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.