Archive for the tag 'Transition'

Coming to an End

admin February 17th, 2009

Gas - One Gallon at a Time

Gas - One Gallon at a Time

This was a mission before it’s time, and it’s coming to an end. Electricity is being restored as we speak, but as of yet it’s only the street lights on the one main road. As soon as power is available many electricians will be needed. If the government corruption in all the transactions that I participated in stops, the progress will take off, but who knows what the future has in store? The difference in Western life/culture and African culture is greater than I ever expected.

Today I was run off the road by a U.N. vehicle. Being a ex-California driver, he still didn’t pass me! Driving here is an adventure in itself; there are no rules and very aggressive taxis…and now U.N. SUV’s.

The Mt. Barclay Kids

The Mt. Barclay Kids

Anja and I went to Mt Barclay school again today. The children are very interesting to be around, and incredibly fun. A yard full of children at recess can tell you a lot about the behaviors of a culture. Anja taught a bible class while I talked to the teachers who had no class to teach that period. The time spent at the school continues to be special.

Life in Liberia always has it’s drama, there seems to be some happening each day we are here. (It can’t be explained, you just have to experience it.) So I sit here sweating because the generator shut off and there is nothing left to write, except that I’m feeling a little defeated. However, I am still here, so the adventure still continues.

The plans I had for this electrical initiative turned out different here on the ground.  Christ has a plan, and I just completed a part.  I’m disappointed, yet at the same time I’m not. It gives me the sense that Christ is with me, because my dream ended but I feel ok about it. I’m trying to complete the scheduled time frame…I just want to make sure I don’t depart before it’s completed.

Please pray for Anja and I,

Patrick

A Transition in Transition

admin January 22nd, 2009

First Employee

First Employee

Well it’s been a week and a half and today is a good day.  Anja is feeling much better and we have established a place we can call our own. Anja was sick for the entire first week and I have been worried about my business in the US, but things have been resolved and Anja is better. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.

I have begun doing business.  We’ve set up an office and my employee is learning to use my computer and has already designed business cards for the company.

Anja has some meetings to go to with her Catholic contacts and will be traveling the Monrovia area to visit outreach ministries through out the region.

Doing Laundry

Washing Machine

I have had to resort to American food to keep sane during these beginning times. I’ve been asked if I’m happy, or how it’s going.  I don’t have an answer…I’m just here.  It’s hard to be happy in the midst of this, and it’s hard to be sad being present in it.  I’ve discovered my calling right now is to interact as much as I can with the Liberian people, and focus on not reverting to a “us and them” mentality.

The Liberian way of life is tough. It’s like camping everyday. With no electricity or fresh water, chores have to be done just to eat and drink. Anja and I went to the well pump to retrieve the water we needed to drink for the day.  I think we cut in line, because ten or more containers were in a line waiting to be filled. We did the usual clueless expression and proceeded to fill our container. I think next time I’ll pump for others before I fill mine. They unlock the pump in the morning but lock it up again after a time to prevent it from being dismantled for parts. I wanted to fill mine early without the crowd but the pump was locked.

Carry Water

Running Water

It’s like the game Sim City on the computer, but real people die. I’m hoping less of the dying stuff happens. Food and medical treatment/medicine is quite the priority here and it takes money to get them. It would take an economy to provide money… so people go hungry and suffer or die. And that is what has compelled me here to contribute my drop of help.

So far, so hard, but how bad could it be…don’t answer that.

Christ be with you all, PAA (Pat and Anja)