouraging them to stay in school. When I make my rounds at the Leprosy and TB Rehabilitation Center my heart is filled with love for these patients. I hold their hands and greet each one, listening carefully to what they want to share with me. Sometimes they hold their stomach and say they are hungry right before breakfast, or complain of an ache or pain in their bodies, but mostly they just say that they are fine, and thank God. Through the sisters’ help I am able to relay their needs for a towel, a bucket, underwear, or other small things. They are simple people with very little education, but many are devoted to the Lord. I am purchasing some new Bibles, as many Leprosy and TB patients that can read have made this request. Playing cards and a few games are being purchased to help lift their spirits, too. Yesterday one of the female adult patients hugged me and sang a song to me about Jesus. I was really touched by this.
A new female Leprosy patient arrived last week. She had lesions and had lost the use of some fingers and toes due to the disease. So, her feet are both wrapped in gauze dressings. She has had the disease for five years but was in denial that it was Leprosy. She claims that she rubbed Vaseline on her body and that it caused the problems. So, we are dealing with denial and ignorance about Leprosy. It is curable, but the patients need to seek treatment early! So, many tell their families that they don’t have it. When the diagnosis is finally made, many are ostracized by their families and literally put out, forbidden any contact with them. It is so sad, especially among our young patients. Imagine how sad they must feel losing all connection with home while dealing with the suffering of Leprosy! So, I do what I can to comfort them by listening to them, helping them to process their thoughts and feelings, and bringing the peace of the Lord to them through little ways.
Pray that His healing hand may bless these people and comfort them.
End of this post
Greetings to all from Ganta, Liberia. All is well here and I am enjoying an experience of a lifetime. I have been here for two months now and time is flying by. There is so much work that needs to be done here, yet I do small, small things along the way. The details follow for the last month. There are three accounts in this one posting, so please read to the end.
Today I was saddened to hear that one of our young TB patients died. I visited her several times a week, and she was so weak when I saw her last. She had diabetes and a bout of malaria that was too much for her frail body to handle. She died this morning as one of our caring nurses was at her side. Please pray for Louise that she may find eternal rest in heaven and that her family may be comforted.
On a happier note, we began the Rehab survey last week and have completed 9 houses thus far. It is not a simple task, given that the residents may speak one of ten different dialects. So, the other social worker here translates for me. Additionally, there are many living in one half of each house so it takes a long time to interview each person. What we have discovered thus far is that some are fairing well, while others are living in extreme poverty. The disparity is dependent on several factors, e.g. the number of family members living in the house, the disabilities of the ex-leprosy patients, and whether they are able to do small work. Life seems to be most difficult for those that have no hands or feet, as they are unable to perform household tasks, e.g. hauling water, washing clothes, cleaning, and yard work. So, many beg in Ganta in order to have enough money to pay others to do these tasks and to buy small things. My heart goes out to all of them as I can see that they are struggling. The survey should clear up some misperceptions and better inform the sisters as to who is living here and to help them to make decisions based on the people’s best interest. Also, it should inform us of the social problems that the people are confronted with, e.g. substance abuse, parenting problems, women’s issues and so on. So, the work continues.
I am also working very closely with the fathers in Ganta and Sannequille putting together a project to help educate the young people and keep them in school, be it public, Catholic, or Protestant. There is no free education here in Liberia. The school fees are low, but the children also need to buy uniforms, books, and school supplies. Consequently, many children are not in school that should be. This is a huge problem here as the children are illiterate due to the 14 year civil war that prevented schools from staying open. Yesterday, during the survey, I met a 19 year old boy who is taking care of his grandparents with leprosy and he has NEVER gone to school. This is very common and so sad! Imagine your own children not going to any school. I will give you more details on this proposed project when it is firmed up. For now, just know that we are all united in the same purpose and that is in doing the Lord’s work for His people that are suffering here in Liberia.
May the Lord bless you abundantly!
April 3, 2007 Holy Week – A Spiritual Reflection
Sitting under the mosquito net on my bed, I reflect on the paradoxical nature of Jesus. This leads me on a search for new meaning. Some things I take on faith, others I just know in my heart to be true. For example, I know that Jesus is the king of all kings, yet he humbled himself as a servant, even washing his disciples’ feet on Holy Thursday. Imagine a great world leader today doing such a thing! It would be unheard of, a scandal, really. Yet Jesus understood the importance of not just talking about humility, but being a living example of it. After all, He was born in a lowly manger. The paradox, as scripture reminds us, is that Jesus came from humble beginnings and lived a simple life, but His name is higher than any other name and one day every knee will bow to his name. So, I ask myself, what is it about humility that our Lord understood so well, but I stumble over? Is it that by humbling myself I can better serve God and others? Is it that through humility I can feel the suffering of others? Or is it that when I am on my knees, I am better able to be closer to Christ in my daily life?
Another paradox is that Jesus Christ was as innocent as a lamb yet he willingly carried the cross with all of the world’s sins. I am struck by the fact that He is carrying my sins, of which there are aplenty! It seems so unfair that Jesus had to suffer and die such a horrible death on the cross to remove my sins from me. This is the undeserved kindness that he offers for all people of the world. No one deserves it as we are all sinners. Yet, He offers it freely through His unconditional love for us. He washes us whiter than snow with His sacred blood. So, on my knees I pray in thanksgiving.
Still, the greatest paradox is that although he died on the cross, He arose from the dead. He and only He has ever conquered death. So, I ask myself what this means for me in my life. It is this promise that I hold close to my heart, that if I follow the Lord’s commandments and do good works, that someday I, too, will share in everlasting life. Now, that is something that gives me peace of mind and warms my heart! To know that one day I will be united with the Lord, all of my loved ones and friends in paradise forever is His Easter gift. Praise God!
Wishing everyone a blessed Easter season, because He lives!
March 30, 2007
As I sit at my desk in my house in Ganta, I reflect on all that has happened since my arrival seven weeks ago. Through the supportive direction of Sister Rita and the fathers, both in Ganta and in Sanniquelli, and with the Lord’s guidance, I have been able to make some very strong connections with the Liberian people. The children come up to me and hold my hand as I walk to the Rehab in the morning. The students show me their schoolwork and I praise their efforts, encouraging them to stay in school. When I make my rounds at the Leprosy and TB Rehabilitation Center my heart is filled with love for these patients. I hold their hands and greet each one, listening carefully to what they want to share with me. Sometimes they hold their stomach and say they are hungry right before breakfast, or complain of an ache or pain in their bodies, but mostly they just say that they are fine, and thank God. Through the sisters’ help I am able to relay their needs for a towel, a bucket, underwear, or other small things. They are simple people with very little education, but many are devoted to the Lord. I am purchasing some new Bibles, as many Leprosy and TB patients that can read have made this request. Playing cards and a few games are being purchased to help lift their spirits, too. Yesterday one of the female adult patients hugged me and sang a song to me about Jesus. I was really touched by this.
A new female Leprosy patient arrived last week. She had lesions and had lost the use of some fingers and toes due to the disease. So, her feet are both wrapped in gauze dressings. She has had the disease for five years but was in denial that it was Leprosy. She claims that she rubbed Vaseline on her body and that it caused the problems. So, we are dealing with denial and ignorance about Leprosy. It is curable, but the patients need to seek treatment early! So, many tell their families that they don’t have it. When the diagnosis is finally made, many are ostracized by their families and literally put out, forbidden any contact with them. It is so sad, especially among our young patients. Imagine how sad they must feel losing all connection with home while dealing with the suffering of Leprosy! So, I do what I can to comfort them by listening to them, helping them to process their thoughts and feelings, and bringing the peace of the Lord to them through little ways.
Pray that His healing hand may bless these people and comfort them.
End of this post
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Since I last wrote, my life has been so filled with adventure and blessings. I am nicely settled into a three bedroom house next to the wonderful Consolata sisters on the Ganta Leprosy and TB Rehabiliation grounds. This is only a temporary place for me as I will be moving soon to a small apartment. But for now, I am living in luxury as I have running water as long as the well holds out and electricity twice a day for a few hours each time. This house is used for visitors, so for now I am sharing it with a visiting Consolata sister. The first week Sister Rita, the in charge person here, kept me busy writing reports and letters for her trip to Mozambique for a conference. She is from Italy and has some difficulty with these things, so I am happy to help. She introduced me to all of the Leprosy and TB patients and I toured the Rehab. It is a well run facility with a woodworking shop, shoe making shop, arts and crafts shop, piggery, fish hatchery ponds, rice paddies, chickens, and vegetable gardens. These activities employ the patients that are well enough and provide food, purpose, and meaning to their lives. There are houses on the property for the leprosy patients to bring their families and live together in community. Some have resided here for many years. The town chief and the key people were introduced to me.
Each day begins and ends with daily prayer, for the sisters and me at the convent and for the patients at the Rehab. So, we are centered in Christ here. There is a real spirit of community and each family helps the others. Some are Catholic, some Baptist, and many are Methodist among other faiths here. The patients come from all over Liberia and even Guinea. They are from 8 to 90 years old. Many have stubs for fingers or toes and some are blind, others are in wheel chairs. These are the poorest of the poor so in need on anything that we can do to help them. As I get closer to these people I will learn more about their sufferings and needs. Sister Rita wants me to do a survey of the population, so I am busy designing the questionnaire.
Last week I spent three days in Sanniquille at the SMA fathers’ house, an hour upcountry from Ganta. Sanniquille has no running water and only generators for electricity, so services are limited. I visited the Youth Development Program, the Agricultural Development Center, the Catholic school, and met key people. I did a presentation for the church teens on social work as a vocation with an explanation of what a lay missionary does. From Sanniquille, Fr Donatien and I made day trips into the tiny villages. On Thursday we drove to Zorgowee for an election mass of 13 catechumens that will receive baptism on Easter Sunday. The road was dirt and filled with crevices. Parts of it were missing. It was the worst road that I have ever travelled on! The infrastructure is one of the greatest problems in Liberia now. Wait til rainy season when we will have nothing but mud on the roads! Anyway, the celebration was held outside in the hot sun under a canopy of palm fronds. The local people were mostly dressed in brightly colored traditional garb and sang beautifully in their native dialect. A catechist translated as Fr. Donatien said mass. He explained the consecration as this is part of primary evangelization. During the offertory, since money is limited here, many gave from their harvest, e.g. pineapples, bananas, papaya, and yams. Then after mass, the town chief presented Father with a live chicken. So, we carried it home in the van. Sadly for the chicken, it became our next day’s dinner.
The next day we drove to Yakepa where again we visited the Youth Development Program and the church. It is such a beautiful setting high in the mountains with beautiful vistas. Mt Nimba is the highest mountain in Liberia at 11,000 feet and is clearly visible from here. We took a side trip to Guinnea across the border and we accompanied by a border crossing guard to assure our safety. The village of Thuo was very quiet and quaint with cone shaped thatched roof abodes. I so enjoyed seeing the children. Many photos were taken these two days, so I will share some with you.
The fathers in Sannequille asked me if we could help out with the purchase of musical instruments for their Angel Choir. Please anything that you give will be so appreciated. Please send to SMA Lay Misionaries, 256 Manor Circle, Takoma Park, MD 209123. Please mark the checks for Ann Sannequille instruments. During the war, all were stolen by the rebels.
Please know that you are in my heart and in my daily prayers. Your prayers are so appreciated by me, too. Blessings. Ann
Each day begins and ends with daily prayer, for the sisters and me at the convent and for the patients at the Rehab. So, we are centered in Christ here. There is a real spirit of community and each family helps the others. Some are Catholic, some Baptist, and many are Methodist among other faiths here. The patients come from all over Liberia and even Guinea. They are from 8 to 90 years old. Many have stubs for fingers or toes and some are blind, others are in wheel chairs. These are the poorest of the poor so in need on anything that we can do to help them. As I get closer to these people I will learn more about their sufferings and needs. Sister Rita wants me to do a survey of the population, so I am busy designing the questionnaire.
Last week I spent three days in Sanniquille at the SMA fathers’ house, an hour upcountry from Ganta. Sanniquille has no running water and only generators for electricity, so services are limited. I visited the Youth Development Program, the Agricultural Development Center, the Catholic school, and met key people. I did a presentation for the church teens on social work as a vocation with an explanation of what a lay missionary does. From Sanniquille, Fr Donatien and I made day trips into the tiny villages. On Thursday we drove to Zorgowee for an election mass of 13 catechumens that will receive baptism on Easter Sunday. The road was dirt and filled with crevices. Parts of it were missing. It was the worst road that I have ever travelled on! The infrastructure is one of the greatest problems in Liberia now. Wait til rainy season when we will have nothing but mud on the roads! Anyway, the celebration was held outside in the hot sun under a canopy of palm fronds. The local people were mostly dressed in brightly colored traditional garb and sang beautifully in their native dialect. A catechist translated as Fr. Donatien said mass. He explained the consecration as this is part of primary evangelization. During the offertory, since money is limited here, many gave from their harvest, e.g. pineapples, bananas, papaya, and yams. Then after mass, the town chief presented Father with a live chicken. So, we carried it home in the van. Sadly for the chicken, it became our next day’s dinner.
The next day we drove to Yakepa where again we visited the Youth Development Program and the church. It is such a beautiful setting high in the mountains with beautiful vistas. Mt Nimba is the highest mountain in Liberia at 11,000 feet and is clearly visible from here. We took a side trip to Guinnea across the border and we accompanied by a border crossing guard to assure our safety. The village of Thuo was very quiet and quaint with cone shaped thatched roof abodes. I so enjoyed seeing the children. Many photos were taken these two days, so I will share some with you.
The fathers in Sannequille asked me if we could help out with the purchase of musical instruments for their Angel Choir. Please anything that you give will be so appreciated. Please send to SMA Lay Misionaries, 256 Manor Circle, Takoma Park, MD 209123. Please mark the checks for Ann Sannequille instruments. During the war, all were stolen by the rebels.
Please know that you are in my heart and in my daily prayers. Your prayers are so appreciated by me, too. Blessings. Ann
Monday, January 29, 2007
With Plane Ticket in Hand
With a plane ticket in hand, I will depart from Washington, DC on Saturday, February 17th enroute to Brussels then on to Monrovia, Liberia. For a few days I will meet with the SMA Superior, local priests, and other lay missionaries there. Upcountry another 3 hours, I will then travel to my new home in Ganta at the convent of the Consolata Sisters. Everyone tells me how wonderful they are! Their main project, the Leprosy Center is nearby where I may be working. So, this is very big news! I could not be more excited!
Please continue to keep me in prayer.
Please continue to keep me in prayer.
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