Trip to Nimba

We finished the first period of the semester and so the students had a week off last week.  I accompanied a group of teachers to Nimba County, which is across the country, for the National Baptist Convention. The principal at Ricks Institute, Dr. Menjay, was running for President of the convention and the rest of us went to support him.  He won after an intense, very political election.

           

  To get to Nimba County we took 15 passenger vans down a road that should be recreated as a ride at Busch Gardens. It did things to my stomach that even the road to Max Patch can’t beat. What should have taken about 6 hours took 12, and I’m confident I will never make that trip again.

            

Once there it was a beautiful area. Surrounded by mountains and a cool climate it was a nice change and made me miss my Blue Ridge Mountains. I got a pedicure for less than $1, and a handmade African dress for $5.  I got to experience how wealthy Liberians live and enjoy some American comforts for a couple days (hot showers, cheese, cake, and a beer fridge that could compete with my dad’s). I prefer my life at Ricks, but I learned a lot.

            

I also walked to the Guinea border with a couple of my friends one day. It only took about 30 mins each way.  I learned that you are not supposed to take pictures of “their side” of the mountains. The Guinea guard took my camera, although I hadn’t actually taken any pictures yet, and was yelling up a storm. Luckily one of the guys I was with is also the French teacher at Ricks, so he was able to talk to the guy and gave him the equivalent of about $2 to get it back.  I was very thankful to not have to call home with that bad news.

Shout out to Beth Hardin. When we got back from the trip at 3am on Sunday I was very hungry and my apartment was completely empty of food, except for the two Slim Jims Beth packed in my Liberia survival bag. Thank you thank you thank you.

An extremely goofy child from the village who was quickly won over with cookies. 

Taking a quick break from the convention. 

Bombo and I in our African clothes for the Sunday church service. 

On a walk around the village I met this 107 year old lady still works out in the hot sun tending to her crops everyday. 

Precious Girls

Leotiva and Divine 

These beautiful four year olds are excited about school and eager to get started.  Their father, Bombo, is a fellow teacher at Ricks Institute and my best friend here. The $125 he makes a month supports not only his wife and daughters but also his wife’s three sisters and his brother-in-law, because currently he is the only one who can find work. 

To sponsor one of these girls to go to a good school in Monrovia for the year would cost about $220. This includes schools fees, uniforms, food, and school supplies. Please let me know if you are interested in getting more information on this opportunity! 

Soccer Tournament

Got my game face on. People are afraid. 

The first game ended in a tie... this is how they do PK's. My team won.

Week 3

               

Last week was big. I moved into the apartment I will be living in for the rest of my stay, and where the others will join me eventually. Pros- 1. Living room. 2. Couch. 3. Big front porch. Cons- 1. No running water. 2. A lot of ants. 3. Paper thin walls and it appears my neighbors like to wake up at 5am every morning to yell about things. 

    I played in a soccer tournament this Sunday. Men are intense. Each game was paused about three times so the teams and fans could brawl it out, and then they would just start playing again.  I'm not sure if drinking beer in-between games instead of water has some thing to do with that. Hmm.  I scored like 7 goals, no big deal. 

Shout out to Travis Proffitt for introducing me to Burt's Bees After Sun Soother. Thank you thank you thank. 

This is me and boy Kasey. His friends were very excited that we have the same name, but as you can see he is not so enthused about it. 

My new bedroom.

My new living room. I can't wait for Beth, Brittany, Jessica, Aaron, Caroline,  and Willa Wyatt to be hanging out here with me. 

I got my hair did on Saturday. Some of the high school girls that live in the dorm did it for me. It only took 5 hours... We had a good time and now almost every person I walk pass tells me I am beautiful.... I don't hate it.